Ever notice how the pace of life seems to get faster every year (or day!)?
I was driving out to a client on the Dallas North Tollway last week. They have raised the speed limit on the northern part to 70. So I'm trying to drive 70 in the middle lane and people are running me off the road! There are those who run right up on my bumper, the zoom out and around to zoom back in and see how close they can come to clipping my front bumper. There are others who do the long glide around me. Then there are those who are just in other lanes zipping by. Where's the fire?!?
I was thinking about racers. There are those who are just glad to finish. You see them on the track, working their way around. They move over for the faster cars. They are just enjoying the racing experience - glad to be able to finish. Then there are those who are "in the hunt." They are the ones who seem to think they have a chance to be first. They will do anything, risk anything, break any rule they can to win. To them second place is first looser!
Life is a lot like the race. We will all get to the finish line. The question is how will you run the race.
Remember the movie Cars? There is Lightning McQueen. A rash, self-centered racer with eyes only on the finish line. He is determined to win, not giving any consideration to others (especially his pit crew). Then the life lessons - tutored by a master racer and others who are living life at a reasonable pace, caring about one another. When he gets the change to win in the 3 way tie-breaker, he pulls up short, thinking of others first. His concern for Strip "The King" Weathers over his desire to win gains him the thanks and admiration of the crowd (and Tex Dinoco). As Chick "Thunder" Hicks blows over the finish line in first, thinking he is the winner, he is boo'd off the stage for his reckless and self-centered win.
Being first does not make you the winner! Running the race with integrety and compassion makes you a winner.
Or let's take a different look. Remember Milo in "The Phantom Tollbooth", by Norton Juster (you really need to read that one)? "When he was in school he longed to be out, and when he was out he longed to be in. On the way he thought about coming home, and coming home he though about going. Wherever he was he wished he were somewhere else and when he got there he wondered why he'd bothered." Allways in a hurry to get somewhere and then wondering why the rush. It was never what he expected it to be. Sound familiar? Do you have the finish line in mind? Are you just rushing from point to point?
The end does not always justify the means. We each will answer for how we run.
So, all this to say we all have an eternal destiny. We all run the race of life. The finish line for our life here on Earth will be death. No getting around it, no avoiding it. What really matters is how you have lived. Once you cross the finish line you will be asked a couple of questions.
The Father will ask "What have you done with Jesus?"
Jesus will ask "What have you done with what I have given you?"
Your answer to the first question will determine you seating for eternity! (Smoking or non-smoking!) The second question is one to make you think and reflect.
God has given each of us a purpose, and equipped us to acomplish that purpose.
As you run the race, consider others:
John 3:16-17
Philippians 2:3
Philippians 2:1-30
Ephesians 5:21
Galatians 5:22
1 John 2:6
1 Peter 5:6
James 1:17
As you run the race, consider the goal:
Hebrews 12:1-2
1 Corinthians 9:26
How will you run? Are you Lightning or Thunder?
Let's talk about it........
Monday, February 27, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
What if God let go?
Have you ever read the newspaper, or watched TV and thought "Man, things just seem to be coming apart!" Or perhaps, "The world is sure spinning out of control!"
Well, there is a truth here! Things always hold together. The world spins in accordance with a Divine purpose and is always in God's control.
I know...it sure doesn't seem that way. That's because we really can't see the big picture.
What does God say about all this?
According to Colossians 1:15-17:
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
According to John 1:1-3:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.
According to John 10:27-30:
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
According to Romans 8:38-39:
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
We know that we have an enemy of our soul. That enemy wants us weak, distracted, unsure, self-focused, ineffective. And he is good at what he does. BUT, he is no match for the One True Creator God! I love the way Romans 8:38-39 puts it. If you examine the list of all things that can't separate us, what is the only thing not created? That would be God Himself and He chooses to send His Son to die for our sins on the cross so we can be back in ralationship with Him. Back to the way He intended in the first place.
