So I'd just like to point out that our God is an awesome God! He's quite good at reading minds and has a knack for knowing just how to make me smile at Him and how He teaches me new stuff. About 3 weeks ago I was laying in my bed praying and I went through the whole prayer and got to the end and said, "In Jesus' name, Amen." Then I stopped and made a puzzled face and started to wonder, "WHY do I say 'In Jesus' name'?" I couldn't even figure out what it was really supposed to mean. I had a good five to ten minute pondering session for awhile before I decided that I'd look it up the next day or put up a FB note asking if anyone else knew why everyone says that.
This is where God pulled a funny :o)
I've been reading through the Gospels as I make my way through the entire New Testament and I was currently in John. I woke up the next day after my wondering session and opened my Bible to read the next passage I was at, which was John 14. Low and behold John 14: 13&14 reads, "Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it." And the footnotes for these verses in my Bible read, "In their hour of loss at the departure of Jesus, He comforted them with the means that would provide them with the necessary resources to accomplish their task without His immediate presence which they had come to depend upon. To ask in Jesus' "name" does not mean to tack such an expression on the end of a prayer as a mere formula. It means: 1) the believer's prayer should be for His purposes and kingdom and not selfish reasons; 2) the believer's prayer should be on the basis of His merits and not any personal merit or worthiness; and 3) the believer's prayer should be in pursuit of His glory alone."
So, question answered! Another win for God! :o) I love it when He does cool stuff like that and am very thankful for the ultimate Teacher! I hope some of you who didn't know this gained some knowledge and I'd encourage all of you who are seeking guidance and answers to first check God's Word. It's got some pretty incredible stuff in there!
"Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." John 13:17
"Write down for the coming generation what the Lord has done, so that people not yet born will praise Him." Psalm 102:18 This is the motivation behind my blog. I'm learning so much and desire to give others the chance to see what I'm learning so that they might learn too. This is my opportunity to love others by sharing the knowledge God has blessed me with. But all glory goes to Him!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Father, Spirit, Jesus
Currently reading: Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot
I'm not going to lie - I have made the mistake of letting school and other less important things get in the way of my relationship with God the past two months. He knows how sorry I am and I've realized how stupid I've been. No wonder my life has been a lot harder than usual the past two months. Anyways, there is something I'd like you to think about. Today in church the music minister did the sermon and she had us read 1 Corinthians 13, but we replaced the word "love" with "grace" every time it appeared. Tonight as I was reading 1 Corinthians 13 in an attempt to memorize verses 4 through 8, I started my own new interpretation. Really read through this and think about each statement. There are three parts of the trinity - Father, Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ the Son. The Father being the supernatural "being" (for lack of a better word), the Holy Spirit is what lives inside of each Christian after they accept Christ as their Savior and is sort of like our conscience, but is actually God living within us, and then Jesus Christ was the human form of God that died and then rose again to be our Savior. Three different parts, yet all the same. The more I learn about the three different parts the more I'm intrigued by the differences of the parts even thought they're all God. Anyways, the main point I want to get across is this loose translation:
"The Father is patient, the Father is kind. He does not envy, He does not boast, He is not proud. He is not rude, He is not self-seeking, He is not easily angered, He keeps no record of wrongs. The Father does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. He always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. The Father never fails."
"Jesus is patient, Jesus is kind. He does not envy, He does not boast, He is not proud. He is not rude, He is not self-seeking, He is not easily angered, He keeps no record of wrongs. Jesus does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. He always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Jesus never fails."
"The Holy Spirit is patient, the Holy Spirit is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. The Holy Spirit does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. The Holy Spirit never fails."
