James wrote to us, "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides." (James 1:2, The Message) I want to embrace that command, but it is hard to do. Who likes hard times, those moments when questions are many and answers few? I am not talking about the 'mini-trials' that are common to life. We need to develop much greater patience when dealing with computers that don't work properly, cars that don't start, traffic that doesn't flow- but those are just life's normal headaches. The real tests are those things for which we have no explanations - chronic illness, people who break our hearts, etc. How do we reconcile our revelation of an all-powerful, all-knowing, and loving Father God with a life devastated by tragedy?
How does one rejoice when those on whom he leans let him fall?
How does feel joy when the pull of the flesh is so strong that failure seems imminent?
I'm still working that out! I imagine, in one way or the other, you are, too.
The story of Abraham's journey to Mt. Moriah is a model for me. [Genesis 22, if you would like to read it] In that chapter, God tells him to take his beloved son, Isaac, and to sacrifice him. That journey had to be the longest walk in his life! I tried to think of the emotions that he felt on the 2 day trip to the site.
Testing can cause us to feel CONFUSION. Don't you think Abraham was more than a little confused by a God who gives him a miracle son and then asks for him back about 12-15 years later?Testing can cause us to feel DOUBT. "God is that really your Voice? Why would You ask such a terrible thing?" I've wondered that more than once in my life when tested.
Testing can cause us to feel ALONE. That trip across the plains to the hills had to be one of the most lonely ones in Abraham's life. He even left his servant and traveled on with just Isaac. But how do you tell jokes and enjoy the company of a boy you're going to sacrifice tomorrow? But, I've learned that God often ministers to the deepest place in my life when I am feeling most alone and focused most intensely on Him.
Testing can cause us to feel THAT GOD IS UNWILLING OR UNABLE TO ANSWER OUR PRAYERS. When we feel abandoned by God, it is the most desperate feeling, especially for those who have loved Him intimately. When He asks the 'impossible' of us, we may cry out as His Son did, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" Of course, He hasn't, but it can sure feel like it.
Testing can cause us to feel HOPELESS. Stand with Abraham on the top of that little hill called Moriah. Drag the rocks, one by one, into a heap called an altar, each one becoming heavier as you realize the moment of decision is imminent. Then ,raise the knife! The contents of your stomach rise in your throat. A sorrow beyond description wrenches sobs so violent from your body that you feel like you could die. Where are you, God?
Will you stay steady when the wind blows strong?
Will you obey when your natural self screams to take another way?
Hard questions, aren't they?
In those moments, we desperately hold onto the only hope that remains -- "If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself." (2 Timothy 2:11-13, NLT) Abraham had known the faithfulness of God through times when he failed. So, he trusted - not in his own righteousness, his own ability to please God - but in the faithfulness of God to keep him. And in this most intense trial, at just the critical moment, God revealed Himself as "Yahweh Yireh, the Lord, my Provider." Remember the story? Just as Abraham was about to take his son's life, he looked up and saw a ram caught in the bushes, a substitute sacrifice provided by God, Himself!
Paul repeats this phrase again and again in his letters to Believers - "Stand firm!" "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong." (1 Corinthians 16:13, NIV)
"He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on everything we taught you both in person and by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loved us and in his special favor gave us everlasting comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and give you strength in every good thing you do and say." (2 Thessalonians 2:14-17, NLT)
Friday, February 16, 2007
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Don't be gullible
A Puerto Rican man, Jose Luis De Jesus Miranda, 60, claims that Christ 'integrated' with him, that he is now the Living Lord on earth. So, big deal, right? Tragically, due to mental illness, there are a lot of people who suffer from religious delusions. But De Jesus is calculating, showing no apparent signs of delusions. He was raised a Roman Catholic, spent time in Pentecostal churches, and aligned himself with Baptist churches - all that before claiming to be the Lord. He is now using the title "Anti-Christ" because he says his teaching supersedes that of Jesus Christ! According to Newsweek, (2/5,2007 issue) despite his outlandish claims, at least 300 local churches (30 here in the USA, more in South America) and thousands of people follow his teaching, accept his bizarre claims, and give $millions to him. Even more amazing to me is the fact that many of his followers are drawn from evangelical and/or charismatic churches, Christians who should know better than to swallow his lies, but they are gullible!
