It is easy to make fun of Christianity if you’re on the outside looking in. I’m not talking about the obviously kooky people who sometimes hang around church or even about those who are mentally unbalanced who seize Christian jargon and add it to their confused grasp of reality. Ordinary Christians, those who are sincere, are easy targets for mockers. What sense does it make to forgive others? It’s much more natural to ‘make’m pay!’ How logical is it to contribute to the needs of the poor? Just take care of yourself and your family and forget ‘em! Studying an ancient collection of writings and letting the words in them become a guide for living in the 21st century is … well, you’re getting my point, I hope.
\But, for those who know Christ and in whom lives the Spirit of God, the secret of a rich, full life is found in forgiveness, generosity, and the principles of the Word. What is foolishness to those without the Spirit is the wisdom of God to those who know and love Him. But why do Christians make such choices? It goes beyond a lifestyle choice. They are not just ‘trying to be religious.’ In Christ, they are made entirely new, a different kind of person, with a undeniable reality though they are part of a world unseen with human eyes.
I am not big on the word ‘mystical,’ but it’s the one I will use. I cannot explain how a person once consumed by selfishness, or once held in the grip of lust or greed or addiction, or full of hatred can be transformed into a loving, gentle, pure person – but I have seen it happen, again and again, when that person acknowledges his spiritual bankruptcy, his total inability to live in a way that is good or pure; and then invites Christ Jesus to be his Savior, a mystical transformation begins. It’s real! Jesus likened the change to the growth of a seed. It germinates hidden away in the soil, but in time produces a visible crop that is many times larger than the first seed!
So, the question for you, reader is this – are you merely religious, or is there an undeniable reality about your faith in Christ? Pay no attention to the mockers. They stood at the Cross of Christ and have stood on the periphery of the Church for two millennia. Sometimes their mockery points out hypocrisy and is deserved. However, often their derision is rooted in their ignorance of Who Jesus is and what He can do in those who love and serve Him.
Let me leave you with a word from the Word. "God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. … And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory. So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ." (Colossians 1:25-28, NLT)
___________________
Lord, the light of Your love is shining
In the midst of the darkness shining;
Jesus, Light of the World, shine upon us;
Set us free by the truth You now bring us.
Shine on me, shine on me.
Lord, I come to Your awesome presence.
From the shadows into Your radiance;
By the blood I may enter Your brightness,
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness.
Shine on me, shine on me.
As we gaze on Your kingly brightness,
So our faces display Your likeness;
Ever changing from glory to glory,
Mirror'd here, may our lives tell Your story.
Shine on me, shine on me.
Shine, Jesus, shine.
Fill this land with the Father's glory;
Blaze, Spirit, blaze.
Set our hearts on fire.
Flow, river, flow.
Flood the nations with grace and mercy;
Send forth Your Word,
Lord, and let there be light.
Shine, Jesus, Shine
Kendrick, Graham
© 1987 Make Way Music (Admin. by Music Services)
CCLI License No. 810055
Friday, January 07, 2011
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Authentic Christianity 4 – Unimpeachable Integrity
My Dad often reminisced about the days (50+ years ago) when he was in business and closed large deals on a handshake. He bought and sold thousands of dollars worth of livestock without written contracts or lawyers. His word was good enough, backed by his reputation of integrity. I miss those days! When Bev and I bought our home, we signed a stack of documents that was at least 2 inches tall, just for one sale. Even our church has to have a lawyer on retainer to help us negotiate our way through a society that now insists on every transaction being signed, notarized, and doubly witnessed.
The late Ray Stedman says that the fourth mark of the authentic Christian is an unimpeachable integrity that comes from knowing our lives are open to God’s eyes that miss nothing. "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. 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? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God." (2 Corinthians 2:14-17, NIV)
Are your daily actions sincere? That word comes from a Latin phrase, "sine cera" which means 'without wax.' Seems that it came from the potters and sculptors of the ancient world. If you had spent time molding and firing a pot only to discover cracks that marred its usefulness, you could quickly make the pot marketable by heating some wax and pressing it into the cracks before finishing the item. Goofed on an expensive block of marble? Mix a little marble dust into some wax and cover your mistake. Initially, no one would know that the item was flawed. However, craftsman who was in business for the long haul, who wanted repeat customers, advertised that his products were 'sine cera!' - without wax.
