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Let's use this day of dinner fellowship as a means to invite others to know the love of Christ.  Use every opportunity.



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05-23-12 "Reverent Wonder" 1 Timothy 4:6-10

The passage I read was 1 Timothy 4:6-10

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy%204:6-10&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

⁸ For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

As I reflect:

The passage starts out talking about the previous few verses where Paul tells Timothy that there are deceiving spirits which teach things that aren’t true.  You and I often call those influenced by these spirits “false prophets”.  Paul says that if we point these out to the brothers and sisters we will be good ministers of Christ Jesus.  I gotta tell you I have a bit of personal experience on both sides of this situation. 

I have been the younger more immature Christian that is being told these things and I have also told other brothers and sisters about them.  Some of the earlier things I was told by mentors include being warned that Joel Osteen was a false prophet, Christmas is a pagan tradition (even as celebrated surrounding the birth of Jesus), Easter is pagan, Joyce Meyers is a false prophet, and several other huge eye opening truths in life.  Now, when I was first told these things, admittedly I had a great deal of doubt even though the info came from trusted mentors.  I still felt in the back of my mind that they were simply being judgmental or legalistic or had heard incorrect information from a conspiracy theorist in the theology phase of their life.  In fact I would sometimes thank them for the info but then go and do research to the contrary just to prove to myself that they were wrong and I could still celebrate whatever and listen to whomever I felt was right.  But, I was wrong.  In time I came to realize as my studies got deeper that I had been deceived by lying spirits.  My entire life was filled with seemingly little lies that were told to me from parents, books, teachers, strangers, advertisements, and the overall traditions of a nation and beyond that a culture that has existed since Satan’s first lie in the garden.  Because I spent a lifetime believing in certain traditions as holy, you can imagine I was defensive at first.  But despite my love of the traditions, my desire for truth was far greater and God revealed to me the lies I had fallen for.  After significant study and prayer (lasting several years on one particular topic), I found their warnings true. 

 I think back to those who told me the truth and today they are still trusted advisors and yet I still research a great deal of what they say (merely because we are all human and fallible).  But I didn’t realize then what a great task they took on when they told me those truths.  I since have heard of other brothers and sisters that have been lied to and believe in false prophets to be God’s servants.  I have come to those times in conversation when I must tell them the truth or be held accountable for saying nothing and allowing them to believe in a lie that could lead them astray.  

Let me tell you, not all “Christians” respond in the way I did when first told the truth.  It’s harder to share than you may think.  But we are told to nourish truth and be good ministers.  We are told to have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales.  We are told to train ourselves to be godly.  Doing this does require going through some uncomfortable self examination and many times we may find that what the world told us was real, was an illusion; what a “man of God” on stage said, was really deceit from a man that knoweth not Our Father; that our fun memories finding dyed eggs were really just idol worship of a false god.  Let us put these wives’ tales aside and be honest with ourselves and with each other.  Let us train ourselves to be godly and seek truth.  Let us labor and strive putting our hope in the living God and not in traditions of cultures that are foreign to the truth. 

05-01-12 "Hopeful Perseverance" Romans 5:1-5

The passage I read was Romans 5:1-5

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5%3A1-5&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we^[a]have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we^[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. ³ Not only so, but we^[c] also glory in our sufferings,because we know that suffering produces perseverance;⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hopedoes not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

As I reflect:

It’s too short a passage to just pick one verse that stands out, so I chose the whole thing as having stood out. Lol.  I actually quoted a portion of this passage yesterday not knowing it was on the agenda for study today.  We often discuss, study, and meditate on pushing through difficulties in our lives as followers of Christ.  Often the focus is on just persevering and how to do so by the Holy Spirit, but this passage is special to me because I am a “why” person.  When someone at work tells me to do something, often before I even consider beginning, I will ask “why”.  When one of my children has disobeyed me, it is often more important to me to know “why” rather than just jumping right into punishment.  When a stranger raises their voice at me and calls me all sorts of evil because of their cable not working, my first thought is “why is their cable this important”.  I am a why person.  I ask it about price increases globally, the introduction of sin in the garden, and when something breaks down.  This passage gives us insight as to “why” we suffer.

As Christians we can simply take it on the Word of God to rejoice when we suffer.  But from time to time, we may be tempted to ask God “why”.  Here, He has graciously offered us an answer in advance.  He doesn’t expect us to simply rejoice because someone says that the Bible tells us to.  He gives us the answer to the “why”.  We are not suffering in vain.  But we suffer because it produces perseverance.  We persevere because it produces character.  We have character built up in us so that we might understand and obtain hope.  And we have this hope of the work of the Lord in our life; the hope of His return; the hope of one day going to our eternal home with our Savior and it expresses to us His great love being poured into our lives through His Holy Spirit.  We don’t suffer in vain.  Nor do we persevere without end.  There will come a day when our suffering will cease and we will be with our Lord.  When you suffer and begin to wonder why you feel this way, know that the Lord is at work and is actually building and lifting you up that you may have hope and character.  You are being strengthened by the suffering you now endure.  It is with great purpose that we have trials and tribulations of all kinds.  I can rejoice in this knowing and trusting that it is part of God’s design to complete the work begun in me.  Rejoice with me as He also works in you.  

05-01-12 "Hopeful Perseverance" James 1:1-8

The passage I read was James 1:1-8

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%201:1-8&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

As I reflect:

This week’s focus is “hopeful perseverance”.  A common denominator among the passages chosen thus far is that hardship is not something to be sad about or even fearful of.   Rather the contrary, hardship is something to rejoice over because we know it is going to be used for our good.  In this 1^st part of James we read “consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”  This reminded me of a few other passages from God.

Romans 5: ³ Not only so, but we^[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. 

Matthew 5: ¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Romans 8: ²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose.

Those are of course just a few of the many that carry this same feeling.  At this point in the week my view of persecution isn’t just that it’s not bad, but that it strengthens in a way that nothing else can.  I would liken hardships and trials to a workout.  The best workouts for the human body are the ones where you push yourself beyond what you have previously done.  The reason for this is because the only way to improve upon you physical condition in a workout is to strive to do more each time.  Many times during a workout we may want to quit because it’s hard.  But if we persevere and push through those times, we find a since of accomplishment and a reward of better health for having done so.  We are very similar to this in our spiritual and mental lives as well.  The things that grow our spiritual and mental strength and abilities are often the things which we least desire or those which cause us the greatest discomfort.  But just as you push through when you want to quit at the ymca, we also must persevere when we are under mental, spiritual, and for many across the globe even physical attack.  For these times can be the very passage to our becoming stronger in our faith, hope, and daily work in the harvest.   Rejoice when times of hardship are upon you and trust in God.  He may very well be answering your prays to be a greater witness or to further His kingdom.  

05-01-12 "Hopeful Perseverance" Luke 8:4-15

The passage I read was Luke 8:4-15

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+8%3A4-15&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

¹⁵ But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

As I reflect:

You know, I have read this particular parable many times and reflected from multiple angles on its meaning and application to our lives.  Never have I looked at it to consider perseverance though.  This was a first for me. 