If you want to get an idea of what the world would (and will) be like as God let's go (removes His protecting hand), just read Revelations. That is a love story about how God will go to whatever lengths are necessary to get all of those who will call on His name to do so. Then He finally says, "Enough!" Then comes judgement! His followers to the Judgement Seat of Christ (Romans 14:10, 2 Corinthians 5:10), and those who chose not to follow to the Great White Throne Judgement (and the Lake of Fire)(Revlations 20:11-15).
Today, when you hear that still, small voice, step aside from your busy (being under Satan's yoke) schedule and listen to Him. He is just waiting for you to do that!
He wants to be the one to hold you together.
He wants to be the one in control of your life.
He wants to hold you in the palm of His hand.
He is saying, "Come home sons and daughters."
Well, there is a truth here! Things always hold together. The world spins in accordance with a Divine purpose and is always in God's control.
I know...it sure doesn't seem that way. That's because we really can't see the big picture.
What does God say about all this?
According to Colossians 1:15-17:
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
According to John 1:1-3:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.
According to John 10:27-30:
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
According to Romans 8:38-39:
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
We know that we have an enemy of our soul. That enemy wants us weak, distracted, unsure, self-focused, ineffective. And he is good at what he does. BUT, he is no match for the One True Creator God! I love the way Romans 8:38-39 puts it. If you examine the list of all things that can't separate us, what is the only thing not created? That would be God Himself and He chooses to send His Son to die for our sins on the cross so we can be back in ralationship with Him. Back to the way He intended in the first place.
If you want to get an idea of what the world would (and will) be like as God let's go (removes His protecting hand), just read Revelations. That is a love story about how God will go to whatever lengths are necessary to get all of those who will call on His name to do so. Then He finally says, "Enough!" Then comes judgement! His followers to the Judgement Seat of Christ (Romans 14:10, 2 Corinthians 5:10), and those who chose not to follow to the Great White Throne Judgement (and the Lake of Fire)(Revlations 20:11-15).
Today, when you hear that still, small voice, step aside from your busy (being under Satan's yoke) schedule and listen to Him. He is just waiting for you to do that!
He wants to be the one to hold you together.
He wants to be the one in control of your life.
He wants to hold you in the palm of His hand.
He is saying, "Come home sons and daughters."
Monday, February 13, 2012
Washed in the Blood or just in the water?
I think this was the line from a Kenny Chesney song. Funny that you would get good theology or even (Gasp!) doctrine from the words of a song? Especially a country song?!?
But here is the interesting thing... that is an excellent question! What does it mean to be "Washed in the Blood?" There are acutally several songs that talk about that. It means - are you now the new creation that Jesus died to make you into? Somehow we always want to keep putting on the old man. He is so comfortable, familiar, easy to wear. BUT he is supposed to be dead! Does that make us spiritual zombies? Well here are some things the Bible says about that:
Philippians 4:13
I can do all thins through Christ who strengthens me.
Ephesians 4:22
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me
Romans 12:1-2
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 6:11
So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
And Romans 6:8, Galatians 5:24, 2 Timothy 2:11 and so many others.
Do you consider yourself dead to Sin and alive to Christ? Ask God through the Holy Spirit to show you want that really means.
Or are you just washed in the water?
Do you have the outward appearance of being alive in Christ, but there is no love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
All it takes is a look at TV news or the paper (or even a look in the mirror) to see that our society has zero self-control. The cruelty exhibited my man is astounding. Agape love not senuality. Divorce is not faithfulness. See much kindness or goodness in politics lately? We don't want to be respnosible so we point the finger ("It's this woman you gave me!") or make excuses ("The devil made me do it!").
Start with Ephesians 6:10-18 (Put on the full armor of God) and get ready for the fight.
Jesus was ready for the fight and gave the ultimate sacrifice to allow us to be in the fight.
Your assignment, should you decide to accept it, is to make God famous! Be His representative. Show the world a new you. Allow Him, through the Holy Spirit to bring about that fruit that can only come through Him.
May the Spirit be with you as you decide what you want to wash with today!
