"He says to let go!"
"But how do you know something bad won't happen!?"
"I don't...!"
I was watching Nemo a few weekends ago with a whole bunch of kids. Even in the middle of all the noise of eating breakfast while the movie was on, I still got emotional at that line.
What do I need to let go of? Is it something sinister, disturbing the leadership of the Spirit within me? As it says in Job 20: 12-14;
"Though evil is sweet in his mouth
and he hides it under his tongue,
though he cannot bear to let it go
and keeps it in his mouth,
yet his food will turn sour in his stomach;
it will become the venom of serpents within him."
Evil is such a terrible word; yet is not all that I do that opposes what pleases the LORD, evil in His sight?
I'm reminded of the wealthy young man who came before Jesus asking what he must do to enter into the Kingdom in Mark 10. He had so much that was in the way; as well as attempting to be 'good' enough all on his own. How often do I put 'things' in the way of Jesus; of experiencing Him. Jesus said to the man to give it all up and follow Him. He couldn't; can I? Can I be obedient to what Jesus asks of me? The young man went away sad because he couldn't obey. I used to look at that story and only see that he couldn't walk away from his wealth; but to give it all up - to let go - required the man's obedience. I must obey to experience the Kingdom; Jesus alive in me.
The Kingdom is Jesus alive in me, alive in you. Can I experience the healing wholeness of that while here on earth? Jesus said;
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may
have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10
Abundant life began in me when I let go and let Jesus. It is renewed or reinforced whenever I obey and follow in the footsteps of Christ; allowing myself to be saved from the slavery to sin and set free in obedience to Jesus.
"Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
Matthew 6:10
Which means God's will is to be on earth too; I don't have to wait for eternity! I sell myself short to pray for less or to expect less or be satisfied with less. But what does that abundance look like? I don't think we have any clue. My eyes need to be washed clean to see it as Jesus wants me to. His Kingdom is not run by my rules or perceptions.
That brings me to learning to conform my will to that of Christ's.
Romans 12:2
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
What tremendous obedience that requires! My mind is so easily swayed to believe worldly knowledge and common sense. Yet God's will is good, acceptable, and perfect. I must learn to trust that and do that which may seem completely crazy without the eyes of the Holy Spirit; that which may seem impossible and hard without the supernatural power of Jesus; and that which is for God's glory and not my own.
Back to Nemo - when 'Dorie' said that she didn't know if something bad would happen, she still let go. I am securely in the hand of my God, my Father God. I can let go of anything and it will be OK. That is the joy that is in Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:9-10
For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.
That is a promise that I can rest in. And so I cry... because I am seeing how I must let go...
of my own opinion.
9.10.07
Jesus is not on the cross. He's not dead.
He's alive.
I love what Jesus did on the cross and what he did after - he arose!
Lately the Michael W. Smith version for the old hymn "The Wonderful Cross" by Isaac Watts, is being played a lot on PRAISE - a radio station I listen to often enough. Just about every time I hear it or start to sing it... I can hardly sing I'm so choked up. The new "Amazing Grace" version ('My Chains are Gone' by Chris Tomlin) seems to be doing the same thing to me.
And even thought these songs don't talk about the resurrection - the best and most important part of the power of the cross - I love them. Enjoy reading the lyrics.
The Wonderful Cross
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
See from His head His hands His feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown
Oh the wonderful cross (2x)
Bids me come and die and find
that I may truly live
Oh the wonderful cross (2x)
All who gather here by grace
draw near and bless your name
Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were an off'ring far too small
Love so amazing so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all
Oh the wonderful cross (2x)
Bids me come and die and find
that I may truly live
Oh the wonderful cross (2x)
All who gather here by grace
draw near and bless your name
Love so amazing, so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all
and the beauty and the shame
in the glory of His name
Oh the wonderful cross
Oh the wonderful cross (2x)
Bids me come and die and find
that I may truly live
Oh the wonderful cross (2x)
All who gather here by grace
draw near and bless your name
Amazing Grace (My chains are gone)
Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbade to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine
He's alive.
I love what Jesus did on the cross and what he did after - he arose!
Lately the Michael W. Smith version for the old hymn "The Wonderful Cross" by Isaac Watts, is being played a lot on PRAISE - a radio station I listen to often enough. Just about every time I hear it or start to sing it... I can hardly sing I'm so choked up. The new "Amazing Grace" version ('My Chains are Gone' by Chris Tomlin) seems to be doing the same thing to me.
And even thought these songs don't talk about the resurrection - the best and most important part of the power of the cross - I love them. Enjoy reading the lyrics.
The Wonderful Cross
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
See from His head His hands His feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown
Oh the wonderful cross (2x)
Bids me come and die and find
that I may truly live
Oh the wonderful cross (2x)
All who gather here by grace
draw near and bless your name
Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were an off'ring far too small
Love so amazing so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all
Oh the wonderful cross (2x)
Bids me come and die and find
that I may truly live
Oh the wonderful cross (2x)
All who gather here by grace
draw near and bless your name
Love so amazing, so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all
and the beauty and the shame
in the glory of His name
Oh the wonderful cross
Oh the wonderful cross (2x)
Bids me come and die and find
that I may truly live
Oh the wonderful cross (2x)
All who gather here by grace
draw near and bless your name
Amazing Grace (My chains are gone)
Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbade to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine
30.9.07
Let's read a familiar passage that has come to life for me in a new way.
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
On Monday (Sept. 24) evening we spent some time pampering our hands, eating chocolate, visiting with friends, and meeting some new people. I’m sure some of the women who came were seeking rest; some relief from the crazy world we are in; or from the schedule that they are trying to keep. Maybe you’re tired.
This past summer a group of ladies met weekly and together we read through a book called Traveling Light by Max Lucado. Here's an exert from it…
"I'll give you the consequences of the burden; you guess the cause.
Chemical abuse? Divorce? Long sermons? None of those answers are correct, though the last one was a good hunch. The answer may surprise you. Insomnia. America can't get to sleep."
I think it's safe to say that Canada probably can't either.
God ordained rest way back when he created and then rested (Genesis 2:1-3). And he wants to lead you there. Look again at Psalm 23 again…
He – makes me lie down
He – leads me beside still waters
He – leads me in paths of righteousness
Who is he? He is LORD. In the NIV, (New International Version), when the word ‘Lord’ is written in all capitals, it means “Yahweh” which is the Hebrew for “I AM”. I’m going to quote Max’s book again because he had a relatively simple explanation for this name.
"The name I AM sounds strikingly close to the Hebrew verb to be - havah. It's quite possibly a combination of the present tense form (I am) and the causative tense (I cause to be). Yahweh, then, seems to mean "I AM" and "I cause." God is the "One who is" and the "One who causes."
This is God’s name. We say, when we are telling people our name – “I am Sam or I am Kathryn or I am Maria”. God just says I AM.
Psalm 23 says that God will lead you into rest – even in the midst of trouble. Notice, in verse 4, walking in the valley of the shadow of death; we can count on safety and comfort so we don't have to fear. In verse 5, we are told that God will prepare for us a table in the presence of our enemies. He's providing for us in the midst of trouble. He's giving you rest beyond what we can find for ourselves.
We can experience a bit of physical relief, some comfort in conversation, the great taste of chocolate, and pamper ourselves with pedicures or massages. Even though these things are great…and I think it’s important to take time to slow your pace; they can never give you the true rest that you are seeking; because it won’t last.
The bath will get cold and you’ll have to empty the tub and get out. Your nails will break and you’ll have to get them filled. The massage will end, the lotion will wash off and your feet will ache after a day of working. You may lose a friend or family member to cancer; or tire of constantly holding it all together by yourself; you may even realize that finding inner peace just isn't working.
Jesus said... well wait a minute. Why should we care what Jesus says? Let's look at John 8:57
"Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am!"