At first I thought perhaps I will reflect on how the seed that fell on the path and was quickly eaten by birds, is an example of those who lack the ability to persevere against Satan’s crimes… But then I realized without God, they would have no way to persevere against the enemy.  Then I thought maybe the focus of perseverance lays among the thorny bushes.   These Christians should have persevered against the distractions, worries, and riches of the world.  But then again, they were never removed or separated from such things to begin with.  Their soil wasn’t prepared and cleaned.  I wondered if the topic would be better reflected on looking at seed among rocks.  But again I was left considering the obvious excuses for lacking perseverance.  The only option I found, was looking at myself.

I am the soil that is fertile.  In me I have the word which is the seed of my new life.  Here, in this soil I see the potential for all of the dangers that effected the other seeds but with one huge difference.  I find myself being looked after, watered, fed, protected from weeds and thorns.  I can take no credit for my soil; my heart, for it was by with great heart ache and pain that it was broken and prepared to receive the seed.  I didn’t choose God before He chose me.  Of this I am certain.  I never would have chosen to be humbled in the manner that it occurred.  I never would have chosen to be broken down and lose everything for the sake of finding new life.  This was God’s doing.  His Holy Spirit worked the field and prepared me to receive the Word of God. 

For those who believe today; who diligently seek Christ, we must persevere against thorns and weeds of the world that attempt to blind us and choke the word of God out of us.  We must persevere and watch for the enemy’s attempts to steal the truth we so fervently believe.  We must persevere against the climate of rocky terrain under scorching heat as we seek deeper root daily feeding on every Word that comes from God.  We are refreshed by His good grace being poured out on us a new each day.  May we grow and persevere that our Master be pleased with the fruitful crop we become.  May we also reach out to one another and help keep the garden free from distractions, lift one another up when weary, and keep watchful eyes over one another to protect each other from unseen attacks.  

05-01-12 "Hopeful Perseverance" Hebrews 12:1-11

The passage I read was Hebrews 12:1-11

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2012:1-11&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

⁷ Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?

As I reflect:

The topic for study this week is “hopeful perseverance”, and this is a great passage to start out with for that topic.  As I reflect, I see 2 main angles being discussed. 

1 – The race comparison (run with perseverance)

When one is running a race (and I’m no athlete any more but have a history of Martial arts competitions and Military exercises), it would be easy to simply stop when we get tired.  But we wouldn’t cross the finish line this way.  We would lose completely and it would have been better to have not shown up at all.  We are instead encouraged to run with perseverance.  These 1^st three verses give some key elements of how to do that. 

a. surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses.  Here we see that we have encouragers (some who have struggled in far greater battles than our own).  We ought to receive their encouragement as we read their stories and see their own perseverance as well as when we hear them still today through those who surround us and share the Word of God through the encouragement of the Holy Spirit in their lives. 

b. Let us throw off everything that hinders us.  You wouldn’t run a race with 10 layers of clothing, a cold, a car strapped to your waist, and a back pack of bricks (though some might actually train this way).  No, you would throw off all that baggage and run well hydrated with little to no weight to restrain you and an outfit which allowed your body to breath.  Likewise as we run the race of a life lived for Christ, we want to throw off all that hinders that.  Sin.  As we recognize sin in our lives we are to throw it off so that our walk with Christ (our race) isn’t hindered.  I want to grow and become a better runner for the prize but will have great difficulty if I carry hidden weights and extra layers of clothing.  This race requires letting go of sin and holding very lightly to possessions that they may fall from your hand without regret when the Holy Spirit moves you.  Let’s lighten the spiritual and physical load and run without entanglement. 

c. Fixing our eyes on Jesus.  This is the prize.  We aren’t running to get into Heaven.  I don’t want it if Jesus isn’t there.  I’m running to fall at the feet of my blessed Redeemer who has taken my place, my shame, my pain, my punishment upon Himself that I may live free from the eternal damnation of sin.  This is my prize; that I might reach the finish line and hear from my Savior, “well done my good and faithful servant.”  I keep my eyes on this prize.  I see Him at the finish line and I look ever forward to His embrace.  With such a prize awaiting how could anyone stop running?

d. He endured the cross.  I am not only encouraged by the great mass of others who have already endured this race and also by those still setting the example today, but also by my Lord Who has already completed the race.  His prize is far greater because His race was infinitely harder.  He ran not only the race of life, but also took on the weights that we now lay down.  All that would hinder us, we lay aside as we receive grace from the one that carried all that we couldn’t.  I am encouraged knowing that Jesus did this as a man.  If He then endured far greater for my sake, then I may run this race focused and encouraged by Him already having faced every temptation along the way.  I know it can be done, because He did it.  I know He knows how it feels, because He felt it. 

2 – As a father disciplines his child…

Secondly I noted the comparison of God the Father in disciplining us to our earthly fathers disciplining us as children.  In my case it was usually my mom as I had several father figures but she was the one who was always there.  Many times when I was punished I can remember feeling angry and resenting her or even building up bitterness.  But looking back with an adult view of it all, I get it now.  Each and every punishment received was because I was in the wrong and needed correcting.  I was corrected not out of hate but love.  I was corrected not for everyone else’s sake but for my own so that I may grow up knowing right from wrong and the gifts that come from doing the right thing vs. the ill effects of doing wrong.  It is likewise in the way that the Lord holds us accountable for our actions.  Infinitely wiser of course, but same concept.  Because He loves us so dearly, He cannot then allow us to continue sinning because He knows the ill effects of that sin.  He then punishes, rebukes, corrects that we may know right from wrong and make a good choice.  He wants us to grow in wisdom and so He isn’t a silent God turned away from His children, but like an active Father in our lives He is ever present and guiding through His Holy Spirit.  Let us not grow bitter or angry with God because “the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Be encouraged in hopeful perseverance for this correction shows that He cares for you as His own child.  Let this then bring joy as you run the race marked out for you.  

04-24-12 "Self Control - b" Matthew 26:36-54

Control yourself.

The passage I read was Matthew 26:36-54

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+26%3A36-54&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

⁴¹ “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

As I reflect:

In keeping with the theme of self control this week I see several examples given in the passage.

1- Jesus’ self control to go to a place where Judas knew to find Him instead of hiding.  This was self control in obedience to the Father.  Sometime we as Christians can have great self control when God says, “Here walk through this glorious open door to great blessings that I have laid out for you.”  But I wonder if we are bi-polar in our attitude of self control.  Would we display as great self control to be obedient even when it means hardship or trials and tribulation leading to death?  Jesus wasn’t only obedient in the little things or only in the blessings.  He was obedient even unto death.  So we also ought to be so self controlled that we chose obedience not only in the joyous times in life, but also in times of sorrow and great hardship.  Remember, not our will but His be done.

