Jesus is Calling ~ Most of mankind's misery stems from feeling unloved. In the midst of adverse circumstances, people tend to fell that love has been withdrawn and they have been forsaken. this feeling of abandonment is often worse than the adversity itself. Be assured that I never abandon any of My children, not even temporarily. I will never leave you or forsake you!
If that is true, and it is, then why do we feel that way? That is a good question. We can feel the misery of being unloved when we sin and we condemn ourselves for our sin ~ God doesn't. He only asks that we seek His forgiveness, repent and sin no more which is for our good not His for He is a perfect Being. Since He is, He knows that we may sin again in this fallen world and likely will. That is why, we must remind ourselves of His love! Because, as we condemn ourselves, we abandon ourselves, as we leave the presence of the Lord by walking away from his unconditional love which we think we don't deserve.
We are sinners and we know that, God knew that from the time Adam and Eve fell from paradise. Even so, He still love us, we are His creation. God's word is our salvation, for it reminds us of His love and His desire for our life though we can be caught up in everyday sin which can make us feel unloved.
The best example of everyday sin that can cause us to condemn ourselves and walk away from the love of God is through our words. We today are too quick with the tongue and we say things we regret. Or, we don't say things when we had the opportunity to lift someone else out of their darkness, we think "Glad its not me." Jesus lived for others, not for himself. This is so very difficult to do these days, but it was just as difficult in His time.
Jesus is calling ~ Watch your words diligently. Words have such great power to bless or to wound. When you speak carelessly or negatively, you damage others as well as yourself. I think even more so... yourself. This world applauds quick-witted retorts. My instructions about communication are quite different: be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. Pray... "Help me, Holy Spirit, guide me in my words with others". Most importantly, as Christians, we don't want to create a feeling of being unloved in others.
"May God who gives patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be give glory." Romans 15: 5-7
Monday, August 3, 2015
Friday, July 31, 2015
Working for God's Kingdom
As Christians in this fallen world, we work for God's kingdom. What does that mean? Firstly, it is not the kind of work most people think of... hard work, diligent work, determined work, skilled work, intelligent work... in fact, working for God's kingdom is no work at all. It is the love of God our Almighty Father and Lord Jesus Christ. Doing such work is a wonderful task...loving, and trusting in the coming of His kingdom.
There is no 'hard work' in that. Such work is easy and fun and for everyone. It does not judge and it does not count how many times or how much was spent ... Whatever, we do here on earth, in this place, we do for God and His kingdom. Not for ourselves, not for our neighbors, though it happens by working for His kingdom, we do for ourselves and our neighbors.
The kind of job you have here and now in order to pay bills and feed your family is a necessary evil in this world. How to overcome that evil? As you work, give glory to the Lord for your job. In doing so, you work for God's kingdom.
If you are working and working 'hard' for things: a high paying job, a nice house, a bigger house, a better car, fancy clothes, expensive shoes, jewelry, and even food, then you are working for this world, not His kingdom.
If you find yourself judging others by what they do or don't do according to your idea of 'hard work' then you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Not because God doesn't want you there, but because you won't want to be there seeing others around you that you think didn't work hard enough to get in.
"I tell the truth,unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3-4
What does that mean- change and become like little children... humble yourself like a child? Love The Lord God with all your heart. It means not to be self righteous in works and not to put that-your 'righteousness' above God or others. We can and Do find ourselves comparing what we do to what others do or don't do? If you do, stop and humble yourself. That means to give glory to God, the Lord Jesus Christ for all you have: for the work you have, the home you have, the money you have that allows you to provide a simple life for yourself and family. And, give thanks and praise to the Lord for other people who have what they need, a home, a job, a family.
If you find that you are struggling with that, reach out to the Lord... for those who reach out to the Father for answers to their troubles and for what they need to live here and now will be placed among the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done..."
"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."
(Psalm 139:14 ESV)
There is no 'hard work' in that. Such work is easy and fun and for everyone. It does not judge and it does not count how many times or how much was spent ... Whatever, we do here on earth, in this place, we do for God and His kingdom. Not for ourselves, not for our neighbors, though it happens by working for His kingdom, we do for ourselves and our neighbors.
The kind of job you have here and now in order to pay bills and feed your family is a necessary evil in this world. How to overcome that evil? As you work, give glory to the Lord for your job. In doing so, you work for God's kingdom.
If you are working and working 'hard' for things: a high paying job, a nice house, a bigger house, a better car, fancy clothes, expensive shoes, jewelry, and even food, then you are working for this world, not His kingdom.
