Thursday, June 19, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
hee-hee...so, did you rush to your calendars and make sure we were still in the month of June? well...no worries- you haven't gone crazy- we are not in November, but we are always to be in the season of thanksgiving. I was reading Colossians 3:15-17, and I noticed how many times Paul mentions for us to be thankful. Check it out... "And be thankful" (vs. 15)..."with gratitude in our hearts to God" (vs. 16)... "giving thanks to God the Father..."(vs. 17). See a pattern here? We are continually to live a life of thanksgiving in the Name of the Lord Jesus (vs. 17). He states it pretty simply in verse 15..."And be thankful." period. 3 word sentence. It doesn't get more clear than that, folks. My parents came to visit this past weekend, and they truly live out this instruction- they are very thankful people. Their joy and thankfulness are contagious. I praise the Lord for them- I THANK the Lord for them!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
False Accusations
Towards the end of my Bible study this morning (in my favorite "Bible-study-spot"...the tan comfy chair, Bible, laptop, coffee), I was working on the application part of the Colossians text I was studying. Well...I'm not sure how I got to this next thought- but, I started thinking...
When Jesus was on the earth, many people falsely accused Him of things- such as not being the Son of God, working by Beelzebub (prince of demons), questioning His authority, etc... I thought to myself, "Well, I would never falsely accuse God of anything- He's GOD!" But, then, I began to search my heart...a word popped in my mind- "TRUST". Do, I truly trust Him? In everything? When I don't trust Him with the details of my day and my future, I am basically telling Him that He can't handle it. I'm questioning His authority- I'm saying, "God, I don't think this situation is on Your radar..." I'm falsely accusing Him. ooh- conviction...Lord, help me to trust You. You have my whole life on Your radar screen. You know...You see...help me to believe. If I trust You with eternal salvation, I can trust You with my everyday life.
When Jesus was on the earth, many people falsely accused Him of things- such as not being the Son of God, working by Beelzebub (prince of demons), questioning His authority, etc... I thought to myself, "Well, I would never falsely accuse God of anything- He's GOD!" But, then, I began to search my heart...a word popped in my mind- "TRUST". Do, I truly trust Him? In everything? When I don't trust Him with the details of my day and my future, I am basically telling Him that He can't handle it. I'm questioning His authority- I'm saying, "God, I don't think this situation is on Your radar..." I'm falsely accusing Him. ooh- conviction...Lord, help me to trust You. You have my whole life on Your radar screen. You know...You see...help me to believe. If I trust You with eternal salvation, I can trust You with my everyday life.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Put to death
"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these the wrath of God is coming."
Colossians 3:5-6
I consider myself to be a positive, upbeat person. (I was even a part of an Optimist Club as a teenager...and my dad was the President! and I'm not joking!) So, sometimes, these are the kinds of uncomfortable verses many of us may want to skim or skip over- you know- the "death", "sexual immorality", "idolatry", or "wrath" type verses. But, heaven forbid that we would do such a thing. Sin is real. Sin is rampant. God's wrath is real. We see the consequences of sin everyday. How do we stop the downward spiral of morality? By... PUTTING TO DEATH those things which are against God's will. I thought about this instruction given by Paul in verse 5- "Put to death". We need to kill sin. It is not good enough to let it rest, for it will wake up again. It can have no breath in it- no life- no chance of revival. We have to starve sin to death. How? By not feeding our minds and hearts with the nastiness of this world. (examples: bad movies, suggestive TV shows, worldly magazines, questionable internet sites, foolish company, etc.) In order to put sin to death, unplug all possible forms of life-support. This is the ONLY way you will be successful in following Paul's instructions in Colossians 3:1-2, "...set your hearts on things above...set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
Colossians 3:5-6
I consider myself to be a positive, upbeat person. (I was even a part of an Optimist Club as a teenager...and my dad was the President! and I'm not joking!) So, sometimes, these are the kinds of uncomfortable verses many of us may want to skim or skip over- you know- the "death", "sexual immorality", "idolatry", or "wrath" type verses. But, heaven forbid that we would do such a thing. Sin is real. Sin is rampant. God's wrath is real. We see the consequences of sin everyday. How do we stop the downward spiral of morality? By... PUTTING TO DEATH those things which are against God's will. I thought about this instruction given by Paul in verse 5- "Put to death". We need to kill sin. It is not good enough to let it rest, for it will wake up again. It can have no breath in it- no life- no chance of revival. We have to starve sin to death. How? By not feeding our minds and hearts with the nastiness of this world. (examples: bad movies, suggestive TV shows, worldly magazines, questionable internet sites, foolish company, etc.) In order to put sin to death, unplug all possible forms of life-support. This is the ONLY way you will be successful in following Paul's instructions in Colossians 3:1-2, "...set your hearts on things above...set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
Monday, June 2, 2008
A Secure Refuge
"...your life is now hidden with Christ in God..." Colossians 3:3
This morning I was just reflecting on this verse...what protection, what safety, what a Refuge!! Think about it...as a believers in Jesus, we can be confident in our firm foundation and our hiding place. First of all, we are WITH Christ. Not just near or close to Him, but we are WITH Him. In addition to that, we are IN God. Not beside Him or one step away...no! We are IN Him. Our Abba, our Father, protects us by hiding our lives with Him- in Him. Now THAT is security! Who is like the Lord? (Psalm 89:8) No one! No one else can offer this level of protection and this quality of refuge. Be confident in knowing that He watches over you.