2 – the self control of Peter, James, and John (the sons of Zebedee).  So first we see a good example of what we ought to do.  Then, looking at 3 disciples we see the example of what not to do.  Now I’m sure there were some kind of spiritual attacks occurring here to lure these disciples into sleep.  I’m sure their bodies, the flesh was very tired indeed after the long walks, filling meal, and now shut eyes in pray at this late hour.  However, I believe strongly that had they stuck to prayer, perhaps even aloud and together, they would have overcome the sleepiness and managed to stay awake and alert.  The example here for me is to pray without ceasing and strike a blow to my flesh to keep it from leading me away from this spiritual victory.  Had Peter managed to strengthen his walk at this time in prayer, perhaps he may never have denied the Lord.  But Jesus knew in advance the things to come.  Does he know of you and me that we have the self control to say no to distraction and no to the flesh and no to our weariness that we may press on in pray before our King? 

3 – the self control of Peter.  When they came for Jesus, Peter drew a sword and struck a guard’s ear.  Now I don’t know about you, but I know I have many times wanted to respond in my flesh with violence.  Even in just a violent word I have been tempted by this world.  It is the flesh that responds with no self control.  Here Peter exhibits this for us to know that the nature of man is abroad in all.  Later however, Peter exhibits a far more powerful sword and with self control over the flesh he gives us a far greater example in how to wield the sword of the spirit.  He cuts to even the heart of men and they are changed forever.  Acts 2: ³⁷ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”³⁸ Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.³⁹ The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off —for all whom the Lord our God will call.”  Let us also use the self control over the flesh to not lash out in anger, but use the Holy Spirit who is present in us that we would respond in a righteous and Biblical manner.

How much greater a witness to all we would be if we exhibited self control in prayer, word, and deed and if we responded with the Holy Spirit and chose obedience in every situation?

My response:

Jehovah, I have not fully obtained all that I preach.  I am in need of your grace.  I am in constant need for you to fill me with that which I lack for apart from you I am nothing.  I bring my petition before you to exhibit greater self control in the workplace, in my home, and abroad.  May my life overflow with the characteristics and supernatural presence of your Holy Spirit Father.  In Jesus’ name. 

04-24-12 "Self Control - b" Romans 6:4-14

The passage I read was Romans 6:4-14

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+6%3A4-14&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

⁶ For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with,^[a] that we should no longer be slaves to sin— ⁷ because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.

As I reflect:

Paul (in his longest epistle yet) covers all the salvation bases in this detailed letter to the roman church (the saints in Rome).  In this particular passage of that epistle we find him talking not only about physical baptism but more importantly a spiritual baptism which occurs in those who are born again.

Dying to old –

The first concept is that what we were before salvation was a person driven and controlled by sin.  We were not simply in the flesh that wraps our spirit but we were controlled by it as our spirit also desired what our flesh desired.  We lived in sin, making daily choices to continue in sin and being in our very hearts sin filled as beings who were slaves to sin. Our actions, words, thoughts, and even our very inner being was sinful and we obeyed it’s every command as we were daily led in temptation.  Even those said by man’s standards to be of upmost integrity and character were born into sin and lived lives of sin (and still do if not yet re-born).   The idea of dying to this very nature in us isn’t as simple as it is often put and I seriously doubt in my own ability to so thoroughly explain it here as I reflect.  My reflection is also a fairly simple explanation of it.  When one is baptized they are laid down into the water symbolizing the death of the old man.  This is only symbolic and the act in itself is not what saves or changes us in any way.  The symbol must stand for a conviction and changes which occurs inside our heart of hearts.  We are told that the Lord removes our cold or hardened heart (the idea being that which allows us to so ignorantly live a life as slave to sin and satan) and He gives us instead a new heart (covered in the next part of the process).  That is the symbolism of going down into the water, and when one is brought back up, the old man remains in the water having been washed off of the new man.  This can also be seen in parallel passages where we are told to daily crucify the old man.  It means that we don’t just do this once, but rather that daily we are putting off the old sin nature and making a conscio0us choice to battle against it.  We have to chose not to sin as an evidence of the putting off the old man.  This becomes easier in time as habits of the flesh are broken and the mind is given new food by which to act on.  It is easier still when we daily remember why we are saved, Who saved us, how He did it, why it had to occur no other way, and how we can relate to Him and Him to us.  Even as Christ was crucified on the cross, let the old sinful man that we were be crucified daily in our walks. 

Becoming new –

Simply dying of our old sin nature is not enough.  That’s like deciding to go somewhere, getting dressed, getting into a car, and then simply sitting there.  That’s great that you got ready to go somewhere but you have to start driving forward now.  When one is brought into the water as a symbol of the death of their sin nature, they aren’t left there.  They would drown.  There is no life being beneath the water, just as there was no life in the tomb for Jesus to remain there.  We are raised back up from the water to become a new creation, just as Jesus was raised back from the dead.  As He overcame death so must we overcome the sin nature which leads to death.  We must live in such a way as to daily chose to reign over the mortal body and it’s evil desires.  We have a new heart now but are still in the flesh.  That’s why it’s a battle.  Many of us spent a lifetime teaching our flesh to sin and it will be a struggle to retrain it, but it must be done.  We have to teach our body to be obedient unto God.  We daily read the word and pray for Holy Spirit guidance and empowerment that we might live in such a way that is un-natural to the sinful flesh we are in.  We are not natural beings that occasionally have a supernatural experience, but we are supernatural beings having a natural experience.  We must chose to identify with that supernatural, our spirit, and the Holy Spirit working in unison.  We must recognize that we are daily under the attacks of the enemy and move forward in resisting those attacks and furthering the kingdom of God.  If we are in fact born again, new creations, a new man, then there ought to be ample evidence of such a change in our lives.   Let us live daily as those that have been raised from their death in sin and now live dead to sin instead.

Dramatic change –

Now, being under grace may we offer our lives as an instrument of righteousness for God’s use.  Now that we have been given understanding of the scriptures and have received the truth that is there in contained, may we live in such a way that gives evidence to that truth.   If we then profess salvation from death in sin, shall we not live in accordance with that profession and indeed live dead to sin?  Spurgeon said it well, “If God has given to you and to me an entirely new life in Christ, how can that new life spend itself after the fashion of the old life? Shall the spiritual live as the carnal? How can you that were the servants of sin, but have been made free by precious blood, go back to your old slavery?”

May we not go back to the old man but be actually changed daily giving evidence to the work the Lord is doing in and through us. 

My response:

My Lord, I offer myself to you as one who has been brought from death to life.  Every member of my being is yours to be used as an instrument of righteousness in doing your will.  Help me daily Father I pray, for this flesh was trained well in the sinful desires of this world and it holds too tightly to my spirit.  Father I cry out daily for crucifixion of the old me and the resurrection power of You working mightily in the new me.  Remind me that I am under grace and not the law of sin and death.  Keep close to me through your Spirit that I be led away from sin and act instead in a way that brings glory to your name.  In Jesus’ name who was crucified and rose again that I may live.  Amen. 

