Once upon a time, long ago and in the book of Genesis, there was a man named Jacob. Jacob was the son of Isaac, who was the son of Abraham. (Or as I refer to him in my earlier post, Abramaham.)
Jacob was born a grasping little fellow. When his twin brother Esau was born, Jacob followed him out holding onto his brother's heel. He sneaked his way into receiving his brother's birthright when they were older by convincing Esau to sell it to him in exchange for a bowl of soup. And, listening to his mother, he even tricked his blind dad into giving him the blessing that rightfully belonged to his firstborn brother by wearing a disguise.
After reading in Genesis about how he'd wronged his brother, I was at first a little less-than-impressed by Jacob. As I continued reading about Jacob (who God later called "Israel"), I started to have a change of heart. And here's why.
When Jacob convinced Esau to sell his birthright for a bowl of soup, Esau did it. Esau could have made his own stinkin' soup, but he didn't. He was essentially saying that the birthright wasn't that important to him. And when Jacob put on that furry disguise and liked to his dad, he was proving his desperation and motivation to receive that blessing. And then in Genesis 32, Jacob changes for me. He goes from being just a deceptive man, to being a man who demonstrates a quality that I myself would like to have. Let's take a look...
In Genesis 32:24-32 Jacob has a wrestling match...with God. Well, not with "God", but with God the form of a man. (We know God's capable of doing that, not only is he GOD after all, but He did it in the form of Jesus, too).
The portion of scripture goes like this: "Then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak...then he (the man) said, 'Let me go, for the dawn is breaking.' but he (Jacob) said, 'I will not let you go until you bless me'."
Now, before this wrestling match, there is no mention as to how the two of them started to wrestle. But, we do know a little bit about aggressive, sneaky, grasping Jacob. For my own personal enjoyment, I'm going to imagine it went something like this:
Jacob gets ready for bed.
Jacob spots a man he recognized as an angel or God.
Jacob hides behind some bushes.
God, in the form of this man, walks by.
Jacob jumps out and puts GOD in a half nelson.
They wrestle all night.
Jacob has been practicing his half nelson moves, and won't let go of this "man".
The man asks Jacob to let him go.
Jacob, like he did with his brother's birthright, says he will in exchange for something...a blessing from God.
From grasping baby, to grasping man. What a sneaky fellow that Jacob was! And how I want to be more like him, in this one area at least. He saw an opportunity to be blessed by God...and he went after it with aggression! Even though during this wrestling match, God "cheated" by using a tiny bit of His power to dislocate Jacob's hip, Jacob held on. He held on through the pain and left with a limp...but he also left with a blessing.
In life, there are times we really have to fight to hold on to God. Trials come up, things go wrong, we get hurt. And so, we let go. We put God on a back burner, and try to focus on getting our lives back together. We stop paying tithes so we can "focus on our finances". We stop serving others because we "don't have the time". We stop spending time with God because we want to "spend time with our families". I put all of those excuses in quotation marks, because they are things we say, but aren't necessarily true. Your finances don't improve by neglecting your tithes, your day won't magically be filled with more time by ignoring the God who is capable of making the sun stand still in the sky (yes, He did that), and you won't be a better parent by ignoring your heavenly Father. What you DO get, is to leave with a limp. In worse shape than when you started. However, when you cling to God...you leave with a limp and a blessing.
Life happens. It always will. I, personally, would rather encounter those problems in life while actively and aggressively going after the things of GOD. It's only by holding firmly onto Him that I will not only get through it, but will live a life that God will bless because of my faithfulness and obedience to Him. I want to be a person that will run toward God without a second thought, and grab onto Him for dear life and never let go. That sneaky Jacob...he got something right. No matter what happens...hold on to Him.
And because I feel like sharing random information today, here's a YouTube link on how to do an actual Half Nelson wrestling move...Half Nelson Wrestling
Monday, July 16, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
The Mashed Potatoes Speaketh
So...no particular scripture verse prompted this post. (If there's a verse in the Bible about mashed potatoes, I'd really like to hear about it, though! I love 'em!)
I was reminded today of a time that God spoke to me, and I just thought I'd type it up so I'd always have it somewhere and not forget it! If it's confusing, I apologize. The Holy Spirit has a way of teaching us more in an instant than we can ever truly express verbally...but I'll try to sum it up.
During a time of prayer in a Discipleship class (far away, and a long, long time ago), I had a sort of "vision". I say "vision" in quotations because although it was a vision, I couldn't see anything. I was in total and complete darkness, but I could smell the most delicious mashed potatoes as if they were right in front of my face. It was...unearthly. Although I couldn't see anything, I went forward. After a little while, I could taste mashed potatoes! It totally freaked me out to be smelling and tasting mashed potatoes in church when I obviously wasn't eating, but I went with it. After devouring the small bite, I could smell potatoes again, went forward again, and tasted them again. Each time the potatoes tasted better, and I was tasting them for longer...as if I was walking forward and eating the potato goodness and each time the potato goodness pile grew!
And through that process, God was teaching me two very important lessons.
Lesson 1.
God loves me enough, and knows me well enough, to speak to me through mashed potatoes. He knew that mashed potatoes, above all other foods, would get my attention. He cares about me enough to speak to me on my level, no matter what that is. Sometimes through dreams, sometimes through other people...He always knows the best way to reach me. Which makes me feel so humbled and honored...that my creator would take the time to know those little details about me.
Lesson 2.
He was teaching me about spiritual hunger...about passion and persistence.
There have been times in my spiritual journey that I've felt I was in a "dry spell". Felt less passionate about the things of God, felt that God was distant, or for whatever reason just wasn't as "into it" as I had been before. God was telling me (and this was true for me at the time, it may not be true for everyone always), that those "dry spells" were just me in between piles of potatoes.
Sometimes when we have an awesome experience with the Lord, we try to replicate that experience. Try to worship to the same song that the "event" occurred to, go to the same place, sit in the same seat, pray the same prayer...and God doesn't show up like He did before. Since we're doing all the same things we had done before, we may start to think God doesn't care, or maybe we've done something wrong to cause Him to withhold His presence. And while I do believe God sometimes withholds Himself (He disciplines his kiddos when they need it), I think that more often than not we are just in between potato piles.
God was teaching me that He doesn't want me to just sit there at the same little pile all the time. He doesn't want me to eat the potatoes He's given me, and then sit there in the dark with my mouth open like a stinkin' baby bird. He wants me to press onward. He wants me to seek Him, and when I've filled up...seek Him some more! To grow deeper in my relationship with Him, and to be able to handle more as I grow. When God gives me a little and I'm responsible with it, He can trust me to take care of a little more. When I have dedication and diligence by pressing forward through the darkness and potato-less times, I show Him that I'm not just in it for me. I'm not eating the mashed potatoes for the sake of mashed potatoes...or in real terms...I'm not worshiping just to feel God's love, or praying just to receive a blessing or a miracle (or whatever the "potatoes" may represent for you)...I'm showing Him that while I do enjoy all the benefits of being a child of God, my main focus is to draw closer to Him. That I'm not satisfied with the "potatoes", because I want to come face to face with the one who made them.
Our spiritual journey is so much like this little vision. God knows what's going on, and we can feel like we're wandering around in the dark sometimes. Wondering when God's going to show up, and wondering where He's leading us. Truth is, He's always there. And we DO know where we're going...we're heading toward Him, toward the open and waiting arms of our Lord, who has absolutely earned our complete faith and trust. So next time you're not feeling like reading God's word, going to church, or just spending time with Him...don't blame it on a dry spell, and definitely do NOT blame it on God...instead make a conscious decision to press forward. Trust me, you want to! The creator of the universe makes the most delicious mashed potatoes on the planet...and in the heavens too, I'd wager.
I was reminded today of a time that God spoke to me, and I just thought I'd type it up so I'd always have it somewhere and not forget it! If it's confusing, I apologize. The Holy Spirit has a way of teaching us more in an instant than we can ever truly express verbally...but I'll try to sum it up.
During a time of prayer in a Discipleship class (far away, and a long, long time ago), I had a sort of "vision". I say "vision" in quotations because although it was a vision, I couldn't see anything. I was in total and complete darkness, but I could smell the most delicious mashed potatoes as if they were right in front of my face. It was...unearthly. Although I couldn't see anything, I went forward. After a little while, I could taste mashed potatoes! It totally freaked me out to be smelling and tasting mashed potatoes in church when I obviously wasn't eating, but I went with it. After devouring the small bite, I could smell potatoes again, went forward again, and tasted them again. Each time the potatoes tasted better, and I was tasting them for longer...as if I was walking forward and eating the potato goodness and each time the potato goodness pile grew!
And through that process, God was teaching me two very important lessons.
Lesson 1.
God loves me enough, and knows me well enough, to speak to me through mashed potatoes. He knew that mashed potatoes, above all other foods, would get my attention. He cares about me enough to speak to me on my level, no matter what that is. Sometimes through dreams, sometimes through other people...He always knows the best way to reach me. Which makes me feel so humbled and honored...that my creator would take the time to know those little details about me.
Lesson 2.
He was teaching me about spiritual hunger...about passion and persistence.
There have been times in my spiritual journey that I've felt I was in a "dry spell". Felt less passionate about the things of God, felt that God was distant, or for whatever reason just wasn't as "into it" as I had been before. God was telling me (and this was true for me at the time, it may not be true for everyone always), that those "dry spells" were just me in between piles of potatoes.
Sometimes when we have an awesome experience with the Lord, we try to replicate that experience. Try to worship to the same song that the "event" occurred to, go to the same place, sit in the same seat, pray the same prayer...and God doesn't show up like He did before. Since we're doing all the same things we had done before, we may start to think God doesn't care, or maybe we've done something wrong to cause Him to withhold His presence. And while I do believe God sometimes withholds Himself (He disciplines his kiddos when they need it), I think that more often than not we are just in between potato piles.
God was teaching me that He doesn't want me to just sit there at the same little pile all the time. He doesn't want me to eat the potatoes He's given me, and then sit there in the dark with my mouth open like a stinkin' baby bird. He wants me to press onward. He wants me to seek Him, and when I've filled up...seek Him some more! To grow deeper in my relationship with Him, and to be able to handle more as I grow. When God gives me a little and I'm responsible with it, He can trust me to take care of a little more. When I have dedication and diligence by pressing forward through the darkness and potato-less times, I show Him that I'm not just in it for me. I'm not eating the mashed potatoes for the sake of mashed potatoes...or in real terms...I'm not worshiping just to feel God's love, or praying just to receive a blessing or a miracle (or whatever the "potatoes" may represent for you)...I'm showing Him that while I do enjoy all the benefits of being a child of God, my main focus is to draw closer to Him. That I'm not satisfied with the "potatoes", because I want to come face to face with the one who made them.