God is love. I can't really find a way to say it better than that. And changing out the word "love" for "Father, Spirit, Jesus" really opened my eyes even more to the meaning of these verses. Sometimes I forget that I can't stop being a Christian. That I'm held to a higher standard 24/7 and that I constantly need to seek after God and spend time with Him. Why else am I here? If my life isn't all about God then what's the point? From experienced I've learned the selfishness always ends in disappointment because I crave companionship. I crave the opportunity to show other people that they are loved. But how can I show people love if I'm not constantly spending time with Love itself? I've got some catching up to do with my Father and I challenge you to start spending more time with Him daily as well. At least think through 1 Corinthian 13 some. It can change your heart.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
- 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8a
I'm not going to lie - I have made the mistake of letting school and other less important things get in the way of my relationship with God the past two months. He knows how sorry I am and I've realized how stupid I've been. No wonder my life has been a lot harder than usual the past two months. Anyways, there is something I'd like you to think about. Today in church the music minister did the sermon and she had us read 1 Corinthians 13, but we replaced the word "love" with "grace" every time it appeared. Tonight as I was reading 1 Corinthians 13 in an attempt to memorize verses 4 through 8, I started my own new interpretation. Really read through this and think about each statement. There are three parts of the trinity - Father, Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ the Son. The Father being the supernatural "being" (for lack of a better word), the Holy Spirit is what lives inside of each Christian after they accept Christ as their Savior and is sort of like our conscience, but is actually God living within us, and then Jesus Christ was the human form of God that died and then rose again to be our Savior. Three different parts, yet all the same. The more I learn about the three different parts the more I'm intrigued by the differences of the parts even thought they're all God. Anyways, the main point I want to get across is this loose translation:
"The Father is patient, the Father is kind. He does not envy, He does not boast, He is not proud. He is not rude, He is not self-seeking, He is not easily angered, He keeps no record of wrongs. The Father does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. He always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. The Father never fails."
"Jesus is patient, Jesus is kind. He does not envy, He does not boast, He is not proud. He is not rude, He is not self-seeking, He is not easily angered, He keeps no record of wrongs. Jesus does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. He always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Jesus never fails."
"The Holy Spirit is patient, the Holy Spirit is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. The Holy Spirit does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. The Holy Spirit never fails."
God is love. I can't really find a way to say it better than that. And changing out the word "love" for "Father, Spirit, Jesus" really opened my eyes even more to the meaning of these verses. Sometimes I forget that I can't stop being a Christian. That I'm held to a higher standard 24/7 and that I constantly need to seek after God and spend time with Him. Why else am I here? If my life isn't all about God then what's the point? From experienced I've learned the selfishness always ends in disappointment because I crave companionship. I crave the opportunity to show other people that they are loved. But how can I show people love if I'm not constantly spending time with Love itself? I've got some catching up to do with my Father and I challenge you to start spending more time with Him daily as well. At least think through 1 Corinthian 13 some. It can change your heart.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
- 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8a
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Freedom, Freedom Now
Currently listening to: Fireflight
This past Wednesday I had the honor to meet composer Mark Camphouse. He composed a piece the UAB Wind Symphony played on their recent tour entitled "A Movement for Rosa." In my life I've noticed most people have a certain event that just grabs their attention. For some people it's the Holocaust and for others the Vietnam War and some are more interested in the Crusades. I have always been unexplainably interested in the Civil Rights Movement. I don't know what exactly it is or where it came from but I have always been affected and moved by the words and actions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and it even stretches back to the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln. "A Movement for Rosa" was written as a tribute to Rosa Parks and after hearing all of the behind the scenes info Mr. Camphouse shared with us, I was quite teared up and literally fighting back tears. One of the coolest parts of the entire session with him was when he explained one rhythm that is woven through a section of the piece. It was based off of a chant from the Civil Rights Movement - "Freedom. Freedom Now." I can't possibly describe how moving this part in the music was after he explained it, but it definitely hit a nerve.
You may be wondering what in the world this has to do with my faith, but I promise I'll explain. The past few days I've had "Rosa" stuck in my head and have been singing it to myself. Today in the sermon Pastor Stone was talking about producing good fruits by choosing to follow Jesus. The sermon was based off of Luke 22 where Judas decides to betray Jesus. Judas was one of the twelve disciples and it looked like he was walking the walk and talking the talk of Christianity, but he missed out because in the end it turned out to be an act. He chose money over salvation. He betrayed Jesus even after seeing firsthand all the miracles performed. Ephesians 5: 1-10 reads, "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person - such a man is an idolater - has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord."