Why? Many people want spirituality so badly, and at so little cost, that they will believe almost anything if someone promises them security, easy victory over sinful habits, or power to 'change' their lives! We all know that life is complex, problems are multiple, and suffering is ubiquitous. In that world comes a man who is articulate, charming, who knows how to tap into those deep longings for security and hope, yes, even to know God. He offers those who follow him a sense of purpose and place, appears serene, projects authority. And, with little discernment of his true motives, many are quite willing to follow him. De Jesus is not the first false Christ. It happens too often. Remember David Koresh and Jim Jones? They gathered followings and led their flocks to death! Too often people allow themselves to be gullible and follow a spiritual teacher without really knowing a thing about his character or even if he has a solid Biblical knowledge on which he bases his assertions. Quacks, charlatans, and frauds feed off of the universal longing for a utopia, often preying on those who are vulnerable because of family dysfunction, severe illness, or other situations that have ripped apart their lives.
I'm sure a few of you are wondering, "Jerry, isn't there hope for a new life through Christ? Don't you believe that God meets our needs and cares for us?"
I sure do, but not with quick fixes, simple slogans to answer tough questions, or through a Puerto Rican preacher who claims to be Jesus in the flesh today.
If we want to enter the Kingdom of God (to live in a way that God is in charge of our lives and cares for us) we do so by faith and obedience - steadily - and in community with other people who are pursuing Him with earnest love and devotion. Day after day, we confront sin in our lives and, taught by the Word, counseled by other Believers, and led by the Spirit we overcome, becoming holy as we are being filled with the Spirit of God. The Scripture demands that we "continue to work out our salvation, with reverence and awe...." A godly life, characterized by the evidence of the life of the Spirit, is a process, a costly one!
The Psalmist cautions against seeking quick fixes and easy solutions. He urges a consistent spiritual discipline and a wise choice of teachers. That is the way to find a rich life, he says.
"Blessed (living in a state of joy) is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish." (Psalm 1, NKJV)
Did you take note of how the Word of God characterizes these two ways of living?
Those who pursue God through consistent practice of spiritual disciplines are like TREES! Can you think of a better picture of something living that is strong and stable?
Those who are godless are like CHAFF, the hulls of grain that are worthless and without substance!
Want a spiritually fruitful life?
Dig deep, dear friend. Don't run here and there looking for the latest and greatest Bible teacher, the newest worship sound, or the church with the glitzy programs. Make your church great by becoming a true servant. Forget becoming mature in the things of God if you are unwilling to go through testing and trials that develop that maturity and faith. Build friendships with people who bring out the best in you, who hunger for God in the same way that you hunger for Him, then walk through life together! Don't pursue rewards, seek significance. And, don't be gullible.
Be like the Believers of Berean who are lauded by Luke because - "They searched the Scriptures day after day to check up on Paul and Silas, to see if they were really teaching the truth." (Acts 17:11, NLT)
Why? Many people want spirituality so badly, and at so little cost, that they will believe almost anything if someone promises them security, easy victory over sinful habits, or power to 'change' their lives! We all know that life is complex, problems are multiple, and suffering is ubiquitous. In that world comes a man who is articulate, charming, who knows how to tap into those deep longings for security and hope, yes, even to know God. He offers those who follow him a sense of purpose and place, appears serene, projects authority. And, with little discernment of his true motives, many are quite willing to follow him. De Jesus is not the first false Christ. It happens too often. Remember David Koresh and Jim Jones? They gathered followings and led their flocks to death! Too often people allow themselves to be gullible and follow a spiritual teacher without really knowing a thing about his character or even if he has a solid Biblical knowledge on which he bases his assertions. Quacks, charlatans, and frauds feed off of the universal longing for a utopia, often preying on those who are vulnerable because of family dysfunction, severe illness, or other situations that have ripped apart their lives.