04-17-12 "Self Control" Galatians 5:16-26

The passage I read was Galatians 5:16-26

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%205:16-26&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

 ¹⁶ So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

²⁴ Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

As I reflect:

Today’s passage starts out telling us to walk by the Spirit as to not gratify the flesh.  There are many struggles with sin that I have had and even today constantly must battle against.  There are temptation on every side of me just as all of us are tempted greatly to sin daily against our God.  This is one of the reasons we pray the he lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.  However, it would not be the characteristic of God to simply remove all temptation and by doing so remove all free will to chose who we follow and what we do.  God allows us this freedom otherwise our service to Him would bring no glory.    Paul talks briefly about this constant battle that is waging in all of our lives.  It’s not that one day we came to jesus and no we no longer struggle to overcome evil.  Rather the opposite.  Before we came unto a saving knowledge of Christ, we battled no sin.  No we are engaged in a great war and upon receiving this revelation we must daily chose to take up our cross and do battle against the enemy.  Paul put’s it this way, “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.  They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.”  There is a Christian performer who puts it in more eloquent terms with music.  

Watch his video here and follow along with the lyrics if you’d like:

Paul then continues in verse 18 saying, “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”  There are many a Jew that would disregard this verse and in fact much of the new testament simply on the premise of believing this to empower one to sin all they want and claim it as freedom from the law.  That is not what is meant here though.  Boice said it well as,  “Life by the Spirit is neither legalism nor license - nor a middle way between them.  It is a life of faith and love that is above all of these false ways.”  And Paul reiterated in more detail in Romans 8:1-4 saying, “ ¹ Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, ² because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. ³For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh,  God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.  And so he condemned sin in the flesh, ⁴ in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”

In these passages and quotes we can clearly see that freedom in the Spirit is not mean to be interpreted as a license to sin.  It is instead an antidote for those who are attempting to live by the law and finding themselves in constant failure because the flesh is in fact so weak.  Can’t stop living in sin?  Start living by the Spirit and watch as change takes place.  Stuck in a mire of self satisfaction?  Replace the outer influence of the law with the infer influence of the Holy Spirit. 

Continuing on Paul gives some examples of acts of the flesh (also known as the works of the flesh).  It is not an all inclusive list, so if you don’t see you sin on there, it doesn’t mean it’s not a sin.  But he hits some big ones that most are familiar with and then says that those who “live like this” won’t inherit the kingdom of God (that is Heaven and eternity with our Savior).   What it does not say is that if you stumble and fall into the temptation of sin, that you are suddenly and irrevocably condemned to Hell.  Here Paul is speaking not of “a” sin, but of a lifestyle of continuing in sin by choice.  We as Christians do make mistakes and we stumble and we sin.  It’s just a fact of living in the flesh.  But, we sin far less when we live by the Holy Spirit dwelling in us.  WE sin less when we listen to that still small voice and resist the flesh’s desires.  We sin less when we fellowship with other Holy Spirit filled believers whom the Spirit also uses to influence and support us.  We do not become sinless perfect beings who never make a mistake, for we are after all still living in a body of flesh this side of eternity. 

Paul’s final paragraph for today’s reflection time starts with, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love”, and it could end right there and no further words would be needed because love encompasses all that follows in the paragraph.  Go ahead, read it.  Love encompasses it all.  All the acts of the flesh in the previous paragraph cannot be done in this love because all of them contort are go directly against what love it.  The exhortation to believers from this passage (at least one of the many that could be taken from it and applied) is that we walk in the Spirit and live in a way that God’s love is evident in us and being shared through us.  With this focal point in our lives we will have far greater victory over the enemy as he daily attempts to lead us into temptation and evil.  Let there be evidence of the Holy Spirit living in you as you display the fruit of that relationship.

My response:

Lord, I asked long ago that your Holy Spirit would come into my heart; my life and change me from within.  Open my eyes, ears, and heart to continue not only receiving your word in this manner, but also that I would apply every word.  I don’t ask to be filled with fruit for my sake alone but to further your kingdom and to do your will.  I ask every morning to be guided by your Spirit that I not fall into those temptations that are laid as traps before me.  “Your kingdom come.  Your will be done.”  “lead me not into temptation but deliver me from evil”.  These are the things that I pray.  I know that I cannot do it alone, nor do I intend to, but rather I fall at your feet and pray that every step be Holy Spirit filled; every word like a fiery sword slaying my enemies and reaching into the hearts of men with love to cause change.  My Father I pray not only for your Spirit to save me from my own flesh, but that you would use me to draw others to you so that they too may be saved from their flesh.  In the name of Jesus I pray. 

04-17-12 "Self Control" Acts 24:10-26

2 Timothy 1:7

 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

The passage I read was Acts 24:10-26

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%2024:10-26&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

²⁶ At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.

As I reflect:

During my reflection my focus seemed to be on Felix and the last few verses of the passage.  When Paul shared the Gospel message with Felix, it caused fear.  This is a correct response for those who have no intention of serving the King of Kings.  Deep within their hearts they may already know that if you are not for Him, you surely must be against Him and this is reason for great fear.  Felix, after hearing the gospel then does what many still do today.  He rejects Jesus passively.  I reflected on the many acquaintances and strangers that I have conversed with on the Gospel.  I see many of them reacting in the same way.  When the message comes to a close and it’s time to make a decision, often I have heard the excuse, “just let me think about this”, or, “I am undecided but will probably follow Him later in life.”, or (and this one is classic), “I just want to have fun right now”.  None of these people believe that they are rejecting Christ.  They all believe they can put Him on a shelf and possibly make a decision at another time.  However I believe3 the message is clear that not making a decision for Him when the evidence is presented is the same as making a decision against Him.  There are no undecided in Heaven.  There will be many undecided in Hell.

Another thing I noticed about Paul was that he didn’t appear to water down the gospel or in any way fail to present all of the facts.  He presented truth and he did so in a bold and Holy Spirit filled manner.  I compare this to my own life and find that I am many times left wanting.  I have nowhere near the same courage though I have been told by God that this same Spirit resides in me.  Why do we as Christians so often fear offending another person with the very truth that could cause them to run to salvation?  I think for me, the answer is forgetfulness.  When I spend time reflecting and meditating on the word, I feel like I am ready to face any storm, any trial, any question that one would bring against me.  But when I get distracted by my routines and responsibilities in the day, I find that I seem much less prepared and have less courage when questions are presented and an opportunity to witness is present.  May we all be more like Paul in his boldness to state the truth even in times of struggle. 

Lastly I noticed the greed in Felix.  A man who has just been given the Gospel truth boldly by another who is most certainly obviously willing to die for the truth; you wouldn’t think that Felix would still believe it was possible to get a bribe from Paul.  How blind and foolish must one be to hear what was presented and still think that corruption was present in such a man.  I see this too in those whom I witness to.  It is odd to think that you can present the Gospel to someone and tell them that all have sinned and require salvation and then have that same person invite you to sin… I believe the greed and all the sin that covers the hearts of the unsaved has caused them to be blind to the power of God presented in Scripture and the life changing truths that the Gospel presents.  How I was ever saved is a mystery other than that God chose me and changed me.  I surely would have been as blind as those who now seem so oblivious to the truth presented. 