Our spiritual journey is so much like this little vision. God knows what's going on, and we can feel like we're wandering around in the dark sometimes. Wondering when God's going to show up, and wondering where He's leading us. Truth is, He's always there. And we DO know where we're going...we're heading toward Him, toward the open and waiting arms of our Lord, who has absolutely earned our complete faith and trust. So next time you're not feeling like reading God's word, going to church, or just spending time with Him...don't blame it on a dry spell, and definitely do NOT blame it on God...instead make a conscious decision to press forward. Trust me, you want to! The creator of the universe makes the most delicious mashed potatoes on the planet...and in the heavens too, I'd wager.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Go West, Young Woman...(and leave the map at home)
Options. Life is chuck full of them! Where to live, where to work, whether or not to accept that promotion, what to drive...and today I wanted to share a little about what I learned in regard to navigating those options.
I'm reading in Genesis (which I love, by the way), and am learning a lot through the story of Abram...um Abraham...um, Abramaham.
Here's a summary of Genesis 12...God told Abram (who He would later give the name Abraham), to leave his country and his home and go to the place that God would show him (without gps or a map). God said he would make Abram a great nation, and would bless him. So, because Abram had more faith and is more obedient than I, he did as God said without needing to know the end destination (Genesis 12:4). He took his wife, Sarai and his nephew, Lot. They traveled on and made a stop in Egypt, where Abram(aham) made a dumb decision before they all made a fancy exit by being escorted out of town by Pharaoh's men.
And after that highly accurate and in-depth summary of chapter 12, we arrive at Genesis 13. Abram was very rich...lots of livestock, silver and gold. He and Lot had acquired so much that they couldn't live in the same place anymore because the area couldn't support that much livestock. So, to keep the peace and the good relationship between them (and the livestock from croaking), Abram told Lot that they should separate but that Lot could choose where he wanted to go. Lot could take the first pick, and Abram would take whatever Lot didn't want. He presented Lot with one of those options that sometimes comes along in life.
Lot did what most of us would do. "Lot lifted up his eyes and saw all the valley of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere...like the garden of the Lord...So Lot chose for himself all the valley of the Jordan..." (Genesis 13:10-11)
To the normal dude, this probably seems like the wisest choice he could possibly make. He needs to feed the livestock, he's been given a choice...why not make the choice that was obviously best by picking the land that was well watered, right? Yeah...it's only the best choice to a normal dude. As Christians, we're not supposed to be going through life "normally". Picking the best land also meant that Lot was choosing to live near Sodom, the Old Testament's "City of Sin". (And what happened in Sodom did not stay in Sodom, it's been published in the most popular book on the planet.) He was choosing the best land...but he may not have realized that in doing so he was essentially choosing man's ways over God's ways. Choosing to throw himself (and his "lot", get it?) in with the crud, all for the sake of a watering hole. And what did the Lord say to Abram, after Lot went on his merry way? "Now lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are...for all the land which you see, I will give it to you and to your descendants forever..." (verses 14-15).
How like God to wait until Lot had left to share this prime little piece of info with Abram(aham). How like God to wait and see what we're going to do, how like Him to give us a chance to execute our free will. He didn't say "go this way and keep all the land, go that way to Sodom and get baked like a brownie" (See my "Truth Proof" blog regarding Sodom and Gomorrah)...He let them make the decision and then the consequences of each was revealed to each, either directly by God or just through the unfolding of life.
When options present themselves, we gravitate toward the ones that seem the best "logically". Best watered, best gas mileage, best location, best pay, best hours...But God's ways are higher. Instead of looking around to survey the possible outcomes with our natural eyes, we need to be able to stop and lift our eyes to the Lord. To see things through His eyes, and not only that, but to accept his direction without question.
Genesis 15:6 says this of Abram, "Then he believed in the Lord; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness." God credited Abram with being righteous because of his belief. Instead of trying to pursue righteousness by doing A B and C, we are righteous through our belief. When we believe God, we walk in His ways and are not only blessed for our obedience, but we end up living lives that reflect Christ naturally.
We need to weigh our options...not against the world's standards, but against God's. And when we receive that direction from the Lord, we need to stick to it. In Genesis 16, Sarai, Abram's wife, was tired of waiting for the children God had promised her (she was barren), and she took matters into her own hands. It didn't quite work out the way she'd planned, and maybe that could have been the end of it. "And so, Sarai and Abramaham screwed up again, this time losing all the promises of the Lord and were doomed to go join Lot in the disco 'inferno'." But nope...through God's mercy and grace they were able to get their focus back on God, back on His plan, and God blessed them even though they'd taken an unfortunate detour.
After reading these scriptures, I'm encouraged to continue to seek God in my decisions. And after I've made them, to stick by them. Other people, who see things "normally", may not understand them. May not understand why I haven't accepted that promotion at work, or why I live where I do. But that's because I'm waiting. Waiting on the Lord, because I'd rather go where He leads the first time than have to run back to Him to fix my mistakes. I've gone that route before and it's painful. I want to be someone that God can depend on to be obedient, and who He credits with righteousness, not with unbelief.
I'm reading in Genesis (which I love, by the way), and am learning a lot through the story of Abram...um Abraham...um, Abramaham.
Here's a summary of Genesis 12...God told Abram (who He would later give the name Abraham), to leave his country and his home and go to the place that God would show him (without gps or a map). God said he would make Abram a great nation, and would bless him. So, because Abram had more faith and is more obedient than I, he did as God said without needing to know the end destination (Genesis 12:4). He took his wife, Sarai and his nephew, Lot. They traveled on and made a stop in Egypt, where Abram(aham) made a dumb decision before they all made a fancy exit by being escorted out of town by Pharaoh's men.
And after that highly accurate and in-depth summary of chapter 12, we arrive at Genesis 13. Abram was very rich...lots of livestock, silver and gold. He and Lot had acquired so much that they couldn't live in the same place anymore because the area couldn't support that much livestock. So, to keep the peace and the good relationship between them (and the livestock from croaking), Abram told Lot that they should separate but that Lot could choose where he wanted to go. Lot could take the first pick, and Abram would take whatever Lot didn't want. He presented Lot with one of those options that sometimes comes along in life.
Lot did what most of us would do. "Lot lifted up his eyes and saw all the valley of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere...like the garden of the Lord...So Lot chose for himself all the valley of the Jordan..." (Genesis 13:10-11)
To the normal dude, this probably seems like the wisest choice he could possibly make. He needs to feed the livestock, he's been given a choice...why not make the choice that was obviously best by picking the land that was well watered, right? Yeah...it's only the best choice to a normal dude. As Christians, we're not supposed to be going through life "normally". Picking the best land also meant that Lot was choosing to live near Sodom, the Old Testament's "City of Sin". (And what happened in Sodom did not stay in Sodom, it's been published in the most popular book on the planet.) He was choosing the best land...but he may not have realized that in doing so he was essentially choosing man's ways over God's ways. Choosing to throw himself (and his "lot", get it?) in with the crud, all for the sake of a watering hole. And what did the Lord say to Abram, after Lot went on his merry way? "Now lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are...for all the land which you see, I will give it to you and to your descendants forever..." (verses 14-15).
How like God to wait until Lot had left to share this prime little piece of info with Abram(aham). How like God to wait and see what we're going to do, how like Him to give us a chance to execute our free will. He didn't say "go this way and keep all the land, go that way to Sodom and get baked like a brownie" (See my "Truth Proof" blog regarding Sodom and Gomorrah)...He let them make the decision and then the consequences of each was revealed to each, either directly by God or just through the unfolding of life.
When options present themselves, we gravitate toward the ones that seem the best "logically". Best watered, best gas mileage, best location, best pay, best hours...But God's ways are higher. Instead of looking around to survey the possible outcomes with our natural eyes, we need to be able to stop and lift our eyes to the Lord. To see things through His eyes, and not only that, but to accept his direction without question.
Genesis 15:6 says this of Abram, "Then he believed in the Lord; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness." God credited Abram with being righteous because of his belief. Instead of trying to pursue righteousness by doing A B and C, we are righteous through our belief. When we believe God, we walk in His ways and are not only blessed for our obedience, but we end up living lives that reflect Christ naturally.
We need to weigh our options...not against the world's standards, but against God's. And when we receive that direction from the Lord, we need to stick to it. In Genesis 16, Sarai, Abram's wife, was tired of waiting for the children God had promised her (she was barren), and she took matters into her own hands. It didn't quite work out the way she'd planned, and maybe that could have been the end of it. "And so, Sarai and Abramaham screwed up again, this time losing all the promises of the Lord and were doomed to go join Lot in the disco 'inferno'." But nope...through God's mercy and grace they were able to get their focus back on God, back on His plan, and God blessed them even though they'd taken an unfortunate detour.
After reading these scriptures, I'm encouraged to continue to seek God in my decisions. And after I've made them, to stick by them. Other people, who see things "normally", may not understand them. May not understand why I haven't accepted that promotion at work, or why I live where I do. But that's because I'm waiting. Waiting on the Lord, because I'd rather go where He leads the first time than have to run back to Him to fix my mistakes. I've gone that route before and it's painful. I want to be someone that God can depend on to be obedient, and who He credits with righteousness, not with unbelief.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Let's Have an Argument! Uh...Oops.
If you're a Christian you probably are one, at least in part, because of someone else. Whether it was your parents, a co-worker, a pastor or a combination of many people...at some point a seed of truth was sown in your heart, and God drew you to Him. For me, I know that the seeds were sown by my parents, who taught me about Christ and God's word. Although I accepted what they taught me as truth, when I was older I had to reevaluate my beliefs and come to accept or reject them on my own.
So, as a Christian, you probably understand the importance of sharing the gospel message with others. Whether you're the one sowing the seeds, answering questions or "reaping the harvest". Also, as a Christian, you are somewhat obligated to be a witness. I mean, God's not going to physically shove you into someone's doorstep to share His Word...but He's already asked you to go.
1 Peter 3:14-16 talks about this "...And do not fear their intimidation...always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence..."
I haven't heard that many messages on being an "effective witness", so I did a tiny, tiny bit of reading and felt I learned a few things. Since God tells us to be ready with an answer, and even our buddy in Psalm 119:46 says "I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be ashamed.", I think it's worth our investigation to be able to do this thing the Lord expects us to do as well as we can. We want to do everything well for the Lord.
Colossians 4:5-6 (NASB) says "Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person."
When we're sharing the gospel message with people who maybe aren't as familiar with it as we are, we should make sure that we are always speaking in grace and love. Speaking in grace (versus being demeaning and argumentative), will make our words as "though seasoned with salt". I don't think Paul's saying that our words should be so salty they make people wince...but salt is something we use to bring flavor to our food. Speaking in grace will make our message palatable, tasty, easily consumed. It makes sense. The end of verse 6 reads "so that you will know how you should respond to each person". Unless you're listening to those you are sharing with, and speaking in grace (instead of your well thought out "argument") how do you know what that person needs to hear? I don't think that handing out the same glossy tract to every person is going to be the most effective. People are unique. They have different ideas about spirituality, and they have different life experiences. We need to approach outsiders with wisdom, being able to not only speak effectively, but in accordance with what God would have us say. The point of being a witness isn't to earn extra credit in heaven for giving the same 4 point speech over and over to every stranger we encounter. We want to be effective in ministry, carefully sowing seeds, carefully building on a foundation, otherwise there is no point.