Did you see that!? He just used God's name! Jesus is God. He just said he was; so you can either believe him or think he's nuts. Look also at John 10:27-30
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one."
Again, Jesus says that he is God; that he is 'one' with God.
So, in Matt. 11:28-29, Jesus says;
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Rest for your soul is given by Jesus. You can find rest and peace in Jesus Christ. And I want you to know that rest and peace. You can have more than that too. We just read in John 10, that in Jesus we have eternal life and that no one can take us from him once he's let us in. Come before Jesus, repent, and learn from him. It's a promise; you'll find true, lasting rest.
I’ll close with some good advice from Philippians 4:4-9.
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."
Go in peace and in rest. And seek these things in Jesus Christ and you'll never run out.
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
On Monday (Sept. 24) evening we spent some time pampering our hands, eating chocolate, visiting with friends, and meeting some new people. I’m sure some of the women who came were seeking rest; some relief from the crazy world we are in; or from the schedule that they are trying to keep. Maybe you’re tired.
This past summer a group of ladies met weekly and together we read through a book called Traveling Light by Max Lucado. Here's an exert from it…
"I'll give you the consequences of the burden; you guess the cause.
- It afflicts 70 million Americans and is faulted for 38,000 deaths each year.
- The condition annually costs the U.S. $70 billion worth of productivity.
- Teenagers suffer from it. Studies show that 64% of teens blame it for poor school performance.
- Middle agers face it. Researchers say the most severe cases occur between ages thirty and forty.
- Senior citizens are afflicted by it. One study suggests that the condition impacts 50% of the over sixty-five population.
- Treatments involve everything from mouth guards to herbal teas to medication.
Chemical abuse? Divorce? Long sermons? None of those answers are correct, though the last one was a good hunch. The answer may surprise you. Insomnia. America can't get to sleep."
I think it's safe to say that Canada probably can't either.
God ordained rest way back when he created and then rested (Genesis 2:1-3). And he wants to lead you there. Look again at Psalm 23 again…
He – makes me lie down
He – leads me beside still waters
He – leads me in paths of righteousness
Who is he? He is LORD. In the NIV, (New International Version), when the word ‘Lord’ is written in all capitals, it means “Yahweh” which is the Hebrew for “I AM”. I’m going to quote Max’s book again because he had a relatively simple explanation for this name.
"The name I AM sounds strikingly close to the Hebrew verb to be - havah. It's quite possibly a combination of the present tense form (I am) and the causative tense (I cause to be). Yahweh, then, seems to mean "I AM" and "I cause." God is the "One who is" and the "One who causes."
This is God’s name. We say, when we are telling people our name – “I am Sam or I am Kathryn or I am Maria”. God just says I AM.
Psalm 23 says that God will lead you into rest – even in the midst of trouble. Notice, in verse 4, walking in the valley of the shadow of death; we can count on safety and comfort so we don't have to fear. In verse 5, we are told that God will prepare for us a table in the presence of our enemies. He's providing for us in the midst of trouble. He's giving you rest beyond what we can find for ourselves.
We can experience a bit of physical relief, some comfort in conversation, the great taste of chocolate, and pamper ourselves with pedicures or massages. Even though these things are great…and I think it’s important to take time to slow your pace; they can never give you the true rest that you are seeking; because it won’t last.
The bath will get cold and you’ll have to empty the tub and get out. Your nails will break and you’ll have to get them filled. The massage will end, the lotion will wash off and your feet will ache after a day of working. You may lose a friend or family member to cancer; or tire of constantly holding it all together by yourself; you may even realize that finding inner peace just isn't working.
Jesus said... well wait a minute. Why should we care what Jesus says? Let's look at John 8:57
"Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am!"
Did you see that!? He just used God's name! Jesus is God. He just said he was; so you can either believe him or think he's nuts. Look also at John 10:27-30
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one."
Again, Jesus says that he is God; that he is 'one' with God.
So, in Matt. 11:28-29, Jesus says;
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Rest for your soul is given by Jesus. You can find rest and peace in Jesus Christ. And I want you to know that rest and peace. You can have more than that too. We just read in John 10, that in Jesus we have eternal life and that no one can take us from him once he's let us in. Come before Jesus, repent, and learn from him. It's a promise; you'll find true, lasting rest.
I’ll close with some good advice from Philippians 4:4-9.
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."
Go in peace and in rest. And seek these things in Jesus Christ and you'll never run out.
7.8.07
Memorization.
Recently, my dad memorized the Sermon on the Mount in the NIV (listen to it! The Christian Manifesto: The Sermon on the Mount). I haven't memorized a verse daily since I was in my Sunday school days as a child. I have memorized a verse here and there; but if I'm honest, I have probably forgotten them, as memorization is not a practice in my life.
Memorizing something from the Bible puts into your heart what God wants and who God is. There are some good reasons to memorize in
Psalm 119:1-11
"Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the LORD!
Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart,
who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways!
You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.
Oh that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!
Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous rules.
I will keep your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me!
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you."
What really hit me in the sermon, was the relationship between scripture and the working of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit needs the word of God in order to work on you, to change you.
John 17:17
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
Sanctify means to set us apart, to make us holy, and to make us useful. The Holy Spirit uses the word of God - the Bible - as fuel to change you. If you are not reading the Bible the Holy Spirit doesn't have a chance! The Holy Spirit has nothing to work with; except your background, what you've heard from your family or your friends, and what you've heard for half an hour Sunday morning. He needs the word of God and without it the Holy Spirit starves.
This thought reminds me of something Jesus said in the Gospel of John 15:1-11
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full."
When Jesus says 'my word', I go back to what John says about Jesus in chapter one "...the Word was with God and the Word was God... the Word became flesh." (John 1:1, 14). Jesus can get 'into you' through the word of God, the Holy Bible, if you read it every day.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Don't starve the Holy Spirit.
The Word of God; is it in you?
Recently, my dad memorized the Sermon on the Mount in the NIV (listen to it! The Christian Manifesto: The Sermon on the Mount). I haven't memorized a verse daily since I was in my Sunday school days as a child. I have memorized a verse here and there; but if I'm honest, I have probably forgotten them, as memorization is not a practice in my life.
Memorizing something from the Bible puts into your heart what God wants and who God is. There are some good reasons to memorize in
Psalm 119:1-11
"Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the LORD!
Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart,
who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways!
You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.
Oh that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!
Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous rules.
I will keep your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me!
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you."
What really hit me in the sermon, was the relationship between scripture and the working of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit needs the word of God in order to work on you, to change you.
John 17:17
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
Sanctify means to set us apart, to make us holy, and to make us useful. The Holy Spirit uses the word of God - the Bible - as fuel to change you. If you are not reading the Bible the Holy Spirit doesn't have a chance! The Holy Spirit has nothing to work with; except your background, what you've heard from your family or your friends, and what you've heard for half an hour Sunday morning. He needs the word of God and without it the Holy Spirit starves.
This thought reminds me of something Jesus said in the Gospel of John 15:1-11
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full."
When Jesus says 'my word', I go back to what John says about Jesus in chapter one "...the Word was with God and the Word was God... the Word became flesh." (John 1:1, 14). Jesus can get 'into you' through the word of God, the Holy Bible, if you read it every day.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Don't starve the Holy Spirit.
The Word of God; is it in you?
19.7.07
The Rock of Obedience.
I learned something today and I want to share it with you.
John MacArthur is doing a series on his radio broadcast called "The way to Heaven." Today's message was called 'Empty Hearts' (listen!) taken from Matthew 7:24-27
"24Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it."
I have read this passage before, but learned something new this time. Read it yourself, again.
The people Jesus is talking about are the people who hear the message; they listen, they understand it; the wise ones do something about it, the foolish ones do not. The foolish builders have a head knowledge but not a heart knowledge or a real heart relationship. John MacArthur points out that the only difference in the two stories is what each builds his house on. Both build a house, both are involved in spiritual activity; both build in the same location because they are both subject to the same storm; and both apparently build it in the same way because Jesus only differentiates the foundations (which is not visible once the structure is up).