There are certain standards we, as Christians, are held to. We will be judged one day as every person on this earth will be. There is a consequence for everything we do. The difference is that when Christians commit a sin, they (typically) know better. I'm talking specifically to Christians that have the opportunity to hear sermons regularly, participate in Bible studies, and have access to a Bible at virtually any time. We have so many resources. But do we really use them? What better way to grow than to spend time in God's Word every day? What better way to learn lessons than by reading books by authors that have experienced many trials and gained lots of wisdom? How can we really share the love of Christ if we don't even understand the love of Christ because of our ignorance? If He loved us enough to die for us, don't you think we can commit to learning more about Him by reading His Word? In Ephesians 6 it talks about putting on the "full armor of God." In verse 17 it reads, "Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
From personal experience I've noticed many Christians with strong opinions on politics and events in this day and age but rarely do I hear people back up what they say with Biblical foundation. How can we try to convince someone of the Truth when we don't even know it? Having a general understanding of scripture is a good thing, but it is NOT enough. How can we produce good fruit if we're not constantly seeking out what good fruit is? I mean, Jesus was the example of a man capable of unconditional Love and He is supposed to be our example but if we haven't even read His Word, how are we supposed to know what exactly to tell others? It's a dangerous thing to mix up the Truth with what you have to say. You may have good advice and you may think you have really good advice, but you do not have the knowledge that God has. Proverbs 2: 1-11 says, "My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair - every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you."
Yes Bible study and sermons and guest speakers and encouraging music are all good things. But the best way I've found to really grow and to really learn is to not wait on the new songs or guest speakers or not even wait for every Sunday to come along so you can hear a sermon. The best way to learn and to grow is to read. First read your Bible (I would personally suggest a good study Bible - mine's a NAS McArthur Study Bible and it's got tons of great info/ study notes). Aside from that look for good devotionals that you can do once a day. And if you start it and then forget for a day or two or even like three weeks don't just give up. Perservere! Just start back. Just do it. There are so many times a day I find myself sitting down to take a break. Don't watch TV or pick up a fictional book. Isn't Jesus just a bit more important in your life than Harry Potter or Elizabeth Bennett? If you don't have times for breaks like that then maybe try eating and reading at the same time. One hand holds the food and the other the book. But read, read, read! It's so important and I can't stress enough how vital a personal relationship with God is. Don't leave it up to the people around you to teach you. If you're an average American citizen then you started out in Kindergarten where the teacher did everything for you. As you grew you started getting homework. If you're like me and now in college then the majority of your grade depends on you taking lots of your time to study and prepare for the tests. You have so much independence. So much freedom over whether you fail or pass the class.
We (generally speaking) have the ability to read the Bible. What valid excuse do you have? Sunday school for 5 year olds is a lot like Kindergarten. You have a short attention span and learn basic stories. As we grow in the church we also need to start being more independent. But with this independence comes a responsibility to learn on our own.
At the Korean War Memorial in Washington D.C. "Freedom is not Free" is inscribed on a wall. John 8:32 says, "The Truth will set you free." We have the freedom in this country to read our Bibles any time we want. God tells us that His Word will also give us freedom. There is a chant resounding in my head. A chant once vocalized by oppressed African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement. They wanted the chance to be treated equal. I want us as Christians to have the freedom to know exactly what it is we believe and the freedom to better understand what Christ really did for us. The more we know, the more freedom we will have from the evil on this earth. The more heavily we arm ourselves with the Word of God, the stronger we'll be to ward of the slavery of sin. Don't get caught in the trap of sin. Don't let it take a hold on your heart and cause you pain and sufferring like Judas experienced. Don't wait until tomorrow because you don't know when there won't be any more tomorrows.
Freedom. Freedom Now.
This past Wednesday I had the honor to meet composer Mark Camphouse. He composed a piece the UAB Wind Symphony played on their recent tour entitled "A Movement for Rosa." In my life I've noticed most people have a certain event that just grabs their attention. For some people it's the Holocaust and for others the Vietnam War and some are more interested in the Crusades. I have always been unexplainably interested in the Civil Rights Movement. I don't know what exactly it is or where it came from but I have always been affected and moved by the words and actions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and it even stretches back to the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln. "A Movement for Rosa" was written as a tribute to Rosa Parks and after hearing all of the behind the scenes info Mr. Camphouse shared with us, I was quite teared up and literally fighting back tears. One of the coolest parts of the entire session with him was when he explained one rhythm that is woven through a section of the piece. It was based off of a chant from the Civil Rights Movement - "Freedom. Freedom Now." I can't possibly describe how moving this part in the music was after he explained it, but it definitely hit a nerve.