1 Corinthians 3 talks about those who plant, those who water...and in verse 10 says "But each man must be careful how he builds on it." If it's not built in Christ, it won't last...it'll be tested by fire and only that which was sown and built in Christ will remain. Not only that but (verse 14) "If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss..." Yikes.
1 Corinthians 1:17 (NASB) says, "For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void."
I think that's a mistake I've made in the past...trying to convince someone of the gospel message through my own cleverness. By making a persuasive argument, I'm actually risking making the cross of Christ void (uh, ouch). The message of salvation in Christ stands on it's own. It doesn't need me to "fancy it up". It needs me to present it, and to present it in a way that is clear and easy to understand. 1 Corinthians 3:7 says "So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth." We can't take credit for the power of the gospel message.
This is also mentioned earlier in 1 Corinthians, in 2: 2-5.
"For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God."
And that's where my heart is today. I want others to know the hope that is mine in Christ Jesus, but I want them to receive it because of faith that rests on "the power of God", not in "the wisdom of men". When people turn to faith because of a man's wisdom, then they will continue to look to men for their spiritual answers and their spiritual growth. Ick. They need to know from the beginning to go to God in all things.
Personally, I'm pretty ecstatic that I don't have to worry about having all the answers, knowing how to debate every variation of theology. All I have to know is Christ. If I'm serving Him, living in Him, and speaking with grace of Him...that's enough to start. God makes the thing grow. (And if you're looking for a good explanation of grace and salvation, read Romans!)
Now something else that we need to be careful of when witnessing. People of other religions will try to make a persuasive argument and punch you in the face with knowledge to prove you wrong. So, we need to guard our hearts. There's a place for knowledge, but as I mentioned earlier...convincing someone of something because of your big words and opinions on theology only convinces them that you can use big words and that you have opinions on theology. Whereas I want to promote Christ, not enhance my self-esteem by making someone thing I'm a genius (haha, like I could ever do that anyway!). I want to teach in a way that the person I'm talking to can't help but understand.
Because people will possibly argue with you, try to confuse you, and try to convert you to something crazy...here are a few verses to think about when you're absorbing what they have to say:
1 Timothy 6:3-4 "If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrines conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions..."
The early church was a church of witnessing. They have loads of advice on how to be effective, and what to protect our hearts against. If someone says something to us for the sake of arguing, we need to test it against what Christ has said before accepting it. And they should test what we say the same way, if they claim to be Christians. In Christian religions, Christ is our High Priest, and final authority. That's why his name is in their religious title, right?
Colossians 2:8-10 says "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority."
If you want to be an effective witness, you need to know what Christ is like and what He has said. Read the gospels, yo.
And if someone tries to convince you that your faith needs to be about more than Christ (Christ + Works, or Christ + Religious Traditions, etc) watch out!
Colossians 2:20-23, "If you have died with Christ, to the elementary principles of the world, why as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, Do not handle, do not taste, do do not touch! (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)-in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion..."
Ok...so this blog was exceptionally long and not quite as lighthearted as some of my others...but that's usually because I'm being motivated by conviction. And again today, I am. I can be awfully good at letting other people tell me about their beliefs, and then because I'm afraid of offending someone...I let them walk away with their faith in a self-made religion. The early church grew because God added to their numbers daily...but they were active in that process. They were not intimidated, they were willing to die for their faith, and many of them did. So why, then, do I avoid speaking the truth in love? I have no excuse. If I love people as Christ did, I will be willing to suffer greatly (and find joy in it) for the advancement of His kingdom. Christ died for my salvation, and for theirs...am I really going to be unwilling to have someone look at me funny for a few minutes? How prideful.
So, as a Christian, you probably understand the importance of sharing the gospel message with others. Whether you're the one sowing the seeds, answering questions or "reaping the harvest". Also, as a Christian, you are somewhat obligated to be a witness. I mean, God's not going to physically shove you into someone's doorstep to share His Word...but He's already asked you to go.
1 Peter 3:14-16 talks about this "...And do not fear their intimidation...always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence..."
I haven't heard that many messages on being an "effective witness", so I did a tiny, tiny bit of reading and felt I learned a few things. Since God tells us to be ready with an answer, and even our buddy in Psalm 119:46 says "I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be ashamed.", I think it's worth our investigation to be able to do this thing the Lord expects us to do as well as we can. We want to do everything well for the Lord.
Colossians 4:5-6 (NASB) says "Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person."
When we're sharing the gospel message with people who maybe aren't as familiar with it as we are, we should make sure that we are always speaking in grace and love. Speaking in grace (versus being demeaning and argumentative), will make our words as "though seasoned with salt". I don't think Paul's saying that our words should be so salty they make people wince...but salt is something we use to bring flavor to our food. Speaking in grace will make our message palatable, tasty, easily consumed. It makes sense. The end of verse 6 reads "so that you will know how you should respond to each person". Unless you're listening to those you are sharing with, and speaking in grace (instead of your well thought out "argument") how do you know what that person needs to hear? I don't think that handing out the same glossy tract to every person is going to be the most effective. People are unique. They have different ideas about spirituality, and they have different life experiences. We need to approach outsiders with wisdom, being able to not only speak effectively, but in accordance with what God would have us say. The point of being a witness isn't to earn extra credit in heaven for giving the same 4 point speech over and over to every stranger we encounter. We want to be effective in ministry, carefully sowing seeds, carefully building on a foundation, otherwise there is no point.
1 Corinthians 3 talks about those who plant, those who water...and in verse 10 says "But each man must be careful how he builds on it." If it's not built in Christ, it won't last...it'll be tested by fire and only that which was sown and built in Christ will remain. Not only that but (verse 14) "If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss..." Yikes.
1 Corinthians 1:17 (NASB) says, "For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void."
I think that's a mistake I've made in the past...trying to convince someone of the gospel message through my own cleverness. By making a persuasive argument, I'm actually risking making the cross of Christ void (uh, ouch). The message of salvation in Christ stands on it's own. It doesn't need me to "fancy it up". It needs me to present it, and to present it in a way that is clear and easy to understand. 1 Corinthians 3:7 says "So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth." We can't take credit for the power of the gospel message.
This is also mentioned earlier in 1 Corinthians, in 2: 2-5.
"For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God."
And that's where my heart is today. I want others to know the hope that is mine in Christ Jesus, but I want them to receive it because of faith that rests on "the power of God", not in "the wisdom of men". When people turn to faith because of a man's wisdom, then they will continue to look to men for their spiritual answers and their spiritual growth. Ick. They need to know from the beginning to go to God in all things.
Personally, I'm pretty ecstatic that I don't have to worry about having all the answers, knowing how to debate every variation of theology. All I have to know is Christ. If I'm serving Him, living in Him, and speaking with grace of Him...that's enough to start. God makes the thing grow. (And if you're looking for a good explanation of grace and salvation, read Romans!)
Now something else that we need to be careful of when witnessing. People of other religions will try to make a persuasive argument and punch you in the face with knowledge to prove you wrong. So, we need to guard our hearts. There's a place for knowledge, but as I mentioned earlier...convincing someone of something because of your big words and opinions on theology only convinces them that you can use big words and that you have opinions on theology. Whereas I want to promote Christ, not enhance my self-esteem by making someone thing I'm a genius (haha, like I could ever do that anyway!). I want to teach in a way that the person I'm talking to can't help but understand.
Because people will possibly argue with you, try to confuse you, and try to convert you to something crazy...here are a few verses to think about when you're absorbing what they have to say:
1 Timothy 6:3-4 "If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrines conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions..."
The early church was a church of witnessing. They have loads of advice on how to be effective, and what to protect our hearts against. If someone says something to us for the sake of arguing, we need to test it against what Christ has said before accepting it. And they should test what we say the same way, if they claim to be Christians. In Christian religions, Christ is our High Priest, and final authority. That's why his name is in their religious title, right?
Colossians 2:8-10 says "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority."
If you want to be an effective witness, you need to know what Christ is like and what He has said. Read the gospels, yo.
And if someone tries to convince you that your faith needs to be about more than Christ (Christ + Works, or Christ + Religious Traditions, etc) watch out!
Colossians 2:20-23, "If you have died with Christ, to the elementary principles of the world, why as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, Do not handle, do not taste, do do not touch! (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)-in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion..."
Ok...so this blog was exceptionally long and not quite as lighthearted as some of my others...but that's usually because I'm being motivated by conviction. And again today, I am. I can be awfully good at letting other people tell me about their beliefs, and then because I'm afraid of offending someone...I let them walk away with their faith in a self-made religion. The early church grew because God added to their numbers daily...but they were active in that process. They were not intimidated, they were willing to die for their faith, and many of them did. So why, then, do I avoid speaking the truth in love? I have no excuse. If I love people as Christ did, I will be willing to suffer greatly (and find joy in it) for the advancement of His kingdom. Christ died for my salvation, and for theirs...am I really going to be unwilling to have someone look at me funny for a few minutes? How prideful.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
You're Such A "Baby"...
Ahhh, the feeling of conviction. How warm and fuzzy it makes me feel. Oh, how I love it.
Ok, so feeling convicted isn't really my most favorite of experiences. I recognize how important it is to my spiritual growth, but the truth is...it's embarrassing. And what do I do with embarrassing things that happen to me? I publish them on the internet, of course! Let's begin...
Hebrews 5:12-14 (NASB) says this:
"For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil."
Enter conviction.
Before reading these verses I probably wouldn't have considered myself a spiritual "infant". I knew I was still learning and growing, but I probably would've classified myself as at least a spiritual "4th Grader", or a "tall-for-my-age-toddler" at the very least. And then I again read the last sentence, which is verse 14:
"But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil."
Ok...so if you're not having solid food, which is for the mature, you are having milk. If you are having milk, then you are an infant. And how do we identify who the mature/solid food/non infant ones are? Well, they are the ones who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. Practice. Practice. Not who "because of church attendance, active listening skills or the ability to read scriptures"...those who practice.
Just for fun, here's the definition of practice as a verb:
"Perform (an activity) or exercise (a skill) repeatedly or regularly in order to improve or maintain one's proficiency."
And as a noun (which I unfortunately found even more convicting):
"The actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method as opposed to theories about such application or use."
So Google has confirmed it, then. If I'm not fully practicing my Christianity, I'm not mature in it. I know this is obvious stuff, no big hidden mystery here...but it's something worth taking a moment to think about. If you immediately think "well yes, I'm a practicing and therefore mature Christian", you should have no problem listing all the places that you're known to be "practicing" at. Do your coworkers known you're a Christian, not because you've told them, but because of the way you live? Does that slow, annoying employee at the gas station know you're a Christian because of the patience and love you consistently display? How often do you randomly give to someone in need? Do you gossip at work with your coworkers like a practicing non-Christian? How are you serving others? How often does God use you to deliver a message?
If an athlete is training for the Olympics, the people who come in contact with them will probably have some idea of what's going on. What they eat and drink will probably vary from what the Average Joe consumes. The neighbors are probably fully aware of their diligence and determination in training. Strangers have probably observed them doing things to get ready, and have maybe even been inspired to do some sit ups themselves because of it. They're practicing. We're supposed to be practicing, too.
