I want to be a person of depth, giving my energies to things that are packed with meaning and/or purpose. Everyday I am confronted with the temptation to live on the surface of life, doing the minimum things necessary to keep the gears turning, 'killing time' by avoiding involvement with issues demanding effort or commitment on my part. But God calls me to a deeper life! The life He asks me to live is engaged in the work of the Kingdom, takes seriously His call to be a disciple, and is laser focused on knowing Jesus and making Him known.
Gordon MacDonald, pastor and author, tells of going to a convalescent home to visit his grandfather who was well advanced in age. Time had dulled the once keen edge of the old man's mind. He did not know where he was, what year it was, or even who many members of his family were, including Gordon. After attempting conversations with his grandfather, a faithful Christian through the years, Gordon prepared to leave and asked if he might pray with his grandfather, who readily agreed. Then, the old man asked to pray and a change came over his person. He prayed a prayer that called on God to bless those around him, a prayer that included Bible references, that was clear and focused. Then, he prayed for the man in front of him, "Lord, bless," and paused to ask, "who are you?" "I"m your grandson, Gordon." "Oh, yes, Lord bless Gordon..." When age and a failing mind had stripped nearly everything of value from this saint, including awareness of his own grandson's identity, what was at the depth of his being was revealed. He was, more than anything else, one who loved and knew God! (As told in The Life God Blesses)
All around me I see men and women living superficially. Their minds are "full" of vapidity; TV trivia, sports facts, or fashion news. They measure their worth by their attractiveness, their wealth, their physical agility, their IQ, their house, their car... anything but the things of God, for their true love is Self. "Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth." (Philippians 3:19, NLT) Day after day is wasted on things with no real spiritual purpose. They are living ghosts flitting through this world with empty souls. They cling to the illusion of eternal youth and why not? If a person is without depth of soul, aging is a terrible curse that slowly erodes his ability to enjoy earthly pleasures. Even many who claim to be Believers are caught up in a life of superficiality, praying shallow 'bless me' prayers endlessly, demanding that God give them lives of ease, that He leave them untroubled by the suffering of others who are held slaves to sin. In the reverse of what Jesus taught, they 'seek to served, not to serve!' Such Believers, someone has said, "play at their worship, and worship their play."
Jesus pointedly asks - "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?" (Matthew 16:24-26, NLT)
Whether you are 14, 40, or 74 - pursue God! Stop dabbling at this and that, passing the time in diversions. Get alone with God and find out what His will is for you and embrace it. Yes, it will demand effort. It will cost you your freedom to spend yourself on what you want. You will no longer be able to lay claim to ownership of yourself. He is Master of all, or not at all! And you will gain a life of purpose, one that pleases God- now and eternally. That's heavy stuff!
Here is a word from the Word -
"Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it. . . . There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I’ve warned you of them many times; sadly, I’m having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ’s Cross.
But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.
But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him."
(Philippians 3:16-21, The Message)
______________________
Be Thou my vision
Oh, Lord, of my heart.
All else be naught to me
save that Thou art,
Be my best thought
by day and by night,
waking or sleeping,
Thy Presence,
my Light.
Amen
Friday, April 20, 2007
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Oaks of Righteousness
The heavy slabs of concrete in the sidewalk tilted at an angle. They were displaced, not by heavy machinery, but by years of steady growth of a tree, that exerted amazing force steadily, nearly invisibly. Through icy winters and hot summers, through years of too much rain and years of drought, the oak at the side of my house has grown, now towering over our home, offering shade, a living thing that will outlive me! Growing up in Iowa, many of the farm houses that dotted the vast flat plains were surrounded by small stands of trees, purposefully planted as windbreaks. Playing among the tall trees in our 'grove,' I never gave much thought to the value and beauty of the trees someone had taken time to plant, not for their enjoyment, but to benefit the next generation.
In the book of Isaiah we read, The Lord will "provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor." (61:3, NIV) The metaphor is hard for many of us to grasp. Everything around is fast. "Wait" is a despised word. We want quick solutions and instant answers. We hate to wait for anything - from the inconsequential momentary delay at the check-out counter; to the process of healing in our body. So, the idea of being an 'oak of righteousness' is nearly unfathomable. But, the work of God in us, as well as around us in our world, is often a slow process.