Authentic Christians are not content with superficial words, with shallow devotions, and unexamined motives. They are passionate about being the same in secret as they are in church, about making sure that what they do aligns with what they claim to believe. They allow the Spirit of God to use the powerful Word to surgically correct the flaws in character, so that they are people of integrity – the same all the way through! "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, NIV)
Integrity allows the disciple to live transparently, a liberating fact. He does not need two vocabularies- one for church and one for work. He does not worry about anyone accessing his computer’s browsing history. He never needs to worry that he is in a place where he thinks - “I hope no one sees me here.” When he is going through struggles and/or temptation, he has no need to pretend to be better than he is and freely asks for support and advice. He is a person of integrity – the same inside and out; not perfect, but honest to man and God.
Here’s a word from the Word. In it, we are directed to act consistently with our prayers, to make the choices that reflect our beliefs. Remembering, believing is more than thinking something is true. It is acting in a way that is consistent with our faith.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." (James 1:5-8, NIV) If we lack integrity, saying we believe one thing, but living as though we believe another, we are robbed of the steady, stable life promised to those who live wholly holy before the Lord.
______________
Father in Heaven,
I live in a word of image and impression.
I am tempted to take my cue from the culture,
to pretend and to ‘dress up’ to hide my insecurities and my sins.
Help me to be a man of integrity-
Honest before You and those with whom I live.
Thank You for the wonderful promise that
You know me best and love me most!
Let me know the security that comes from Your
amazing grace; and from that rock,
learn to live without fear, sincerely –
A life of integrity that honors You.
In Jesus’ Name – Amen.
The late Ray Stedman says that the fourth mark of the authentic Christian is an unimpeachable integrity that comes from knowing our lives are open to God’s eyes that miss nothing. "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. 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? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God." (2 Corinthians 2:14-17, NIV)
Are your daily actions sincere? That word comes from a Latin phrase, "sine cera" which means 'without wax.' Seems that it came from the potters and sculptors of the ancient world. If you had spent time molding and firing a pot only to discover cracks that marred its usefulness, you could quickly make the pot marketable by heating some wax and pressing it into the cracks before finishing the item. Goofed on an expensive block of marble? Mix a little marble dust into some wax and cover your mistake. Initially, no one would know that the item was flawed. However, craftsman who was in business for the long haul, who wanted repeat customers, advertised that his products were 'sine cera!' - without wax.
Authentic Christians are not content with superficial words, with shallow devotions, and unexamined motives. They are passionate about being the same in secret as they are in church, about making sure that what they do aligns with what they claim to believe. They allow the Spirit of God to use the powerful Word to surgically correct the flaws in character, so that they are people of integrity – the same all the way through! "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, NIV)
Integrity allows the disciple to live transparently, a liberating fact. He does not need two vocabularies- one for church and one for work. He does not worry about anyone accessing his computer’s browsing history. He never needs to worry that he is in a place where he thinks - “I hope no one sees me here.” When he is going through struggles and/or temptation, he has no need to pretend to be better than he is and freely asks for support and advice. He is a person of integrity – the same inside and out; not perfect, but honest to man and God.
Here’s a word from the Word. In it, we are directed to act consistently with our prayers, to make the choices that reflect our beliefs. Remembering, believing is more than thinking something is true. It is acting in a way that is consistent with our faith.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." (James 1:5-8, NIV) If we lack integrity, saying we believe one thing, but living as though we believe another, we are robbed of the steady, stable life promised to those who live wholly holy before the Lord.
______________
Father in Heaven,
I live in a word of image and impression.
I am tempted to take my cue from the culture,
to pretend and to ‘dress up’ to hide my insecurities and my sins.
Help me to be a man of integrity-
Honest before You and those with whom I live.
Thank You for the wonderful promise that
You know me best and love me most!
Let me know the security that comes from Your
amazing grace; and from that rock,
learn to live without fear, sincerely –
A life of integrity that honors You.
In Jesus’ Name – Amen.
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Authentic Christian 3 - Unforgettable Impact
When I think of a meaningless, vapid life two names come to mind: Lindsey Lohan and Paris Hilton. Both are pretty women whose faces are (or were) frequently in the news, but neither has made any kind of actual contribution to the world. Despite advantages of wealth and beauty, their lives appear to be wasted on frivolous pursuits of pleasure and lack substance. Many people are existing in that same kind of state though not to the notable extremes of Lohan and Paris. Forgettable people are adrift in the world, avoiding hard choices, watching TV late into the night, keeping themselves entertained, and making barely a trace as they pass through!