My response:

Jahovah-Hoshe’ah, My Lord who has saved me, I thank you for softening my heart.  Thank you for breaking the stone away and rebuilding me from the inside.  I was as blind as Felix at one time in my life.  Thank you for eyes to see and ears to hear.  You be glorified eternally my King.  I pray now as I have before that you will fill me with boldness and courage to deliver your message even in the face of adversity.  When my heart beats too fast and panic begins to rage in me, still my pulse and give me peace to speak.  When I open my mouth Father, let your Spirit go forth and touch those who stand before me.  Let me not be timid or weak except that in my weakness I rely upon your strength.  Thank you that you hear and answer.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

04-17-12 "Self Control" 2 Timothy 1:1-11

The passage I read was 2 Timothy 1:1-11

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20timothy%201:1-11&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

⁷ For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

As I reflect:

This week is week one of looking at “self control”.  At first I did struggle a bit to understand what this passage has to do with self control.  Then I read a foreword which greatly put things into perspective.  When I think about self control, I think about what I am not supposed to do and how to control myself from doing it.  That concept is still true in this passage but it is being approached from another angle.  This passage is approaching from the mindset of self control being also to do what should be done. 

One must control themselves as greatly at moving forward and doing what is right as they must not go the wrong direction or do what is wrong.  Both categories fall into the realm of exercising self control.  For me, the daily “don’t do” has previously been the only focus of my self control.  But to add, I must also force myself to move forward (often out of my comfort zone) and do what is right atop not doing what is wrong.  When we are faced with this decision to do what is right, we often have excuses.  To quote Highquest, “We struggle with the “over” issues: over-eating, over-spending, over-reacting, etc.  We console ourselves with victim excuses that blame our past ancestry, circumstances, or even our genes.  We do everything except take personal responsibility for our decisions.”  We have excuses to not do what we should do.  This is a serious lack of self control.  Like a toddler throwing a fit about a nap and excusing it saying he isn’t tired instead of saying “yes Sir” and doing what must be done.  Paul destroys our excuses in this passage when he says “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

How then can anyone who claims to remain in the Spirit and the Spirit of God in them, go on in such sin to excuse not doing what is right?  Let us daily put our excuses to rest and instead recognize where it is that our power comes from.  What great resources we have in the Christ we claim to serve.  Let us be self-disciplined to use those resources. 

My response:

Our Father in Heaven, you are above all the nations and you see all of our excuses as plainly as we see the sun in the sky.  We hide behind them far too often and are a people whose lives are cowardice to do what is right.  I am one of your children who is guilty of this sin.  I have many times been too timid to present Christ to those who need Him.  I have many times lacked self-discipline in witnessing, helping others, being a good steward of my finances, and even in controlling my emotions.  Lord forgive me.  I am ashamed at my passivity and desire to do your will.  I pray that your Holy Spirit give me power, love, and self discipline that I may fan into flame the gifts that you have given.  Save me from my flesh who is lazy and fearful.  Lift me up Father.  In Jesus’ name.

03-12-12 "Moral Excellence (A)" Matthew 7:1-12

 

The passage I read was Matthew 7:1-12

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A1-12&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

¹² So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

As I reflect:

I was a bit shocked to find this passage for a one day study.  This passage is huge to do just one meditation on.  I find that one could easily take one to two sentences at a time and make a complete days reflection just on that.  There is a great deal of material covered in this passage. 

Firstly, it deals with judgment.  I’ve said it before and I will say it again, this is one of the most misquoted and misunderstood passages in the Bible.  God is not here saying that we are not to judge.  That is taking this directly out of context.  He is saying don’t pass hypocritical judgment.   Many people when a Christian says something of their sin will say that we are passing judgment.  This is not the case.  We are commanded by God to beware of evildoers, false prophets, and to avoid those who practice all kinds of evil.  How are we to be aware of and avoid them if we don’t make a judgment of them at some point?  We must accept and understand that we are not to judge in an unrighteous manner or in a hateful way, but to do so righteously and lovingly is a commandment to us.  In John 7:24 we are told, “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”  This states that there is a correct way to judge.   In Matthew we are given one of the correct ways to do so.  This defines how we are to judge a believer… even unto the point of no longer considering them a believer if they refuse or rebuke the judgment. 

Matthew 18:15-17

    ¹⁵ “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.¹⁶ But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ ¹⁷ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

We are to correct, rebuke, and encourage as we preach the Word in and out of Season (2 Timothy 4:2) in hopes of bringing others to repentance (James 5:20).  It is in fact our duty to do so.  So when Christ says do not judge or you too will be judged, know that I will in fact be judged and it will be done to me in a righteous and loving manner just as I judge others in a righteous and loving manner.  Too many people don’t go on to read the rest of what is said.  We will be judged in the same measure (manner) as we judge others.  It doesn’t mean don’t judge.  It means do it right and for the right reasons.  By all means judge me in this way.  If you see me in sin, help me.  Don’t keep your mouth shut as to not be caught judging someone.  Tell me so that I may be corrected.  I will also tell you. 

Ok, so wow.  Here we are almost a page of writing later and I have only barely touched on the surface of one of several topics discussed in this passage.  Told you it was a lot to cover.  Lol. I’ll try to be more brief in the remaining verses.

Verse 6 is a truth that I have found in life long before I knew it was from God.  Have you ever tried to help someone that didn’t want or realize that they needed help?  It’s like getting your hand bitten while trying to feed an emaciated dog.  Kinda bitter sweet in that you gave the truth that was needed to be given, but hurtful that you were so attacked for having done so.  It’s rough, but with discernment, prayer, consistency in your witness, you may win them over still.  But be careful you don’t walk into a den of wolves with steak attached to your jacket.  Witness with wisdom and discernment.  When someone has repeatedly turned from the Gospel truth and has communicated repeatedly their hate for you and for your God, continue to pray for them and be a shining light, but push them not further from that light by forcing knowledge to those who chose ignorance.  Pray for their release from the scales satan has grown over their eyes.  But do not quarrel with them or attempt to force God down their throat.  You will get bitten.

Verses 7-11 deal with the giving nature of God.  These too have many times been taken out of context and with only literal interpretation have lead to many a person’s misunderstanding and frustration.  Jesus isn’t saying if you ask for a Lamborghini it will be given to you and if you seek for a million dollars you will find it.  He is talking about asking, seeking, knocking within the will and motivation of doing the Lord’s will here on Earth.  You see this advice is not for the lost, but for the found.  And the found, those who follow Christ, ask, “how can I serve you” and He answers.  We seek, “How may I please you”, and we find those in need.  The comparison to a child asking a father for bread is a perfect comparison.  Even if my child came to me and asked me for a million dollars and even if I had a million dollars to give him, I wouldn’t.  He is young and foolish and I know that the money would be squandered and lead to his destruction for a love of money.  And so instead when he ask for money, I lead him to chores that he may earn and understand what it is to earn an income.  I don’t do this out of cruelty, but love.  I know what is best for my child.  If however he comes to me and ask, “Father, what may I do to help you today?”, then my response will offer us closeness in bonding and I will guide him in helping me complete whatever project I could use the help on.  This approach will much greater build him up into the man we both want him to be.  So it is with our Heavenly Father.  We must first seek His kingdom and all else will follow. 