I'm sure a few of you are wondering, "Jerry, isn't there hope for a new life through Christ? Don't you believe that God meets our needs and cares for us?"
I sure do, but not with quick fixes, simple slogans to answer tough questions, or through a Puerto Rican preacher who claims to be Jesus in the flesh today.
If we want to enter the Kingdom of God (to live in a way that God is in charge of our lives and cares for us) we do so by faith and obedience - steadily - and in community with other people who are pursuing Him with earnest love and devotion. Day after day, we confront sin in our lives and, taught by the Word, counseled by other Believers, and led by the Spirit we overcome, becoming holy as we are being filled with the Spirit of God. The Scripture demands that we "continue to work out our salvation, with reverence and awe...." A godly life, characterized by the evidence of the life of the Spirit, is a process, a costly one!
The Psalmist cautions against seeking quick fixes and easy solutions. He urges a consistent spiritual discipline and a wise choice of teachers. That is the way to find a rich life, he says.
"Blessed (living in a state of joy) is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish." (Psalm 1, NKJV)
Did you take note of how the Word of God characterizes these two ways of living?
Those who pursue God through consistent practice of spiritual disciplines are like TREES! Can you think of a better picture of something living that is strong and stable?
Those who are godless are like CHAFF, the hulls of grain that are worthless and without substance!
Want a spiritually fruitful life?
Dig deep, dear friend. Don't run here and there looking for the latest and greatest Bible teacher, the newest worship sound, or the church with the glitzy programs. Make your church great by becoming a true servant. Forget becoming mature in the things of God if you are unwilling to go through testing and trials that develop that maturity and faith. Build friendships with people who bring out the best in you, who hunger for God in the same way that you hunger for Him, then walk through life together! Don't pursue rewards, seek significance. And, don't be gullible.
Be like the Believers of Berean who are lauded by Luke because - "They searched the Scriptures day after day to check up on Paul and Silas, to see if they were really teaching the truth." (Acts 17:11, NLT)
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Valentine's Day - Celebrate Love
Nothing in the world compares to love. Raise a child with genuine love and you give her the most important ingredient for a happy and successful life. Treat your spouse to unselfish love and you have built a foundation for a marriage that is full of joy. Teach people to love each other and a community of great strength emerges. Take away love and the world becomes a dark, grey place. Betray love and you will create a pain worse than that which comes from a terrible wound.
So what is this thing called love?
Our English language is not very specific about it. If we say we love ice cream, football, our wife, our son, or the Lord - the word means very different things, doesn't it? Love can be a sexual attraction, a wonderful surge of our God-given desire. Love can be an expression of the pleasure we feel when are doing something creative - as in, "I love to play the piano." Love can be a robust concern for people around us. A company of US Marines who are serving in combat conditions, who are ready to die for one another, probably wouldn't say that they are 'in love,' but their connection is undeniably a form of love!
Where does love come from?
Now, that is a mystery. Who can explain those emotions? I suppose psychologists could provide some logical reasons for what we call love. Physicians could explain the chemistry of our bodies and brains that are part of what we call love. But, ultimately love comes from our Creator. He made us to love and be loved. The Bible says that 'we love because He first loved us.' The Word also says that love is the primary evidence that the Spirit of God lives in us. "This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother." (1 John 3:10, NIV)
Love is a choice, a way of life we embrace when we are loved by God, in Christ Jesus.
Yes, of course, there is a love that is an emotion that seems to arrive from nowhere to surprise us. Infatuation leaves us breathless and can be more addictive than any drug on earth! But there is so much more to love than that. The Bible teaches us about it. This passage from the Scripture is familiar and you will be tempted to hurry through it today. Don't! Read it slowly, asking the Spirit of God to reveal the quality of love that He desires from you.
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. -- 1 Corinthians 13 (NIV)
Much more than eloquence, more than emotion, strong and lasting - that is real love, modeled on God's love for us.
Today, I pray that you will know the Love of Jesus Christ and that His love will transform you - from the inside out.
It's Valentine's Day. Celebrate love - for God's sake.