We're not to gain the ability to discern good and evil by listening to our preacher. I think I've sometimes had the idea that I would absorb and learn information, sit in a pew and let it fester for a while, and then one day God would ask me to do something super cool like build an Ark to save humanity and I'd be ready because of all the festering I'd done. Ummm, not so. God's going to ask the one out there "practicing" their faith to build the Ark...they've already got the muscles for it, after all.
(P.S. if you think that God communicates with you primarily by giving you a "good feeling", then you could be mistaking His presence for His confirmation or communication...the Noah and the Ark story is a pretty good example of God's ability to communicate and give extremely clear instruction. He invented communication after all, and Noah didn't hover his hand over his tools waiting for a "good feeling" to know which one to use next. Just a random side note.)
Hebrews 6:7-8 (NASB) Says:
"For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God; but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned."
Not only is my festering without action (why do I keep using the word "fester"!?) not helpful to my spiritual growth at all, but my receiving "rain" and then doing nothing with it makes me "worthless and close to being cursed"...it ends up being burned. I know two things for certain today...I don't want to be burned...And I also don't want to make it to Heaven and instead of God saying "Well done!" have him say "Yeah, you were awfully close to being cursed." Awkward.
...Lord, forgive me for often being a Christian who is content to sit on the sidelines. Forgive me for allowing myself to be deceived into thinking that "learning" about you is the path to spiritual maturity. Your word says that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ. Help me to seek Christ above knowledge of Christ, and to live a life that will be a blessing to you and to those around me.
Exit Conviction.
Ok, so feeling convicted isn't really my most favorite of experiences. I recognize how important it is to my spiritual growth, but the truth is...it's embarrassing. And what do I do with embarrassing things that happen to me? I publish them on the internet, of course! Let's begin...
Hebrews 5:12-14 (NASB) says this:
"For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil."
Enter conviction.
Before reading these verses I probably wouldn't have considered myself a spiritual "infant". I knew I was still learning and growing, but I probably would've classified myself as at least a spiritual "4th Grader", or a "tall-for-my-age-toddler" at the very least. And then I again read the last sentence, which is verse 14:
"But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil."
Ok...so if you're not having solid food, which is for the mature, you are having milk. If you are having milk, then you are an infant. And how do we identify who the mature/solid food/non infant ones are? Well, they are the ones who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. Practice. Practice. Not who "because of church attendance, active listening skills or the ability to read scriptures"...those who practice.
Just for fun, here's the definition of practice as a verb:
"Perform (an activity) or exercise (a skill) repeatedly or regularly in order to improve or maintain one's proficiency."
And as a noun (which I unfortunately found even more convicting):
"The actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method as opposed to theories about such application or use."
So Google has confirmed it, then. If I'm not fully practicing my Christianity, I'm not mature in it. I know this is obvious stuff, no big hidden mystery here...but it's something worth taking a moment to think about. If you immediately think "well yes, I'm a practicing and therefore mature Christian", you should have no problem listing all the places that you're known to be "practicing" at. Do your coworkers known you're a Christian, not because you've told them, but because of the way you live? Does that slow, annoying employee at the gas station know you're a Christian because of the patience and love you consistently display? How often do you randomly give to someone in need? Do you gossip at work with your coworkers like a practicing non-Christian? How are you serving others? How often does God use you to deliver a message?
If an athlete is training for the Olympics, the people who come in contact with them will probably have some idea of what's going on. What they eat and drink will probably vary from what the Average Joe consumes. The neighbors are probably fully aware of their diligence and determination in training. Strangers have probably observed them doing things to get ready, and have maybe even been inspired to do some sit ups themselves because of it. They're practicing. We're supposed to be practicing, too.
We're not to gain the ability to discern good and evil by listening to our preacher. I think I've sometimes had the idea that I would absorb and learn information, sit in a pew and let it fester for a while, and then one day God would ask me to do something super cool like build an Ark to save humanity and I'd be ready because of all the festering I'd done. Ummm, not so. God's going to ask the one out there "practicing" their faith to build the Ark...they've already got the muscles for it, after all.
(P.S. if you think that God communicates with you primarily by giving you a "good feeling", then you could be mistaking His presence for His confirmation or communication...the Noah and the Ark story is a pretty good example of God's ability to communicate and give extremely clear instruction. He invented communication after all, and Noah didn't hover his hand over his tools waiting for a "good feeling" to know which one to use next. Just a random side note.)
Hebrews 6:7-8 (NASB) Says:
"For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God; but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned."
Not only is my festering without action (why do I keep using the word "fester"!?) not helpful to my spiritual growth at all, but my receiving "rain" and then doing nothing with it makes me "worthless and close to being cursed"...it ends up being burned. I know two things for certain today...I don't want to be burned...And I also don't want to make it to Heaven and instead of God saying "Well done!" have him say "Yeah, you were awfully close to being cursed." Awkward.
...Lord, forgive me for often being a Christian who is content to sit on the sidelines. Forgive me for allowing myself to be deceived into thinking that "learning" about you is the path to spiritual maturity. Your word says that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ. Help me to seek Christ above knowledge of Christ, and to live a life that will be a blessing to you and to those around me.
Exit Conviction.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Grace for Sale!
Good Friday and Easter are fast approaching, and I've been thinking a lot this week about what occurred at Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. On Good Friday we remember that Christ was crucified upon the cross for our sins...it's not something I take very lightly. It's something I think about with reverence, sadness, and even conviction. My sins weigh on me a little bit more heavily this time of year, as I take the time to think about the One who died to remove them and wash me clean. I'm not for living our lives in shame (as I wrote about in my Shamelessly Redeemed post), but it's also important that we don't take our salvation for granted. There's a delicate line there, between understanding the true weight our sins carry, and living in the freedom that was purchased for us on the cross. Of course on Easter, the mood has slightly shifted. From sadness at the sacrificial death of our King, to joy at His sweet resurrection! We serve a God who lives, and gives us life in Him! (Insert "Hallelujah!" here.)
It was with this train of thought that I found myself reading in the scriptures a little about grace this week. Defining grace, trying to better understand it, and taking a closer look at my heart in regards to it.
For me, it is sometimes difficult to accept the free gift of grace. I have a good understanding of my shortcomings and my sins, to the point of sometimes struggling with feelings of shame and condemnation...it's hard for me to accept that someone has loved me through all of that, loved me relentlessly - to the point of dying a gruesome, painful death to be a covering for me. I have to be careful that I'm not making my salvation "about me". I'm an American after all...I know that "nothing is free" (unless you buy one first), and that "if it seems too good to be true, it probably is". Not so with God...he's not an American. He's not a person. He's beyond my understanding. You see, it's not about what I have done, what I am doing, or what I will do. My salvation is not dependent on my tithes, or the good deeds I'm doing for others. It's not about how many sign-up sheets I put my name on at church, or how loudly I sing during worship service.
Romans 6:23 says "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (NASB)
It's so easy to fully believe the "wages of sin is death" part, but I think many of us aren't fully understanding the "free gift of God" part. FREE. GIFT. OF GOD. Those are some important words, ya'll.
I've heard others talk about a verse of scripture that says "faith without works is dead". They are under the impression that works are somehow a requirement for salvation. I can't begin to tell you how sad, and angry that makes me. Sad because of the bondage that must come, the weight that must come with "earning" your salvation through works. The insecurity of never knowing when you've truly done enough to be saved. And angry because it takes away from what my savior did on that cross. It makes Him and His sacrificial free gift not enough. Who am I to say that God isn't capable of doing enough to save me? If anyone can save me, isn't it Him? If you were standing at the foot of the cross, seeing Christ suffer for you and your salvation...would you look up and say to Him "What you're doing isn't enough for me! YOU are not enough!" ? Of course we wouldn't say that to His face. But sometimes...by our actions and our hearts...we are doing just that.
The verse they're referring to when making those comments is in James chapter 3. But I'm assuming they didn't read through Romans on their way there, or didn't read the rest of James.
I do believe that faith without works is dead...but I'm saved by the free gift of grace. There's nothing I could ever do myself to deserve any measure of heaven, but I'm given it all -I am a joint heir in the kingdom with Christ, because of what He has given me freely. Our works and our obedience shouldn't come from a place of somehow trying to make ourselves worthy of heaven. Nothing we can do ourselves will ever make us worthy of an ounce of it. When we accept salvation through Jesus Christ, we are accepting that what HE has done really was enough. Our sins are washed away, and God remembers them no more. Then, because of the transformation of our hearts by God's complete, redeeming love, the works flow naturally. When we understand His love, His grace, His salvation, we desire to serve and follow Him. We keep His commandments because we love Him. We help our neighbor because the love He has freely poured over us is in such an abundance that it naturally overflows into the lives of others. The works prove that the faith and the free gift were real. If we're not living in that overflow of love, we need to look at our hearts and see if maybe we haven't had a real encounter with Christ and His Grace.
Romans 3:23-24 says "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is Christ Jesus".
It's a good time of year to make sure we aren't trying to purchase our salvation from God, that we aren't trying to buy His love or grace, or make ourselves worthy of them. It's a good time of year to accept that gift, and allow Him to transform us into His image. In His image we were created - sinless, perfect. And that is what we should desire to be transformed into through Jesus Christ.
And in regards to Christ... "..there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12, NASB)
Lord Jesus, thank you for a the free gift of your grace. Please help me to accept it, and to truly believe that you are enough. You are more than enough for me.
"..if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.."
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Mountain!? Maybe He Meant...Paperclip?
Lately, God has really been speaking to my heart through the
gospels. In Mark 11:22-24. Jesus had just spoken to a fig tree,
and it croaked (verses 13-14 and verses 20-21). His followers asked him
about this, and his response was that with faith, it's no big deal. With faith, we can even cast a mountain into the sea!
Do I really think I can ask a mountain to become an ornament of the ocean floor, and that it will happen?? I, who struggle with finances and can't even make $20 go very far, can ask a mountain to move into the sea, and it will!?
Yes. Yes, I can and it will. When God spoke to me about this verse, he wasn't telling me that I was supposed to turn this mountain I happen to live on into a valley (although if He asked me now I wouldn't hesitate). He was reminding me of my unbelief. How I sometimes choose which parts of His Word I'm going to trust in completely. I'm sometimes guilty of picking and choosing which parts of His word I'm not only going to believe, but which parts I'm going to live. By doing that, I'm not only hindering my own spiritual growth...I'm in fact limiting how much of God I experience. And I'm limiting how much of God others can experience!
When Jesus cursed that stinkin' fruitless tree (who likes figs, anyway?), the disciples heard him. And then they saw the tree that had withered. What a huge deal it was for them! Maybe even a turning point in how they thought about miracles and of faith.
When God asks me to do something that seems outrageous to me, I'm going to remember that tree. I'm going to think about that mountain. I'm going to think about all the things God has said, and about how I know that each and every one of them is true. And I'm going to think about the people who may be turned to Him by my faith and obedience.
It's not about how small I am, or how big the mountain is. It's not about me or the mountain at all! It's about my relationship with God, and how big He is!