What is the rock?
The rock could be God; that's true. In Psalm 18:2 it says
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
The rock could be Jesus; that could be true too. In Ephesians 2:20 Paul calls Jesus the cornerstone; Peter re-states Jesus' own reference to himself as the 'stone rejected by the builders' as the cornerstone.
But Mr. MacArthur puts forth an idea I'd never heard before and makes a lot of sense. Look again at verse 24,
"Everyone who hears these words of mine and.... does them..." builds his house on the rock. (John said it sort-of like that).
The rock is obedience to the Word of God. Yes God is the rock and Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone. What Jesus is saying here is these words of His become the foundation of the true church.
The person who only hears and never does only has sand. Even though you listen, if you don't do it you're not on the rock. Having a rock foundation means obedience. The foundation is the key difference; and this story shows how God looks at the heart - what is not visible. Spiritual activity doesn't mean a true heart relationship or even a true obedience to the Word of God.
John 8:30-31
As he was saying these things, many believed in him.
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples."
Even here, Jesus says that you have to 'abide' in His word; continue in obedience to the Word of God.
Unless you build your life on Biblical truth you are deceiving yourself.
James 1:22
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
If you're not doing it, it's not having any affect on your life. Dare I say, it's not having any affect on your destiny either.
1John 2:3
And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.
Titus 16
They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.
I'm not saying this stuff, John MacArthur's not saying this, Jesus is, the apostles did. We ought to examine our lives and see if we are being obedient to the Word of God. If we go around claiming faith and don't obey - where is our salvation? Are we justifying our disobedience?
Obedience is the only validation of your salvation. It is the only possible proof of your profession of Jesus as Lord.
Building on the rock is obedience.
That's hard stuff. Narrow is the gate.
I learned something today and I want to share it with you.
John MacArthur is doing a series on his radio broadcast called "The way to Heaven." Today's message was called 'Empty Hearts' (listen!) taken from Matthew 7:24-27
"24Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it."
I have read this passage before, but learned something new this time. Read it yourself, again.
The people Jesus is talking about are the people who hear the message; they listen, they understand it; the wise ones do something about it, the foolish ones do not. The foolish builders have a head knowledge but not a heart knowledge or a real heart relationship. John MacArthur points out that the only difference in the two stories is what each builds his house on. Both build a house, both are involved in spiritual activity; both build in the same location because they are both subject to the same storm; and both apparently build it in the same way because Jesus only differentiates the foundations (which is not visible once the structure is up).
What is the rock?
The rock could be God; that's true. In Psalm 18:2 it says
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
The rock could be Jesus; that could be true too. In Ephesians 2:20 Paul calls Jesus the cornerstone; Peter re-states Jesus' own reference to himself as the 'stone rejected by the builders' as the cornerstone.
But Mr. MacArthur puts forth an idea I'd never heard before and makes a lot of sense. Look again at verse 24,
"Everyone who hears these words of mine and.... does them..." builds his house on the rock. (John said it sort-of like that).
The rock is obedience to the Word of God. Yes God is the rock and Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone. What Jesus is saying here is these words of His become the foundation of the true church.
The person who only hears and never does only has sand. Even though you listen, if you don't do it you're not on the rock. Having a rock foundation means obedience. The foundation is the key difference; and this story shows how God looks at the heart - what is not visible. Spiritual activity doesn't mean a true heart relationship or even a true obedience to the Word of God.
John 8:30-31
As he was saying these things, many believed in him.
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples."
Even here, Jesus says that you have to 'abide' in His word; continue in obedience to the Word of God.
Unless you build your life on Biblical truth you are deceiving yourself.
James 1:22
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
If you're not doing it, it's not having any affect on your life. Dare I say, it's not having any affect on your destiny either.
1John 2:3
And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.
Titus 16
They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.
I'm not saying this stuff, John MacArthur's not saying this, Jesus is, the apostles did. We ought to examine our lives and see if we are being obedient to the Word of God. If we go around claiming faith and don't obey - where is our salvation? Are we justifying our disobedience?
Obedience is the only validation of your salvation. It is the only possible proof of your profession of Jesus as Lord.
Building on the rock is obedience.
That's hard stuff. Narrow is the gate.
25.6.07
I'm tired. I know many others out there that are as well. It's an epidemic. We all have our reasons. Maybe we have a lot on our plate right now. Our mistakes have caught up with us and left us flat on our backs. The weight of responsibility seems just too heavy to carry. The plans we laid out are not panning out the way we'd thought. Family relationships are stressful. I could list more I'm sure, but it all falls under the same category; burdens that we pick up every day.
I was reading a friends blog and came across the familiar words of Jesus;
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)
Putting our burdens on Jesus yoke is not a one time deal but an every day task. And yet, I think, like many of you, I seem to forget to do that as I start out each day.
Another scripture came to mind and I'm not sure of the connection here... so help me out.
James 4:13-17
Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. (ESV)
Do these verses burden you or unburden you? Today I feel the load of them. I often do feel the load of knowing the truth and of understanding what God wants from me; because I'm tired. I am still looking for the balance of placing my burdens at the feet of Jesus and doing that which I know is His will. I have learned that doing His will is not automatic. It requires a constant checking of myself at the door. At times I am zealous and ready to fight and yell for what God is placing on my heart. But then I become drained and alienated from all things human it seems. It's as if my thoughts and notions are so 'other' that I'm uncomfotable to be around.
I am reminded, as I type, that Tim wrote about leaving our slavery to sin and becoming a slave to righteousness referring to Romans 6:15-23. Hopefully he'll write something about what he's learning and I can learn too.
I hope that you can balance the burden/freedom that comes as your walk with Jesus deepens. I love what Jesus has done for me and who he has made me thus far. I put him above all in my life; but I am tired. I await the rest of heaven with great anticipation.
I was reading a friends blog and came across the familiar words of Jesus;
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)
Putting our burdens on Jesus yoke is not a one time deal but an every day task. And yet, I think, like many of you, I seem to forget to do that as I start out each day.
Another scripture came to mind and I'm not sure of the connection here... so help me out.
James 4:13-17
Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. (ESV)
Do these verses burden you or unburden you? Today I feel the load of them. I often do feel the load of knowing the truth and of understanding what God wants from me; because I'm tired. I am still looking for the balance of placing my burdens at the feet of Jesus and doing that which I know is His will. I have learned that doing His will is not automatic. It requires a constant checking of myself at the door. At times I am zealous and ready to fight and yell for what God is placing on my heart. But then I become drained and alienated from all things human it seems. It's as if my thoughts and notions are so 'other' that I'm uncomfotable to be around.
I am reminded, as I type, that Tim wrote about leaving our slavery to sin and becoming a slave to righteousness referring to Romans 6:15-23. Hopefully he'll write something about what he's learning and I can learn too.
I hope that you can balance the burden/freedom that comes as your walk with Jesus deepens. I love what Jesus has done for me and who he has made me thus far. I put him above all in my life; but I am tired. I await the rest of heaven with great anticipation.
3.6.07
Scripture never tells you to forgive yourself.
I'm not sure why I never realized that. I found myself telling someone that they had to forgive themselves and move on and then a week later heard this quote on a Beth Moore video. Scripture tells us that God has forgiven us through the blood of Jesus Christ; that we are to forgive as we have been forgiven; but never forgive yourself.
Ephesians 4:32 says;
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (ESV)
Beth Moore gave the Greek word for 'forgiving' in this verse and I went home to look it up myself. The word is charizomai, which is a word related to charis meaning grace. I liked how she re-worded the verse to say; Grace others as you've been graced. It really hit home for me.