So what is this thing called love?
Our English language is not very specific about it. If we say we love ice cream, football, our wife, our son, or the Lord - the word means very different things, doesn't it? Love can be a sexual attraction, a wonderful surge of our God-given desire. Love can be an expression of the pleasure we feel when are doing something creative - as in, "I love to play the piano." Love can be a robust concern for people around us. A company of US Marines who are serving in combat conditions, who are ready to die for one another, probably wouldn't say that they are 'in love,' but their connection is undeniably a form of love!
Where does love come from?
Now, that is a mystery. Who can explain those emotions? I suppose psychologists could provide some logical reasons for what we call love. Physicians could explain the chemistry of our bodies and brains that are part of what we call love. But, ultimately love comes from our Creator. He made us to love and be loved. The Bible says that 'we love because He first loved us.' The Word also says that love is the primary evidence that the Spirit of God lives in us. "This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother." (1 John 3:10, NIV)
Love is a choice, a way of life we embrace when we are loved by God, in Christ Jesus.
Yes, of course, there is a love that is an emotion that seems to arrive from nowhere to surprise us. Infatuation leaves us breathless and can be more addictive than any drug on earth! But there is so much more to love than that. The Bible teaches us about it. This passage from the Scripture is familiar and you will be tempted to hurry through it today. Don't! Read it slowly, asking the Spirit of God to reveal the quality of love that He desires from you.
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. -- 1 Corinthians 13 (NIV)
Much more than eloquence, more than emotion, strong and lasting - that is real love, modeled on God's love for us.
Today, I pray that you will know the Love of Jesus Christ and that His love will transform you - from the inside out.
It's Valentine's Day. Celebrate love - for God's sake.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Making God an Enemy
There are passages of Scripture that don't show up all that often in devotional literature and reading in public worship. We love read the verses that affirm the love of God and promise us His eternal care, as we should. Who does not love to hear, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish."? However, our understanding of the Almighty must not be limited to the 'nice' perspective. In a world full of evil, it is important to bring to mind that He is an awesome and terrible God and He will not be treated with contempt. In my readings in the minor prophets I came up one of those passages that made me shudder.
Nineveh was the royal city of the Assyrians, a cruel people who were extending their empire across the region. They had no regard for life. With their conquests, they grew wealthy and were the envy of many, but their status was bought with rivers of blood and unimaginable human suffering. Nahum, the Jewish prophet, prayed about the Assyrian threat and God spoke to him with this stunning word. I warn you - it is graphic! I am using The Message translation so you can get the impact of the prophet's revelation. "Doom to Murder City— full of lies, bursting with loot, addicted to violence!" (Nahum 3:1, The Message) “I’m your enemy, Whore Nineveh— I, God-of-the-Angel-Armies! I’ll strip you of your seductive silk robes and expose you on the world stage. I’ll let the nations get their fill of the ugly truth of who you really are and have been all along. I’ll pelt you with dog dung and place you on a pedestal: ‘Slut on Exhibit.’ Everyone who sees you will gag and say, ‘Nineveh’s a pigsty: What on earth did we ever see in her? Who would give her a second look? Ugh!’ ” (Nahum 3:5-7, The Message)
We need to read that and understand that God is still the same! Individuals and nations cannot ignore Him, treating His commands with contempt, and get away with it forever. Those who are arrogant in their sins will find themselves enemies of the Lord. Unless we are willing to accept that, the Cross of Christ makes little sense. If God overlooks sin, if He is a benign old chap unwilling or incapable bringing His Creation to justice, then why did Jesus die for our sins? "Don’t be misled. Remember that you can’t ignore God and get away with it. You will always reap what you sow! Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death." (Galatians 6:7-8, NLT) That word is not directed at our human frailties and weaknesses. We need not live in terror that we have somehow offended the Almighty God of Heaven each moment. What we must know is that if we persist in disobedience, ignoring the Scripture and the Spirit's inner voice, God will allow us to taste the bitterness of our sin.