You may be wondering what in the world this has to do with my faith, but I promise I'll explain. The past few days I've had "Rosa" stuck in my head and have been singing it to myself. Today in the sermon Pastor Stone was talking about producing good fruits by choosing to follow Jesus. The sermon was based off of Luke 22 where Judas decides to betray Jesus. Judas was one of the twelve disciples and it looked like he was walking the walk and talking the talk of Christianity, but he missed out because in the end it turned out to be an act. He chose money over salvation. He betrayed Jesus even after seeing firsthand all the miracles performed. Ephesians 5: 1-10 reads, "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person - such a man is an idolater - has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord."
There are certain standards we, as Christians, are held to. We will be judged one day as every person on this earth will be. There is a consequence for everything we do. The difference is that when Christians commit a sin, they (typically) know better. I'm talking specifically to Christians that have the opportunity to hear sermons regularly, participate in Bible studies, and have access to a Bible at virtually any time. We have so many resources. But do we really use them? What better way to grow than to spend time in God's Word every day? What better way to learn lessons than by reading books by authors that have experienced many trials and gained lots of wisdom? How can we really share the love of Christ if we don't even understand the love of Christ because of our ignorance? If He loved us enough to die for us, don't you think we can commit to learning more about Him by reading His Word? In Ephesians 6 it talks about putting on the "full armor of God." In verse 17 it reads, "Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
From personal experience I've noticed many Christians with strong opinions on politics and events in this day and age but rarely do I hear people back up what they say with Biblical foundation. How can we try to convince someone of the Truth when we don't even know it? Having a general understanding of scripture is a good thing, but it is NOT enough. How can we produce good fruit if we're not constantly seeking out what good fruit is? I mean, Jesus was the example of a man capable of unconditional Love and He is supposed to be our example but if we haven't even read His Word, how are we supposed to know what exactly to tell others? It's a dangerous thing to mix up the Truth with what you have to say. You may have good advice and you may think you have really good advice, but you do not have the knowledge that God has. Proverbs 2: 1-11 says, "My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair - every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you."
Yes Bible study and sermons and guest speakers and encouraging music are all good things. But the best way I've found to really grow and to really learn is to not wait on the new songs or guest speakers or not even wait for every Sunday to come along so you can hear a sermon. The best way to learn and to grow is to read. First read your Bible (I would personally suggest a good study Bible - mine's a NAS McArthur Study Bible and it's got tons of great info/ study notes). Aside from that look for good devotionals that you can do once a day. And if you start it and then forget for a day or two or even like three weeks don't just give up. Perservere! Just start back. Just do it. There are so many times a day I find myself sitting down to take a break. Don't watch TV or pick up a fictional book. Isn't Jesus just a bit more important in your life than Harry Potter or Elizabeth Bennett? If you don't have times for breaks like that then maybe try eating and reading at the same time. One hand holds the food and the other the book. But read, read, read! It's so important and I can't stress enough how vital a personal relationship with God is. Don't leave it up to the people around you to teach you. If you're an average American citizen then you started out in Kindergarten where the teacher did everything for you. As you grew you started getting homework. If you're like me and now in college then the majority of your grade depends on you taking lots of your time to study and prepare for the tests. You have so much independence. So much freedom over whether you fail or pass the class.
We (generally speaking) have the ability to read the Bible. What valid excuse do you have? Sunday school for 5 year olds is a lot like Kindergarten. You have a short attention span and learn basic stories. As we grow in the church we also need to start being more independent. But with this independence comes a responsibility to learn on our own.
At the Korean War Memorial in Washington D.C. "Freedom is not Free" is inscribed on a wall. John 8:32 says, "The Truth will set you free." We have the freedom in this country to read our Bibles any time we want. God tells us that His Word will also give us freedom. There is a chant resounding in my head. A chant once vocalized by oppressed African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement. They wanted the chance to be treated equal. I want us as Christians to have the freedom to know exactly what it is we believe and the freedom to better understand what Christ really did for us. The more we know, the more freedom we will have from the evil on this earth. The more heavily we arm ourselves with the Word of God, the stronger we'll be to ward of the slavery of sin. Don't get caught in the trap of sin. Don't let it take a hold on your heart and cause you pain and sufferring like Judas experienced. Don't wait until tomorrow because you don't know when there won't be any more tomorrows.