This morning I was just reflecting on this verse...what protection, what safety, what a Refuge!! Think about it...as a believers in Jesus, we can be confident in our firm foundation and our hiding place. First of all, we are WITH Christ. Not just near or close to Him, but we are WITH Him. In addition to that, we are IN God. Not beside Him or one step away...no! We are IN Him. Our Abba, our Father, protects us by hiding our lives with Him- in Him. Now THAT is security! Who is like the Lord? (Psalm 89:8) No one! No one else can offer this level of protection and this quality of refuge. Be confident in knowing that He watches over you.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
delightful disciplines
Check out Colossians 2:5. "For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is."
Paul was excited not only to see how solid their faith was, but to see their orderliness. Now, when I think of orderly, I think of clean rooms, tidy kitchens, organized garages, filing cabinets, and manila folders. Is that what Paul means? Is he planning on doing the "white glove" dust check on their furniture? hmmm...probably not. But, let's look at the same verse in a different translation- "...rejoicing to see your GOOD DISCIPLINE and the stability of your faith in Christ." (NASB) The Christian life if full of disciplines... of Bible study, Scripture memorization, church accountability, prayer, ...but I also believe that disciplines can be specific to individuals. For example, how orderly am I in my music ministry? How disciplined am I to make my home a place where guests can feel free to visit...anytime? How orderly am I with the money God has given me through my job?
Orderliness was on the top of Paul's list...is it on the top of ours?
Paul was excited not only to see how solid their faith was, but to see their orderliness. Now, when I think of orderly, I think of clean rooms, tidy kitchens, organized garages, filing cabinets, and manila folders. Is that what Paul means? Is he planning on doing the "white glove" dust check on their furniture? hmmm...probably not. But, let's look at the same verse in a different translation- "...rejoicing to see your GOOD DISCIPLINE and the stability of your faith in Christ." (NASB) The Christian life if full of disciplines... of Bible study, Scripture memorization, church accountability, prayer, ...but I also believe that disciplines can be specific to individuals. For example, how orderly am I in my music ministry? How disciplined am I to make my home a place where guests can feel free to visit...anytime? How orderly am I with the money God has given me through my job?
Orderliness was on the top of Paul's list...is it on the top of ours?
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Lessons from Jonah
The other day, a friend at the YMCA mentioned one of her favorite verses to me- Jonah 2:8. Now, I’ve read Jonah several times before, but I have never really camped out on this verse in particular. But, as I read and reread this passage, the Lord opened my eyes to new things in the entire chapter.
I’d like to share the two main things God really impressed upon my heart:
1. Your physical circumstances don’t dictate your spiritual deliverance
The context of Jonah 2 finds Jonah in the belly of a big whale. Not quite the picture of deliverance. However, because Jonah knows in Whom his help is found (2:1, 4, 7), he finds a supernatural peace and freedom. “…But You brought my life up from the pit, O LORD my God” (2:6b). Notice the past tense verb…Jonah acknowledged that God already rescued him…from his physical circumstances? No. But spiritually? Yes. Our deliverance might not necessarily look the way the world envisions it to take place. God works in mysterious ways!
2. Worshipping worthless idols can cause you to miss out on God’s grace
Jonah 2:8 says, “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” In disobeying his call to go to Nineveh, Jonah clung to the idol of self-comfort. Because of that choice, he gave up the opportunity to be blessed by God’s grace. How many times do I forfeit His grace? How many times do I cling to the idol of people-pleasing, or self-comfort, or materialism, and in turn, miss out on all of the many blessings the Lord wants to bestow on me? Or how often do I make my life’s circumstances more difficult because of my own choices to worship another god? God freely gives His grace, so let us not choose to forfeit such a wonderful gift.
