"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
This starts what is called the roll-call of faith as the author of Hebrews mentions the faith of Abel, Enoch, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses and Rahab as well as the people who crossed the Red Sea and those who saw the walls of Jericho fall. This is just a small sampling of the Old Testament people who "though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised" (Hebrews 11:39) as they looked forward to the hope of Christ.
One of the most remarkable of these to me is Enoch who "was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists AND that He rewards those who seek Him." (Hebrews 11:5-6 emphasis added).
Hebrews 11:3 says, "By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of what is visible." Does that poke a hole in the Big Bang Theory? Just asking. (And as an aside, the word of God=Jesus. John 1:1-14)
Paul, in 2 Corinthians 5:1-7, says "For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens...He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee...for we walk by faith, not by sight."
The apostles said to Jesus, "Increase our faith!" That is my request as well. Increase my faith, Lord, that I may walk in complete assurance of who I am in You, looking forward to the day when this "tent" is destroyed and I stand with You as Your sister and fellow heir.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Our High Priest
"Those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, but this One was made a priest with an oath by the One who said to Him: "The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, You are a priest forever.' This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.
The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but [Jesus] holds the priesthood permanently, because He continues forever. Consequently, He is able [has the power] to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him since He always lives to make intercession for them.
For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since He did this once for all when He offered up Himself. For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priest, but the work of the oath which came later that the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.
We have such a high priest who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man...Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant He mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises." (Hebrews 7:20-28; 8:1,6 ESV)
Jesus is the guarantor - He saves to the uttermost - He lives to make intercession - He offered up Himself - He has been made perfect forever - The [new] covenant He mediates is better than the old.
Thank you, Lord, for saving me to the uttermost, for interceding for me before God, for offering Yourself as sacrifice for my sin, for guaranteeing this better covenant. I am overwhelmed at Your goodness and mercy on my behalf.
The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but [Jesus] holds the priesthood permanently, because He continues forever. Consequently, He is able [has the power] to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him since He always lives to make intercession for them.
For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since He did this once for all when He offered up Himself. For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priest, but the work of the oath which came later that the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.
We have such a high priest who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man...Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant He mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises." (Hebrews 7:20-28; 8:1,6 ESV)
Jesus is the guarantor - He saves to the uttermost - He lives to make intercession - He offered up Himself - He has been made perfect forever - The [new] covenant He mediates is better than the old.
Thank you, Lord, for saving me to the uttermost, for interceding for me before God, for offering Yourself as sacrifice for my sin, for guaranteeing this better covenant. I am overwhelmed at Your goodness and mercy on my behalf.
The Bible is ALL About Jesus
I ran across this today and love this reminder that the Bible is all about Jesus.
In Genesis, He is the Seed of the Woman.
In Exodus, He is the Passover Lamb.
In Leviticus, He is the High Priest.
In Numbers, He is the Smitten Rock.
In Deuteronomy, He is the Prophet.
In Joshua, He is the Captain of the Lord’s Army.
In Judges, He is the Judge and Lawgiver.
In Ruth, He is the Kinsman Redeemer.
In 1 and 2 Samuel, He is the Prophet of the Lord.
In Kings and Chronicles, He is the Reigning King.
In Ezra, He is the Faithful Scribe.
In Nehemiah, He is the Restorer of the Nation.
In Esther, He is the Advocate.
In Job, He is my Redeemer.
In Psalms, He is the Lord Who Is Our Shepherd and Strength.
In Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, He is the Wisdom of God.
In the Song of Solomon, He is the Lover and Bridegroom.
In Isaiah, He is the Suffering Servant.
In Jeremiah and Lamentations, He is the Weeping Prophet.
In Ezekiel, He is the Son of Man.
In Daniel, He is the Son of Man Coming in the Clouds of Heaven.
In Hosea, He is the Bridegroom.
In Joel, He is the Baptizer with the Holy Spirit.
In Amos, He is the Burden Bearer.
In Obadiah, He is the Mighty Savior.
In Jonah, He is the Forgiving God.
In Micah, He is the Messenger with Beautiful Feet.
In Nahum, He is the Avenger of God's Elect.
In Habakkuk, He is the Great Evangelist, Crying for Revival.
In Zephaniah, He is the Restorer of the Remnant.
In Haggai, He is the Cleansing Fountain.
In Zechariah, He is the Pierced Son
In Malachi, He is the Son of Righteousness
In Matthew, He is the Messiah.
In Mark, He is the Miracle Worker.
In Luke, He is the Son of Man.
In John, He is the Son of God.
In Acts, He is Ascended Lord.
In Romans, He is the Justifier
In 1 and 2 Corinthians, He is the Last Adam.
In Galatians, He is the One Who Sets Us Free.
In Ephesians, He is the Head Over All Things.
In Philippians, He is the God Who Meets Our Every Need.
In Colossians, He is the Fullness of the Godhead.
In 1 and 2 Thessalonians, He is the Soon Coming King.
In 1 and 2 Timothy, He is the Mediator Between God and Man.
In Titus, He is the Blessed Hope.