The other thing this verse has encouraged me to do, as I hope it will encourage you, is to really get into God's word with a new perspective. The perspective of really truly believing everything God has said. How many other things did He say that I push to the side, ignoring my unbelief? How many things do I know in my head, but maybe don't fully believe them in my heart? I won't know until I seek them all out...and I intend to!
Do I really think I can ask a mountain to become an ornament of the ocean floor, and that it will happen?? I, who struggle with finances and can't even make $20 go very far, can ask a mountain to move into the sea, and it will!?
Yes. Yes, I can and it will. When God spoke to me about this verse, he wasn't telling me that I was supposed to turn this mountain I happen to live on into a valley (although if He asked me now I wouldn't hesitate). He was reminding me of my unbelief. How I sometimes choose which parts of His Word I'm going to trust in completely. I'm sometimes guilty of picking and choosing which parts of His word I'm not only going to believe, but which parts I'm going to live. By doing that, I'm not only hindering my own spiritual growth...I'm in fact limiting how much of God I experience. And I'm limiting how much of God others can experience!
When Jesus cursed that stinkin' fruitless tree (who likes figs, anyway?), the disciples heard him. And then they saw the tree that had withered. What a huge deal it was for them! Maybe even a turning point in how they thought about miracles and of faith.
When God asks me to do something that seems outrageous to me, I'm going to remember that tree. I'm going to think about that mountain. I'm going to think about all the things God has said, and about how I know that each and every one of them is true. And I'm going to think about the people who may be turned to Him by my faith and obedience.
It's not about how small I am, or how big the mountain is. It's not about me or the mountain at all! It's about my relationship with God, and how big He is!
The other thing this verse has encouraged me to do, as I hope it will encourage you, is to really get into God's word with a new perspective. The perspective of really truly believing everything God has said. How many other things did He say that I push to the side, ignoring my unbelief? How many things do I know in my head, but maybe don't fully believe them in my heart? I won't know until I seek them all out...and I intend to!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Am I Being Babbled?
The story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11 has always been an interesting one to
me. I can't even imagine the panic and chaos as mother scolds little
Jimmy for not eating his peas, and little Jimmy goes from not listening
to mom...to not understanding her in an instant. Oh, the look he must
have given her as she babbled on!
But what's more interesting to me, is why this happened. Here, many people had come together and were united in their purpose to make a name for themselves...to show the rest of the world that they were here to stay. Things didn't quite go according to plan.
God not only deserves to be first and foremost in our lives, but he expects it. (He's aware that he is the Lord, after all.) And he knows what's best for us, even when we think we're making all the right decisions. When we are bound and determined to do the wrong thing, God won't force us to do the right thing...but he may throw a few stumbling blocks in the road for our benefit!
How many times in my life have I wondered why it seemed that my plans were falling apart, or thought that nothing was going the way it should? Maybe I was being babbled. Maybe I was desiring something I shouldn't have been, and God helped me out by letting a few of my plans fall apart.
Going forward, I'm going to be on a better look out for "Babel Situations". When something I've really wanted doesn't work out for me, I'm going to get on my knees and take a good hard look at my heart. Am I desiring to make a name for myself, prove to everyone that I'm someone special, prove to myself that I'm valuable? Or am I ultimately motivated by my heart's desire to exalt the name of the Lord?
I don't think God's behind every bad thing that comes our way. But if he's trying to keep me from going down the wrong path, I want to make sure I'm not just stepping over the road block. I want to get back on track. When things fall apart, it's a time to either thank God for the blessing of his intervention, or to worship Him in the midst of those circumstances, and put what we say about faith and trust into action. Either way, our relationship with Him will be strengthened...and that relationship is far more important than any plans we've been making for ourselves.
But what's more interesting to me, is why this happened. Here, many people had come together and were united in their purpose to make a name for themselves...to show the rest of the world that they were here to stay. Things didn't quite go according to plan.
God not only deserves to be first and foremost in our lives, but he expects it. (He's aware that he is the Lord, after all.) And he knows what's best for us, even when we think we're making all the right decisions. When we are bound and determined to do the wrong thing, God won't force us to do the right thing...but he may throw a few stumbling blocks in the road for our benefit!
How many times in my life have I wondered why it seemed that my plans were falling apart, or thought that nothing was going the way it should? Maybe I was being babbled. Maybe I was desiring something I shouldn't have been, and God helped me out by letting a few of my plans fall apart.
Going forward, I'm going to be on a better look out for "Babel Situations". When something I've really wanted doesn't work out for me, I'm going to get on my knees and take a good hard look at my heart. Am I desiring to make a name for myself, prove to everyone that I'm someone special, prove to myself that I'm valuable? Or am I ultimately motivated by my heart's desire to exalt the name of the Lord?
I don't think God's behind every bad thing that comes our way. But if he's trying to keep me from going down the wrong path, I want to make sure I'm not just stepping over the road block. I want to get back on track. When things fall apart, it's a time to either thank God for the blessing of his intervention, or to worship Him in the midst of those circumstances, and put what we say about faith and trust into action. Either way, our relationship with Him will be strengthened...and that relationship is far more important than any plans we've been making for ourselves.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Lord...Find In Me A Blind Man!
In John Chapter 9, we find the story of Jesus healing a man who was born blind.
After his healing, the man who was healed from his blindness is being questioned...and here he is responding to the Pharisees (or rather the "Pharican'tsees"), who were asking questions about who healed him and how he did it. They were angry haters, who because of what they "thought" they knew, were putting this man in an uncomfortable spot. They wanted him to give them the response that they want to hear... and he knows it. The man answers them...in a nutshell, he tells them that this man (this man that these "Religious People" do not know at all) is of God! (John 9:33)
After this interrogation and bold response, in which this blind man already seems to have formed a belief about the One who healed him, Jesus approaches him and confirms his belief. He asks the formerly blind, now seeing fellow, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" (John 9:35) "You have both seen Him, and He is the one who is talking with you" (verse 37)...and the young man's reaction?
He said, "Prove it to me with your excellent knowledge of theology. Show me more signs and wonders, because just receiving my sight isn't enough. Let me go to your church and make sure nothing seems weird. And then after several years of thinking and googling, I will believe you!"
No...he didn't react that way. But how often WE react that way! Wanting more and more proof before accepting God's teachings, before accepting God Himself. Needing to be taught the same things over and over before we truly, wholeheartedly believe!
What this now seeing man actually said, in John 9:37, literally brought me to tears. "...he said, 'Lord I believe'. And he worshiped Him."
Look at the punctuation in that beautiful verse! "Lord I believe." Lord-I-believe-period.
He simply believed.
And he worshiped Him.
I cried when I read this because of what Jesus had done for this man, and I'm still crying because of how convicted I'm feeling. What's wrong with me? I was absolutely, totally blind. Blind from birth! And in an instant, Jesus stepped into my heart and radically transformed it. Radically transformed my life. My eternity! And yet, I sometimes go through days, weeks and months of my life when I seem to have forgotten I was ever blind. I go through days, weeks and months when I take the free, saving grace of Jesus for granted, whether or not I realize it.
In John 9:39 Jesus said "For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind."
Ugh. I am sometimes more like one of those people who thinks they're seeing, and in doing so become blind. Not that I've been living like a "Pharican'tsee", but where is my belief? Where is my "Lord, I believe. - Period." response, and the falling-on-my-seeing-face-to-worship-Him reaction?
I expect to have this kind of reaction when remembering my salvation - but I should also have it every time I see the Lord move. Every time I see how generous He has been in providing for me. Every time I hear his voice, or read his Word. I shouldn't NEED to bury myself in footnotes and research. My belief should come from my encounters with the Living God, it won't come from reciting what "Religious People" have taught me to say. Yes, I want to understand Him correctly. But more than that - I want to and need to just believe His teachings, and worship Him. Period.
I know this is nothing new. We've been singing the song "Amazing Grace" forever. But I want to remember that first "Amazing Grace" moment every day. I never want to forget my blindness, because that means I forget the grace of God who gives me sight. I want to be able to feel that same "Amazing Grace" moment with everything I learn AFTER my salvation, too.
Lord, thank you for taking lessons I've learned 1,000 times, and speaking from them to my heart 2,000 times. I'm "seeing" with new eyes every day that your Word is alive. And because of it, I see you. And I believe.
After his healing, the man who was healed from his blindness is being questioned...and here he is responding to the Pharisees (or rather the "Pharican'tsees"), who were asking questions about who healed him and how he did it. They were angry haters, who because of what they "thought" they knew, were putting this man in an uncomfortable spot. They wanted him to give them the response that they want to hear... and he knows it. The man answers them...in a nutshell, he tells them that this man (this man that these "Religious People" do not know at all) is of God! (John 9:33)
After this interrogation and bold response, in which this blind man already seems to have formed a belief about the One who healed him, Jesus approaches him and confirms his belief. He asks the formerly blind, now seeing fellow, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" (John 9:35) "You have both seen Him, and He is the one who is talking with you" (verse 37)...and the young man's reaction?
He said, "Prove it to me with your excellent knowledge of theology. Show me more signs and wonders, because just receiving my sight isn't enough. Let me go to your church and make sure nothing seems weird. And then after several years of thinking and googling, I will believe you!"
No...he didn't react that way. But how often WE react that way! Wanting more and more proof before accepting God's teachings, before accepting God Himself. Needing to be taught the same things over and over before we truly, wholeheartedly believe!
What this now seeing man actually said, in John 9:37, literally brought me to tears. "...he said, 'Lord I believe'. And he worshiped Him."
Look at the punctuation in that beautiful verse! "Lord I believe." Lord-I-believe-period.
He simply believed.
And he worshiped Him.
I cried when I read this because of what Jesus had done for this man, and I'm still crying because of how convicted I'm feeling. What's wrong with me? I was absolutely, totally blind. Blind from birth! And in an instant, Jesus stepped into my heart and radically transformed it. Radically transformed my life. My eternity! And yet, I sometimes go through days, weeks and months of my life when I seem to have forgotten I was ever blind. I go through days, weeks and months when I take the free, saving grace of Jesus for granted, whether or not I realize it.
In John 9:39 Jesus said "For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind."
Ugh. I am sometimes more like one of those people who thinks they're seeing, and in doing so become blind. Not that I've been living like a "Pharican'tsee", but where is my belief? Where is my "Lord, I believe. - Period." response, and the falling-on-my-seeing-face-to-worship-Him reaction?
I expect to have this kind of reaction when remembering my salvation - but I should also have it every time I see the Lord move. Every time I see how generous He has been in providing for me. Every time I hear his voice, or read his Word. I shouldn't NEED to bury myself in footnotes and research. My belief should come from my encounters with the Living God, it won't come from reciting what "Religious People" have taught me to say. Yes, I want to understand Him correctly. But more than that - I want to and need to just believe His teachings, and worship Him. Period.
I know this is nothing new. We've been singing the song "Amazing Grace" forever. But I want to remember that first "Amazing Grace" moment every day. I never want to forget my blindness, because that means I forget the grace of God who gives me sight. I want to be able to feel that same "Amazing Grace" moment with everything I learn AFTER my salvation, too.