I’d like to share the two main things God really impressed upon my heart:
1. Your physical circumstances don’t dictate your spiritual deliverance
The context of Jonah 2 finds Jonah in the belly of a big whale. Not quite the picture of deliverance. However, because Jonah knows in Whom his help is found (2:1, 4, 7), he finds a supernatural peace and freedom. “…But You brought my life up from the pit, O LORD my God” (2:6b). Notice the past tense verb…Jonah acknowledged that God already rescued him…from his physical circumstances? No. But spiritually? Yes. Our deliverance might not necessarily look the way the world envisions it to take place. God works in mysterious ways!
2. Worshipping worthless idols can cause you to miss out on God’s grace
Jonah 2:8 says, “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” In disobeying his call to go to Nineveh, Jonah clung to the idol of self-comfort. Because of that choice, he gave up the opportunity to be blessed by God’s grace. How many times do I forfeit His grace? How many times do I cling to the idol of people-pleasing, or self-comfort, or materialism, and in turn, miss out on all of the many blessings the Lord wants to bestow on me? Or how often do I make my life’s circumstances more difficult because of my own choices to worship another god? God freely gives His grace, so let us not choose to forfeit such a wonderful gift.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Jumping out of the Boat...Again...
Now, I'm not a fan of canoe trips, white water rafting, or deep sea fishing...(just ask me about my bamboo rafting experience in Thailand)...so, jumping out of a boat doesn't appeal to me. However, if I was in Peter's shoes, I hope that I would dive in and take the plunge! It seemed like Peter made a habit of jumping out of boats...all for the right reasons, though.
You may be familiar with the story of Peter walking on the water to meet Jesus (Matthew 14:25-32). As the disciples in the boat were trying to figure out who or what was walking on the water, Peter boldly said, "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water." Then, Jesus said, "Come." So, what did Peter do? He took the plunge! He wanted to join Jesus wherever, whenever, however! In verse 29 it says, "Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus." He had faith that it was Jesus...he had faith that his Lord would help him.
Well, this was not the only time Peter jumped out...in John 21, we can read of another instance where he took the plunge again. However, this time the story takes place in a completely different context. It was after Jesus' resurrection...which also means that Peter had already denied Jesus three times. I don't know about you, but at that point, I would be feeling extremely guilty, remorseful, and ashamed. It might be hard to even face the Lord after I denied him multiple times. But, check out Peter's response... some of the disciples were out fishing when Jesus came walking on the shore. At first, they didn't recognize Him, but once their eyes were opened, Peter took the plunge! He immediately jumped into the water after His Lord. Peter, again, displayed his faith in the Lord Jesus- he knew of His forgiveness, His cleansing power, and the restoration that could only come through Him. Peter jumped out of the boat...again...to be with Jesus. (BTW- check out the rest of John 21 to see how Christ reinstated and restored Peter)
What about us? Do we trust Christ enough that we would step out onto scary territory- even out of our comfort zones? Do we trust in His cleansing power- that despite what we have done in our pasts, Christ welcomes us with open, loving arms? Do we approach Him boldly in our prayers when we need grace and mercy? (Hebrews 4:16)
You ready to jump? He is there...waiting on us to take the plunge!
You may be familiar with the story of Peter walking on the water to meet Jesus (Matthew 14:25-32). As the disciples in the boat were trying to figure out who or what was walking on the water, Peter boldly said, "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water." Then, Jesus said, "Come." So, what did Peter do? He took the plunge! He wanted to join Jesus wherever, whenever, however! In verse 29 it says, "Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus." He had faith that it was Jesus...he had faith that his Lord would help him.
Well, this was not the only time Peter jumped out...in John 21, we can read of another instance where he took the plunge again. However, this time the story takes place in a completely different context. It was after Jesus' resurrection...which also means that Peter had already denied Jesus three times. I don't know about you, but at that point, I would be feeling extremely guilty, remorseful, and ashamed. It might be hard to even face the Lord after I denied him multiple times. But, check out Peter's response... some of the disciples were out fishing when Jesus came walking on the shore. At first, they didn't recognize Him, but once their eyes were opened, Peter took the plunge! He immediately jumped into the water after His Lord. Peter, again, displayed his faith in the Lord Jesus- he knew of His forgiveness, His cleansing power, and the restoration that could only come through Him. Peter jumped out of the boat...again...to be with Jesus. (BTW- check out the rest of John 21 to see how Christ reinstated and restored Peter)
What about us? Do we trust Christ enough that we would step out onto scary territory- even out of our comfort zones? Do we trust in His cleansing power- that despite what we have done in our pasts, Christ welcomes us with open, loving arms? Do we approach Him boldly in our prayers when we need grace and mercy? (Hebrews 4:16)
You ready to jump? He is there...waiting on us to take the plunge!
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