But here is the interesting thing... that is an excellent question! What does it mean to be "Washed in the Blood?" There are acutally several songs that talk about that. It means - are you now the new creation that Jesus died to make you into? Somehow we always want to keep putting on the old man. He is so comfortable, familiar, easy to wear. BUT he is supposed to be dead! Does that make us spiritual zombies? Well here are some things the Bible says about that:
Philippians 4:13
I can do all thins through Christ who strengthens me.
Ephesians 4:22
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me
Romans 12:1-2
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 6:11
So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
And Romans 6:8, Galatians 5:24, 2 Timothy 2:11 and so many others.
Do you consider yourself dead to Sin and alive to Christ? Ask God through the Holy Spirit to show you want that really means.
Or are you just washed in the water?
Do you have the outward appearance of being alive in Christ, but there is no love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
All it takes is a look at TV news or the paper (or even a look in the mirror) to see that our society has zero self-control. The cruelty exhibited my man is astounding. Agape love not senuality. Divorce is not faithfulness. See much kindness or goodness in politics lately? We don't want to be respnosible so we point the finger ("It's this woman you gave me!") or make excuses ("The devil made me do it!").
Start with Ephesians 6:10-18 (Put on the full armor of God) and get ready for the fight.
Jesus was ready for the fight and gave the ultimate sacrifice to allow us to be in the fight.
Your assignment, should you decide to accept it, is to make God famous! Be His representative. Show the world a new you. Allow Him, through the Holy Spirit to bring about that fruit that can only come through Him.
May the Spirit be with you as you decide what you want to wash with today!
Monday, February 6, 2012
I'm baaaack......
I can't believe it's been almost 2 years since I posted anything here. Once I took on the Chapel Ministries, it really took all my extra time. Funny that my last post was about killing and wasting time.
Our time in the Chapel Ministries is taking a serious shift. We are looking at where God would have us go and how He would have us serve in the coming year. The "Audience" - that would be congregaton for you church people - is quite different than when we started 2 years ago. As the needs change, we must be prepared to change in step with God's working. Somethimes that change is really daunting. "Am I hearing God right? Am I really serving Him or my own ego?" You know the questions if you have ever been there. Pray for us as we meet next week to outline the year's ministry.
This should be an interesting year. Spiritually, Politically, Personally.
I continue to pray that God will have His way with His People (both the Jewish people and the Church). As a nation, I am afraid we have slipped very far down that slippery slope - away from the original vision of our Founding Fathers. It seems the average American is only interested in his or her own - "I'm not my brother's keeper!" Well I beg to differ! Matthew 25:31 and following talks about the time when we get to answer for our lives. You should read it. Then ask "Who is hungry, who is thirsty, who is a stranger, who is naked, who is sick, who is in prision?"
Look around you (in my case it only takes a look in the mirror!). We have become a decadent, obese, selfish nation of corrupt, selfish people. We seem to have lost our way. If you listen to our leaders, do you really think they express an understanding of the wants and needs of the average person? I'm asking you to open your eyes and think rationally about this - not some emotional knee-jerk.
Lately, I hear 2 Chronicles 7:14 quoted a lot:
"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
My People, called my My name - do you call Jesus Lord and King over your life? Does He truly sit on the throne of your life?
Humble themselves - realize their true worth and position - give Kingship back to Jesus?
Pray - my laundry list or my directions for what I want God to do?
Seek My face - intentionally, seriously, even before American Idol?
Turn from their Wiked ways -change direction, heart and soul?
Do we just want the last part while we blow right by the part that is ours to do? God is waiting for us to do our part so He can do His part. What I see on the news and in daily life really makes me wonder.
Well, time to put up my soapbox and get to work. You know - the American Dream and all...
Til next time - hopefully not years.
Be blessed! Seek Him! See what He can do with a surrendered heart! Amazing!
Our time in the Chapel Ministries is taking a serious shift. We are looking at where God would have us go and how He would have us serve in the coming year. The "Audience" - that would be congregaton for you church people - is quite different than when we started 2 years ago. As the needs change, we must be prepared to change in step with God's working. Somethimes that change is really daunting. "Am I hearing God right? Am I really serving Him or my own ego?" You know the questions if you have ever been there. Pray for us as we meet next week to outline the year's ministry.