Lord, thank you for taking lessons I've learned 1,000 times, and speaking from them to my heart 2,000 times. I'm "seeing" with new eyes every day that your Word is alive. And because of it, I see you. And I believe.
Flood Survival 101
In Genesis, Chapter 6, we find the story of Noah and the flood.
At this time, God was bumming hard. People were wicked, and God was sad he'd even created them in the first place. So, he was going to un-create them. He planned to flood the earth, wipe it out, and then...well I'm not sure what he planned to do after that.
But God saw Noah. Noah was a man still living by God's standards, and God was not only going to save his family because of it...he was essentially giving humanity another chance. (Thanks, Noah, we owe you one!)
So with flood warnings in effect, Noah built the ark. I'm sure he was afraid. He'd never had a flood warning before. No one had. And we can imagine the looks he got from the neighbors as he built his land-locked ship. But Noah had taken Flood Survival 101. And it's summed up in Genesis 6:22 : "Noah did everything just as God commanded him."
Not to spoil the end of the story, but it all worked out! And Noah, who was not a professional ship builder, built a boat that did not sink.
There's much we can take away from this one verse survival course. (Well, two verses actually, because the same point is reiterated in verse 7:5...and I don't think God has a bad memory...I'm pretty sure he repeated this for our benefit.)
In life, there are floods. Literal of course, but also figurative. There are going to be storms that come our way. Problems in relationships, in our health, with our jobs and the economy. But we can survive it all. By walking with the Lord, and doing all that he commands us to do!
I know that personally, I'm very good at calling out to the Lord when a problem arises. When things look bleak, I know the Lord has the answers. What I'm not so good at, is doing ALL that he commands me to do. I do maybe 40% of what he wants me to. I do the things that are easy for me to do.
At this time, God was bumming hard. People were wicked, and God was sad he'd even created them in the first place. So, he was going to un-create them. He planned to flood the earth, wipe it out, and then...well I'm not sure what he planned to do after that.
But God saw Noah. Noah was a man still living by God's standards, and God was not only going to save his family because of it...he was essentially giving humanity another chance. (Thanks, Noah, we owe you one!)
So with flood warnings in effect, Noah built the ark. I'm sure he was afraid. He'd never had a flood warning before. No one had. And we can imagine the looks he got from the neighbors as he built his land-locked ship. But Noah had taken Flood Survival 101. And it's summed up in Genesis 6:22 : "Noah did everything just as God commanded him."
Not to spoil the end of the story, but it all worked out! And Noah, who was not a professional ship builder, built a boat that did not sink.
There's much we can take away from this one verse survival course. (Well, two verses actually, because the same point is reiterated in verse 7:5...and I don't think God has a bad memory...I'm pretty sure he repeated this for our benefit.)
In life, there are floods. Literal of course, but also figurative. There are going to be storms that come our way. Problems in relationships, in our health, with our jobs and the economy. But we can survive it all. By walking with the Lord, and doing all that he commands us to do!
I know that personally, I'm very good at calling out to the Lord when a problem arises. When things look bleak, I know the Lord has the answers. What I'm not so good at, is doing ALL that he commands me to do. I do maybe 40% of what he wants me to. I do the things that are easy for me to do.
And so, after doing 40% of what God commands me to do, I turn to God again. Because I'm still in a stormy situation, and my boat has sprung a leak. And now I know why that happens. God commands me to do something for a reason! His commands are laid out in His Word, and he gives me counsel through my fellow believers, and by speaking directly to my heart. All I need to do is all that I am asked by Him.
Today it is my prayer that I will be more like Noah. Someone that God can count on to be completely obedient. Hopefully the fate of humanity will never rest on my shoulders, on my obedience...but the lives and souls of those around me may very well be hanging in the balance.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Shamelessly Redeemed
"The lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them." (Genesis 3:21, NIV)
God made garments of skin for Adam and Eve, after their sin in the garden of Eden. After they realized they were naked, and tried to hide from God.
I've read that verse many times, and it's always just been "part of the story". But this time reading it, something was different. I wonder...how did God feel when his creation was hiding from him in shame because they were naked? And how does this apply to me?
Imagine you have a baby. A beautiful little spittin' image of yourself. And that baby begins to grow. They're walkin', talkin', and so excited every time you come into the room. And yes, sometimes they even run around naked. They're carefree. They live and they love and they don't think about consequences at all. And then one day...that baby grows up. Doesn't want to talk to you when you come home from work. Locks themselves away in their room, or runs off with their friends for hours. Doesn't laugh with you anymore anymore. Doesn't want a relationship with you anymore.
How sad that must feel. How sad for parents to have their children grow up and grow apart, and for our Heavenly Father. He desires closeness with us, and desires that we are free to live and love and laugh with Him! And then we sin, and we feel shame. We hide ourselves from God, because let's face it, we're embarrassed by our mistakes. And there's God...over there. Waiting patiently for us to come out because he doesn't look at us and see our sin. He sees US. His children, his creation. And all He wants is to restore that relationship. To remove the shame that's keeping us from running into His arms.
Instead of turning to Him, we try to help ourselves out as best we can. Maybe again because we're too embarrassed to run to our Father. We try to "fix it". We make our garments out of leaves and sticks...they aren't very comfortable. We'd rather be uncomfortable than have to look in the face of our Creator and ask for help, sometimes. It's hard to tell someone who has never wronged you, has blessed you and loved you unconditionally that you disobeyed them anyway. But He doesn't give up on us. He seeks us out, and he makes us garments of skin.
After wearing clothes made of leaves, I bet Adam and Eve were pretty happy to be wearing garments of skin. They didn't get caught on things and rip so easily, weren't so uncomfortable and scratchy. Plus, we know who made those garments, so I'd be willing to bet they were built to last. And probably beautiful, too.
When we sin there are consequences. We may not get kicked out of the Garden of Eden for our disobedience, but we have to walk down the paths we choose. God doesn't keep us from making the wrong decision. Sure, he warns us and tries to help us make the best decisions for our lives...but we don't always listen.
And then God comes looking for us. He finds us in our sin, walking in a direction we never wanted to go...and he gives us garments. He loves us, he protects us, he provides for us. Even after our disobedience. Even in our shame, in our fear.
After reading Genesis 3 today, one of the many things I feel I've learned, is that I need to be better about running to God. No, I don't want to sin. But I also don't want to let my shame keep me from restoring my relationship with my Father. Too many times in the past I've let shame rule my life. I've let shame keep me from living the life of the Redeemed. I see now that not only have we been sinning from Genesis 3, but God's been loving us, providing for us, healing us and restoring that relationship with us ever since. How He loves us!
God made garments of skin for Adam and Eve, after their sin in the garden of Eden. After they realized they were naked, and tried to hide from God.
I've read that verse many times, and it's always just been "part of the story". But this time reading it, something was different. I wonder...how did God feel when his creation was hiding from him in shame because they were naked? And how does this apply to me?
Imagine you have a baby. A beautiful little spittin' image of yourself. And that baby begins to grow. They're walkin', talkin', and so excited every time you come into the room. And yes, sometimes they even run around naked. They're carefree. They live and they love and they don't think about consequences at all. And then one day...that baby grows up. Doesn't want to talk to you when you come home from work. Locks themselves away in their room, or runs off with their friends for hours. Doesn't laugh with you anymore anymore. Doesn't want a relationship with you anymore.
How sad that must feel. How sad for parents to have their children grow up and grow apart, and for our Heavenly Father. He desires closeness with us, and desires that we are free to live and love and laugh with Him! And then we sin, and we feel shame. We hide ourselves from God, because let's face it, we're embarrassed by our mistakes. And there's God...over there. Waiting patiently for us to come out because he doesn't look at us and see our sin. He sees US. His children, his creation. And all He wants is to restore that relationship. To remove the shame that's keeping us from running into His arms.
Instead of turning to Him, we try to help ourselves out as best we can. Maybe again because we're too embarrassed to run to our Father. We try to "fix it". We make our garments out of leaves and sticks...they aren't very comfortable. We'd rather be uncomfortable than have to look in the face of our Creator and ask for help, sometimes. It's hard to tell someone who has never wronged you, has blessed you and loved you unconditionally that you disobeyed them anyway. But He doesn't give up on us. He seeks us out, and he makes us garments of skin.
After wearing clothes made of leaves, I bet Adam and Eve were pretty happy to be wearing garments of skin. They didn't get caught on things and rip so easily, weren't so uncomfortable and scratchy. Plus, we know who made those garments, so I'd be willing to bet they were built to last. And probably beautiful, too.
When we sin there are consequences. We may not get kicked out of the Garden of Eden for our disobedience, but we have to walk down the paths we choose. God doesn't keep us from making the wrong decision. Sure, he warns us and tries to help us make the best decisions for our lives...but we don't always listen.
And then God comes looking for us. He finds us in our sin, walking in a direction we never wanted to go...and he gives us garments. He loves us, he protects us, he provides for us. Even after our disobedience. Even in our shame, in our fear.
After reading Genesis 3 today, one of the many things I feel I've learned, is that I need to be better about running to God. No, I don't want to sin. But I also don't want to let my shame keep me from restoring my relationship with my Father. Too many times in the past I've let shame rule my life. I've let shame keep me from living the life of the Redeemed. I see now that not only have we been sinning from Genesis 3, but God's been loving us, providing for us, healing us and restoring that relationship with us ever since. How He loves us!
Friday, March 23, 2012
The Fellow and the Ship
Hebrews 3:12-13 (NASB) says "Take care, brethren, that there not be in
any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the
living God. But encourage one another day after day...so that none of
you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."
Often in my life I haven't made much effort to build relationships with believers in my church. I attend on Sunday, I care about them dearly, but I don't spend much time with them outside of our place of worship. Instead I've chosen to spend the majority of my time with people who aren't Christians. How then can I be around to give and receive encouragement "day after day"? It doesn't say weekly or bi-weekly here! I always thought I passed my time with people other than "believers" because I had a heart for the lost. And I do, but maybe that's not the only reason...
I think a big part of why I've spent so much time hanging out with unbelievers, is not only because we may have similar interests and get along well...If I'm being honest, I might admit that I hang out with them to hide a little bit. As people without similar beliefs, they don't know when I'm "doing wrong". They won't hold me to the same standards, so I don't worry so much about what they might think of me and my actions.
Man, just typing that makes me look...scuzzy, doesn't it? It's not something I'm proud to admit. It's not something I've ever even thought about before today. But I always felt I could survive just fine with whatever friends I wanted in my life. But that's not really the truth.
The truth is...I need the fellowship of my fellow believers. I need people in my life who will encourage me to stay the course, and to grow to maturity as a Christian. Compared to my unbelieving friends, I do seem quite mature. But then I spend ten minutes talking to a "grown up" Christian, and wonder how they know so much!
I also need to be able to be there for my Christian friends. They need my love and support as much as anybody else, don't they?
It's unfortunately easy to rationalize behaviors and lower expectations when we don't have any accountability. We will always be held accountable to God, but sometimes we do a good job of blocking out His voice. Sometimes, we need a friend who can tap us on the shoulder and bring areas for growth to our attention.