The Bible says that those who trust God will be known for the beauty they create, the steadiness their presence brings to the world. His Spirit exerts a powerful force in us, that over time, replaces our sinful and selfish nature with the character of Jesus Christ. If we cooperate with Him, He gives us a strength that is quite aptly illustrated by the tall oak tree that stands through storm after storm! But we must be willing to patiently wait on the Lord. "I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord." (Psalm 27:13-14, NLT)
John, the disciple of Jesus who lived through the first decades of the growth of Christianity, as an old, old man had been through many trials and triumphs. Roman authorities were determined to silence him and when he was advanced in age, probably near 90 years old, they banished him to a tiny island prison called Patmos. He wrote from that place calling on those who were following Jesus to exercise 'patient endurance!' "Wait it out, don't give up, give in, or look for quick solutions." was his advice.
Make it your desire to be an "oak of righteousness." Pray that the Spirit of God will keep you rooted in Christ, growing steadily, unwavering in your commitment.
Those who "Delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night. . . .
are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither, and
they prosper in all they do." (Psalm 1:2-3, NLT)
Amen.
In the book of Isaiah we read, The Lord will "provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor." (61:3, NIV) The metaphor is hard for many of us to grasp. Everything around is fast. "Wait" is a despised word. We want quick solutions and instant answers. We hate to wait for anything - from the inconsequential momentary delay at the check-out counter; to the process of healing in our body. So, the idea of being an 'oak of righteousness' is nearly unfathomable. But, the work of God in us, as well as around us in our world, is often a slow process.
The Bible says that those who trust God will be known for the beauty they create, the steadiness their presence brings to the world. His Spirit exerts a powerful force in us, that over time, replaces our sinful and selfish nature with the character of Jesus Christ. If we cooperate with Him, He gives us a strength that is quite aptly illustrated by the tall oak tree that stands through storm after storm! But we must be willing to patiently wait on the Lord. "I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord." (Psalm 27:13-14, NLT)
John, the disciple of Jesus who lived through the first decades of the growth of Christianity, as an old, old man had been through many trials and triumphs. Roman authorities were determined to silence him and when he was advanced in age, probably near 90 years old, they banished him to a tiny island prison called Patmos. He wrote from that place calling on those who were following Jesus to exercise 'patient endurance!' "Wait it out, don't give up, give in, or look for quick solutions." was his advice.
Make it your desire to be an "oak of righteousness." Pray that the Spirit of God will keep you rooted in Christ, growing steadily, unwavering in your commitment.
Those who "Delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night. . . .
are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither, and
they prosper in all they do." (Psalm 1:2-3, NLT)
Amen.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Ordinary People, Extraordinarily Empowered
Ordinary people, extraordinarily empowered
While I watched the story from Virginia Tech unfold, learning of the death of 32 students and instructors, suddenly all the disappointment in people that I've dealt with for the past couple of weeks seemed to fall on me like a big rock, crushing my heart with sorrow. With my head bowed, I felt the tears spill over into my hands - not just a couple of tears sliding down my cheeks, but more like a rainstorm! My tears did not flow out of despair, but were language of prayer, my spirit reaching out to the Spirit. Gradually, they gave way to words. In that moment, a fragment of the ancient Lord's Prayer became my prayer - "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven." I prayed that for a few moments, repeating the words, remaining still, waiting on the Lord.
Breathe that prayer with me. "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven."
That prayer reassures and renews me in two ways. The first is that Jesus will, on the day ordained by the will of the Father, step over the threshold of Heaven and defeat evil, ruling with justice for all! What a day that will be for those who have lived in hope and obedience. The second way I understand that prayer is that right now, though I live in a world marred by rebellion, hatred, and selfishness, I can live in the Presence of the King and under the influence of His reign. "Your Kingdom come.... in my heart and life."