This should be an interesting year. Spiritually, Politically, Personally.
I continue to pray that God will have His way with His People (both the Jewish people and the Church). As a nation, I am afraid we have slipped very far down that slippery slope - away from the original vision of our Founding Fathers. It seems the average American is only interested in his or her own - "I'm not my brother's keeper!" Well I beg to differ! Matthew 25:31 and following talks about the time when we get to answer for our lives. You should read it. Then ask "Who is hungry, who is thirsty, who is a stranger, who is naked, who is sick, who is in prision?"
Look around you (in my case it only takes a look in the mirror!). We have become a decadent, obese, selfish nation of corrupt, selfish people. We seem to have lost our way. If you listen to our leaders, do you really think they express an understanding of the wants and needs of the average person? I'm asking you to open your eyes and think rationally about this - not some emotional knee-jerk.
Lately, I hear 2 Chronicles 7:14 quoted a lot:
"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
My People, called my My name - do you call Jesus Lord and King over your life? Does He truly sit on the throne of your life?
Humble themselves - realize their true worth and position - give Kingship back to Jesus?
Pray - my laundry list or my directions for what I want God to do?
Seek My face - intentionally, seriously, even before American Idol?
Turn from their Wiked ways -change direction, heart and soul?
Do we just want the last part while we blow right by the part that is ours to do? God is waiting for us to do our part so He can do His part. What I see on the news and in daily life really makes me wonder.
Well, time to put up my soapbox and get to work. You know - the American Dream and all...
Til next time - hopefully not years.
Be blessed! Seek Him! See what He can do with a surrendered heart! Amazing!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Killing Time - Or Just Wasting It?
In "The Phantom Tollbooth", by Norton Juster, the Watchdog, Tock, makes a profound statement to Milo, the main character. In response to Milo's answer about what he was doing, Tock replies, "Isn't it bad enough wasting time without killing it?!?"
Time, now there is a real conundrum. I was trying to think of all the sayings, cliches, etc that involve time.
This all came up as we were watching the movie "Into the Wild" about a young man who wants to throw off all encoumberances of society and live off the land in Alaska. I couldn't get over the fact that he still continued to wear his watch! Let's move to Alaska and live off the land, but we still need to keep our schedule?!? I guess I don't get it. Now I'm one of the lucky ones who can't wear a watch. They just don't seem to work when I wear them. I've had digital, wind up, and battery powered analog. They seem to loose time, run intermittently or just stop all together. I guess I am a negative polarity person (maybe from a parallel dimension where the poles are reversed? - wait I saw that on the Twilight Zone).
So, what is our fasination with time? I think it is really because God put eternity in our hearts, but we see our mortality staring us in the face every day. (Ecc 3:11)
In our society, we are fixated on time. Have you ever noticed. You see it on your arm, bank signs, your car dashboard, your phone, why you can even call a phone number and get it if you can't find it any other place!
How do you spend your time. Is it some commodity? You know, we each start the day with the same amount of it! Talk about a true level playing field? Do you invest your time? Maybe in your work? How about in your family? I spend too much of it watching TV. How about you? Do you spend time cultivating relationships? Do you spend it speaking with your Creator? How about studying His Word? Now that's an investment with some real eternal returns!
Now here is a good questions. Why do we drive to the gym so we can workout? Are we saving time by driving there? Why not just run there and get the extra benefit of the exercise? Do we have our lives so scheduled and compartmentalized that we have to schedule our leisure time as well? God commanded us to take a sabbath. Did you ever stop to thing what that means? (Exo 20:9) God knew we would burn out if we didn't stop to catch our breath. We need time to rest, reflect, rejuvenate, be with Him. Good plan God! Too bad we just don't have the time!
Maybe you just need a time out? Does that stop time so we can continue when time starts back up? Or do you just need a minute? I can give you one of mine. Maybe that's what we should do! If you see someone struggling because they don't have enough time, give them some of yours. It's called service! Are you a servant?