I don't want my brother or sister in Christ to fall away, just because I was too busy with "my own life" to encourage them. I don't want my heart to be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin just because I was too afraid to let people who know what's expected of the children of God to get too close to me. The very fact that they're believers should actually make me feel more safe - they are the most forgiving group of people on the planet! After all, they believe that unless they're forgiving, they themselves won't be forgiven.
I want to be a teachable person. I want to be open to the correction and teaching of God and of my "grown up" Christian peers. I need the counsel of those mature Christians "who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil." (Hebrews 5:14)
I don't need to fear the correction of God, and of those who "know more than I do". ..."for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?" (Hebrews 12:7) It's part of being in the family! And who in the family wants to sit and watch as every other kid gets their drivers license and a new car, while they're stuck at home doing the dishes? I want to grow in faith and maturity, so that God can trust me not just with the little things. I want to be a person God can count on to be responsible and obedient with the things that mean the most, and will make the most impact on this corrupt world I (temporarily) live in.
Jesus, thank you for teaching me the importance of fellowship in maturing as a Christian. Help me to be teachable, and encouraging that I may function with my brothers and sisters to see your will fulfilled.
Often in my life I haven't made much effort to build relationships with believers in my church. I attend on Sunday, I care about them dearly, but I don't spend much time with them outside of our place of worship. Instead I've chosen to spend the majority of my time with people who aren't Christians. How then can I be around to give and receive encouragement "day after day"? It doesn't say weekly or bi-weekly here! I always thought I passed my time with people other than "believers" because I had a heart for the lost. And I do, but maybe that's not the only reason...
I think a big part of why I've spent so much time hanging out with unbelievers, is not only because we may have similar interests and get along well...If I'm being honest, I might admit that I hang out with them to hide a little bit. As people without similar beliefs, they don't know when I'm "doing wrong". They won't hold me to the same standards, so I don't worry so much about what they might think of me and my actions.
Man, just typing that makes me look...scuzzy, doesn't it? It's not something I'm proud to admit. It's not something I've ever even thought about before today. But I always felt I could survive just fine with whatever friends I wanted in my life. But that's not really the truth.
The truth is...I need the fellowship of my fellow believers. I need people in my life who will encourage me to stay the course, and to grow to maturity as a Christian. Compared to my unbelieving friends, I do seem quite mature. But then I spend ten minutes talking to a "grown up" Christian, and wonder how they know so much!
I also need to be able to be there for my Christian friends. They need my love and support as much as anybody else, don't they?
It's unfortunately easy to rationalize behaviors and lower expectations when we don't have any accountability. We will always be held accountable to God, but sometimes we do a good job of blocking out His voice. Sometimes, we need a friend who can tap us on the shoulder and bring areas for growth to our attention.
I don't want my brother or sister in Christ to fall away, just because I was too busy with "my own life" to encourage them. I don't want my heart to be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin just because I was too afraid to let people who know what's expected of the children of God to get too close to me. The very fact that they're believers should actually make me feel more safe - they are the most forgiving group of people on the planet! After all, they believe that unless they're forgiving, they themselves won't be forgiven.
I want to be a teachable person. I want to be open to the correction and teaching of God and of my "grown up" Christian peers. I need the counsel of those mature Christians "who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil." (Hebrews 5:14)
I don't need to fear the correction of God, and of those who "know more than I do". ..."for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?" (Hebrews 12:7) It's part of being in the family! And who in the family wants to sit and watch as every other kid gets their drivers license and a new car, while they're stuck at home doing the dishes? I want to grow in faith and maturity, so that God can trust me not just with the little things. I want to be a person God can count on to be responsible and obedient with the things that mean the most, and will make the most impact on this corrupt world I (temporarily) live in.
Jesus, thank you for teaching me the importance of fellowship in maturing as a Christian. Help me to be teachable, and encouraging that I may function with my brothers and sisters to see your will fulfilled.
God Isn't In Church...
This isn't exactly new information, but it's something I read today that spoke volumes to my heart. God isn't in my church...or your church. Let me explain...
First, I want to take a look at a passage of scripture from (yet again) the book of Acts. Acts 17:24-25 says this:
"The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things"
I have sometimes been guilty of being a "church" snob. Thinking that maybe some types of churches had "better" encounters with God than others. Thinking that the presence of the Lord was stronger in a certain denomination than another. But, I don't think that's typically the case. The fact really is, it doesn't matter what the sign out in front of your church says. It doesn't matter if you decorate the inside in a certain way. It doesn't matter if your worship band doesn't happen to have a drum set (as much as it hurts me to admit it).
Who are we to think that God cares more about one denomination than another? That the Lord of heaven and earth would care where our church is listed in the phone book?
Now, I will say this...God might not show up to all denominations equally. He seeks a personal relationship with each of us, and if we are putting ourselves in a place that teaches against that, or has incorrect doctrine, God may very will withhold his presence. BUT, He pursues us on an individual level. He loves us as individuals, not necessarily for who we are as a "whole" with our fellow believers. That said, I believe you can be in the midst of the most pagan ritual, and because of your hunger for Him - your seeking Him, He'll show up. He rewards, and is faithful to those who diligently seek Him.
God cannot be contained in a building, a denomination or any other "box" we may try to stuff Him into. However, we need to be careful. We do need to choose our churches carefully - we need to make sure that we are being taught correctly. Too many times our decisions on where to attend church are based on where our family attends, what music we like or what the fellowship amongst the congregation is like. Not that those things aren't relevant...they're just not AS relevant. Without correct instruction, we may spend our whole lives without understanding who God really is, without understanding His love, His purpose for our lives..in some cases without even understanding salvation. How do we know which churches are theologically correct? By reading His Word, by seeking Him.
If God Himself doesn't reside in a building, then what is the point of going to church? Well, there are lots of reasons why church is important. Instruction, worship, fellowship, etc. are important. But those things occur in any church. You owe it to yourself, your family and God to make sure that your denominational decisions are firmly based in your understanding of God's Word. That's what makes the difference between a "meat and potatoes" sermon that allows the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts and transform our lives, and an awkward nap on an uncomfortable pew. We shouldn't take anyone's "word for it" regarding spiritual matters. The Lord deserves more than that. We should be taking His word as the final word.
Too many people out there are actually sinning by going to church. Not because they're going to the "wrong" one, but because they're making it an idol. They're putting their church or their pastor or their comfort zone above God. And I will admit that I have at times been guilty of that myself.
I'll post a little note that I wrote earlier about the importance of fellowship in a moment, but for right now, this is my prayer...Lord, please help me to remember that You don't show up at church because of the sign on the door...You show up to meet with me. Thank you for loving me with a love that permeates walls and boundaries, for being available to me wherever I am. Help me to obedient to You, and to honor You with my decisions...not only in where I head to on Sunday mornings, but in every aspect of my life.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
God Says "No Complaining...Just Kidding!"
(A note I wrote a while back on YouVersion...)
In Philippians 2:14-15, we have the inspired Word of God which says "Don't complain or argue about stuff...just kidding! Go ahead and complain, God doesn't care!" (Ok, that's not what it says...that's what I wish it said!)
Today I'm continuing on my mission of going through God's word with a new perspective...with the intent of truly believing, accepting and LIVING everything God says.
Not ten minutes ago I had a huge "vent session" in which I made my mom (poor thing) listen to me complain about all the things that happen at work that upset me. We said goodbye and each went about our business and I thought..."oops"! Why had I forgotten this Philippians verse before speaking? And why did I feel the need to complain anyway!?
The answer is simple...when God inspired the writing of this passage...he must have been joking! Maybe God just doesn't want me to complain about CHURCH things. If God worked where I do, he'd complain too, right? No...he wouldn't.
And I don't really think God was joking about this or any other portion of scripture. There must be some other reason why I'm a complainer...so, what is it?
In the NASB version, Philippians 2:15 says we should do everything without complaining or arguing because it "will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world".
I shouldn't be complaining in any circumstance, because the JOY of the Lord is my strength. If I'm in a close relationship with my Father, won't I see this world through His eyes? I'll look at bad situations and frustrating people, and see hope. I'll see an opportunity for God's hand to move, and people who need the transforming, saving grace of Christ. I'm called to a life of UN-Complainism (yes, that's a word I just invented), because by doing so I'm a light to those who are lost in darkness!
So why then, do I still struggle? I have to realize that if in fact my mouth speaks from the overflow of my heart (Matthew 12:34), I might not be as close to God as I'd like to think I am. I'm still growing. I'm still in the process of making Psalm 119:11 a reality in my life. I'm still seeking the Lord and reading His word...and until I know what it says, I'll always be making mistakes.
I can't know how to serve and follow God without knowing what he says about serving and following Him. That's like saying you're going to be a Justin Bieber fanatic without knowing who he is or what he sings...it doesn't make sense. Christianity isn't about a one-time prayer, or a set schedule of religious activities. It's about an ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ, and continually allowing Him access to transform our hearts and lives.
In Philippians 2:14-15, we have the inspired Word of God which says "Don't complain or argue about stuff...just kidding! Go ahead and complain, God doesn't care!" (Ok, that's not what it says...that's what I wish it said!)
Today I'm continuing on my mission of going through God's word with a new perspective...with the intent of truly believing, accepting and LIVING everything God says.
Not ten minutes ago I had a huge "vent session" in which I made my mom (poor thing) listen to me complain about all the things that happen at work that upset me. We said goodbye and each went about our business and I thought..."oops"! Why had I forgotten this Philippians verse before speaking? And why did I feel the need to complain anyway!?
The answer is simple...when God inspired the writing of this passage...he must have been joking! Maybe God just doesn't want me to complain about CHURCH things. If God worked where I do, he'd complain too, right? No...he wouldn't.
And I don't really think God was joking about this or any other portion of scripture. There must be some other reason why I'm a complainer...so, what is it?
In the NASB version, Philippians 2:15 says we should do everything without complaining or arguing because it "will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world".
I shouldn't be complaining in any circumstance, because the JOY of the Lord is my strength. If I'm in a close relationship with my Father, won't I see this world through His eyes? I'll look at bad situations and frustrating people, and see hope. I'll see an opportunity for God's hand to move, and people who need the transforming, saving grace of Christ. I'm called to a life of UN-Complainism (yes, that's a word I just invented), because by doing so I'm a light to those who are lost in darkness!
So why then, do I still struggle? I have to realize that if in fact my mouth speaks from the overflow of my heart (Matthew 12:34), I might not be as close to God as I'd like to think I am. I'm still growing. I'm still in the process of making Psalm 119:11 a reality in my life. I'm still seeking the Lord and reading His word...and until I know what it says, I'll always be making mistakes.
I can't know how to serve and follow God without knowing what he says about serving and following Him. That's like saying you're going to be a Justin Bieber fanatic without knowing who he is or what he sings...it doesn't make sense. Christianity isn't about a one-time prayer, or a set schedule of religious activities. It's about an ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ, and continually allowing Him access to transform our hearts and lives.
The Rejoicing Victims
Today I was reading along in the book of Acts when a few verses in particular caught my attention. Acts 5:40-42. The NASB says this:
"They took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ."