The book of the Acts of the Apostles is a history of the first three decades of the Church, the story of ordinary people who were extraordinarily empowered! Without a national office to coordinate their efforts, funds on reserve in the bank, an advertising budget, or a counseling office - ordinary men and women took up the challenge to change the world with a message entrusted to them by their Risen Lord. Their efforts seemed laughable. What could a few dozen followers of Jesus do to transform a world full of cruelty and desperation? Nothing in themselves! But they had a secret - the power of the Holy Spirit that sustained and led them just as Jesus had promised when He said, "you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8, NLT)
They received the Kingdom and were consumed by a passion to take the Message to others that they, too, could live under God's rule, a kingdom not sustained with threats of death and punishment, but one that offered love, hope, joy, and ultimately - eternal life with God! The blood of those messengers was often spilled, but they continued in their mission. Deprivation and disappointment stalked them, but it was of little consequence. They were not supermen, and they had to deal with conflict, false starts, and wrong choices. But, they were empowered, not by a fleeting experience of momentary religious rhapsody, but by a divinely given vision of a whole new way to live 'in the Kingdom' even as they lived here on earth. Their hearts were all ready in Heaven, even while their hands did the work of God in this world! Stephen, the martyr, is an example of the way that they lived. At his trial, he preached an amazing sermon that was not filled with pleas for his life. It was a fearless proclamation of the Truth of Christ, that infuriated the council hearing his case. "At that point they went wild, a rioting mob of catcalls and whistles and invective. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, hardly noticed—he only had eyes for God, whom he saw in all his glory with Jesus standing at his side. He said, "Oh! I see heaven wide open and the Son of Man standing at God’s side!" (Acts 7:54-56, The Message)
Stephen's experience of Spirit empowering was not unique. Luke tells us "They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak God’s Word with fearless confidence. " (Acts 4:31, The Message)
So, in a world where evil tries to work destruction, where guns are fired by hatred, where words become weapons, where love is rejected - I pray a simple prayer, that is powerfully transforming - "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven." I pray that my vision will be filled with God, that I will see His glory, and go out to serve, to love, to change my generation with the Message of the Kingdom. Let's roll!
______________________
Father of creation,
Unfold Your sov'reign plan.
Raise up a chosen generation
That will march through the land.
All of creation is longing
For Your unveiling of pow'r.
Would You release Your anointing?
Oh God, let this be the hour.
Ruler of the nations,
The world has yet to see
The full release of Your promise,
The church in victory.
Turn to us, Lord, and touch us;
Make us strong in Your might.
Overcome our weakness,
That we could stand up and fight.
Let Your kingdom come,
Let Your will be done.
Let us see on earth,
The glory of Your Son.
Let Your glory fall
In this room.
Let it go forth from here
To the nations.
Let Your fragrance rest
In this place,
As we gather to seek Your face.
Let Your Glory Fall- Ruis, David
© 1993 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Music Services)
CCLI License No. 810055
While I watched the story from Virginia Tech unfold, learning of the death of 32 students and instructors, suddenly all the disappointment in people that I've dealt with for the past couple of weeks seemed to fall on me like a big rock, crushing my heart with sorrow. With my head bowed, I felt the tears spill over into my hands - not just a couple of tears sliding down my cheeks, but more like a rainstorm! My tears did not flow out of despair, but were language of prayer, my spirit reaching out to the Spirit. Gradually, they gave way to words. In that moment, a fragment of the ancient Lord's Prayer became my prayer - "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven." I prayed that for a few moments, repeating the words, remaining still, waiting on the Lord.
Breathe that prayer with me. "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven."
That prayer reassures and renews me in two ways. The first is that Jesus will, on the day ordained by the will of the Father, step over the threshold of Heaven and defeat evil, ruling with justice for all! What a day that will be for those who have lived in hope and obedience. The second way I understand that prayer is that right now, though I live in a world marred by rebellion, hatred, and selfishness, I can live in the Presence of the King and under the influence of His reign. "Your Kingdom come.... in my heart and life."