Freedom. Freedom Now.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Hold Up, Wait a Minute, Put a Little Love In It
Currently reading: The Gospel of Luke
So my memory verse for today is Ephesians 6:7 which reads, "Render service with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to men." Now, I'm not sure why but I kept wanting to replace the "as to"'s with "as for"'s. Then I started thinking about what is meant by "as to." I first wanted to translate this verse to mean, 'the service I do needs to be for the Lord. I need to focus on Him and not worry so much over helping people when what they are doing does not pertain to doing some act of service to God.' Wow. I was wrong. I misinterpreted because I was replacing the "as to" with "as for."
"Render service with a good attitude, as TO the Lord and not to men." To me now I have a new understanding. God wants us to do kind things for other people because we're not paying the person back in any way or giving them what they deserve, but we are trying to pay tribute to God for the Love He shows us. The cost of our salvation was Jesus dying a gruesome death. We will never be able to pay that off. The point isn't the impossibility of us being worthy, the point is that every day of our lives we should be giving thanks and giving glory and giving back to God. No one can decide exactly what others deserve. Someone may have lied or stolen from you, but if you're given the opportunity to help them out, you should. It's not about what they deserve. It's about what God deserves. God deserves our love. We love Him through loving other people. John 13:35 says, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Not only should we love our brothers and sisters in Christ, but we should also show love to others that are not in our family. We have the promise of forgiveness any time we sin. Why should we judge and punish others? Do you not think God can better justify a wrongdoing? Matthew 5:39-42 says, "But I say to you, do not resist an evil person, but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you."
That's right - when someone hits you in the face, you're supposed to offer your other cheek. Think about these verses. Just stop and reflect.
God does not want us to judge others. Revenge is not loving. Revenge is not joyful. Revenge is not peaceful. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9). Unconditional love is patient (1 Corinthians 13:4).
How many people have you judged today? Not just judging appearances or actions, but how many people in the past week have you 'brought to justice'. God calls us to "love one another deeply" (1 Peter 1:22).
How many Christians have you judged this month? How many of your brothers and sisters have you looked at and compared yourself to? We are ALL in need of grace. Every single one of us every day. We cannot compare ourselves to our family members. 2 Corinthians 10:13 says, "Our goal is to measure up to God's plans for us." Are you measuring up? Are you more focused on how to grow closer to God and work toward becoming more like Jesus? Or are you more focused on every one around you that's not doing it?
I don't write these things to condemn you, but to warn you against the things I've caught myself doing. Trying to judge others is a waste of time. A waste. Of time. I speak from experience. Time is so precious. Eternity is forever and I only have a short while on earth to show others that I love them. To try and show them to unconditional love I receive every second of every day. A love I still cannot entirely fathom (and I'm betting I never will be able to). If we can recognize and study and start to try and wrap our minds around the love God has for us, it can change our perspectives, our priorities, and even our current beliefs. I challenge you to take time this week to look up verses on love and write them all down on one or two sheets of paper. Go through with a highlighter and mark the characteristics of love. If you're not sure where to start, I'd suggest 1 Corinthians 13. Once you've marked up all the characteristics make a list of them. Then make another list of every unloving thing you've done this week that doesn't match up with the characteristics of love. Put the lists side by side and go to God in prayer. Ask Him to forgive you for the unloving things you've done. Then go through each characteristic of love and praise Him, thank Him for showing those things to you every moment of your life. When you're done praying, burn or shred the list of now forgiven sins. Take the list of characteristics and tape them to your refrigerator or put them somewhere where you'll see them every day. As you go through the day focus on living out those characteristics of love. Also realize that God is all these things. God is Love.
"This service you perform not only meets the needs of God's people, but also produces an outpouring of gratitude to God." 2 Corinthians 9:12
So my memory verse for today is Ephesians 6:7 which reads, "Render service with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to men." Now, I'm not sure why but I kept wanting to replace the "as to"'s with "as for"'s. Then I started thinking about what is meant by "as to." I first wanted to translate this verse to mean, 'the service I do needs to be for the Lord. I need to focus on Him and not worry so much over helping people when what they are doing does not pertain to doing some act of service to God.' Wow. I was wrong. I misinterpreted because I was replacing the "as to" with "as for."