I've walked in sins that seem larger than others, more public I suppose. The sins that plague me the most, however, are those that you have to step into my inner world to see. I've been forgiven for all of them. I've been given much grace; and yet I seem to lack the ability to give it as freely as I should. This to me is just another seduction of sin; to be judgemental without grace.
So, in accepting your forgiveness from Jesus and applying it to others, that covers our need to forgive ourselves. Scripture says that God forgives and forgets (Jeremiah 31:34, Psalm 103:12, Hebrews 8:12 etc.). We can't forget. We have to reframe it and allow God to take our horrible experience or our evil deeds and cleanse them in mercy. That way, we can use what we know to remember God's grace, His love, His faithfulness - and then in turn help others who have fallen in the same way. The legacy of your mistakes is grace. God's glory is seen in how he took your mess and made it beautiful.
2Peter 3:18 says;
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (ESV)
All glory to my King, my savoir, my God, my friend and my deliverer.
I'm not sure why I never realized that. I found myself telling someone that they had to forgive themselves and move on and then a week later heard this quote on a Beth Moore video. Scripture tells us that God has forgiven us through the blood of Jesus Christ; that we are to forgive as we have been forgiven; but never forgive yourself.
Ephesians 4:32 says;
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (ESV)
Beth Moore gave the Greek word for 'forgiving' in this verse and I went home to look it up myself. The word is charizomai, which is a word related to charis meaning grace. I liked how she re-worded the verse to say; Grace others as you've been graced. It really hit home for me.
I've walked in sins that seem larger than others, more public I suppose. The sins that plague me the most, however, are those that you have to step into my inner world to see. I've been forgiven for all of them. I've been given much grace; and yet I seem to lack the ability to give it as freely as I should. This to me is just another seduction of sin; to be judgemental without grace.
So, in accepting your forgiveness from Jesus and applying it to others, that covers our need to forgive ourselves. Scripture says that God forgives and forgets (Jeremiah 31:34, Psalm 103:12, Hebrews 8:12 etc.). We can't forget. We have to reframe it and allow God to take our horrible experience or our evil deeds and cleanse them in mercy. That way, we can use what we know to remember God's grace, His love, His faithfulness - and then in turn help others who have fallen in the same way. The legacy of your mistakes is grace. God's glory is seen in how he took your mess and made it beautiful.
2Peter 3:18 says;
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (ESV)
All glory to my King, my savoir, my God, my friend and my deliverer.
7.5.07
Not so unusual; a song has brought me to the words that I haven't been able to find for quite some time. I'm in the midst of Running to Stand Still (U2).
I have to do something about where I'm going, about where we're going. In order to keep my head up, I'm busy changing on the inside. Feeling like I'm moving way to fast. Not knowing what is and what is not. Learning to follow harder than ever before. And yet, it looks like I'm not going anywhere. It actually looks like I'm going backwards.
I've got to do things I'm not good at; talk without speaking - or listen, cry without weeping - or be empathetic, scream without raising my voice - or give my passion over to Jesus. I have to let the Holy Spirit be me. I know, I'm supposed to do that always.
I took a verse on last year as a challenge. I never knew it's power or really if I would ever actually be faced with it's truth. The challenge seems to have only just begun and I memorized it a year ago already. I memorized it in the NIV, but I like the ESV better.
2Corinthians 10:5
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.(ESV)
I have listened to much to the lofty opinions of our western abyss. I've listened to much to the lies that sit dormant in my mind; rising up when they see the opportunity to come up against the authority of Christ. There is only one way out. Out - off the path that too many walk, out onto the road that is less traveled and seems so uninviting to this world, and out from the lies that I have so easily swallowed.
I should have known better. I shouldn't have wasted all this time. But this is my time; I'm going to have to make this moment mine. Just know that I'm learning.
The storm has blown up in my eyes and I'll suffer the chill until things have changed.
Pray for me. Wait for me.
I have to do something about where I'm going, about where we're going. In order to keep my head up, I'm busy changing on the inside. Feeling like I'm moving way to fast. Not knowing what is and what is not. Learning to follow harder than ever before. And yet, it looks like I'm not going anywhere. It actually looks like I'm going backwards.
I've got to do things I'm not good at; talk without speaking - or listen, cry without weeping - or be empathetic, scream without raising my voice - or give my passion over to Jesus. I have to let the Holy Spirit be me. I know, I'm supposed to do that always.
I took a verse on last year as a challenge. I never knew it's power or really if I would ever actually be faced with it's truth. The challenge seems to have only just begun and I memorized it a year ago already. I memorized it in the NIV, but I like the ESV better.
2Corinthians 10:5
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.(ESV)
I have listened to much to the lofty opinions of our western abyss. I've listened to much to the lies that sit dormant in my mind; rising up when they see the opportunity to come up against the authority of Christ. There is only one way out. Out - off the path that too many walk, out onto the road that is less traveled and seems so uninviting to this world, and out from the lies that I have so easily swallowed.
I should have known better. I shouldn't have wasted all this time. But this is my time; I'm going to have to make this moment mine. Just know that I'm learning.
The storm has blown up in my eyes and I'll suffer the chill until things have changed.
Pray for me. Wait for me.
10.3.07
1 Corinthians 2
And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written,
"What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him"--
these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.
The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. "For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ. (ESV)
I love this chapter. As I have decided to take a leave of absence from my role as Bible study leader, I read this and feel a sense of oneness with Paul. As a leader I know that I don't appear to come before those that I teach with fear and trembling; but I do. Not because I am afraid of those that sit before me, but because I have been given the task of relating the very words of God in the Bible to those that have come. I have never taken that lightly. It is an awesome challenge and a gift that I did not go out seeking.
As I take this time away, I have such a sense of relief. I know that Jesus has commissioned my break. I have led Bible study consistently for nearly 11 years. What lies ahead is uncertain I suppose, yet God knows already; and so it is only for me to discover.
I will be using this site to get some of my daily teaching energy out. Sort-of like an online devotional journal.
May the mind of Christ in you continue to reveal that which the Father knows and that which the Word speaks.
And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written,
"What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him"--
these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.
The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. "For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ. (ESV)
I love this chapter. As I have decided to take a leave of absence from my role as Bible study leader, I read this and feel a sense of oneness with Paul. As a leader I know that I don't appear to come before those that I teach with fear and trembling; but I do. Not because I am afraid of those that sit before me, but because I have been given the task of relating the very words of God in the Bible to those that have come. I have never taken that lightly. It is an awesome challenge and a gift that I did not go out seeking.
As I take this time away, I have such a sense of relief. I know that Jesus has commissioned my break. I have led Bible study consistently for nearly 11 years. What lies ahead is uncertain I suppose, yet God knows already; and so it is only for me to discover.
I will be using this site to get some of my daily teaching energy out. Sort-of like an online devotional journal.
May the mind of Christ in you continue to reveal that which the Father knows and that which the Word speaks.
15.2.07
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30
May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD,
your salvation according to your promise;
then I will answer the one who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
Psalm 119:41-42
Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight.
Psalm 119:77
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Matthew 19:14
"All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away."
John 6:37
"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 6:44
Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.
John 7:37
"All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me — so that they may be one as we are one."
John 17:10-11
Come to me you weary one..., you broken one..., you burdened one...
Jesus is calling us all. And He will give you rest, peace, and joy.
I know that you can find those things inside yourself, inside a marriage, within another faith, and even in the things we can buy. I have found them in the man called Jesus, the Christ. I have come to God. And he was waiting for me... just for me. He waits for you too. I don't think my words can convey the awesomeness of that.
I cry for those that have not yet come, who don't even think they need to.
kari jobe music - Come to me
Matthew 11:28-30
May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD,
your salvation according to your promise;
then I will answer the one who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
Psalm 119:41-42
Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight.
Psalm 119:77
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Matthew 19:14
"All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away."
John 6:37
"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 6:44
Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.