The book of the Acts of the Apostles is a history of the first three decades of the Church, the story of ordinary people who were extraordinarily empowered! Without a national office to coordinate their efforts, funds on reserve in the bank, an advertising budget, or a counseling office - ordinary men and women took up the challenge to change the world with a message entrusted to them by their Risen Lord. Their efforts seemed laughable. What could a few dozen followers of Jesus do to transform a world full of cruelty and desperation? Nothing in themselves! But they had a secret - the power of the Holy Spirit that sustained and led them just as Jesus had promised when He said, "you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8, NLT)
They received the Kingdom and were consumed by a passion to take the Message to others that they, too, could live under God's rule, a kingdom not sustained with threats of death and punishment, but one that offered love, hope, joy, and ultimately - eternal life with God! The blood of those messengers was often spilled, but they continued in their mission. Deprivation and disappointment stalked them, but it was of little consequence. They were not supermen, and they had to deal with conflict, false starts, and wrong choices. But, they were empowered, not by a fleeting experience of momentary religious rhapsody, but by a divinely given vision of a whole new way to live 'in the Kingdom' even as they lived here on earth. Their hearts were all ready in Heaven, even while their hands did the work of God in this world! Stephen, the martyr, is an example of the way that they lived. At his trial, he preached an amazing sermon that was not filled with pleas for his life. It was a fearless proclamation of the Truth of Christ, that infuriated the council hearing his case. "At that point they went wild, a rioting mob of catcalls and whistles and invective. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, hardly noticed—he only had eyes for God, whom he saw in all his glory with Jesus standing at his side. He said, "Oh! I see heaven wide open and the Son of Man standing at God’s side!" (Acts 7:54-56, The Message)
Stephen's experience of Spirit empowering was not unique. Luke tells us "They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak God’s Word with fearless confidence. " (Acts 4:31, The Message)
So, in a world where evil tries to work destruction, where guns are fired by hatred, where words become weapons, where love is rejected - I pray a simple prayer, that is powerfully transforming - "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven." I pray that my vision will be filled with God, that I will see His glory, and go out to serve, to love, to change my generation with the Message of the Kingdom. Let's roll!
______________________
Father of creation,
Unfold Your sov'reign plan.
Raise up a chosen generation
That will march through the land.
All of creation is longing
For Your unveiling of pow'r.
Would You release Your anointing?
Oh God, let this be the hour.
Ruler of the nations,
The world has yet to see
The full release of Your promise,
The church in victory.
Turn to us, Lord, and touch us;
Make us strong in Your might.
Overcome our weakness,
That we could stand up and fight.
Let Your kingdom come,
Let Your will be done.
Let us see on earth,
The glory of Your Son.
Let Your glory fall
In this room.
Let it go forth from here
To the nations.
Let Your fragrance rest
In this place,
As we gather to seek Your face.
Let Your Glory Fall- Ruis, David
© 1993 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Music Services)
CCLI License No. 810055
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Do the right thing!
When crisis strikes, when disappointment breaks over us like a crashing wave, or when opportunities come to us; we ask - "what do I do now?" The families of 31 students at Virginia Tech, who were shot dead yesterday by a gunman, are surely asking it today. A young man confronted by his wife's desire for a divorce is asking that question today. Young college students coming to graduation in a few weeks time are asking it. "What do I do now?" The answer always begins - "Do the right thing!"
And what is the right thing to do? The baseline response to that question is found in choosing to act in line with what the Word teaches us. The grieving parents of those dead students will be tempted to hate. But they can choose a response of love, and if they will with God's help, they will make choices in the next few days that will lead them to grieve in a way that leads them to restoration rather than destruction. The young man facing divorce can choose revenge or he can choose forgiveness - and God's way will lead him to experience grace that renews his soul in sorrow.
Over and over in my life, when I have found myself at a crossroad or in a crisis, I have found my way by going back to the basics of what Jesus Christ taught -
"Love God wholeheartedly and love others as intensely as you love yourself. Seek to serve, not to be served."
-How do I express love for God today, in this situation?
-What choices are expressions of genuine love for another?
-Am I only serving myself or am I choosing to honor my Lord?
With prayerful thought and by putting my challenges in the context of such fundamental issues, a course of action begins to take shape. Often that course of action is costly and my natural self reacts- "I can't do this!" But, with the Spirit giving me strength- I am able to do the right thing, one day at a time. What I could never imagine doing for my entire life, I can do just for today. We live in culture that teaches us that the 'right thing' is the choice that gratifies us or that alleviates our pain most quickly. It is a culture of expedience that often leads us to believe that the right choice is the one that will bring us the most immediate benefit. Many people are intensely narcissistic and their constant theme is "it's all about me! I'm unhappy. The situation intolerable to me. I want relief now." That way of thinking inevitably leads to poor choices that produce more pain in the long-term.