In this portion of scripture, the apostles were having a good time sharing about Christ with people, when they were politely asked not to continue with their teaching anymore. Ok, not so politely asked...they were flogged and ordered not to speak in the name of Jesus any longer.
The Holy Spirit used their reaction to convict me...they left "rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name", and they continued teaching and preaching. Wow. How selfish I am. I've never been flogged for my beliefs, but I'm pretty sure if it happened yesterday my reaction wouldn't have been one of rejoicing. It would've been one of ... crying and whining. There would have been a lot of "Why me, God?" and "I thought you took care of those who loved you, God!" going on.
When I got on my knees and told Jesus that I wanted to follow and serve Him, that I wanted to give Him my life, and that I trusted Him...did I actually mean it? Because it sure seems that I've not quite given my life to Him. It seems like maybe I've invited Him to participate in aspects of my life.
These verses really caused me to take a harder look at my heart than I've done in a while. It's hard to admit to myself that I'm not (yet) quite the Christian I desire to be. Of course I knew I wasn't perfect...but I hadn't realized I was such a...Sissy Christian. Such a flake! How can I say that I want to be obedient in everything God asks of me, that I want to be able to be used by Him for His purposes, if I only want to participate in things that are best for me and me alone? Or rather, that SEEM best for me!
I do want to become someone that God can trust to be obedient...someone that He can use to advance His kingdom. I desire to be someone that can be used by God in Mind-Blowing-Life-Altering ways, and yet give Him all the glory without selfishness...to have truly given myself to Him to the point of being glad of affliction I receive for serving Him, because that would mean He was big enough in me and through me to have caught some attention in the first place!
Here's the other thing...often in life I've had a rough day, a bummer week. Something "awful" has happened, and I've been occasionally guilty of turning to God in anger. Wondering where He was, and why He had left me alone between a rock and a hard place. Over and over I'm seeing (in scripture and in my own life) that sometimes that "rock" and that "hard place" aren't really what they seem to be. Sometimes that "rock" is God's hand of protection, and that "hard place" is really mercy that I'm not at all deserving of. For example, in this bit of Acts the apostles were flogged. But in Acts 5:33, a little bit earlier, we read that the Council had originally intended on killing the apostles. Because of the advice of an (ironically) wise Pharisee, they were only flogged and let go with a warning.
We may never know, when going through "tough times", what God has actually delivered us from. We may never see the "bigger picture", and be able to rejoice with understanding in who God is, and what He wants for our lives...especially if we're only giving Him part of us, and clinging onto the rest ourselves out of selfishness and fear of losing control. I'm a more fearful person than I realized. There, I admitted it...I am sometimes afraid of what giving ALL of me to God might mean for me and my earthly future. But the truth is, hanging onto a bit of control is actually more frightening. In my head I know how well God takes care of those who are faithful to Him. I know about His love, provision and protection. I know that living a life that glorifies Him may make the difference between my being killed, or only being flogged. Knowing isn't enough...and on this journey of mine, new understanding must lead to action on my part...
Lord, transform my heart. Remove this selfish desire to maintain control. I realize that in reality, I can control so little of what goes on in my life and world. Open my eyes to see who You really are...I trust You with all of my life, and I give it to you again now with all of my heart.
"They took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ."
In this portion of scripture, the apostles were having a good time sharing about Christ with people, when they were politely asked not to continue with their teaching anymore. Ok, not so politely asked...they were flogged and ordered not to speak in the name of Jesus any longer.
The Holy Spirit used their reaction to convict me...they left "rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name", and they continued teaching and preaching. Wow. How selfish I am. I've never been flogged for my beliefs, but I'm pretty sure if it happened yesterday my reaction wouldn't have been one of rejoicing. It would've been one of ... crying and whining. There would have been a lot of "Why me, God?" and "I thought you took care of those who loved you, God!" going on.
When I got on my knees and told Jesus that I wanted to follow and serve Him, that I wanted to give Him my life, and that I trusted Him...did I actually mean it? Because it sure seems that I've not quite given my life to Him. It seems like maybe I've invited Him to participate in aspects of my life.
These verses really caused me to take a harder look at my heart than I've done in a while. It's hard to admit to myself that I'm not (yet) quite the Christian I desire to be. Of course I knew I wasn't perfect...but I hadn't realized I was such a...Sissy Christian. Such a flake! How can I say that I want to be obedient in everything God asks of me, that I want to be able to be used by Him for His purposes, if I only want to participate in things that are best for me and me alone? Or rather, that SEEM best for me!
I do want to become someone that God can trust to be obedient...someone that He can use to advance His kingdom. I desire to be someone that can be used by God in Mind-Blowing-Life-Altering ways, and yet give Him all the glory without selfishness...to have truly given myself to Him to the point of being glad of affliction I receive for serving Him, because that would mean He was big enough in me and through me to have caught some attention in the first place!
Here's the other thing...often in life I've had a rough day, a bummer week. Something "awful" has happened, and I've been occasionally guilty of turning to God in anger. Wondering where He was, and why He had left me alone between a rock and a hard place. Over and over I'm seeing (in scripture and in my own life) that sometimes that "rock" and that "hard place" aren't really what they seem to be. Sometimes that "rock" is God's hand of protection, and that "hard place" is really mercy that I'm not at all deserving of. For example, in this bit of Acts the apostles were flogged. But in Acts 5:33, a little bit earlier, we read that the Council had originally intended on killing the apostles. Because of the advice of an (ironically) wise Pharisee, they were only flogged and let go with a warning.
We may never know, when going through "tough times", what God has actually delivered us from. We may never see the "bigger picture", and be able to rejoice with understanding in who God is, and what He wants for our lives...especially if we're only giving Him part of us, and clinging onto the rest ourselves out of selfishness and fear of losing control. I'm a more fearful person than I realized. There, I admitted it...I am sometimes afraid of what giving ALL of me to God might mean for me and my earthly future. But the truth is, hanging onto a bit of control is actually more frightening. In my head I know how well God takes care of those who are faithful to Him. I know about His love, provision and protection. I know that living a life that glorifies Him may make the difference between my being killed, or only being flogged. Knowing isn't enough...and on this journey of mine, new understanding must lead to action on my part...
Lord, transform my heart. Remove this selfish desire to maintain control. I realize that in reality, I can control so little of what goes on in my life and world. Open my eyes to see who You really are...I trust You with all of my life, and I give it to you again now with all of my heart.
The Purpose of Seeking
The purpose of this blog is to give me a place to chronologically record my spiritual journey. God has really been speaking to my heart over the past year, especially concerning two verses of scripture in particular:
1. Psalm 119:11
"Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I might not sin against You." (NASB)
2. Proverbs 8:17
"I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me." (NASB)
Long ago I made the decision to give my life to the Lord...but it's only more recently that I've had an increased desire to find out what that really means. I find myself wanting to know who God is more intimately, wanting to understand His ways more completely. I am no longer satisfied with simply attending church on Sunday...I want to become a Woman of God. Someone that God can trust to be obedient to Him in all things. Wow...I've got a long journey ahead of me to get to THAT place. But, its a journey that I'm looking forward to with insane amounts of anticipation.
A few months ago God spoke to me with such conviction through Psalm 119:11, that I not only woke up the next morning and purchased an expensive Bible...but had the verse engraved on it. What a simple truth it is that we cannot live according to God's word if we don't actually know what it says. Unfortunately, I think a lot of Christians have become content with letting their Sunday sermon provide them with their fill of God's word. There are about 32,000 verses in the Old and New Testament combined...if a preacher uses 5 different verses every week (and I've heard entire sermons based upon one verse or less of actual scripture), then it would take 6,400 Sundays to hear the entire Bible in church. Yeah...that's over 123 years. I don't believe in reincarnation, so if I want to be able to successfully know God's word so that I can abide by it...I better get crackin'.
The second verse, Proverbs 8:17, was also one that God really used to speak to me. Another simple, simple truth...that if I want to know who God is, I need to seek Him. Not seek good worship music, spiritual friends or the most popular church in town...I need to seek Him. I'd like to blame it on the devil and say that he has been trying to confuse me and keep me from discovering God...and I'm sure he does try....but the truth is my own selfishness has gotten in the way of a deep and more substantial relationship between me and my Creator. My own laziness has kept me looking for Him through other means (especially relying on people who seem closer to God than I am).
So, that is what has inspired this journey. Instead of reading a Devotional book (which are a great resource, I'm not knocking them), I'm going to "write" one. I'm going to devote time and energy to seeking God, and give Him an opportunity to speak into my life. And if you happened to stumble onto this blog, and are determined to read no further...at least know this: God loves you with such depth the English language can't contain it.
Well, I guess I'm a blogger now. Blog. Blogging. Ugh, how I hate that word. It sounds like a sticky puddle of goop, or how you might refer to a squashed bug. Maybe it'll grow on me.
1. Psalm 119:11
"Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I might not sin against You." (NASB)
2. Proverbs 8:17
"I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me." (NASB)
Long ago I made the decision to give my life to the Lord...but it's only more recently that I've had an increased desire to find out what that really means. I find myself wanting to know who God is more intimately, wanting to understand His ways more completely. I am no longer satisfied with simply attending church on Sunday...I want to become a Woman of God. Someone that God can trust to be obedient to Him in all things. Wow...I've got a long journey ahead of me to get to THAT place. But, its a journey that I'm looking forward to with insane amounts of anticipation.
A few months ago God spoke to me with such conviction through Psalm 119:11, that I not only woke up the next morning and purchased an expensive Bible...but had the verse engraved on it. What a simple truth it is that we cannot live according to God's word if we don't actually know what it says. Unfortunately, I think a lot of Christians have become content with letting their Sunday sermon provide them with their fill of God's word. There are about 32,000 verses in the Old and New Testament combined...if a preacher uses 5 different verses every week (and I've heard entire sermons based upon one verse or less of actual scripture), then it would take 6,400 Sundays to hear the entire Bible in church. Yeah...that's over 123 years. I don't believe in reincarnation, so if I want to be able to successfully know God's word so that I can abide by it...I better get crackin'.
The second verse, Proverbs 8:17, was also one that God really used to speak to me. Another simple, simple truth...that if I want to know who God is, I need to seek Him. Not seek good worship music, spiritual friends or the most popular church in town...I need to seek Him. I'd like to blame it on the devil and say that he has been trying to confuse me and keep me from discovering God...and I'm sure he does try....but the truth is my own selfishness has gotten in the way of a deep and more substantial relationship between me and my Creator. My own laziness has kept me looking for Him through other means (especially relying on people who seem closer to God than I am).
So, that is what has inspired this journey. Instead of reading a Devotional book (which are a great resource, I'm not knocking them), I'm going to "write" one. I'm going to devote time and energy to seeking God, and give Him an opportunity to speak into my life. And if you happened to stumble onto this blog, and are determined to read no further...at least know this: God loves you with such depth the English language can't contain it.
Well, I guess I'm a blogger now. Blog. Blogging. Ugh, how I hate that word. It sounds like a sticky puddle of goop, or how you might refer to a squashed bug. Maybe it'll grow on me.
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