If you find yourself judging others by what they do or don't do according to your idea of 'hard work' then you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Not because God doesn't want you there, but because you won't want to be there seeing others around you that you think didn't work hard enough to get in.
"I tell the truth,unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3-4
What does that mean- change and become like little children... humble yourself like a child? Love The Lord God with all your heart. It means not to be self righteous in works and not to put that-your 'righteousness' above God or others. We can and Do find ourselves comparing what we do to what others do or don't do? If you do, stop and humble yourself. That means to give glory to God, the Lord Jesus Christ for all you have: for the work you have, the home you have, the money you have that allows you to provide a simple life for yourself and family. And, give thanks and praise to the Lord for other people who have what they need, a home, a job, a family.
If you find that you are struggling with that, reach out to the Lord... for those who reach out to the Father for answers to their troubles and for what they need to live here and now will be placed among the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done..."
"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."
(Psalm 139:14 ESV)
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Hope is a Golden Cord
From time to time, I like sharing excerpts from Jesus is Calling by Sarah Young.
"Hope is a golden cord connecting you to heaven. This cord helps you hold your head up high, even when multiple trials are buffecting you. I never leave your side, I never let go of your hand. But without the cord of hope, your head may slump and your feet may shuffle as you journey uphill with ME. Hope lifts your persepctive from your weary feet to the glorious view you can see from the high road."
We must have hope in the future. What is that future? Is it a personal future where you get and have the house of your dreams, the job, the car, the boat, the clothes... No! It is a future designed by God. It is the New Jerusalem. It is the place for all futures, yours and mine.
"Hope is a golden cord connecting you to heaven. This cord helps you hold your head up high, even when multiple trials are buffecting you. I never leave your side, I never let go of your hand. But without the cord of hope, your head may slump and your feet may shuffle as you journey uphill with ME. Hope lifts your persepctive from your weary feet to the glorious view you can see from the high road."
We must have hope in the future. What is that future? Is it a personal future where you get and have the house of your dreams, the job, the car, the boat, the clothes... No! It is a future designed by God. It is the New Jerusalem. It is the place for all futures, yours and mine.
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Romans 12
Paul in Rome, a message to the Romans...
"Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning. "Don't' think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If you gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And, if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong and hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are ahppy and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And, don't think you know it all!"
We like to think that because we are modern people, or even post modern in terms of our living, our technology, our behavior that the Bible is passe... but we are just like the people of Rome. Paul brought them the good news and he keeps doing it even today as we can read in the Bible which is the word of God.
"Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning. "Don't' think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If you gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And, if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong and hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are ahppy and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And, don't think you know it all!"
We like to think that because we are modern people, or even post modern in terms of our living, our technology, our behavior that the Bible is passe... but we are just like the people of Rome. Paul brought them the good news and he keeps doing it even today as we can read in the Bible which is the word of God.
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Being Christian ~ In Service to the Lord
Being Christian doesn't give you the right to
discriminate
Please take the time to read the above article. Christians cannot call out the person as bad as that would discriminate the 'person'. Jesus said the same thing - not to judge. Right! Christians, as the author appears to understand, know that Jesus calls us to do that - call out the sin not judging the person. Christians are called to serve. The author seems to recognize that and that Christians can be against 'content of the service'. We could not serve God by disrespecting his word, there would be no service then.
The reality is that denying service based on the
service is not the same thing as denying service based on the person.
I am pretty sure that Christians know that to be true. However, the real irony is in the title of the article which clearly discriminates Christians as being intolerant because it points the 'person' the 'Christian' and not the content of the service which they argue for.
I am pretty sure that Christians know that to be true. However, the real irony is in the title of the article which clearly discriminates Christians as being intolerant because it points the 'person' the 'Christian' and not the content of the service which they argue for.
We as Christians know what we are called to do - call out the sin, forgive and repent. We ask this of ourselves and of fellow Christians so that they may be saved. We are not against people, we are for them in service to the Lord. Why can't people get this????
Friday, July 24, 2015
When We Think That Others Hurt Us ~ Did We Hurt Them Too!
We make choices and that includes behavioral choices. Sometimes, we do act without thinking. It is usually a reaction to a situation or a person. If you have been the person who acts out or the person being the target of someone's action; rethink. The person who acts out is doing that... reacting. If you have been the recipient of that, then also rethink - repent.
We do expect certain behavior from people who we have as friends and family. If they suddenly act other than the way 'you' expect and the action seems to be against you, then you should reconsider your behavior and action as it might have led to you perceiving that someone is against you and reacting in a way you never expected toward you and you especially.