Joshua was attempting to lead the people of God into the Promised Land. In the forty years that Moses led Israel, they had chosen poorly many times, choosing the path that seemed easier and waking up to find themselves in deeper troubles. Repeatedly they resisted God's leading, grumbled about hardship, and allowed bitterness to skew their thinking. Eventually their self-centeredness caused them to die in the wilderness. After Moses died, Joshua was anointed their leader and he saw the challenges that were presented to him in leading the next generation to do what their parents had refused to do. How could he do it? What was the right thing to do? God came to him and said, "Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don’t get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you’re going. And don’t for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you’ll get where you’re going; then you’ll succeed. Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take." (Joshua 1:6-9, The Message) Do the right thing!
Years later, after he had led them through a successful campaign to own the land that God promised to Abraham, Joshua was near his own death. He summonsed Israel's leaders and gave them a similar challenge. "So fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. . . .. Serve the Lord alone. But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. . . . But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:14-15, NLT) Do the right thing!
Are you standing at a crossroad in in life?
Are multiple opportunities presenting you with options?
Does a sense of panic threaten to overwhelm you in a crisis?
Take this word from the Word and think it through today, asking for the Spirit's guidance.
"This is what the LORD says:
"Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is,
and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls. "
(Jeremiah 6:16, NIV)
And what is the right thing to do? The baseline response to that question is found in choosing to act in line with what the Word teaches us. The grieving parents of those dead students will be tempted to hate. But they can choose a response of love, and if they will with God's help, they will make choices in the next few days that will lead them to grieve in a way that leads them to restoration rather than destruction. The young man facing divorce can choose revenge or he can choose forgiveness - and God's way will lead him to experience grace that renews his soul in sorrow.
Over and over in my life, when I have found myself at a crossroad or in a crisis, I have found my way by going back to the basics of what Jesus Christ taught -
"Love God wholeheartedly and love others as intensely as you love yourself. Seek to serve, not to be served."
-How do I express love for God today, in this situation?
-What choices are expressions of genuine love for another?
-Am I only serving myself or am I choosing to honor my Lord?
With prayerful thought and by putting my challenges in the context of such fundamental issues, a course of action begins to take shape. Often that course of action is costly and my natural self reacts- "I can't do this!" But, with the Spirit giving me strength- I am able to do the right thing, one day at a time. What I could never imagine doing for my entire life, I can do just for today. We live in culture that teaches us that the 'right thing' is the choice that gratifies us or that alleviates our pain most quickly. It is a culture of expedience that often leads us to believe that the right choice is the one that will bring us the most immediate benefit. Many people are intensely narcissistic and their constant theme is "it's all about me! I'm unhappy. The situation intolerable to me. I want relief now." That way of thinking inevitably leads to poor choices that produce more pain in the long-term.
Joshua was attempting to lead the people of God into the Promised Land. In the forty years that Moses led Israel, they had chosen poorly many times, choosing the path that seemed easier and waking up to find themselves in deeper troubles. Repeatedly they resisted God's leading, grumbled about hardship, and allowed bitterness to skew their thinking. Eventually their self-centeredness caused them to die in the wilderness. After Moses died, Joshua was anointed their leader and he saw the challenges that were presented to him in leading the next generation to do what their parents had refused to do. How could he do it? What was the right thing to do? God came to him and said, "Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don’t get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you’re going. And don’t for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you’ll get where you’re going; then you’ll succeed. Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take." (Joshua 1:6-9, The Message) Do the right thing!
Years later, after he had led them through a successful campaign to own the land that God promised to Abraham, Joshua was near his own death. He summonsed Israel's leaders and gave them a similar challenge. "So fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. . . .. Serve the Lord alone. But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. . . . But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:14-15, NLT) Do the right thing!
Are you standing at a crossroad in in life?
Are multiple opportunities presenting you with options?