John 7:37
"All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me — so that they may be one as we are one."
John 17:10-11
Come to me you weary one..., you broken one..., you burdened one...
Jesus is calling us all. And He will give you rest, peace, and joy.
I know that you can find those things inside yourself, inside a marriage, within another faith, and even in the things we can buy. I have found them in the man called Jesus, the Christ. I have come to God. And he was waiting for me... just for me. He waits for you too. I don't think my words can convey the awesomeness of that.
I cry for those that have not yet come, who don't even think they need to.
kari jobe music - Come to me
20.1.07
Who is God?
Luke 19:11-27
While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. He said: "A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas.'Put this money to work,' he said, 'until I come back.'
"But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, 'We don't want this man to be our king.'
"He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.
"The first one came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned ten more.'
" 'Well done, my good servant!' his master replied. 'Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.'
"The second came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned five more.'
"His master answered, 'You take charge of five cities.'
"Then another servant came and said, 'Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.'
"His master replied, 'I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? Why then didn't you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?'
"Then he said to those standing by, 'Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.'
" 'Sir,' they said, 'he already has ten!'
"He replied, 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away. But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me."
Do you think that Father God takes out what he did not put in? Do you think he is a hard 'man'? Do you think he's unfair? Are you afraid of him? Do you believe in him at all? Do you know that his Son, Jesus, is King; whether you want to accept it or not?
Our understanding of who God is affects our relationship with him. We need to discover who he is so that we have no misconceptions that cost us our joy or even worse, our salvation.
The Bible is God's communication with you; telling you who God is. Try reading it from that perspective.
"...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..." 1 Thessalonians 2:13
"My teachers of Indian history taught us how wonderful our ancestors were. But the Bible – the source book of Jewish history – was telling me terrible things about its kings, priests, prophets and people. It could not have been written from any of their perspectives.
This book claimed to be God’s interpretation of Jewish history and the claim made sense. It explained why Israel and Judah were destroyed. The story of the restoration of a ruined nation fascinated me.
More intriguing was the discovery that the Bible told a story bigger than that of the Jews. It said that God had chosen Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob so that he could bless all nations on earth through their descendents: God had made a promise to bless India. I could know if the Bible was true by examining whether God had kept that promise."
Vishal Mangalwadi
Read Vishal's latest article "Can the Words of Men be the Word of God?" @ www.vishalmangalwadi.com
Luke 19:11-27
While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. He said: "A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas.'Put this money to work,' he said, 'until I come back.'
"But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, 'We don't want this man to be our king.'
"He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.
"The first one came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned ten more.'
" 'Well done, my good servant!' his master replied. 'Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.'
"The second came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned five more.'
"His master answered, 'You take charge of five cities.'
"Then another servant came and said, 'Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.'
"His master replied, 'I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? Why then didn't you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?'
"Then he said to those standing by, 'Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.'
" 'Sir,' they said, 'he already has ten!'
"He replied, 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away. But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me."
Do you think that Father God takes out what he did not put in? Do you think he is a hard 'man'? Do you think he's unfair? Are you afraid of him? Do you believe in him at all? Do you know that his Son, Jesus, is King; whether you want to accept it or not?
Our understanding of who God is affects our relationship with him. We need to discover who he is so that we have no misconceptions that cost us our joy or even worse, our salvation.
The Bible is God's communication with you; telling you who God is. Try reading it from that perspective.
"...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..." 1 Thessalonians 2:13
"My teachers of Indian history taught us how wonderful our ancestors were. But the Bible – the source book of Jewish history – was telling me terrible things about its kings, priests, prophets and people. It could not have been written from any of their perspectives.
This book claimed to be God’s interpretation of Jewish history and the claim made sense. It explained why Israel and Judah were destroyed. The story of the restoration of a ruined nation fascinated me.
More intriguing was the discovery that the Bible told a story bigger than that of the Jews. It said that God had chosen Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob so that he could bless all nations on earth through their descendents: God had made a promise to bless India. I could know if the Bible was true by examining whether God had kept that promise."
Vishal Mangalwadi
Read Vishal's latest article "Can the Words of Men be the Word of God?" @ www.vishalmangalwadi.com
14.1.07
Longing for His voice to break through the chatter in my mind; I seek it out and investigate what He may be saying. I look at the Bible and dissect each word, verse, phrase, and chapter. Awakened in the night by a pain in my tooth... what is He trying to say to me? Why would I think that a tooth ache is a message from my Lord? I prayed for forgiveness as I felt washed in guilt. That didn't seem to fit... I couldn't fall back to sleep. I was restless and didn't know what I was missing. I relieved my pain with some aspirin and restlessly put my head on my pillow.
John 10:27-29
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand."
I should have prayed for Sandra... her tooth was aching too - same time, but miles away. Her body is battling cancer - God knows why her tooth ached and told me about it, the best way possible; he gave me a tooth ache! I'm unsettled by my lack of ability to discern what Jesus was saying. I need to seek that which God would have me do for others. Love your neighbor as yourself.
Matthew 22:37-39
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. and the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself."
After years of walking with my Jesus, my friend, I still struggle to say that "I love" my God. What does that mean? So all encompassing, how do I place it in my life? Before all things, all people - is my love for my God.
1John 5:3
"This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,..."
Not burdensome. Obeying is loving. Application of your knowledge of scripture and of what Jesus would have you do, is loving God. Not that complicated. We even tell our own children these very words about the 'rules' we have for them. After all that happens in life, we need to remind ourselves to lean on Jesus, to follow him, to obey, and to find joy in that - to know that we love Him.
Psalm 62:5,7
"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him... and my honor depend on God."
All my ambitions, hopes, and plans. All for Jesus, I surrender them into his hands.
Listen for the voice that agrees with that. Rest in that.
John 10:27-29
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand."
I should have prayed for Sandra... her tooth was aching too - same time, but miles away. Her body is battling cancer - God knows why her tooth ached and told me about it, the best way possible; he gave me a tooth ache! I'm unsettled by my lack of ability to discern what Jesus was saying. I need to seek that which God would have me do for others. Love your neighbor as yourself.
Matthew 22:37-39
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. and the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself."
After years of walking with my Jesus, my friend, I still struggle to say that "I love" my God. What does that mean? So all encompassing, how do I place it in my life? Before all things, all people - is my love for my God.
1John 5:3
"This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,..."
Not burdensome. Obeying is loving. Application of your knowledge of scripture and of what Jesus would have you do, is loving God. Not that complicated. We even tell our own children these very words about the 'rules' we have for them. After all that happens in life, we need to remind ourselves to lean on Jesus, to follow him, to obey, and to find joy in that - to know that we love Him.
Psalm 62:5,7
"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him... and my honor depend on God."
All my ambitions, hopes, and plans. All for Jesus, I surrender them into his hands.
Listen for the voice that agrees with that. Rest in that.
10.1.07
I used this as a devotional for my Women's Connections Ministry Team and thought that I would share it here.
Our Connections verse that I chose last year is in the NASB (New American Standard Bible) translation because I thought the wording was better for what we were trying to communicate. I looked again at the verse in the NIV. It reads;
“I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong – that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” Romans 1:11-12
Three things that we as a team, (and you individually), can take away from these verses as we look into the New Year.
1. Your gift is to make you strong. As we work together and use the gifts that God has given us, remember that your gift is not to be a burden. It is to make you and those around you strong.
2. Your gift encourages you in your faith. As we plan and enjoy the events we plan, may it encourage your faith in Jesus. Our simple acts of service like serving coffee, preparing decorations, making craft preparations, and chatting with a new person at a Connections evening, will encourage you in your walk with Jesus. Using our gifts encourages our faith in an unseen God. It helps us also to be encouragers of others in their faith.