Perhaps you would be a servant if it was the right time, but you see this is just the wrong time, I'm out of time, in a real time curnch. What about that sabbath? Did you forget? Do you need to put that on your calendar with a reminder? I do! Or is this just not a good time to help. You know, bad timing and all. I'll help when I have some spare time. Don't wait too long. Time, and tide wait for no one!
Now here is a confession. I started this blog on February 18. Here it is March 5. What with the phone ringing, emails to answer, facebook to post, cruises to go on, errands to run, meals to cook and eat, etc., things just never get done in a timely fashion. I was reading in James this morning. Talk about God's timing!
From Eugene Peterson's The Message:
James 4:13 And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, "Today -- at the latest, tomorrow -- we're off to such and such a city for the year. We're going to start a business and make a lot of money."
14 You don't know the first thing about tomorrow. You're nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing.
15 Instead, make it a habit to say, "If the Master wills it and we're still alive, we'll do this or that."
16 As it is, you are full of your grandiose selves. All such vaunting self-importance is evil.
17 In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don't do it, that, for you, is evil.
So, will you ask God how you should spend your time, that gift from Him, today? I think I will. Maybe if I keep in touch with Him, it won't be 3 weeks before you hear from me again. Then again....
Blessings until we meet again. God be with you!
Time, now there is a real conundrum. I was trying to think of all the sayings, cliches, etc that involve time.
This all came up as we were watching the movie "Into the Wild" about a young man who wants to throw off all encoumberances of society and live off the land in Alaska. I couldn't get over the fact that he still continued to wear his watch! Let's move to Alaska and live off the land, but we still need to keep our schedule?!? I guess I don't get it. Now I'm one of the lucky ones who can't wear a watch. They just don't seem to work when I wear them. I've had digital, wind up, and battery powered analog. They seem to loose time, run intermittently or just stop all together. I guess I am a negative polarity person (maybe from a parallel dimension where the poles are reversed? - wait I saw that on the Twilight Zone).
So, what is our fasination with time? I think it is really because God put eternity in our hearts, but we see our mortality staring us in the face every day. (Ecc 3:11)
In our society, we are fixated on time. Have you ever noticed. You see it on your arm, bank signs, your car dashboard, your phone, why you can even call a phone number and get it if you can't find it any other place!
How do you spend your time. Is it some commodity? You know, we each start the day with the same amount of it! Talk about a true level playing field? Do you invest your time? Maybe in your work? How about in your family? I spend too much of it watching TV. How about you? Do you spend time cultivating relationships? Do you spend it speaking with your Creator? How about studying His Word? Now that's an investment with some real eternal returns!
Now here is a good questions. Why do we drive to the gym so we can workout? Are we saving time by driving there? Why not just run there and get the extra benefit of the exercise? Do we have our lives so scheduled and compartmentalized that we have to schedule our leisure time as well? God commanded us to take a sabbath. Did you ever stop to thing what that means? (Exo 20:9) God knew we would burn out if we didn't stop to catch our breath. We need time to rest, reflect, rejuvenate, be with Him. Good plan God! Too bad we just don't have the time!
Maybe you just need a time out? Does that stop time so we can continue when time starts back up? Or do you just need a minute? I can give you one of mine. Maybe that's what we should do! If you see someone struggling because they don't have enough time, give them some of yours. It's called service! Are you a servant?
Perhaps you would be a servant if it was the right time, but you see this is just the wrong time, I'm out of time, in a real time curnch. What about that sabbath? Did you forget? Do you need to put that on your calendar with a reminder? I do! Or is this just not a good time to help. You know, bad timing and all. I'll help when I have some spare time. Don't wait too long. Time, and tide wait for no one!
Now here is a confession. I started this blog on February 18. Here it is March 5. What with the phone ringing, emails to answer, facebook to post, cruises to go on, errands to run, meals to cook and eat, etc., things just never get done in a timely fashion. I was reading in James this morning. Talk about God's timing!
From Eugene Peterson's The Message:
James 4:13 And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, "Today -- at the latest, tomorrow -- we're off to such and such a city for the year. We're going to start a business and make a lot of money."