That God can be roused to anger and that He can be made our enemy both comforts and frightens me! I am comforted by the knowledge that evil men who exploit others for their own pleasure, that nations who oppress others, will face a day of justice. I am frightened because I realize that I am a sinner, too. But my fear of the Lord drives me to the foot of the Cross of Christ. There I kneel humbly and receive grace, "and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies (me) from all sin." (1 John 1:7, NIV) Amazing love, wonderful grace, that God would love a sinner like me and charge my sin to the account of His Son.
Don't live arrogantly, ignoring His repeated invitations to live close to Him.Instead, turn quickly when the Spirit speaks, saying, "Yes, Lord." Be a friend of God!
"You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you." (John 15:14-16, NKJV)
Nineveh was the royal city of the Assyrians, a cruel people who were extending their empire across the region. They had no regard for life. With their conquests, they grew wealthy and were the envy of many, but their status was bought with rivers of blood and unimaginable human suffering. Nahum, the Jewish prophet, prayed about the Assyrian threat and God spoke to him with this stunning word. I warn you - it is graphic! I am using The Message translation so you can get the impact of the prophet's revelation. "Doom to Murder City— full of lies, bursting with loot, addicted to violence!" (Nahum 3:1, The Message) “I’m your enemy, Whore Nineveh— I, God-of-the-Angel-Armies! I’ll strip you of your seductive silk robes and expose you on the world stage. I’ll let the nations get their fill of the ugly truth of who you really are and have been all along. I’ll pelt you with dog dung and place you on a pedestal: ‘Slut on Exhibit.’ Everyone who sees you will gag and say, ‘Nineveh’s a pigsty: What on earth did we ever see in her? Who would give her a second look? Ugh!’ ” (Nahum 3:5-7, The Message)
We need to read that and understand that God is still the same! Individuals and nations cannot ignore Him, treating His commands with contempt, and get away with it forever. Those who are arrogant in their sins will find themselves enemies of the Lord. Unless we are willing to accept that, the Cross of Christ makes little sense. If God overlooks sin, if He is a benign old chap unwilling or incapable bringing His Creation to justice, then why did Jesus die for our sins? "Don’t be misled. Remember that you can’t ignore God and get away with it. You will always reap what you sow! Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death." (Galatians 6:7-8, NLT) That word is not directed at our human frailties and weaknesses. We need not live in terror that we have somehow offended the Almighty God of Heaven each moment. What we must know is that if we persist in disobedience, ignoring the Scripture and the Spirit's inner voice, God will allow us to taste the bitterness of our sin.
That God can be roused to anger and that He can be made our enemy both comforts and frightens me! I am comforted by the knowledge that evil men who exploit others for their own pleasure, that nations who oppress others, will face a day of justice. I am frightened because I realize that I am a sinner, too. But my fear of the Lord drives me to the foot of the Cross of Christ. There I kneel humbly and receive grace, "and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies (me) from all sin." (1 John 1:7, NIV) Amazing love, wonderful grace, that God would love a sinner like me and charge my sin to the account of His Son.
Don't live arrogantly, ignoring His repeated invitations to live close to Him.Instead, turn quickly when the Spirit speaks, saying, "Yes, Lord." Be a friend of God!
"You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you." (John 15:14-16, NKJV)
Monday, February 12, 2007
It's a life and death matter!
Hype - defined as 'exaggerated claims, overblown publicity' - turns me off. Whenever I sense that someone is 'hyping' the situation, I start looking for the door.
Politicians do it, claiming that if they are not elected the nation will perish in the next electoral cycle. It never does.
Preachers do it, urging the faithful to give and serve sacrificially, or else... well, there are all kinds of ways to finish that sentence with hype.
Salesmen do it. "Buy this car right now, 'cause I've got someone coming in to see later today, and they are ready to buy!" To which we ought to say, "Yeah, right!"
We're so accustomed to this kind of language, we take little that is said to us at face value.
So, when you see my opening line about a life and death matter, you probably discounted it as just more hype, right?