3. Our gifts are meant to aid us in sharing the gospel. Romans 1 goes on to say that “I am not ashamed of the gospel,… For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last…” (vs. 16-17). Our spiritual gifts encourage our faith, which is of God, which spurs us on to tell the good news to those who don’t know it. When you have good news to tell – you shout it out!! Use your gift to bring people to a relationship with Jesus.
“Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.” 1Corinthians 1:7
Remember that you are just as God designed you to be. He knows your strengths and weaknesses and delights in your working together with other followers of Christ – especially when we feel weak. Jesus really takes off then!!
Our Connections verse that I chose last year is in the NASB (New American Standard Bible) translation because I thought the wording was better for what we were trying to communicate. I looked again at the verse in the NIV. It reads;
“I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong – that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” Romans 1:11-12
Three things that we as a team, (and you individually), can take away from these verses as we look into the New Year.
1. Your gift is to make you strong. As we work together and use the gifts that God has given us, remember that your gift is not to be a burden. It is to make you and those around you strong.
2. Your gift encourages you in your faith. As we plan and enjoy the events we plan, may it encourage your faith in Jesus. Our simple acts of service like serving coffee, preparing decorations, making craft preparations, and chatting with a new person at a Connections evening, will encourage you in your walk with Jesus. Using our gifts encourages our faith in an unseen God. It helps us also to be encouragers of others in their faith.
3. Our gifts are meant to aid us in sharing the gospel. Romans 1 goes on to say that “I am not ashamed of the gospel,… For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last…” (vs. 16-17). Our spiritual gifts encourage our faith, which is of God, which spurs us on to tell the good news to those who don’t know it. When you have good news to tell – you shout it out!! Use your gift to bring people to a relationship with Jesus.
“Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.” 1Corinthians 1:7
Remember that you are just as God designed you to be. He knows your strengths and weaknesses and delights in your working together with other followers of Christ – especially when we feel weak. Jesus really takes off then!!
13.11.06
What misery is mine!
I am like one who gathers summer fruit
at the gleaning of the vineyard;
there is no cluster of grapes to eat,
none of the early figs that I crave.
The godly have been swept from the land;
not one upright man remains.
All men lie in wait to shed blood;
each hunts his brother with a net.
Both hands are skilled in doing evil;
the ruler demands gifts,
the judge accepts bribes,
the powerful dictate what they desire—
they all conspire together.
The best of them is like a brier,
the most upright worse than a thorn hedge.
The day of your watchmen has come,
the day God visits you.
Now is the time of their confusion.
Do not trust a neighbor;
put no confidence in a friend.
Even with her who lies in your embrace
be careful of your words.
For a son dishonors his father,
a daughter rises up against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
a man's enemies are the members of his own household.
But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD,
I wait for God my Savior;
my God will hear me.
Micah 7:1-7
"I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
Luke 12:49-53
My heart is grieved for those that these verses speak truth. It is such difficulties as these that seem unnatural, wrong, and somehow not of God's will. And yet He warned us. The path must seem so narrow and hard; so full of doubt; discouraged that your faith has not shown those you love that Jesus loves them. I am at a loss to understand this journey. I can only pray for compassion, wisdom and guidance from above to help you along your way.
Your family in Christ is with you. May you find peace in Jesus. One day it will all be as it is supposed to be.
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Colossians 1:19-20
I am like one who gathers summer fruit
at the gleaning of the vineyard;
there is no cluster of grapes to eat,
none of the early figs that I crave.
The godly have been swept from the land;
not one upright man remains.
All men lie in wait to shed blood;
each hunts his brother with a net.
Both hands are skilled in doing evil;
the ruler demands gifts,
the judge accepts bribes,
the powerful dictate what they desire—
they all conspire together.
The best of them is like a brier,
the most upright worse than a thorn hedge.
The day of your watchmen has come,
the day God visits you.
Now is the time of their confusion.
Do not trust a neighbor;
put no confidence in a friend.
Even with her who lies in your embrace
be careful of your words.
For a son dishonors his father,
a daughter rises up against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
a man's enemies are the members of his own household.
But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD,
I wait for God my Savior;
my God will hear me.
Micah 7:1-7
"I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
Luke 12:49-53
My heart is grieved for those that these verses speak truth. It is such difficulties as these that seem unnatural, wrong, and somehow not of God's will. And yet He warned us. The path must seem so narrow and hard; so full of doubt; discouraged that your faith has not shown those you love that Jesus loves them. I am at a loss to understand this journey. I can only pray for compassion, wisdom and guidance from above to help you along your way.
Your family in Christ is with you. May you find peace in Jesus. One day it will all be as it is supposed to be.
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Colossians 1:19-20
3.10.06
It's All Right.
Lately, I'm just OK. Nothing is really that great or terrible. A good place to be in a world of disappointments, struggles, fears, famines, wars, rage, and depravity. I have some constants in my life that always seem to rise up and cause me some mental difficulty - but really, I'm OK. For a woman of great passion, this sits funny.
I've been reading 2Kings. Great stories and fabulous miracles. I have paused now for a bit on the Shunammite woman of chapter 4. She extends hospitality and service to the man of God - Elisha. Not just for a moment, but makes it part of her life and gives him a place in her home. She even informs her husband that this is what they are going to do. She asks for nothing. Elisha wants to give her something. Childless, Elisha tells her she will have a son - and she doesn't even want the gift. An unexpected gift from God. Have you ever had one of those? You question it, even want to reject it. Then the gift is taken from you and you figure it must not have come from your heavenly Father. It's bewildering. The Shunammite woman's son died. So, did God not give her that gift of a child? Was Elisha wrong to bestow such thing on a woman who did not ask for anything?
Her son died in her arms. My grandmother lost her youngest son at 16. Her response was straight out of scripture and reminds me of this woman here in 2Kings. "The LORD gave and the LORD hath taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD." Job 1:20 I know my grandma wept for her son before Jesus. She took the grief straight to the one who placed her in that moment. The Shunammite woman lays her son down on Elisha's bed and goes to find him. Elisha was her connection to the God we now can speak to through Jesus. She didn't even burden her husband with the knowledge of their sons death; or even dump her grief on him. When he asked her why she was going since he didn't understand why she needed to go - her response was as quick and steady as my grandmother's was. "It's all right."
Once before Elisha, her anger and grief mingle and it is clear that she is distressed. But she brought it to the feet of the one who could do something with it. It's all right. Did she know that Elisha would bring her son back to her? Elisha didn't even know why she was there! God didn't tell him - she had to. It's all right. How did she know that!? Was she just saying that? Was she protecting her husband or was she just delaying the inevitable sorrow, so she could scream at the man responsible? She never asked for a son!!
What do you need to yell at God about? What did you never ask for and get anyway? Is it all right with you? Or have you forgotten that Jesus didn't die so that you could hope that God is paying attention to your thoughts instead of hearing them flow out before Him in prayer? Jesus said "In that day you will no longer ask me anything. (he was telling his disciples this) I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." John 16:23. Talk to God the Father. We don't need to find the prophet, we just need to actually pray.
So if it's all right with you, I'm going to remember to put my frustrations where they belong; in the hands of my maker. Beyond that - it's all right with me.
Lately, I'm just OK. Nothing is really that great or terrible. A good place to be in a world of disappointments, struggles, fears, famines, wars, rage, and depravity. I have some constants in my life that always seem to rise up and cause me some mental difficulty - but really, I'm OK. For a woman of great passion, this sits funny.
I've been reading 2Kings. Great stories and fabulous miracles. I have paused now for a bit on the Shunammite woman of chapter 4. She extends hospitality and service to the man of God - Elisha. Not just for a moment, but makes it part of her life and gives him a place in her home. She even informs her husband that this is what they are going to do. She asks for nothing. Elisha wants to give her something. Childless, Elisha tells her she will have a son - and she doesn't even want the gift. An unexpected gift from God. Have you ever had one of those? You question it, even want to reject it. Then the gift is taken from you and you figure it must not have come from your heavenly Father. It's bewildering. The Shunammite woman's son died. So, did God not give her that gift of a child? Was Elisha wrong to bestow such thing on a woman who did not ask for anything?