14 You don't know the first thing about tomorrow. You're nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing.
15 Instead, make it a habit to say, "If the Master wills it and we're still alive, we'll do this or that."
16 As it is, you are full of your grandiose selves. All such vaunting self-importance is evil.
17 In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don't do it, that, for you, is evil.
So, will you ask God how you should spend your time, that gift from Him, today? I think I will. Maybe if I keep in touch with Him, it won't be 3 weeks before you hear from me again. Then again....
Blessings until we meet again. God be with you!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Revelations, A Love Story (just in time for Valentine's Day)
Well, did that title get your attention? Sure got mine! Valentine's Day is fast approaching and the marketing geniuses are telling us it is time to show our love to that special someone. If you haven't been doing it all along, what makes you think it is real this time!?!
Did you ever stop to think that love is not something we show, but is rather the natural result of who we are? Love is not something we can "muster up" or "rustle up" or "pull off the shelf." If it's not there all the time, it's just a vague shadow of the real thing. Love comes from understanding who we are, and who's we are. If we are left to our nature, we share only out of our excess, our abundance - and then only when we can't think of how we might need that in the future. After all, "God helps those who help themselves," right? WRONG! Show me where the Bible says that! It clearly states that God helps and provides for those who "Think as with sound judgement" (Rom 12:3). If you want to see what love really looks like just look to the cross. Jesus set aside His own (authority, power, agenda, you name it) and put our (broken nature, destination, punishment) before His. He was the epitimy of love. Look at 1Cor 13 to see how Paul describes love.
So, Revelations? Really? Surely you jest?!
Not at all. When you consider our natural condition (sinful to the core if left to our own devices - lustful, greedy, self centered, self serving, selfish, harsh, judgemental, jealous, angry, and on and on....you know, putting us first), you see that the only real love we have is for ourselves. I'm sure many would take issue with this, "I do good things, I help others, etc". But are they what you do, or who you are?
Now God, being who He is (that's like a flea trying to explain the St. Bernard he is riding on!) according to 1Jo 4:16, is love. Notice not loves us, or shows His love for us - those are used many other places, but IS LOVE. Ask Him to really show you what that means. You will be astounded! Here are a few to check out:
Zep 3:17
Rom 8:39
John 3:16
1 Cor 2:9
1 Jo 4:7
1 Jo 4:8
1 Jo 4:10
1 Jo 4:12
OK, so go read 1 John, especially chapter 4!
But, Revelations? No Way!
Have you every read Revelations? Not study Eschatology (end times), or trying to figure out the Rapture, Pre-Trib, Mid-Trib, Post-Trib, blah, blah, blah! Just pray, "Father, open my eyes." Then read it? This is the story of the extent God will go to get your attention. This is the story of how much He wants all of us to be in Heaven with Him. This is the story of our choice - Law or Grace? Remember? This is a warning of what the end result of Law will be (Judgement - OUCH!). This is the story of what we really deserve, but have been saved and redeemed from at the cross. This is the story of where putting ourselves on the throne of our lives will lead. This is the story of the justice we demand all the time - Thank you Father, that you don't give me what I deserve! You give me Grace upon Grace! All Praise be to You!
Most of all, this is the story of the end of the curse. The curse from back in Genesis 3, when we (yes, we!) were kicked out of the Garden. Well, God is welcoming us (yes, us!) back. It is the story of the fulfillment of the hope we have in Christ. It is the story of getting a glimpse of eternity with Him, and our Big Brother, Jesus. It is the story of the end of suffering, pain, tears, loneliness, dispair. It is the story of life as God intended it for us. Now there is a true love story.
I wait with bated breath! Amen, Come Lord Jesus!
Did you ever stop to think that love is not something we show, but is rather the natural result of who we are? Love is not something we can "muster up" or "rustle up" or "pull off the shelf." If it's not there all the time, it's just a vague shadow of the real thing. Love comes from understanding who we are, and who's we are. If we are left to our nature, we share only out of our excess, our abundance - and then only when we can't think of how we might need that in the future. After all, "God helps those who help themselves," right? WRONG! Show me where the Bible says that! It clearly states that God helps and provides for those who "Think as with sound judgement" (Rom 12:3). If you want to see what love really looks like just look to the cross. Jesus set aside His own (authority, power, agenda, you name it) and put our (broken nature, destination, punishment) before His. He was the epitimy of love. Look at 1Cor 13 to see how Paul describes love.