Does a sense of panic threaten to overwhelm you in a crisis?
Take this word from the Word and think it through today, asking for the Spirit's guidance.
"This is what the LORD says:
"Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is,
and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls. "
(Jeremiah 6:16, NIV)
Monday, April 16, 2007
"It's a faith thing!"
"It's a faith thing!"
What we think we believe is often at odds with what we truly believe! Our profession of faith in Jesus Christ is confirmed or denied, not by our words alone, but by our actions which reveal the depth of our convictions. For example, I say that wearing my seatbelt while I am driving will keep me much more safe on the road, but obviously I do not believe it is true, because most of the time I fail to put it on! The recent headlines about Governor Corzine's terrible injuries, which he received while riding in a large SUV while not wearing his seatbelt, are forcing me to re-evaluate my 'beliefs' about the value of wearing a seatbelt. You will know if I am actually 'converted' when you see me buckle up when I get into my car.
Then, too, faith is not an 'all or nothing' kind of thing. Most of us have gaps in our faith that we do not see in ourselves! A person may have a deep and authentic faith about God's provision for her financial needs which makes her generous, consistent in tithing, and worry free about her stuff and yet be an anxious wreck in raising her kids, unable to commit them to the care of the Lord.
As we mature in our Christianity, a beautiful wholeness of faith envelopes us. The gaps between our profession and our possession of faith close. Inconsistencies disappear and an admirable, rock solid, Christ-centered, life emerges like a butterfly from a cocoon.
So, how does a Christian gain faith that is beautiful and whole?
First, we ask for it! Faith is a gift of God. The Holy Spirit works in us to draw us to God, to cause us to desire Him and to live in a way that pleases Him. We can pray, indeed we ought to pray, for other's to know this work of grace in their lives. A man who was in desperate need came to Jesus seeking healing for his tormented son. He realized that the most basic need he had was for greater faith and his prayer was direct - "I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mark 9.24) We must not pretend to own a greater faith than we do. Such hypocrisy blocks us from asking for the very thing we need most in time of need - the gift of faith.
Second, we inform our minds with godly truth! The fertile soil of a strong, life changing faith, is the Scripture. In the pages of the Bible, God is revealed to us. When our minds are shaped around God, when we understand the world with a spiritual view, faith grows. The Psalmist said, "I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." (Psalm 119:11, NLT) What does he mean? That he had taken time to integrate the truth of God's Word into his thought life so that his actions would be consistent with faith.
Third, we invite the Spirit to school us, to develop faith. Here's a tough truth for many of us to accept. "When your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." (James 1:3-4, NLT) In The Message, that passage reads - "You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." (James 1:3-4, The Message) When life kicks you around, when people fail you, when the future looks dark, when to all appearances there is no way to turn for relief- you are in the school of faith! You can relinquish control, quiet your soul, and put yourself in God's care, OR you can kick, scream, and create your own solution. If you choose to exercise faith, God will make a way. It might not be the way you would choose, but it will be the way that brings honor to Him.
Don't be alarmed if you find yourself in anguish when your faith is being formed. Even Jesus was pressed to the limit. When He faced the Cross, He prayed for release, but then released Himself to God's plans, not with resignation to fate, but with a faith surrender to His Father's will!
There is no easy road in the life of faith. The natural man craves security, affirmation, and vindication of self! The spiritual man is secure in the Spirit, affirmed by God, and is willing to wait for Heaven's revelation.
It's a faith thing!
__________________
Encamped along the hills of light,
Ye Christian soldiers, rise,
And press the battle ere the night
Shall veil the glowing skies.
Faith is the victory!
Faith is the victory!
Oh, glorious victory,
That overcomes the world.
His banner over us is love,
Our sword the word of God.
We tread the road the saints above,
With shouts of triumph trod.
On every hand the foe we find.
Drawn up in dread array.
Let tents of ease be left behind.
And onward to the fray.
To Him that overcomes the foe,
White raiment shall be giv'n;
Before the angels He shall know
His name confessed in heav'n.
Then onward from the hills of light,
Our hearts with love aflame,
We'll vanquish all the hosts of night,
In Jesus' conquering name.
Faith is the victory!
Faith is the victory!
