When one is presented with an opportunity to sin--knowing the good you ought to do but not doing it (James 4:17) or whatever is not from faith (Romans 14:23)or generally going against God's Word in any way at all--he or she is given the opportunity to become more or less like Jesus Christ. If one flees from sin, he or she chooses God's way; however, if one gives into sin, he or she chooses the personal, sinful will. Each direction takes a person one step closer or one step further away from Jesus's likeness.
As sinful beings, we are continually, perpetually, and habitually offending God with our behavior or lack thereof. Opportunity after opportunity is thrown at us with open claws and gnashing teeth. Our completion in Jesus Christ is threatened by sin and darkness sneers at us, begging for us to give in. It is with extreme difficulty and the grace of God that we will be able to tear away and step into that marvelous Light that is Jesus Christ our Lord.
So what do we do when we're presented with that opportunity to give in? They sure are plentiful, if you ask me. Is it okay to be "okay" with our brokenness, shortcomings, and fruitless vessels if we claim the grace of God upon our lives? Is it right to walk in our own strength, in our own will, in our own way if we just say that God is working in us and we hope for a better tomorrow?
I don't think it is.
"THIS is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!" Psalm 118:24 (emphasis added) Is it not true that the psalmist wrote THIS is the day the Lord has made? Did he not say that THIS was the day we should rejoice and be glad in? It is very clear to me.
So does that mean we have to put on a happy face and fake joy in an attempt to obey God? Definitely not! The Bible says that Jesus was a man of sorrows who was acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53). So how did Jesus do it? He surely had quite the load to bear, a huge responsibility, and loads of opposition. When I read about His life, I read stories of triumph, victory, and power. There are hints of restlessness, sorrow, and frustration, but they are definitely not dominating. Instead, I see the characteristics of His Father, God. I see Him walking in joy, present in each moment, fully alive and ready to serve until He drops. That was Jesus. With all of the pain, the weight on His shoulders, and the responsibility to all of mankind, our Jesus walked in love, compassion, joy, and freedom. While He carried the weight of the world on His shoulders, it didn't always show. Did He always feel that way but just repress it for the sake of others? I don't know. It's not as if He ignored is frustrations, burdens, or sorrows. He clearly addressed them.
Remember the garden of Gethsemane? Jesus was utterly distraught. He sweat blood. He cried and begged God to break the original plan if there was any possible way at all. Sorrow does not rightly describe what He was feeling. It is a feeling that is far deeper than we will ever know or experience. But I think the determining factor is that Jesus did not dwell on His sorrows. He seemed to retreat on His own for a while, talk to God about what was going on in His heart and head, and He left the conversation with God. He didn't seem to take it back with Him or let it drag behind Him. It was as if when His words left His mouth, they stuck to God and stayed with Him. His words fell at the foot of God's throne, never to be with Jesus again.
Can't we do the same thing?
We will always be presented with sorrow, pain, stress, guilt, and so so so much more. We will be given opportunity after opportunity to walk joyless, fruitless lives. But in that, we counteract the very character of God. Ephesians says to "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children" and our God is a God of Joy!!!! To be joyless is to be like Satan. So even while we are continually given relentless opportunities to walk without joy because of the negativity and burdens of this world, we can choose joy when we speak to God of our frustrations and LEAVE them at the foot of His cross. It is not wrong to experience such negative feelings, but it's when we dwell upon them that we become less and less like Christ, for it was Jesus who gave up His will and all of His feelings. So instead of having an inward focus of what you are feeling and the things you must do, turn your focus upward, release your feelings to God, and leave them with Him. Then WALK in the FREEDOM of His joy!! Oftentimes, it is from our very selves that we must be released!! It is for freedom that you've been set free! As C.S. Lewis wrote, "Joy is the serious business of heaven."
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
The Unlimited Supply
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17
"God cannot fully bless you until He fully breaks you."