So, Revelations? Really? Surely you jest?!
Not at all. When you consider our natural condition (sinful to the core if left to our own devices - lustful, greedy, self centered, self serving, selfish, harsh, judgemental, jealous, angry, and on and on....you know, putting us first), you see that the only real love we have is for ourselves. I'm sure many would take issue with this, "I do good things, I help others, etc". But are they what you do, or who you are?
Now God, being who He is (that's like a flea trying to explain the St. Bernard he is riding on!) according to 1Jo 4:16, is love. Notice not loves us, or shows His love for us - those are used many other places, but IS LOVE. Ask Him to really show you what that means. You will be astounded! Here are a few to check out:
Zep 3:17
Rom 8:39
John 3:16
1 Cor 2:9
1 Jo 4:7
1 Jo 4:8
1 Jo 4:10
1 Jo 4:12
OK, so go read 1 John, especially chapter 4!
But, Revelations? No Way!
Have you every read Revelations? Not study Eschatology (end times), or trying to figure out the Rapture, Pre-Trib, Mid-Trib, Post-Trib, blah, blah, blah! Just pray, "Father, open my eyes." Then read it? This is the story of the extent God will go to get your attention. This is the story of how much He wants all of us to be in Heaven with Him. This is the story of our choice - Law or Grace? Remember? This is a warning of what the end result of Law will be (Judgement - OUCH!). This is the story of what we really deserve, but have been saved and redeemed from at the cross. This is the story of where putting ourselves on the throne of our lives will lead. This is the story of the justice we demand all the time - Thank you Father, that you don't give me what I deserve! You give me Grace upon Grace! All Praise be to You!
Most of all, this is the story of the end of the curse. The curse from back in Genesis 3, when we (yes, we!) were kicked out of the Garden. Well, God is welcoming us (yes, us!) back. It is the story of the fulfillment of the hope we have in Christ. It is the story of getting a glimpse of eternity with Him, and our Big Brother, Jesus. It is the story of the end of suffering, pain, tears, loneliness, dispair. It is the story of life as God intended it for us. Now there is a true love story.
I wait with bated breath! Amen, Come Lord Jesus!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Under Law OR Under Grace
I've been in Galations for my quiet time lately. I was struck by an interesting thought. You have to choose - will you be under the Law OR under Grace? You can't be both. This may seem like old hat to some of you, but revisit it if that is the case. Let me explain.
It's interesting that you can read something in the Bible and it is like it is the first time you have seen that! (Heb 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.") Thank you LORD for your abiding word that opens our eyes to see in new and different ways!
Paul talks about the prepatory nature of the Law. It was given to show us the way to the Truth. Truth of how to act, how to think, how to worship, how to give, how to serve, how to love. God's design is to have the Law written on our hearts - internalized - not a set of rules, but a way or thought and life. (Jer 31:33 "I will put My law within them, and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.") As spiritual children, the Law was our tutor - pointing us in the correct direction.
Paul talks about our liberty. (Free will - ever heard of that?) Have you ever really realized that you have absolute liberty in Christ? Liberty to be what God created you to be! Liberty to live differently in the world! Liberty to NOT sin! Liberty to forgive yourself when you fail! Liberty to get up and try again, and again, and again! But he also warns that liberty came with a great cost. Praise to Jesus for paying that cost at Calvary!
So, if we choose Grace, we are no longer under Law. What! Blasphemy? Heresy? No - Truth. Look at Gal 3: 10-14 and Gal 5: 1 - 6. If you live by Law you are cursed, because you can't fulfill the Law. It doesn't matter how good you are, how much to do, how much you give - you still fall short. (I think I've heard that before. Rom 3:23) Christ came to fulfull - complete - pay full penalty (propitiation) under the Law. Now you have Grace! The ability to actually have the Law written on your heart. The ability to have that new nature which is not under compulsion to abide by the law, but under heartfelt desire to live righteously - because it is natural!