Verse 12 sums it up nicely, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

My response to the Lord:

It’s a lot to take in Lord, but that is my prayer to you.  I pray that you would write your word on my heart and let me not forget a single mark.  But by your Holy Spirit working mightily, teach me to apply these things to every moment of my existence.  When judgment comes up in me in unrighteous anger, help me to release it to you.  When however I am called to judge and to share in love a truth with someone faltering, then give me courage and discernment to approach wisely the topic and send your Spirit ahead of me to prepare their heart.  When I pray and as I live Lord, may I always seek your will ahead of my own.  Nay, I pray instead Father that my will be your own.  Change me so that I see through your eyes and walk where you want me to and do as you wish and speak how you spoke as you through your Son walked this earth.  May I love boldly by your great work in me.  Help me my Lord to remember this “golden rule” of doing unto others as I would have them do unto me.  Give me grace to serve your infinitely better than I have.  In Jesus’ name.

03-12-12 "Moral Excellence (A)" Philippians 4:1-9

This is the youngest of my 4 children.  Just a few moments after birth.  Her name is Faith.  She turns 1 in 14 days.  I remember how it felt to hold her.  It's something I could never explain though.  

The passage I read was Philippians 4:1-9

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A1-9&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 

As I reflect:

Paul starts off with “therefore”.  This indicates a continuance of previous thought.  The end of the last chapter discussed our looking forward to our Savior’s return and entering into our eternal citizenship in Heaven.  Paul says therefore, stand firm in the Lord…  This is a wonderful encouragement.  He is coming back so stand firm.  

Paul goes on to plead with 2 women who had  some sort of large disagreement to make up.  He tells them to be of one mind.  This is no different for us in Christ.  We ought to be of one mind.  If I and my brother are both focused on Christ, His return, our citizenship as eternal brothers in Heaven, then our arguments become meaningless.    We can hold no grudge against each other in this light.  We ought to not only love each other but help others to do the same.   Remember your name is in the book of life…Along with your brothers and sisters in faith. 

Verse 4 is a command to rejoice always in the Lord.  Verse 5 says to be gentle and to let it be seen.  Paul reminds us also in this verse that “the Lord is near”.  What a great reason to rejoice.  This may seem a separate topic from the above arguing women, but in fact it is one fluent topic.  It is a discussion of our moral integrity and united focus on our returning Savior.  It is a uniting thought that ought to cause us all to rejoice and (continuing in verse 6) be anxious for nothing.  Think about that.  I mean we get the distinct privilege and honor to come before God and speak, knowing that He hears us, considers our requests, and responds.  This alone should be cause for no anxiety.  How wonderful to rely on the most trustworthy being in existence and know that you are His beloved child.  Rejoice and know that you can make your requests known to the Lord.  Make your request known with thanksgiving and be patient in your petition.  This is not a time to make demands or wishes, but a time to humbly be allowed into the presence of the Most High to lay your burdens down.   Be thankful for the opportunity and the many wonders He does in your life.  Do this and receive the peace of God which passes all understanding.    This peace is a study all of its own.  

Indescribable but completely obtainable by each and every believer who comes before the Lord.  It’s like trying to explain the first moment you ever held your child to a person who has never had children.  It is completely beyond their ability to understand if they haven’t experienced it for themselves.  This is like the peace that God offers.  For those who have experienced this place or often do as they seek the Lord, it cannot be explained to a non-believer.  It must be experienced firsthand. 

As Paul wraps up the message he lays out the mindset and the things that a Christian ought to meditate on.  Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy, we ought to meditate on these things.  This goes back to the beginning of the passage in that as believers focused on and meditating on these things, our disagreements really can’t get out of hand as the 2 women Paul spoke of.  Again, if our minds are where they should be and every thought captive for Christ, then it is incredibly difficult to find ourselves so unjustly angry at and separated from a fellow believer. 

Paul wraps up with an incredibly bold statement.  It’s not the first time he has said it either.  “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.  And the God of peace will be with you.”  Wow Paul!  That’s confidence in the example you are setting.  I gotta admit I don’t have that same confidence in my walk.  I know my imperfections far too well to tell you to do as I do.  Rather, I encourage you reader be you saved or know you nothing of my Father, when you see me do or say something and you are curious to know if it is right or fitting for a man of God to do or say so, then by all means get your Bible, grab a concordance,  pull up a library of commentaries, and pray to the All Knowing God that He would reveal to you truth and guide you in understanding these great mysteries that we daily interpret and abide in by the Spirit of our Most High.  And if you find me to be faltering in my steps, then I implore you to assist me in love.  

My response to the Lord:

Lord, who is higher than you?  Who can stand among the Heavens and hold the Earth at such a distant view and yet fill every atom of its existence?  Who can write the mysteries of our existence and guide our paths?  My Father, I am nothing without you.  I need even you power in me to simply control how I treat or look at other believers.  I cannot even, think; breathe without you giving me my next breath.  Everything in me that is good comes from you Father.  I feel so human; so inescapably mortal.  I consider whom I advise by the wisdom you have given and then look at my life and see the great failures and sins I have committed.  I have sinned in anger against brethren.  How many times oh Lord will I be able to fall at your feet and again confess my mortal need for your immortality to cleanse me?  How many times My King will you lay your hands on my head and forgive me?  Your mercy is new on me every day and though wrath is my just deserves, you give me grace; abundantly you give.   I find myself again making yet another petition known before you, knowing you already know my request.  My King, make me more like you.  Fill me with your Spirit.  In the mighty name of Jesus… Fill me Lord.

03-12-12 "Moral Excellence (A)" 1 Peter 2:4-12

 

The passage I read was 1 Peter 2:4-12

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+2%3A4-12&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

¹² Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

As I reflect:

My reflection on this passage is a fairly simple one.  It is based on a building.  When any building is built, there must be a foundation and if that foundation is not strong or is laid crooked, It will become as evident in that building as it is in the leaning tower of Pisa.  For us the Cornerstone is Christ and if we are in fact built upon that cornerstone, then it ought to be evident in the building itself that it’s cornerstone is Jesus, the designer is The Father, and that the supporting structure is the Holy Spirit.  What we do and do not do; how we live or don’t live; what we say and don’t say; even how we think are all based on the cornerstone and the work of God in our lives.  We ought to think, live, speak in such a way that it is evident to all others that we are a holy possession of God who has been pulled out of darkness and into his wonderful light.  Peter urges us as I also urge you to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.  Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 

My response to the Lord:

My Lord, I know that my foundation is solid.  Very precious to me is the rock upon which I have been built.  May I glorify you in every way.  Lord lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from that evil which wages war against me.  Build me up strong that I will not fall when life’s storms come.  Father, use me as is best for your will to be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.  In the name of your Son Jesus I pray. 