The late Ray Stedman says that the third mark of the authentic Christian is unforgettable impact that the Presence of Christ in us creates in this world. "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. 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? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God." (2 Corinthians 2:14-17, NIV)
It is interesting that Paul chooses to illustrate the unforgettable impact of a genuine Christian’s life using fragrance, but he is right on with what we know about our sense of smell. Though many of are unaware of how we use our noses, what we smell and the memories we associate with certain scents evoke powerful emotions. We identify people, in part, by scent though most of us don’t consciously do it. We are attracted to some, repelled from others, by scent and not just powerful ones like perfumes or body odor, but the more subtle scents that are unique to each of us. Science suggests that memories of scents persist in our brain for years!
Paul says that as the authentic Christian moves through his world he gives off the smell of Jesus’ Presence! But not all find it a pleasant scent. Some are reminded only of their sin and their alienation from God. Others are reminded of the love of their Father! “To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life.”
Are you living a life that is engaged with God, that wrestles with the tough issues of the world in which you walk, that is robust in faith? Does your Christianity cause you to break a sweat, figuratively speaking? Or, is what you call ‘being Christian’ a tame experience of sitting on a church pew, comforted by soothing words, promised Heaven at the end of a life that valued ease and pleasure above all else?
Pastor Stedman wrote: “Authentic Christianity leaves a lingering fragrance to God of Jesus Christ, no matter what--but to human beings, it is either a fragrance of death to death or of life to life. But what about phony Christianity? That's another matter altogether--it just a bad smell! You've certainly heard the only one-liner--"Old fishermen never die--they only smell that way." The same can be said for false Christianity. It never dies; it only smells that way.”
Get sweaty for God! Get so close to Jesus that His scent rubs off on you! Be authentic!
The late Ray Stedman says that the third mark of the authentic Christian is unforgettable impact that the Presence of Christ in us creates in this world. "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. 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? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God." (2 Corinthians 2:14-17, NIV)
It is interesting that Paul chooses to illustrate the unforgettable impact of a genuine Christian’s life using fragrance, but he is right on with what we know about our sense of smell. Though many of are unaware of how we use our noses, what we smell and the memories we associate with certain scents evoke powerful emotions. We identify people, in part, by scent though most of us don’t consciously do it. We are attracted to some, repelled from others, by scent and not just powerful ones like perfumes or body odor, but the more subtle scents that are unique to each of us. Science suggests that memories of scents persist in our brain for years!
Paul says that as the authentic Christian moves through his world he gives off the smell of Jesus’ Presence! But not all find it a pleasant scent. Some are reminded only of their sin and their alienation from God. Others are reminded of the love of their Father! “To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life.”
Are you living a life that is engaged with God, that wrestles with the tough issues of the world in which you walk, that is robust in faith? Does your Christianity cause you to break a sweat, figuratively speaking? Or, is what you call ‘being Christian’ a tame experience of sitting on a church pew, comforted by soothing words, promised Heaven at the end of a life that valued ease and pleasure above all else?
Pastor Stedman wrote: “Authentic Christianity leaves a lingering fragrance to God of Jesus Christ, no matter what--but to human beings, it is either a fragrance of death to death or of life to life. But what about phony Christianity? That's another matter altogether--it just a bad smell! You've certainly heard the only one-liner--"Old fishermen never die--they only smell that way." The same can be said for false Christianity. It never dies; it only smells that way.”
Get sweaty for God! Get so close to Jesus that His scent rubs off on you! Be authentic!