Her son died in her arms. My grandmother lost her youngest son at 16. Her response was straight out of scripture and reminds me of this woman here in 2Kings. "The LORD gave and the LORD hath taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD." Job 1:20 I know my grandma wept for her son before Jesus. She took the grief straight to the one who placed her in that moment. The Shunammite woman lays her son down on Elisha's bed and goes to find him. Elisha was her connection to the God we now can speak to through Jesus. She didn't even burden her husband with the knowledge of their sons death; or even dump her grief on him. When he asked her why she was going since he didn't understand why she needed to go - her response was as quick and steady as my grandmother's was. "It's all right."
Once before Elisha, her anger and grief mingle and it is clear that she is distressed. But she brought it to the feet of the one who could do something with it. It's all right. Did she know that Elisha would bring her son back to her? Elisha didn't even know why she was there! God didn't tell him - she had to. It's all right. How did she know that!? Was she just saying that? Was she protecting her husband or was she just delaying the inevitable sorrow, so she could scream at the man responsible? She never asked for a son!!
What do you need to yell at God about? What did you never ask for and get anyway? Is it all right with you? Or have you forgotten that Jesus didn't die so that you could hope that God is paying attention to your thoughts instead of hearing them flow out before Him in prayer? Jesus said "In that day you will no longer ask me anything. (he was telling his disciples this) I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." John 16:23. Talk to God the Father. We don't need to find the prophet, we just need to actually pray.
So if it's all right with you, I'm going to remember to put my frustrations where they belong; in the hands of my maker. Beyond that - it's all right with me.
18.8.06
Why am I in this place anyway? Why do I have to go through this? Why can't I find peace? When will this start to make sense? How will I ever move beyond my pain?
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
2 Corinthians 1:3-11 (emphasis mine)
OK. Let's be honest. None of us are facing death as Paul and his companions did. So, why do we then complain and whine and cry out for relief? Our pain is as real as we know and understand. What a comfort to know that I may not be able to handle that which God has given me - but Jesus can.
I wish that the comfort of others, the ability to teach others, the knowledge to lead souls to Christ, and the comfort of Jesus himself, did not come at such a high price. And yet the price he paid for me could never be matched. Never can I give him what he deserves for saving my selfish, sinful heart. All he wants is me, broken and bruised. In that lies the reason. Without my failures and struggles, I would not come to him at all.
Blessed be the name of the LORD! For he is good! I thank you LORD for that which brings me to my knees before you.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
2 Corinthians 1:3-11 (emphasis mine)
OK. Let's be honest. None of us are facing death as Paul and his companions did. So, why do we then complain and whine and cry out for relief? Our pain is as real as we know and understand. What a comfort to know that I may not be able to handle that which God has given me - but Jesus can.
I wish that the comfort of others, the ability to teach others, the knowledge to lead souls to Christ, and the comfort of Jesus himself, did not come at such a high price. And yet the price he paid for me could never be matched. Never can I give him what he deserves for saving my selfish, sinful heart. All he wants is me, broken and bruised. In that lies the reason. Without my failures and struggles, I would not come to him at all.
Blessed be the name of the LORD! For he is good! I thank you LORD for that which brings me to my knees before you.
Bounce
We have to train ourselves to bounce away from sin; from that which ensnares our mind, our eyes, and our actions. I was listening to Fred Stoeker on Family Life talk about how he mastered his sinful nature. He said he's not special, he's not better than you or me, he just daily went to battle with sin. He lost a lot, but now says he wins more than he loses. And he reaps benefits; a better marriage, a happier outlook, a fulfilling relationship with Jesus, and a bigger pay check due to the book he wrote to help other men do what he did. Not bad. How can women get in on this one? We too have to bounce away from the temptation to sin.
Start with your mind.
"...we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2Corinthians 10:5
It all starts there anyway. Jesus really pounded this home in the Sermon on the Mount. You murder in your mind, you commit adultery in your mind; your motives and your heart are under the judgement of God.
So a thought comes to mind, an image comes to mind, a fantacy comes to mind... check it, and make it captive to the obedience to Christ. This is an endless task.
Make a covenant with your eyes.
"I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl." Job 31:1
Ok, so I would never do that anyway, but the task is the same. What you spend your time looking at, is what goes into your heart and mind. And lets face it, women are not immune to lustfull glances at men; or to trying to garnish that from them. Jesus said "The eye is the lamp of the body." Matt. 6:22 What is illuminating your life?
Treat your spouse/others as Jesus would.
2Samuel 12:3-10 is the story that the Prophet Nathan told King David after his sin with Bathsheba and killing her husband. The lesson here is that the ewe lambs value to the poor man described in the story, is how precious your spouse is to God. From the male prespective this may make more sense; that they are to love and lead their wives. But we can still take the lesson and remember that God loves your spouse more than you'll ever be able to and can help you treat them with love and respect. Your sin does affect those closest to you. That's why this last part is in the plan. We have to move to loving behaviors that reflect a heart of obedience to Christ.
References:
tactics: securing the victory in every man's battle by Fred Stoeker
Family Life series: Every Man's Battle August 14-17/06
We have to train ourselves to bounce away from sin; from that which ensnares our mind, our eyes, and our actions. I was listening to Fred Stoeker on Family Life talk about how he mastered his sinful nature. He said he's not special, he's not better than you or me, he just daily went to battle with sin. He lost a lot, but now says he wins more than he loses. And he reaps benefits; a better marriage, a happier outlook, a fulfilling relationship with Jesus, and a bigger pay check due to the book he wrote to help other men do what he did. Not bad. How can women get in on this one? We too have to bounce away from the temptation to sin.
Start with your mind.
"...we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2Corinthians 10:5
It all starts there anyway. Jesus really pounded this home in the Sermon on the Mount. You murder in your mind, you commit adultery in your mind; your motives and your heart are under the judgement of God.
So a thought comes to mind, an image comes to mind, a fantacy comes to mind... check it, and make it captive to the obedience to Christ. This is an endless task.
Make a covenant with your eyes.
"I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl." Job 31:1
Ok, so I would never do that anyway, but the task is the same. What you spend your time looking at, is what goes into your heart and mind. And lets face it, women are not immune to lustfull glances at men; or to trying to garnish that from them. Jesus said "The eye is the lamp of the body." Matt. 6:22 What is illuminating your life?
Treat your spouse/others as Jesus would.
2Samuel 12:3-10 is the story that the Prophet Nathan told King David after his sin with Bathsheba and killing her husband. The lesson here is that the ewe lambs value to the poor man described in the story, is how precious your spouse is to God. From the male prespective this may make more sense; that they are to love and lead their wives. But we can still take the lesson and remember that God loves your spouse more than you'll ever be able to and can help you treat them with love and respect. Your sin does affect those closest to you. That's why this last part is in the plan. We have to move to loving behaviors that reflect a heart of obedience to Christ.
References:
tactics: securing the victory in every man's battle by Fred Stoeker
Family Life series: Every Man's Battle August 14-17/06
18.6.06
Relationships are important. Probably the most important thing.
Matthew 22:37-39 says "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like it: Love your neighbor as you love yourself." These two commands that Jesus gives are tied to our relationship to God. To love God with all of our being requires that you get to know him. And did you catch that part where it says 'is like it'? When we love others, it is like loving God. Just as Jesus said "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40.