In Philemon, He is the Friend Closer Than a Brother.
In Hebrews, He is the Blood That Washes Away My Sins.
In James, He is the Great Physician.
In 1 and 2 Peter, He is the Chief Shepherd.
In 1, 2 and 3 John, He is Everlasting Love.
In Jude, He is God Our Savior.
In Revelation, He is the KING of KINGS and the LORD of LORDS!!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Repentance
As I read prayer requests and talk to women on Tuesdays at NewSpring, one of the things I have begun to really think about is the need for repentance.
Too many times we pray, God forgive my sins, but we never really do business with God about SPECIFIC sins. That can be the very reason so many people ask Jesus into their hearts but don't walk away from a life of sin. That was the case in my own life for many years. I KNEW what the sins were but it was almost like I didn't want to let them go because they had been part of my life for so long.
You're going along fine and then you commit that same old sin and then you feel bad and you say God I'm so sorry, please forgive me and then the cycle is later repeated. The reason it is repeated is because there is no repentance.
Repentance is NOT saying I'm sorry or I messed up or even I sinned. The Greek word matanoeo that is translated repent means to changes one's mind or purpose. Saying I'm sorry doesn't mean I have a change of mind or purpose. It may just mean oops, I got caught or I am just feeling guilty because I know it was wrong.
Paul says repentance comes from "godly sorrow"; that recognition that I have done something that is such an affront to a holy God, I cannot conceive of doing it again. Thus my mind is changed by the power of the Holy Spirit as He convicts me of sin so that I agree with God about how horrible my sin is and I begin to take every thought captive so that I can be obedient to Christ.
Jesus' first sermon was "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.". The book of Revelation is full of Jesus telling people to repent or the consequences of not repenting. (2:5, 16, 21, 22; 3:3, 19; 9:20, 21; 16:9, 11) In the Old and New Testaments combined repent and repentance are used 67 times. Even something that is repeated 2 or 3 times means pay attention to this so this tells me repentance is pretty important to God.
Lord God, help me to truly repent of my sins, to have a change of mind about my thoughts and actions so that my life might glorify You.
Too many times we pray, God forgive my sins, but we never really do business with God about SPECIFIC sins. That can be the very reason so many people ask Jesus into their hearts but don't walk away from a life of sin. That was the case in my own life for many years. I KNEW what the sins were but it was almost like I didn't want to let them go because they had been part of my life for so long.
You're going along fine and then you commit that same old sin and then you feel bad and you say God I'm so sorry, please forgive me and then the cycle is later repeated. The reason it is repeated is because there is no repentance.
Repentance is NOT saying I'm sorry or I messed up or even I sinned. The Greek word matanoeo that is translated repent means to changes one's mind or purpose. Saying I'm sorry doesn't mean I have a change of mind or purpose. It may just mean oops, I got caught or I am just feeling guilty because I know it was wrong.
Paul says repentance comes from "godly sorrow"; that recognition that I have done something that is such an affront to a holy God, I cannot conceive of doing it again. Thus my mind is changed by the power of the Holy Spirit as He convicts me of sin so that I agree with God about how horrible my sin is and I begin to take every thought captive so that I can be obedient to Christ.
Jesus' first sermon was "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.". The book of Revelation is full of Jesus telling people to repent or the consequences of not repenting. (2:5, 16, 21, 22; 3:3, 19; 9:20, 21; 16:9, 11) In the Old and New Testaments combined repent and repentance are used 67 times. Even something that is repeated 2 or 3 times means pay attention to this so this tells me repentance is pretty important to God.
Lord God, help me to truly repent of my sins, to have a change of mind about my thoughts and actions so that my life might glorify You.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Loving God
Loving God = obedience.
Often I think of loving God as serving or tithing or worshiping or going to church, which in a way I guess it is. But Jesus said, "Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me. If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word..." John 14:21, 23
I can not keep any of His word if I don't know what He says by regularly reading my Bible. I also can not keep part of His word and ignore the rest. He says the greatest commandment is to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Mark 12:30 That means foregoing a LOT of worldly distractions and desires.
And if I keep that commandment, a few others will naturally follow love my enemies and my neighbors, be generous, forgive, make disciples. Some I find easy to keep, some not so easy. But whether it is easy or hard is not the issue. Do I make excuses? Do I rationalize? Or do I love Jesus enough to be obedient - especially when it is hard.
The law was given to show us our need for a Savior and our inability to be saved by the law. Because we are under grace some people consider these Old Testament commandments to be outdated. But if I love Jesus, I will obey the commandments God has given. Fortunately the Holy Spirit convicts me of sin so that I can be obedient and thus show my love for God.
Last Words
Second Timothy was the final letter written by Paul sometime between A.D. 64-68 as he waited in a Roman jail for execution. Timothy was a young pastor and this letter was written to encourage and instruct him in his pastoral ministry but there are words to each follower of Jesus Christ. Paul's faithfulness to his calling and strength in the Lord through his ordeal are inspiring.
"...fan into flame the gift of God..." (1:6) Each believer is gifted by God and we should use that gift, in the church especially, for His glory.