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Authentic Christian 2 - Unvarying Success
Being 55 is not all that great, given the aches and the diminished stamina of aging. There is one thing however that is wonderful about this stage of life- experience! Situations that could flummox me when I was 30 don’t anymore. I’ve learned that God always has a plan, even when I don’t; that His purposes will prevail even when from my perspective I have hit a brick wall. Indeed, though it seems a cliché, I must say that the largest gains have come in times of greatest pain! I am not a fatalist for I know that my choices can both help and hinder the work of God’s kingdom. But, I am convinced that "God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." (Romans 8:28, NLT)
The late Ray Stedman said that the second mark of the authentic Christian was unvarying success that comes to those who are led by Christ Jesus. "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. 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? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God." (2 Corinthians 2:14-17, NIV)
Stedman writes, “We must remember that these high-sounding words of Paul's are not mere evangelical pep talk. They were not uttered by a well-paid, highly respected pastor to a well-dressed suburban congregation in a modern American mega-church. These words were not given to thrill and entertain the Sunday morning audience, but to embolden and encourage those who were literally risking their lives and their families' lives for the cause of Christ on a daily basis. These words were written by a man who bore on his body the wounds of a servant of Jesus.” Speaking out of his own experience, Paul encourages us to trust God ALL of the time, not just when things are going our way. He tells us to stay steady even when every circumstance would seem to indicate God has forgotten us. Writing of his trials, he says, "I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. … And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear." (Philippians 1:14, NLT)
Two thousand years of church history, even with some incredibly dark chapters of awful corruption, even with all the foibles and failures of men and their schemes, only proves that God is supreme and that His will stands. Personalize that today, disciple! As we stand on the edge of this new year, renew your faith. Surrender yourself to the will of the Lord and tell Him openly and often that you desire to be led by His hand. Then, trust Him to ‘lead in triumphal procession!’ That doesn’t mean that you’ll get rich, always enjoy ‘good luck,’ or even become famous! You will live a solid life of assurance, with a deep peace, a worthy life of integrity, that enjoys the trust of others, and the benediction of Heaven!
Take this incredible promise, a word from the Word, with you today.
"It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. … Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:13-18, NIV)
_____________
The late Ray Stedman said that the second mark of the authentic Christian was unvarying success that comes to those who are led by Christ Jesus. "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. 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? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God." (2 Corinthians 2:14-17, NIV)
Stedman writes, “We must remember that these high-sounding words of Paul's are not mere evangelical pep talk. They were not uttered by a well-paid, highly respected pastor to a well-dressed suburban congregation in a modern American mega-church. These words were not given to thrill and entertain the Sunday morning audience, but to embolden and encourage those who were literally risking their lives and their families' lives for the cause of Christ on a daily basis. These words were written by a man who bore on his body the wounds of a servant of Jesus.” Speaking out of his own experience, Paul encourages us to trust God ALL of the time, not just when things are going our way. He tells us to stay steady even when every circumstance would seem to indicate God has forgotten us. Writing of his trials, he says, "I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. … And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear." (Philippians 1:14, NLT)
Two thousand years of church history, even with some incredibly dark chapters of awful corruption, even with all the foibles and failures of men and their schemes, only proves that God is supreme and that His will stands. Personalize that today, disciple! As we stand on the edge of this new year, renew your faith. Surrender yourself to the will of the Lord and tell Him openly and often that you desire to be led by His hand. Then, trust Him to ‘lead in triumphal procession!’ That doesn’t mean that you’ll get rich, always enjoy ‘good luck,’ or even become famous! You will live a solid life of assurance, with a deep peace, a worthy life of integrity, that enjoys the trust of others, and the benediction of Heaven!
Take this incredible promise, a word from the Word, with you today.
"It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. … Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:13-18, NIV)
_____________
Monday, January 03, 2011
Authentic Christian 1 - Unquenchable Optimism
The world we live in is full of difficulties and disappointments. Mom gets cancer. The person who heads the company makes an ill-advised decision that bankrupts it and costs us our job. Weeds grow in the lawn even in drought. It’s easy to get flabby and out of shape, hard to stay healthy and fit. The curse of sin is much in evidence! But, I am not in despair over it all. I have found the secret that motivates me to swim against the current, to work for a brighter day, to live purposefully where others may want to surrender to fate.
The late Ray Stedman, writing on the text I’m about to quote, said that one of the marks of the authentic Christian is his unquenchable optimism born of faith that makes it’s foundation the eternal promises of Christ Jesus. "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. 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? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God." (2 Corinthians 2:14-17, NIV)
“Thanks be to God, who always leads us.” Could there be greater reason for hope than that? Don’t misunderstand. An authentic Christian does not avoid dealing with reality, does not pretend that all is well. He sees the pain and suffering that sin and Satan stir up all around with injustice, disease, hatred, prejudice, greed and such things. And, he looks higher to see the hand of God working in his life and through his life. He is thankful, in faith, that God can transform even the most painful circumstances and use them to produce a Kingdom result.