03-12-12 "Moral Excellence (A)" 2 Peter 1:3-11

The passage I read was 2 Peter 1:3-11

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20peter%201:3-11&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

⁸ For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As I reflect:

When I explained this to my family, we used marriage as the example.  I explained that when me and my wife married some things began to change right away and other things changed with time.  We immediately confirmed our marriage to one another and have not since ceased to show by action our love for one another.  We have grown to know each other’s weaknesses and strengths.  We know each other’s favorite colors, foods, activities.  We share a common love for each other, our kids, extended family, friends, and even strangers as we walk through this life hand in hand.  There is evidence of our marriage.  We don’t need to carry our marriage license around with us to prove that we are married.  The way we treat each other in action and word speaks more volume to prove our marriage to one another than any paper ever could.  I asked how many people would believe that we were married if we told them we were married but they never met our spouse.  What if they never heard me speak well of my wife, saw my love for her in my actions and instead saw me with other women on a regular basis living in a way that would be displeasing to any wife.  Obviously my actions would prove that I hadn’t a wife at all despite my words to the opposite.   This is part of the point I get out of this passage.

We Christians and Messianic Jews are a saved people by our faith in the blood of Jesus Christ.  We believe that He took our punishment and place on the cross and died for our sins.  But it is important to also remember that He rose from the grave to give us also resurrection power over our old selves.  Too often a person claims salvation because they have faith in what Jesus did, but then they live in such a way that directly contradicts the idea of them being saved from anything at all.  They disclose by action that they are very much the same person now as they were pre salvation.  There is no evidence of a relationship with God.  No conviction, growth, understanding, or love to prove that they are the bride of Christ.  Verse 5 – 7 are just some of the characteristics that by the power of Christ in one’s life ought to be displayed and also deeply rooted in the believer.  These are some of the evidence of our faith.  In verse 9 Peter defines a person without these qualities as nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.  In verse 10, he goes on to encourage us to therefore make every effort to confirm our calling and election.   He says doing these things will keep us from stumbling. 

For me in my relationship with my wife, I sometimes make mistakes.  When I make them, I am usually immediately aware that a mistake has been made because it is so obviously out of the normal communication and relationship I have come to cherish so greatly between us.  It is likewise with my God; my Groom, that I sometimes also make mistakes in that relationship.  Thankfully, He (like my wife) is forgiving and continues to love me despite my lack of worthiness for His love.  I daily have to remind myself in everything to make every effort to confirm my relationship with Christ by my words and deeds that my faith may be proven true as it affects my life and the lives of those around me.  Every morning I ask God for His renewed strength to help me through the day.  For it is surely an impossible task without Him. 

My response to the Lord:

Lord I pray you daily continue to add to my faith goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love.  I know there is still much room for more of these and it is painfully evident in my every mistake.  Father forgive me when I fall and by your power lift me back up and walk with me still.  Thank you for your great and precious promises; for allowing me to participate in your divine nature; for delivering me from corruption.  I trust you to continue your wonderful work in me Lord.  In Jesus’ name. 

02-27-12 "What it means to represent/reflect Christ" 1 Peter 2:9-16

The passage I read was 1 Peter 2:9-16

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+2%3A9-16&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

¹⁵ For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. ¹⁶ Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.

As I reflect:

So on day one I looked at relying on Christ as the first necessity of representing Christ.  The next day I looked at how we are changed by our reliance on Christ and we no longer value the things of the old mane but consider them lost.  Today I read about being set apart as a result of the change. 

Peter begins this passage by defining his audience.  He defines them as God defines us.  We are a royal priesthood, chosen people, holy nation, and God’s special possession.  We are no longer of the darkness of this world, for we are called into His wonderful light.  We have received mercy.  These are definitions that ought to be true of every representative of Christ.  If we at any time find that we are acting as those in the darkness, then we have deceived ourselves and His Spirit is not in us.  This is not to say that we are without sin.  1 John 1:8 says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us”.  So Peter isn’t saying we are unsaved if we sin.  He is however saying that we must walk in the light.  This is a contrast of those walking in the darkness.  Though we make mistakes, we are to be different and set apart by our beliefs, words, and actions.  

Peter continues to define this separation of darkness and light by urging us to abstain from sinful desires which wage war against our soul.  He isn’t in anyway condoning a person’s choice to stay in a sinful lifestyle after receiving salvation from that same lifestyle.  He is saying to abstain; to keep away from.  You see when we become born again, we first repent before God.  This means not only a confession of sins, but an earnest desire to turn away from them and never turn back.  Peter is saying the same thing when he says to abstain from sinful desires.   Turn away from them and don’t look back.  He knows the importance of abstaining from sin because he understands the spiritual warfare that occurs.  There is a constant battle for your attention between good and evil.  This unseen fight is waged among fallen angels and the servants of God who protect you day and night unseen.  Giving in to sin, is like walking across the enemy lines with your hands behind your back and saying, “take me”, all the while God’s army fights for you to stay in the light.  In times when you feel tempted beyond what you can bear, remember 1 Corinthians 10:13 and look for the way out that God has provided.  It is there, but you must seek it.  This is part of representing and following after Christ.  Wage war on sin in your life, because it has waged war on you. 

We are then told in similar fashion not only to abstain from sin but to do good.  We are to live such good lives that it will silence the ignorant talk of foolish and pagan people and many of them will be freed unto salvation simply by seeing what salvation has done through you.  We are told to do good deeds and I think far too often Christians see this as only the major things, like feeding the poor or donating time and energy to a ministry.  But Peter goes on to also define our representation of Christ as being a people who obey the law of man.  He says we are to submit ourselves (for the Lord’s sake) to every human authority.  This of course is referring to obedience to the law and the government so long as that obedience doesn’t cause disobedience to the Lord.  This means that when you are on your way to do that good deed at the soup kitchen, you shouldn’t be speeding.  It is against the law and it shows your lack of self control to others as you wrongly represent Christ.  It also means that when you are called to jury duty and would rather be making more money at your own job, you don’t lie or purposely attempt to get out of jury duty.  As a representative of Christ, you are to submit yourself also to jury duty as the government calls you into this service.   It means that when you could loose your house if you are honest on a form, that you are honest anyway.  It means that if you could gain more money or food stamps by lying on tax forms or assistance applications, you are honest and trust the Lord instead.  He is the one who told you to submit yourselves to every human authority.  It means when you get pulled over and held accountable for being disobedient to the law, you are respectful and apologetic for a wrong action and not in any way disrespectful to the officer who pulls you over.  I believe the overall point is that living Godly lives in a pagan society doesn’t mean that we become liars, or disrespectful or have any excuse to be lacking in self control, but rather that we can represent Christ also in the way we vote, drive, fill out forms, do our taxes, and respond to the many persons in authority over us. 