Heaven is about relationship. John 17:3 says "And eternal life means to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, whom you sent." (Good News). Eternal life means to know God. What an awesome thought. Recently my cousin and I were chatting about sharing the gospel with family and friends. She said something that struck me as revolutionary. The question that often stalls our conversations is 'who goes to heaven and who goes to hell?'. We don't have the right to judge another person's heart; that's God's place. Instead of stalling, this can be a great opportunity to talk about the relationship God wants to have with us. It's all about the crazy love of God for us, wanting to be in a deep intimate relationship with us. When we choose to accept God's unconditional love and what Jesus did on the cross to cover our sins, to make it possible for us to be in a deep intimate relationship with God; heaven is then a continuation of that intimate relationship. We can simily say, 'Why would someone want an intimate relationship with God after they die if they don't want one when they're alive?'
I've been reading in the Old Testement lately, which has made me aware of the words used to describe God; his names and his character and even his authority. Jesus clearly states which God you need to know to experience relationship and through whom you get it. He says that eternal life is to know the only true God and to know Jesus (John 17:3). In John 14:6-7 he says "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes tothe Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well." There is only one BIG G. and many little g's. There is only one Big G. who created the universe; and this is the only true God who sent Jesus his son to die for you.
Our relationship to God and to others grows in love and intimacy as we journey in our walk with Jesus. Yet we will not achieve the fullness of relationship and knowledge until that day. 1 Corinthians 13:12 puts it perfectly, "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."
Matthew 22:37-39 says "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like it: Love your neighbor as you love yourself." These two commands that Jesus gives are tied to our relationship to God. To love God with all of our being requires that you get to know him. And did you catch that part where it says 'is like it'? When we love others, it is like loving God. Just as Jesus said "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40.
Heaven is about relationship. John 17:3 says "And eternal life means to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, whom you sent." (Good News). Eternal life means to know God. What an awesome thought. Recently my cousin and I were chatting about sharing the gospel with family and friends. She said something that struck me as revolutionary. The question that often stalls our conversations is 'who goes to heaven and who goes to hell?'. We don't have the right to judge another person's heart; that's God's place. Instead of stalling, this can be a great opportunity to talk about the relationship God wants to have with us. It's all about the crazy love of God for us, wanting to be in a deep intimate relationship with us. When we choose to accept God's unconditional love and what Jesus did on the cross to cover our sins, to make it possible for us to be in a deep intimate relationship with God; heaven is then a continuation of that intimate relationship. We can simily say, 'Why would someone want an intimate relationship with God after they die if they don't want one when they're alive?'
I've been reading in the Old Testement lately, which has made me aware of the words used to describe God; his names and his character and even his authority. Jesus clearly states which God you need to know to experience relationship and through whom you get it. He says that eternal life is to know the only true God and to know Jesus (John 17:3). In John 14:6-7 he says "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes tothe Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well." There is only one BIG G. and many little g's. There is only one Big G. who created the universe; and this is the only true God who sent Jesus his son to die for you.
Our relationship to God and to others grows in love and intimacy as we journey in our walk with Jesus. Yet we will not achieve the fullness of relationship and knowledge until that day. 1 Corinthians 13:12 puts it perfectly, "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."
Get your relationship straight with the only true God through Jesus Christ, and you will find that all your other relationships - flowing out of that - can be better, stronger, closer to how God planned it.
20.5.06
THE ROOM
I didn't write this, but it had me in tears this morning; so I had to post it.
17-year-old Brian Moore had to write something for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like. "I wowed 'em," he later told his father, Bruce. "It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote." It also was the last.
Brian's parents had forgotten about the essay when a cousin found it while cleaning out the teenager's locker at his high school.
Brian had been dead only hours, but his parents desperately wanted every piece of his life near them-notes from classmates and teachers, his homework. Only two months before, he had handwritten the essay about encountering Jesus in a file room full of cards detailing every moment of the teen's life.
But it was only after Brian's death that Beth and Bruce Moore realized that their son had described his view of heaven.
"It makes such an impact that people want to share it. You feel like you are there." Mr. Moore said.
Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.
The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. "I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it, " Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death.
"I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him.
Brian's Essay: The Room...
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room.
There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings.
As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed."
The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given,"
"Jokes I Have Laughed at." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness:
"Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.
Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived.
Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth.
Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched", I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.
I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room!
I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card.
I became desperate and pulled out a card only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.
And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With."
The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt.
They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes.
No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.
No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly
as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw sorrow deeper than my own.
He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes.
Why did He have to read every one?
Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again.
He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card.
"No!" I shouted rushing to Him.
All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine.
It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side.
He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door.
I didn't write this, but it had me in tears this morning; so I had to post it.
17-year-old Brian Moore had to write something for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like. "I wowed 'em," he later told his father, Bruce. "It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote." It also was the last.
Brian's parents had forgotten about the essay when a cousin found it while cleaning out the teenager's locker at his high school.
Brian had been dead only hours, but his parents desperately wanted every piece of his life near them-notes from classmates and teachers, his homework. Only two months before, he had handwritten the essay about encountering Jesus in a file room full of cards detailing every moment of the teen's life.
But it was only after Brian's death that Beth and Bruce Moore realized that their son had described his view of heaven.
"It makes such an impact that people want to share it. You feel like you are there." Mr. Moore said.
Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.
The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. "I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it, " Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death.
"I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him.
Brian's Essay: The Room...
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room.
There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings.
As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed."
The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given,"
"Jokes I Have Laughed at." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness:
"Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.
Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived.
Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth.
Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched", I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.
I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room!
I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card.
I became desperate and pulled out a card only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.
And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With."
The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt.
They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes.
No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.
No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly
as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw sorrow deeper than my own.
He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes.
Why did He have to read every one?
Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again.
He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card.
"No!" I shouted rushing to Him.
All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine.
It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side.
He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door.
30.3.06
Trust His Voice
As I have tried to venture into silence and solitude, my discovery is somewhat unsettling; I'm afraid. I think my fear of silence with God is connected to my brand of faith. Being a Mennonite Brethern by culture and faith, I am somewhat straight laced at my core. Also, my athletic experiences exposed me to spiritual pathways and disciplines that re-inforced me to stick close to those traditional values. I have seen the dark side and the power of evil spirits; so I am quick to be happy in the safety that Jesus provides.
My fear is really of being charismatic. Why? Because it's unfamiliar. I have realised that I am afraid to let loose my spirit and my soul, for fear that I will lose control. And who will take control once it is no longer mine? Does Jesus not already have my spirit in His control? Satan cannot take what is not his. So, what then do I fear except God himself?
I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice.
I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me — just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.
John 10:1-5, 14-15, 27-29
Jesus tells his disciples not to be afraid so often (Matt. 10:31, Matt. 14:27, Luke 5:10, Mark 5:36, John 14:27). I am not to fear. He has conquered the evil one of this world. He has promised me that I won't follow after darkness if I belong to Jesus. I will run from all strangers and I will only follow His voice.
The next step is to just trust.
As I have tried to venture into silence and solitude, my discovery is somewhat unsettling; I'm afraid. I think my fear of silence with God is connected to my brand of faith. Being a Mennonite Brethern by culture and faith, I am somewhat straight laced at my core. Also, my athletic experiences exposed me to spiritual pathways and disciplines that re-inforced me to stick close to those traditional values. I have seen the dark side and the power of evil spirits; so I am quick to be happy in the safety that Jesus provides.
My fear is really of being charismatic. Why? Because it's unfamiliar. I have realised that I am afraid to let loose my spirit and my soul, for fear that I will lose control. And who will take control once it is no longer mine? Does Jesus not already have my spirit in His control? Satan cannot take what is not his. So, what then do I fear except God himself?
I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice.
I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me — just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.
John 10:1-5, 14-15, 27-29
Jesus tells his disciples not to be afraid so often (Matt. 10:31, Matt. 14:27, Luke 5:10, Mark 5:36, John 14:27). I am not to fear. He has conquered the evil one of this world. He has promised me that I won't follow after darkness if I belong to Jesus. I will run from all strangers and I will only follow His voice.
The next step is to just trust.
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