Believer, is is the truth. How you conduct yourself today is a life and death matter. Consider this word from the Scripture. "For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? . . . Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." (2 Corinthians 2:15-3:6, NIV) As we interact with people today, we are spreading the fragrance of God's Presence. To some we are a stench that reminds them of death and doom; to others we are the sweet smell of Spring and new life! What a responsibility. It is a life and death matter.
The Word quickly reminds us that we need not be overwhelmed for it is God in us that does the work. We cannot change anyone's eternal destiny but God, the Holy Spirit, Who lives in us, spills over and allows us to serve up the water of life in a dry and thirsty land. What a privilege; a real honor. Think of it, Believer; wherever you go today you can be like a drink of cool water to those who are dying of thirst. To be sure, some who are living in a spiritual desert will reject the water of life and to those people you will become an offense, a harbinger of the death that awaits. But that results from their choice, not yours. How I want to pour the Spirit's life into my world; how about you?
Don;'t mistake representing Christ with being religious! Religion serves up judgment and condemnation that makes people even more 'dead' to God. Last week our local newspaper reported on a group from the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas who were planning a trip to our area (Easton, PA) to demonstrate at a soldier's funeral. This group of "Christians" (their claim, but not the way I'd describe them) has made it their mission to show up at various places where there have been tragedies to announce what they see as God's judgment on America. They wave hateful signs and yell about impending doom with rhetoric that is too disgusting to use in this TFTD. And they think they are doing God's work! This misguided group does not pour a refreshing drink of the Spirit. They offer a cup of religious sand to those who thirst. What a travesty. But that is what happens when we make the rules about serving God more important than the relationship we can have with God.
God does require holiness of those who follow Him. It is absolutely true that those who are 'in Christ' cannot live with impurity, greed, lust, gluttony, materialism, sensuality, hate ... controlling their lives. But it is not regulations that make us holy. It is knowing God, through Christ Jesus, that makes us "His holy people." Indeed, apart from knowing God, there is no possibility of holiness that pleases Him. Yes, Believers we are ministers of a new agreement with the God of Heaven, one that He wrote in the Blood of His Son, that fully releases us from the guilt and shame that once separated us from our Father. It is our job to point people to the Cross where they find forgiveness and reconciliation. "We are Christ’s ambassadors, and God is using us to speak to you. We urge you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, “Be reconciled to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ." (2 Corinthians 5:20-21, NLT)
That's what I mean about a 'life and death matter.'
Represent your King well, won't you? Prepare your mind and heart for this work by taking a few moments to soak up the Water of Life and then let it flow from you to those who need to be loved in God's Name.
When they ask the reason you're full of hope, that you have made a different choice to live for Heaven, tell them about the joy of knowing Jesus, who gives life - and that 'more abundantly!'
___________________
Here's a song I love. If you know, sing it! If not, just make it your prayer, as I do each day.
May we be a shining light to the nations,
A shining light to the peoples of the earth;
'Til the whole world sees the glory of Your name,
May Your pure light shine through us.
May we bring a word of hope to the nations,
A word of life to the peoples of the earth;
'Til the whole world knows
There's salvation through Your name,
May Your mercy flow through us.
May we be a healing balm to the nations,
A healing balm to the peoples of the earth;
'Til the whole world knows
The power of Your name,
May Your healing flow through us.
May we sing a song of joy to the nations,
A song of praise to the peoples of the earth;
'Til the whole world rings
With the praises of Your name,
May Your song be sung through us.
May Your kingdom come to the nations,
Your will be done in the peoples of the earth;
'Til the whole world knows
That Jesus Christ is Lord,
May Your kingdom come in us.
May Your kingdom come in us.
May Your kingdom come on earth!
-- Song For The Nations - Christensen, Chris - © 1986 Integrity's Hosanna! Music (c/o Integrity Music, Inc.) CCLI License No. 810055
Politicians do it, claiming that if they are not elected the nation will perish in the next electoral cycle. It never does.
Preachers do it, urging the faithful to give and serve sacrificially, or else... well, there are all kinds of ways to finish that sentence with hype.
Salesmen do it. "Buy this car right now, 'cause I've got someone coming in to see later today, and they are ready to buy!" To which we ought to say, "Yeah, right!"