Think about how you have treated that person. Do you honestly love them and show your love? Or, have you been buying their favor with gifts and money or promises that you never actually fulfill. Maybe you have pushed them to a point that they cannot understand you and your true feelings for them. Maybe you have stepped out of the bounds of God's hierarchy of social relationships.
How did you react? Did you fly off the handle about their reaction or behavior toward you? Did you make it a point to verbally recall all you have done for them or do/did.
"After all I have done for you... I just spent a ton of money on you and this is what I get".
Did you say such things in retaliation? It isn't the Christian response. Ask Why? If you expect certain things from people, then say so from the beginning of your relationship. If you don't like someone, ask yourself why? Don't pretend and hope that they will change if you spend money on them. Or that you can cover your dislike by showering gifts and cash. This is not Christian love for another person.
People will often react in ways we don't expect. this is a fallen world. Given that, no one is without sin and bad behavior. If the situation is unsolved, ask why and what you did to be the recipient of their bad behavior. It may be you were the cause. Handle the situation with love by asking God for help and words. Do not pray that such a person be removed from your life, or from the earth. I have heard people say that they prayed away someone. That is not Christian.
Pray for yourself and ask God to help you understand what you did to bring out such behavior in someone. Even if you think they over reacted, they might not think they did. Pray for that person. Ask God to intervene in their life so that they can try to understand you and your position and in that way understand themselves and their own reaction... this will lead to kind resolution.
Praise to the Lord Jesus Christ!
We do expect certain behavior from people who we have as friends and family. If they suddenly act other than the way 'you' expect and the action seems to be against you, then you should reconsider your behavior and action as it might have led to you perceiving that someone is against you and reacting in a way you never expected toward you and you especially.
Think about how you have treated that person. Do you honestly love them and show your love? Or, have you been buying their favor with gifts and money or promises that you never actually fulfill. Maybe you have pushed them to a point that they cannot understand you and your true feelings for them. Maybe you have stepped out of the bounds of God's hierarchy of social relationships.
How did you react? Did you fly off the handle about their reaction or behavior toward you? Did you make it a point to verbally recall all you have done for them or do/did.
"After all I have done for you... I just spent a ton of money on you and this is what I get".
Did you say such things in retaliation? It isn't the Christian response. Ask Why? If you expect certain things from people, then say so from the beginning of your relationship. If you don't like someone, ask yourself why? Don't pretend and hope that they will change if you spend money on them. Or that you can cover your dislike by showering gifts and cash. This is not Christian love for another person.
People will often react in ways we don't expect. this is a fallen world. Given that, no one is without sin and bad behavior. If the situation is unsolved, ask why and what you did to be the recipient of their bad behavior. It may be you were the cause. Handle the situation with love by asking God for help and words. Do not pray that such a person be removed from your life, or from the earth. I have heard people say that they prayed away someone. That is not Christian.
Pray for yourself and ask God to help you understand what you did to bring out such behavior in someone. Even if you think they over reacted, they might not think they did. Pray for that person. Ask God to intervene in their life so that they can try to understand you and your position and in that way understand themselves and their own reaction... this will lead to kind resolution.
Praise to the Lord Jesus Christ!
Do Not Lean on Your Own Understanding
All of us have the sinful tendency to lean on our own understanding of life, our purpose in life, God's purpose in creating life, and generally what is life. When we feel overburdened we look for others to understand it for us. All of this buzzing about so to speak becomes a huge task ~ work. There is no work (leaning on our own understanding or even others) we have to do in order to understand that God has a plan, and He is in control. There is nothing more to understand.
Is there anything we can do? Yes. Listen! Just as you zero in on trying to hear what you want to hear in this noisy world whether its your favorite song on the radio, the nightly news, or birds chirping outside your window, you can zero in on listening for God. There is no limit to the ways in which He can communicate with you. You just have to be listening. Maybe you will find Him in a bird's call or in a hymn or news alert.
Maybe he will use someone else to speak to you or a sign as in a billboard. Be open and listen. You can and should take time to read the Bible which is God's word and surely this is where He speaks to us all.
Is there anything we can do? Yes. Listen! Just as you zero in on trying to hear what you want to hear in this noisy world whether its your favorite song on the radio, the nightly news, or birds chirping outside your window, you can zero in on listening for God. There is no limit to the ways in which He can communicate with you. You just have to be listening. Maybe you will find Him in a bird's call or in a hymn or news alert.
Maybe he will use someone else to speak to you or a sign as in a billboard. Be open and listen. You can and should take time to read the Bible which is God's word and surely this is where He speaks to us all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)