Every time you go back to trying to obey the rules, you step out from under Grace and back under Law. Confusing? You bet! OK, lets boil it down - are you controled by the flesh or the Spirit? Now I know how a yo-yo feels, right? Christ tells us to stop trying to obey the law and allow Him, by the Holy Spirit, to change our nature so that how we act is a product of who we have become. You know, you obey the law without even thinking or realizing it, it's just who you are.
Look at your life. What do you see, no I mean really, in your heart of hearts.
Are any of these the fruit of your efforts - immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmites, strife, jeolousy, outbursts of anger, dusputes, dissensions, factions, envyings, drunkenness, carousings? These are the fruit of the flesh. This is the result of our old nature trying to live under Law.
Are any of these the fruit of your efforts - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. These are the fruit of the Spirit. This is the result of our new nature living under Grace.
Remember the part about having liberty to forgive yourself and try again. Steve Brown from Key Life says something like this - I'm better than I was yesterday, by the Grace of God. Can you say that?
So, this week, as you drive, as you work, as you interact, as you live, look inside and out. What fruit are you seeing in yourself and those around you. My prayer is that you (and God) like what you see. If not, are you willing to do something about it?
It's interesting that you can read something in the Bible and it is like it is the first time you have seen that! (Heb 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.") Thank you LORD for your abiding word that opens our eyes to see in new and different ways!
Paul talks about the prepatory nature of the Law. It was given to show us the way to the Truth. Truth of how to act, how to think, how to worship, how to give, how to serve, how to love. God's design is to have the Law written on our hearts - internalized - not a set of rules, but a way or thought and life. (Jer 31:33 "I will put My law within them, and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.") As spiritual children, the Law was our tutor - pointing us in the correct direction.
Paul talks about our liberty. (Free will - ever heard of that?) Have you ever really realized that you have absolute liberty in Christ? Liberty to be what God created you to be! Liberty to live differently in the world! Liberty to NOT sin! Liberty to forgive yourself when you fail! Liberty to get up and try again, and again, and again! But he also warns that liberty came with a great cost. Praise to Jesus for paying that cost at Calvary!
So, if we choose Grace, we are no longer under Law. What! Blasphemy? Heresy? No - Truth. Look at Gal 3: 10-14 and Gal 5: 1 - 6. If you live by Law you are cursed, because you can't fulfill the Law. It doesn't matter how good you are, how much to do, how much you give - you still fall short. (I think I've heard that before. Rom 3:23) Christ came to fulfull - complete - pay full penalty (propitiation) under the Law. Now you have Grace! The ability to actually have the Law written on your heart. The ability to have that new nature which is not under compulsion to abide by the law, but under heartfelt desire to live righteously - because it is natural!
Every time you go back to trying to obey the rules, you step out from under Grace and back under Law. Confusing? You bet! OK, lets boil it down - are you controled by the flesh or the Spirit? Now I know how a yo-yo feels, right? Christ tells us to stop trying to obey the law and allow Him, by the Holy Spirit, to change our nature so that how we act is a product of who we have become. You know, you obey the law without even thinking or realizing it, it's just who you are.
Look at your life. What do you see, no I mean really, in your heart of hearts.
Are any of these the fruit of your efforts - immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmites, strife, jeolousy, outbursts of anger, dusputes, dissensions, factions, envyings, drunkenness, carousings? These are the fruit of the flesh. This is the result of our old nature trying to live under Law.
Are any of these the fruit of your efforts - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. These are the fruit of the Spirit. This is the result of our new nature living under Grace.
Remember the part about having liberty to forgive yourself and try again. Steve Brown from Key Life says something like this - I'm better than I was yesterday, by the Grace of God. Can you say that?
So, this week, as you drive, as you work, as you interact, as you live, look inside and out. What fruit are you seeing in yourself and those around you. My prayer is that you (and God) like what you see. If not, are you willing to do something about it?
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