We're so accustomed to this kind of language, we take little that is said to us at face value.
So, when you see my opening line about a life and death matter, you probably discounted it as just more hype, right?
Believer, is is the truth. How you conduct yourself today is a life and death matter. Consider this word from the Scripture. "For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? . . . Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." (2 Corinthians 2:15-3:6, NIV) As we interact with people today, we are spreading the fragrance of God's Presence. To some we are a stench that reminds them of death and doom; to others we are the sweet smell of Spring and new life! What a responsibility. It is a life and death matter.
The Word quickly reminds us that we need not be overwhelmed for it is God in us that does the work. We cannot change anyone's eternal destiny but God, the Holy Spirit, Who lives in us, spills over and allows us to serve up the water of life in a dry and thirsty land. What a privilege; a real honor. Think of it, Believer; wherever you go today you can be like a drink of cool water to those who are dying of thirst. To be sure, some who are living in a spiritual desert will reject the water of life and to those people you will become an offense, a harbinger of the death that awaits. But that results from their choice, not yours. How I want to pour the Spirit's life into my world; how about you?
Don;'t mistake representing Christ with being religious! Religion serves up judgment and condemnation that makes people even more 'dead' to God. Last week our local newspaper reported on a group from the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas who were planning a trip to our area (Easton, PA) to demonstrate at a soldier's funeral. This group of "Christians" (their claim, but not the way I'd describe them) has made it their mission to show up at various places where there have been tragedies to announce what they see as God's judgment on America. They wave hateful signs and yell about impending doom with rhetoric that is too disgusting to use in this TFTD. And they think they are doing God's work! This misguided group does not pour a refreshing drink of the Spirit. They offer a cup of religious sand to those who thirst. What a travesty. But that is what happens when we make the rules about serving God more important than the relationship we can have with God.
God does require holiness of those who follow Him. It is absolutely true that those who are 'in Christ' cannot live with impurity, greed, lust, gluttony, materialism, sensuality, hate ... controlling their lives. But it is not regulations that make us holy. It is knowing God, through Christ Jesus, that makes us "His holy people." Indeed, apart from knowing God, there is no possibility of holiness that pleases Him. Yes, Believers we are ministers of a new agreement with the God of Heaven, one that He wrote in the Blood of His Son, that fully releases us from the guilt and shame that once separated us from our Father. It is our job to point people to the Cross where they find forgiveness and reconciliation. "We are Christ’s ambassadors, and God is using us to speak to you. We urge you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, “Be reconciled to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ." (2 Corinthians 5:20-21, NLT)
That's what I mean about a 'life and death matter.'
Represent your King well, won't you? Prepare your mind and heart for this work by taking a few moments to soak up the Water of Life and then let it flow from you to those who need to be loved in God's Name.
When they ask the reason you're full of hope, that you have made a different choice to live for Heaven, tell them about the joy of knowing Jesus, who gives life - and that 'more abundantly!'
___________________
Here's a song I love. If you know, sing it! If not, just make it your prayer, as I do each day.
May we be a shining light to the nations,
A shining light to the peoples of the earth;
'Til the whole world sees the glory of Your name,
May Your pure light shine through us.
May we bring a word of hope to the nations,
A word of life to the peoples of the earth;
'Til the whole world knows
There's salvation through Your name,
May Your mercy flow through us.
May we be a healing balm to the nations,
A healing balm to the peoples of the earth;
'Til the whole world knows
The power of Your name,
May Your healing flow through us.
May we sing a song of joy to the nations,
A song of praise to the peoples of the earth;
'Til the whole world rings
With the praises of Your name,
May Your song be sung through us.
May Your kingdom come to the nations,
Your will be done in the peoples of the earth;
'Til the whole world knows
That Jesus Christ is Lord,
May Your kingdom come in us.
May Your kingdom come in us.
May Your kingdom come on earth!
-- Song For The Nations - Christensen, Chris - © 1986 Integrity's Hosanna! Music (c/o Integrity Music, Inc.) CCLI License No. 810055
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