Yes, I do serve a Jewish Carpenter that is higher than any human authority here on earth.  But my Boss has told me to be obedient to the many bosses I have here on earth.  My obedience to them is thusly my obedience to Him. 

Peter wraps up this portion of the passage saying, “live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.”  This is as plain as plain can get.  If you are in Christ, you do not continue in sin and then justify it saying it’s ok because you are forgiven.  We are changed and set apart.  We are not of the darkness any longer.  One can tell who your master is by the things that you do.  If you are constantly breaking laws and living in such a way that you cannot be told apart from the rest of the world, then odds are that your master is the same master that has blinded the world to God.  Instead, live in such a way that people can tell that God is your master… Even when no one is looking. 

My response to the Lord:

Lord, as I look over the reflection time I spent in your word today, I am tempted to change many things written because I am also guilty before you.  There are moments when I too feel that the law of this land is greatly unjust and I am disrespectful in thought and in conversation with my wife about it.  Forgive me Father.  I know I am to submit to that authority and trust in your sovereignty.  I know that you are their judge just as you are my judge and that they need grace just as I need grace.  I am no better of my own, but because you have shown me grace I can see.  Forgive me for soo often forgetting.  Help me to love and have compassion for those I struggle against judgment of.  Lord thank you for always providing a way out when times have been difficult in the past and we have been told by others to just say this or that lie on a form to get more out of what is already a generous offer undeserved.  You have always helped us to be integral in our representation of you in this dark world. I pray you continue this work in us always that we not be found doing wrong by our accusers.  Lord I give you our accusers and pray you show them our good deeds because of you in our lives, and bring them unto repentance that they may glorify you.  Thank you for your mercy Father.  You be glorified by my response to this mercy flowing in my life.  Father you be glorified.  In the mighty name of Jesus.  Amen. 

02-27-12 "What it means to represent/reflect Christ" Philippians 3:7-21

The passage I read was Philippians 3:7-21

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+3%3A7-21&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

¹³ Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,

As I reflect:

Yesterday I looked at the starting point for representing Christ; recognizing our need for Him.  We can’t do it ourselves.  We must rely on God.  Today I started off looking at one of the first things that change in many believers’ lives.  It’s perception. 

Once a person comes to Christ, everything changes.  For some, it’s immediate.  For others, it happens over a lifetime.  Both happened/are happening in me.  One of the things that happened immediately to me was that I counted all I used to be as completely lost and I held on tightly to the Christ.  It was no small change in me.  Overnight, I became a new person with new values.  I no longer wanted to do the things I had done up to that point and even my very way of thinking was changed.  I wanted to live for Christ, no matter what it meant changing or giving up.  It wasn’t a struggle to lay down who I was at His feet because I saw it as freedom from this world’s bondage.   It was exciting and powerful.   Since then there have been many more changes.  If someone told me the word says “this” and it didn’t align with my life, then I would research it, pray on it, and change my life to align to it.  I didn’t do this to perform my way to Heaven.  I did it because anything in me that is not what God wants in me doesn’t belong.  I trust Him and His plan for my life and want to throw out the garbage so there is more room for the characteristics He wants to build up in me.  There is no fighting against Him on this.  He says, “get rid of that and let me put this in you instead so I can better use you.” And I happily reply, “yes sir!”  What reason would I have to respond any differently?  Didn’t my way lead me to hell?  Doesn’t His way lead to life?  This is the way I thought the experience of entering into a relationship with God ought to be.  But I don’t see that in everyone that comes to Christ.

There are many who come joyfully and thankfully to Christ but then immediately start resisting His work in them.  He wants them to listen to things that glorify His name and encourage them in this relationship, but often I see Christians holding on to and willing to fight for their secular music… Why not count it garbage that you may gain Christ?  The King calls them to speak in a patient and loving manner keeping all which is perverse from their lips.  But far too often I see Christians defending their foul language and jokes saying, “God accepts me the way I am.”  Well, that’s true, but after He accepts you, He molds you.  Why not lay down the filth of the world and take up Christ, having a righteousness that comes from faith?  Why hold on to the way we were?  Don’t we consider it garbage to continue in the same ways that were leading us down a path to hell?  We can participate in the death and resurrection of Christ by dying to our old selves and being born again.  This is the exciting news of the Gospel and yet so many who profess faith in Christ are in a constant battle to keep from losing the old man.  The old man is garbage I say.  Throw him away and take hold of Christ.  Be born again.  Allow Him to make you new. 

Paul humbly admits that he hasn’t yet obtained that which he speaks of.  A wise statement for him to make and I will here say the same.  For at no point in our walk should we feel as though we have reached a place where we no longer require growth and molding.  God’s chisel won’t be set down till we are complete.  Paul says he presses on toward the goal to win the prize.  I picture a race and in this particular race there are some who show up just to cheer on others.  To them I say, “Get in the race!  You can’t win without entering.”  Then there are those who show up to the starting line, take one step over, stop, and then turn around and admire where they came from.  To them I say, “Run!!  You must run the race!”  There are those still that begin running and refuse to reach out for any of the drinks held out from the sidelines or coaches. They quickly become fatigued and eventually stop running all together because it’s just too hard.  To them I say, “Take the help.  You can’t do it alone.  I know it’s hard but run with me and let’s hold each other up.”  The analogies could go on and on.  I love that Paul chose running a race to convey the message.   You must press on toward the goal to win the prize.   This means never becoming content with your walk saying that you have been changed enough or witness enough or study enough or pray enough or have a close enough relationship with Christ.  Keep growing, keep praying, keep witnessing, keep studying, keep running the race.  We aren’t finished yet.

In verse 17 Paul says to keep your eyes on those who live as Paul and the others who disciple after Christ and share the Gospel do.  I have mentors who follow God the way the Bible instructs us to.  They know me and I know them so that we might hold each other up in the race and point out hazards to one another.  If you don’t have a mentor, find one who authentically represents Christ and ask them for their help.  In requiring them to lift you up, you also help them to make sure they too are on the right path.  Then both of you together can keep your identity in Christ, your eyes homeward bound on Heaven, and eagerly await Our Savior who will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. (v21)

So to summarize, once we have come to a realization of our need for Christ and we have become reliant on Him, we must then also count all lost for the sake of taking a hold of that which He has in store for us.  Keep our eyes forward and run the race, holding each other up and pulling the bystanders in to run also with us.  Count the old a loss and let it go.  Become new.  Accept your new citizenship in Heaven and identity in Christ.  Be changed.

My response to the Lord:

My Savior I thank you for all you have done and are doing through your Holy Spirit here with me.  I am truly not the man I used to be.  Please continue the work you have begun in me and help me to run this race.  Use me to help others along the way as well, that none should be left behind.  Help me help them.  Give me eyes to see and ears to hear that I may better do your will.