Everyone (EVERYONE) has something to offer to another. As vessels, we either intentionally or unintentionally purpose ourselves for good or evil and are filled with either Light or darkeness. We are full of something. As we interact with people every day in person, on the phone, on Facebook, or even through word of mouth, we're either a blessing or a discouragement. We either build people up or tear them down. We either heal or break more. We either uplift or discourage. Our every action affects the lives of the people we come in contact with whether or not we know it's happening. What exactly are we telling people with our words, actions, facial expressions, etc? Does our every movement and emotion draw our listeners and watchers to Jesus Christ or do we disallusion people to the glory, freedom, victory, and beauty that is Jesus Christ? Because our lives tell a story, whether that be through our speech or everyday emotions, we must be sure to tell His story of grace, mercy, peace, love, and justice. We must speak loudly with our lives, boldy claiming the Person of Jesus Christ. Our lives must proclaim His blood, deliverance, and redemption. Why must we drag our feet and sludge through mundane daily necessities when through these things we can speak the Truth of Jesus Christ walking in His Joy, His peace, His love, His justice, and His mercy? Psalm 23 says that when God fills, He overfills. When we intentionally go to the Filler of good things, we are only then able to give good things to the people around us. When we do not submit to the Lord, read His Word, look to Him for our complete satisfaction, and worship Him, we only give poison to the people around us. The Bible says that:
"If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:10-12
Let our thirst drive us to the Unlimited supply of Living water that is Jesus Christ and as He fills us, may we pour ourselves out and give life to the ones who are dying of thirst around us.
You are God's vessel that is full of something. Are you giving away Life or death? Are you keeping it for yourself? Let us be a people that others can write the words of Philemon 20 about: "I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ." We are of great benefit and refreshment to the lost of this world and our brothers and sisters in Christ if we are full of the One who gives Life abundantly. The people around us are clawing for God. We have in us the same Power that conquered Jesus Christ from the dead. We are the emodiment of the Living Word. We can choose to arrogantly, cowardly, or pridefully keep Him to ourselves or like Jesus Christ, allow God Him self to permiate us and radiate out of us.
"God cannot fully bless you until He fully breaks you."
Everyone (EVERYONE) has something to offer to another. As vessels, we either intentionally or unintentionally purpose ourselves for good or evil and are filled with either Light or darkeness. We are full of something. As we interact with people every day in person, on the phone, on Facebook, or even through word of mouth, we're either a blessing or a discouragement. We either build people up or tear them down. We either heal or break more. We either uplift or discourage. Our every action affects the lives of the people we come in contact with whether or not we know it's happening. What exactly are we telling people with our words, actions, facial expressions, etc? Does our every movement and emotion draw our listeners and watchers to Jesus Christ or do we disallusion people to the glory, freedom, victory, and beauty that is Jesus Christ? Because our lives tell a story, whether that be through our speech or everyday emotions, we must be sure to tell His story of grace, mercy, peace, love, and justice. We must speak loudly with our lives, boldy claiming the Person of Jesus Christ. Our lives must proclaim His blood, deliverance, and redemption. Why must we drag our feet and sludge through mundane daily necessities when through these things we can speak the Truth of Jesus Christ walking in His Joy, His peace, His love, His justice, and His mercy? Psalm 23 says that when God fills, He overfills. When we intentionally go to the Filler of good things, we are only then able to give good things to the people around us. When we do not submit to the Lord, read His Word, look to Him for our complete satisfaction, and worship Him, we only give poison to the people around us. The Bible says that:
"If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:10-12
Let our thirst drive us to the Unlimited supply of Living water that is Jesus Christ and as He fills us, may we pour ourselves out and give life to the ones who are dying of thirst around us.