Paul and Silas set a girl free from slavery to an evil spirit in Philippi. For their kindness, they were beaten, thrown into stocks in the inner dungeon, and left to groan. But, they sang instead, not silly songs that were meant to distract them from their plight, but hymns of thanksgiving to God that they trusted to work to make His plan known! And, the earth shook, the doors came open, the jailor was converted, becoming one of the founders of the church in that city. (Acts 16) That’s authentic Christianity that knows unquenchable optimism rooted in faith in the Lord.
What circumstance frustrates you today?
Is there someone who is resisting the purpose of God and trying to make you miserable?
Does the future look bleak?
Make the choice of an authentic Christian. Have faith in God! Sing a song that strengthens your hope in Him. Give up your need to define how the future must look and let Him lead you to a place unimaginable in human understanding. "No one’s ever seen or heard anything like this, Never so much as imagined anything quite like it— What God has arranged for those who love him. But you’ve seen and heard it because God by his Spirit has brought it all out into the open before you. The Spirit, not content to flit around on the surface, dives into the depths of God, and brings out what God planned all along." (1 Corinthians 2:9-10, The Message) That is the place from which the authentic Christian gets his unquenchable optimism.
(Tomorrow – the second mark of the authentic Christian)
__________________________
God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way,
He works in ways we cannot see,
He will make a way for me.
He will be my guide,
Hold me closely to His side,
With love and strength
For each new day,
He will make a way,
He will make a way.
By a roadway in the wilderness
He'll lead me,
And rivers in the desert will I see.
Heaven and earth will fade
But His Word will still remain,
He will do something new today.
God Will Make A Way
Moen, Don
© 1990 Integrity's Hosanna! Music (c/o Integrity Music, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
The late Ray Stedman, writing on the text I’m about to quote, said that one of the marks of the authentic Christian is his unquenchable optimism born of faith that makes it’s foundation the eternal promises of Christ Jesus. "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. 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? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God." (2 Corinthians 2:14-17, NIV)
“Thanks be to God, who always leads us.” Could there be greater reason for hope than that? Don’t misunderstand. An authentic Christian does not avoid dealing with reality, does not pretend that all is well. He sees the pain and suffering that sin and Satan stir up all around with injustice, disease, hatred, prejudice, greed and such things. And, he looks higher to see the hand of God working in his life and through his life. He is thankful, in faith, that God can transform even the most painful circumstances and use them to produce a Kingdom result.
Paul and Silas set a girl free from slavery to an evil spirit in Philippi. For their kindness, they were beaten, thrown into stocks in the inner dungeon, and left to groan. But, they sang instead, not silly songs that were meant to distract them from their plight, but hymns of thanksgiving to God that they trusted to work to make His plan known! And, the earth shook, the doors came open, the jailor was converted, becoming one of the founders of the church in that city. (Acts 16) That’s authentic Christianity that knows unquenchable optimism rooted in faith in the Lord.
What circumstance frustrates you today?
Is there someone who is resisting the purpose of God and trying to make you miserable?
Does the future look bleak?
Make the choice of an authentic Christian. Have faith in God! Sing a song that strengthens your hope in Him. Give up your need to define how the future must look and let Him lead you to a place unimaginable in human understanding. "No one’s ever seen or heard anything like this, Never so much as imagined anything quite like it— What God has arranged for those who love him. But you’ve seen and heard it because God by his Spirit has brought it all out into the open before you. The Spirit, not content to flit around on the surface, dives into the depths of God, and brings out what God planned all along." (1 Corinthians 2:9-10, The Message) That is the place from which the authentic Christian gets his unquenchable optimism.
(Tomorrow – the second mark of the authentic Christian)
__________________________
God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way,
He works in ways we cannot see,
He will make a way for me.
He will be my guide,
Hold me closely to His side,
With love and strength
For each new day,
He will make a way,
He will make a way.
By a roadway in the wilderness
He'll lead me,
And rivers in the desert will I see.
Heaven and earth will fade
But His Word will still remain,
He will do something new today.
God Will Make A Way
Moen, Don
© 1990 Integrity's Hosanna! Music (c/o Integrity Music, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
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