Oh, glorious victory,
That overcomes the world.
Faith Is The Victory
Yates, John H. / Sankey, Ira D.
© Public Domain
What we think we believe is often at odds with what we truly believe! Our profession of faith in Jesus Christ is confirmed or denied, not by our words alone, but by our actions which reveal the depth of our convictions. For example, I say that wearing my seatbelt while I am driving will keep me much more safe on the road, but obviously I do not believe it is true, because most of the time I fail to put it on! The recent headlines about Governor Corzine's terrible injuries, which he received while riding in a large SUV while not wearing his seatbelt, are forcing me to re-evaluate my 'beliefs' about the value of wearing a seatbelt. You will know if I am actually 'converted' when you see me buckle up when I get into my car.
Then, too, faith is not an 'all or nothing' kind of thing. Most of us have gaps in our faith that we do not see in ourselves! A person may have a deep and authentic faith about God's provision for her financial needs which makes her generous, consistent in tithing, and worry free about her stuff and yet be an anxious wreck in raising her kids, unable to commit them to the care of the Lord.
As we mature in our Christianity, a beautiful wholeness of faith envelopes us. The gaps between our profession and our possession of faith close. Inconsistencies disappear and an admirable, rock solid, Christ-centered, life emerges like a butterfly from a cocoon.
So, how does a Christian gain faith that is beautiful and whole?
First, we ask for it! Faith is a gift of God. The Holy Spirit works in us to draw us to God, to cause us to desire Him and to live in a way that pleases Him. We can pray, indeed we ought to pray, for other's to know this work of grace in their lives. A man who was in desperate need came to Jesus seeking healing for his tormented son. He realized that the most basic need he had was for greater faith and his prayer was direct - "I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mark 9.24) We must not pretend to own a greater faith than we do. Such hypocrisy blocks us from asking for the very thing we need most in time of need - the gift of faith.
Second, we inform our minds with godly truth! The fertile soil of a strong, life changing faith, is the Scripture. In the pages of the Bible, God is revealed to us. When our minds are shaped around God, when we understand the world with a spiritual view, faith grows. The Psalmist said, "I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." (Psalm 119:11, NLT) What does he mean? That he had taken time to integrate the truth of God's Word into his thought life so that his actions would be consistent with faith.
Third, we invite the Spirit to school us, to develop faith. Here's a tough truth for many of us to accept. "When your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." (James 1:3-4, NLT) In The Message, that passage reads - "You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." (James 1:3-4, The Message) When life kicks you around, when people fail you, when the future looks dark, when to all appearances there is no way to turn for relief- you are in the school of faith! You can relinquish control, quiet your soul, and put yourself in God's care, OR you can kick, scream, and create your own solution. If you choose to exercise faith, God will make a way. It might not be the way you would choose, but it will be the way that brings honor to Him.
Don't be alarmed if you find yourself in anguish when your faith is being formed. Even Jesus was pressed to the limit. When He faced the Cross, He prayed for release, but then released Himself to God's plans, not with resignation to fate, but with a faith surrender to His Father's will!
There is no easy road in the life of faith. The natural man craves security, affirmation, and vindication of self! The spiritual man is secure in the Spirit, affirmed by God, and is willing to wait for Heaven's revelation.
It's a faith thing!
__________________
Encamped along the hills of light,
Ye Christian soldiers, rise,
And press the battle ere the night
Shall veil the glowing skies.
Faith is the victory!
Faith is the victory!
Oh, glorious victory,
That overcomes the world.
His banner over us is love,
Our sword the word of God.
We tread the road the saints above,
With shouts of triumph trod.
On every hand the foe we find.
Drawn up in dread array.
Let tents of ease be left behind.
And onward to the fray.
To Him that overcomes the foe,
White raiment shall be giv'n;
Before the angels He shall know
His name confessed in heav'n.
Then onward from the hills of light,
Our hearts with love aflame,
We'll vanquish all the hosts of night,
In Jesus' conquering name.
Faith is the victory!
Faith is the victory!
Oh, glorious victory,
That overcomes the world.
Faith Is The Victory
Yates, John H. / Sankey, Ira D.
© Public Domain
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