You are God's vessel that is full of something. Are you giving away Life or death? Are you keeping it for yourself? Let us be a people that others can write the words of Philemon 20 about: "I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ." We are of great benefit and refreshment to the lost of this world and our brothers and sisters in Christ if we are full of the One who gives Life abundantly. The people around us are clawing for God. We have in us the same Power that conquered Jesus Christ from the dead. We are the emodiment of the Living Word. We can choose to arrogantly, cowardly, or pridefully keep Him to ourselves or like Jesus Christ, allow God Him self to permiate us and radiate out of us.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Acts 1
Luke realized that even while Jesus did immaculate, miraculous things while He was embodied as God on earth, He was not yet finished with His work. Acts 1:1
We can do nothing of ourselves. We are completely powerless until the Holy Spirit comes upon us. If we speak, write, or act upon our own initiative, our efforts will be fruitless and meaningless; however, when we speak, write, and act in obedience out of a surrendered spirit, the Holy Spirit does these things THROUGH us. A vessel's purpose is to be used as it was made for. It is only then that we'll be able to do just as Jesus called us to do. He has called us according to HIS purpose that we might glorify HIM, however, we are able to walk His calling by the Holy Spirit in us. Acts 1:8
Were Jesus's followers still upset that He was leaving? Did they not believe Him when He said there was One coming who was better than Jesus? If we truly believe what God says (ie. Cast your cares on Him), would we have still have human-like emotions? Yes? When Jesus was preparing to die on the cross, He believed that God wasn't messing around when He sent Him to die. But Jesus still showed human emotions. Is unwavering obedience what truly matters then? One can only obey in such circumstances when God is reigning in his or her spirit. Acts 1:11
How can 11 men have one mind (1:14)? How is that possible, and what would that look like? There had to ahve been a lot of sacrifice, compromise, and prayer. They must have denied what they wanted and sought to let God rein in their mortal bodies. What did they have "one mind" in? Did they have to struggle to get there or was it natural because the Holy Spirit was their unification?(VERY INTERSTING:http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G3661&cscs=Rom)
These 11 men, along with women as well, CONTINUALLY DEVOTED themselves to prayer. (Devote:http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G4342&t=KJV)The word usage is interesting here, because it says, "Continually devoting." The word continually implies the present tense into the futre tense. The word devoting is entirely a present tense word. So, with those combined, it is as if they were constantly making the choice to be devoted to prayer and they knew this was not a phase of any sort. They were committed to being always devoted to prayer.
When people are brought together by the Holy Spirit unification, they can do things they never thought possible. Peter, who couldn't stand up for Jesus Christ to a little girl, spoke boldly before a group of one hundred and twenty people.
Their method of choosing one for service is very interesting. They saw a need (1:22), picked out a few who they thought could do well to meet that need (1:23), prayed that God would show them which one He chose to take on the ministry (1:24), drew lots to see which one, and then filled the position! They didn't mess around, really. They trusted that God knew the hearts of these men and that in that, He'd pick the right one. Why don't we draw lots anymore? When did that change? We are always praying for God's will but these men simply prayed, trusted God, and let Him answer them through lots.
We can do nothing of ourselves. We are completely powerless until the Holy Spirit comes upon us. If we speak, write, or act upon our own initiative, our efforts will be fruitless and meaningless; however, when we speak, write, and act in obedience out of a surrendered spirit, the Holy Spirit does these things THROUGH us. A vessel's purpose is to be used as it was made for. It is only then that we'll be able to do just as Jesus called us to do. He has called us according to HIS purpose that we might glorify HIM, however, we are able to walk His calling by the Holy Spirit in us. Acts 1:8
Were Jesus's followers still upset that He was leaving? Did they not believe Him when He said there was One coming who was better than Jesus? If we truly believe what God says (ie. Cast your cares on Him), would we have still have human-like emotions? Yes? When Jesus was preparing to die on the cross, He believed that God wasn't messing around when He sent Him to die. But Jesus still showed human emotions. Is unwavering obedience what truly matters then? One can only obey in such circumstances when God is reigning in his or her spirit. Acts 1:11
How can 11 men have one mind (1:14)? How is that possible, and what would that look like? There had to ahve been a lot of sacrifice, compromise, and prayer. They must have denied what they wanted and sought to let God rein in their mortal bodies. What did they have "one mind" in? Did they have to struggle to get there or was it natural because the Holy Spirit was their unification?(VERY INTERSTING:http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G3661&cscs=Rom)
These 11 men, along with women as well, CONTINUALLY DEVOTED themselves to prayer. (Devote:http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G4342&t=KJV)The word usage is interesting here, because it says, "Continually devoting." The word continually implies the present tense into the futre tense. The word devoting is entirely a present tense word. So, with those combined, it is as if they were constantly making the choice to be devoted to prayer and they knew this was not a phase of any sort. They were committed to being always devoted to prayer.
When people are brought together by the Holy Spirit unification, they can do things they never thought possible. Peter, who couldn't stand up for Jesus Christ to a little girl, spoke boldly before a group of one hundred and twenty people.
Their method of choosing one for service is very interesting. They saw a need (1:22), picked out a few who they thought could do well to meet that need (1:23), prayed that God would show them which one He chose to take on the ministry (1:24), drew lots to see which one, and then filled the position! They didn't mess around, really. They trusted that God knew the hearts of these men and that in that, He'd pick the right one. Why don't we draw lots anymore? When did that change? We are always praying for God's will but these men simply prayed, trusted God, and let Him answer them through lots.
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