"Render service with a good attitude, as TO the Lord and not to men." To me now I have a new understanding. God wants us to do kind things for other people because we're not paying the person back in any way or giving them what they deserve, but we are trying to pay tribute to God for the Love He shows us. The cost of our salvation was Jesus dying a gruesome death. We will never be able to pay that off. The point isn't the impossibility of us being worthy, the point is that every day of our lives we should be giving thanks and giving glory and giving back to God. No one can decide exactly what others deserve. Someone may have lied or stolen from you, but if you're given the opportunity to help them out, you should. It's not about what they deserve. It's about what God deserves. God deserves our love. We love Him through loving other people. John 13:35 says, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Not only should we love our brothers and sisters in Christ, but we should also show love to others that are not in our family. We have the promise of forgiveness any time we sin. Why should we judge and punish others? Do you not think God can better justify a wrongdoing? Matthew 5:39-42 says, "But I say to you, do not resist an evil person, but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you."
That's right - when someone hits you in the face, you're supposed to offer your other cheek. Think about these verses. Just stop and reflect.
God does not want us to judge others. Revenge is not loving. Revenge is not joyful. Revenge is not peaceful. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9). Unconditional love is patient (1 Corinthians 13:4).
How many people have you judged today? Not just judging appearances or actions, but how many people in the past week have you 'brought to justice'. God calls us to "love one another deeply" (1 Peter 1:22).
How many Christians have you judged this month? How many of your brothers and sisters have you looked at and compared yourself to? We are ALL in need of grace. Every single one of us every day. We cannot compare ourselves to our family members. 2 Corinthians 10:13 says, "Our goal is to measure up to God's plans for us." Are you measuring up? Are you more focused on how to grow closer to God and work toward becoming more like Jesus? Or are you more focused on every one around you that's not doing it?
I don't write these things to condemn you, but to warn you against the things I've caught myself doing. Trying to judge others is a waste of time. A waste. Of time. I speak from experience. Time is so precious. Eternity is forever and I only have a short while on earth to show others that I love them. To try and show them to unconditional love I receive every second of every day. A love I still cannot entirely fathom (and I'm betting I never will be able to). If we can recognize and study and start to try and wrap our minds around the love God has for us, it can change our perspectives, our priorities, and even our current beliefs. I challenge you to take time this week to look up verses on love and write them all down on one or two sheets of paper. Go through with a highlighter and mark the characteristics of love. If you're not sure where to start, I'd suggest 1 Corinthians 13. Once you've marked up all the characteristics make a list of them. Then make another list of every unloving thing you've done this week that doesn't match up with the characteristics of love. Put the lists side by side and go to God in prayer. Ask Him to forgive you for the unloving things you've done. Then go through each characteristic of love and praise Him, thank Him for showing those things to you every moment of your life. When you're done praying, burn or shred the list of now forgiven sins. Take the list of characteristics and tape them to your refrigerator or put them somewhere where you'll see them every day. As you go through the day focus on living out those characteristics of love. Also realize that God is all these things. God is Love.
"This service you perform not only meets the needs of God's people, but also produces an outpouring of gratitude to God." 2 Corinthians 9:12
Saturday, April 18, 2009
The Reason for the Season
Currently reading: Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney
So first off, I'll just explain the title of my new blog. "A Work In Progress" is referring to me and that I am not and will never be perfect and I will ALWAYS have something to change and improve about my life and how I live it. I am a Christian and I put my trust in God and was saved by the blood of Jesus in September of my sophomore year in high school. I was blessed to grow up in a Christian, church-attending family and so I've had years of biblical knowledge in my brain for years and for the past four and a half years, I've been trying to make sense of it all. God has taught me so much when I've made the effort to seek after His knowledge. I want to encourage you to seek. Matthew 7:7 says, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." If you are looking for answers, where better to look than God's Word? How better to ask for wisdom than through one-on-one communication through prayer? I'm here to try and live out Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so people can improve each other." I've been affected, taught, and encouraged by so many people and it is my job to serve others. I hope I can be of service to you by sharing what I'm learning.
I was in choir tour at my home church and right now some lyrics from a song come to mind. "I have a hope and I believe my faith is alive, my Spirit is free." My faith is alive. It's not something that I did my sophomore year and I've just had it since. It didn't stop then and it wasn't a one time thing. My faith lives, breathes, and changes everyday. It grows and learns and seeks. Matthew 4:4 says, "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes fom the mouth of God." I need God every single day. I sin every day and I'm in need of mercy and forgiveness every day. Not a day goes by that I am not in need of God. He is my "strength when I am weak, the treasure that I seek" and nothing, NOTHING can replace Him in my life.
Needing God every single day means that I need constant intake of His word. When I don't hear His Word through Christian speakers (I'd like to shout out to one of my favs - Shane Claiborne), or read His Word, or read insights from other Christian authors, or spend time in prayer I have denied the ability to be blessed by Him. He can still bless me, yes. But He wants to bless me even more through my ability to learn. I just need to give Him the opportunity. I need tools to learn and He's given them to me. I just have to use those tools and listen and study and He will give me the love and wisdom I seek. 1 Timothy 4:7 says, "Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness." Proverbs 23:12 says, "Apply your heart to discipline." I don't view the word 'discipline' as getting a spanking (and here's a debate starter: I don't think parents should spank or hit their children. Christ was not a man of violence. Anger and violence are separate things. The soldiers who crucified Him were violent. Christ was not.) but rather, I view 'discipline' as an opportunity. A privelege. In fact, the word 'disciple' is rather similar to 'discipline' and I want to be a disciple of Christ. I want to learn under Him and try to reciprocate the unconditional love He has for me. I want to serve others as He has served me. I want to "hear the word of God and obey it" (Luke 11:28b). Christ will set my Spirit free when I discipline myself to follow, obey, and learn about Him. I cannot wait to get older to learn about Him. I cannot put off loving others until I have more time. I cannot wait to trust Him when things are going great and I feel secure. Revelation 1:3 says, "Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near."
So first off, I'll just explain the title of my new blog. "A Work In Progress" is referring to me and that I am not and will never be perfect and I will ALWAYS have something to change and improve about my life and how I live it. I am a Christian and I put my trust in God and was saved by the blood of Jesus in September of my sophomore year in high school. I was blessed to grow up in a Christian, church-attending family and so I've had years of biblical knowledge in my brain for years and for the past four and a half years, I've been trying to make sense of it all. God has taught me so much when I've made the effort to seek after His knowledge. I want to encourage you to seek. Matthew 7:7 says, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." If you are looking for answers, where better to look than God's Word? How better to ask for wisdom than through one-on-one communication through prayer? I'm here to try and live out Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so people can improve each other." I've been affected, taught, and encouraged by so many people and it is my job to serve others. I hope I can be of service to you by sharing what I'm learning.
I was in choir tour at my home church and right now some lyrics from a song come to mind. "I have a hope and I believe my faith is alive, my Spirit is free." My faith is alive. It's not something that I did my sophomore year and I've just had it since. It didn't stop then and it wasn't a one time thing. My faith lives, breathes, and changes everyday. It grows and learns and seeks. Matthew 4:4 says, "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes fom the mouth of God." I need God every single day. I sin every day and I'm in need of mercy and forgiveness every day. Not a day goes by that I am not in need of God. He is my "strength when I am weak, the treasure that I seek" and nothing, NOTHING can replace Him in my life.
Needing God every single day means that I need constant intake of His word. When I don't hear His Word through Christian speakers (I'd like to shout out to one of my favs - Shane Claiborne), or read His Word, or read insights from other Christian authors, or spend time in prayer I have denied the ability to be blessed by Him. He can still bless me, yes. But He wants to bless me even more through my ability to learn. I just need to give Him the opportunity. I need tools to learn and He's given them to me. I just have to use those tools and listen and study and He will give me the love and wisdom I seek. 1 Timothy 4:7 says, "Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness." Proverbs 23:12 says, "Apply your heart to discipline." I don't view the word 'discipline' as getting a spanking (and here's a debate starter: I don't think parents should spank or hit their children. Christ was not a man of violence. Anger and violence are separate things. The soldiers who crucified Him were violent. Christ was not.) but rather, I view 'discipline' as an opportunity. A privelege. In fact, the word 'disciple' is rather similar to 'discipline' and I want to be a disciple of Christ. I want to learn under Him and try to reciprocate the unconditional love He has for me. I want to serve others as He has served me. I want to "hear the word of God and obey it" (Luke 11:28b). Christ will set my Spirit free when I discipline myself to follow, obey, and learn about Him. I cannot wait to get older to learn about Him. I cannot put off loving others until I have more time. I cannot wait to trust Him when things are going great and I feel secure. Revelation 1:3 says, "Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near."
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