"...for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (1:7) Most of us seem to have more fear about sharing our faith than anything else; shouldn't be that way.
"But I am not ashamed for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to [my deposit]." (1:12) Never be ashamed to speak the name of Jesus.
"Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead...for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore, I endure..." (2:8-10) God's word can not be stopped by men.
"Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (3:12) Probably won't be chains and imprisonment in my lifetime, not in America, but you never know what is on the horizon. Persecution here is often more subtle - someone looks for ways you screw up and calls you a hypocrite (behind your back) or makes fun of you as weak or stupid (behind your back) or asks unanswerable questions about God to prove what you don't know.
"All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." (3:16-17) God's word has answers for all of life.
"For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (4:6-7) As we approach death, this should be our testimony as well.
"...for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (1:7) Most of us seem to have more fear about sharing our faith than anything else; shouldn't be that way.
"But I am not ashamed for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to [my deposit]." (1:12) Never be ashamed to speak the name of Jesus.
"Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead...for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore, I endure..." (2:8-10) God's word can not be stopped by men.
"Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (3:12) Probably won't be chains and imprisonment in my lifetime, not in America, but you never know what is on the horizon. Persecution here is often more subtle - someone looks for ways you screw up and calls you a hypocrite (behind your back) or makes fun of you as weak or stupid (behind your back) or asks unanswerable questions about God to prove what you don't know.
"All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." (3:16-17) God's word has answers for all of life.
"For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (4:6-7) As we approach death, this should be our testimony as well.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Walking with God
I've just read Walking with God by John Eldredge. Talking to Him. Hearing from Him. Really.
This book revolves mostly around 3 things - the heart is central to the Christian life, we are invited into conversational intimacy with God, and spiritual warfare is real.
Several things struck me as I read. First was that the Bible is not a book of exceptions. If God spoke to Abraham, Samuel, David, Noah, Moses, Hagar (a servant girl), Ananias and so many others and gave us their stories, why would He not also speak to us. Like God would say, "Here are hundreds of inspiring and hopeful stories about how I spoke to My people in this and that situation. Isn't it amazing? But you can't have that; I don't do that anymore."
Developing conversational intimacy with God takes time and a willingness to really listen for God's voice. It may also mean dealing with past hurts and places where my heart is closed off as well as being willing to do what God tells me to do - which may not be what I want to do. But obeying God is much better in the long run.
A question he asked I need to continue to think about is how much has God offered of Himself to me and I've chosen other things? I thought how true that has been in my life, sometimes I choose God, sometimes other things. My experience has been that choosing other things has not gone well for me.
When we blow it for whatever reason, the enemy comes in as the accuser to tell us how unfaithful or worthless or unlovable we are or how far we are from God. We need to be discerning of the thoughts that assault us. Genuine conviction from the Holy Spirit brings repentance, not judgement and contempt. Genuine conviction brings us back to God, it does not push us away.
I want to read this book again as well as watch the video on the website (about 90 minutes).
This book revolves mostly around 3 things - the heart is central to the Christian life, we are invited into conversational intimacy with God, and spiritual warfare is real.
Several things struck me as I read. First was that the Bible is not a book of exceptions. If God spoke to Abraham, Samuel, David, Noah, Moses, Hagar (a servant girl), Ananias and so many others and gave us their stories, why would He not also speak to us. Like God would say, "Here are hundreds of inspiring and hopeful stories about how I spoke to My people in this and that situation. Isn't it amazing? But you can't have that; I don't do that anymore."
Developing conversational intimacy with God takes time and a willingness to really listen for God's voice. It may also mean dealing with past hurts and places where my heart is closed off as well as being willing to do what God tells me to do - which may not be what I want to do. But obeying God is much better in the long run.
A question he asked I need to continue to think about is how much has God offered of Himself to me and I've chosen other things? I thought how true that has been in my life, sometimes I choose God, sometimes other things. My experience has been that choosing other things has not gone well for me.
When we blow it for whatever reason, the enemy comes in as the accuser to tell us how unfaithful or worthless or unlovable we are or how far we are from God. We need to be discerning of the thoughts that assault us. Genuine conviction from the Holy Spirit brings repentance, not judgement and contempt. Genuine conviction brings us back to God, it does not push us away.
I want to read this book again as well as watch the video on the website (about 90 minutes).
Monday, February 14, 2011
Next Step
When Perry asked yesterday at NewSpring, what is the next step you need to take, I took time to thank God for allowing me to take my next step recently.
I had been praying periodically for God to give me new or more opportunities to serve. As I talked to people at church on Sundays I had opportunities to tell what God has done and is doing in my life. That led to me getting a phone call to go to lunch with a staff member. Then our conversation that day led to an offer to come to the church on a weekly basis as a volunteer to speak one on one with women who are struggling in their relationship with Christ or their children or their spouse. This leads to conversations about salvation and how to handle money and so many other things.
When I got the email asking would I be interested, I immediately said yes. Because I had already been praying for God to give me opportunities, I knew He was putting this before me. But then I had to admit my inability to do it and ask Him to put His words in my mouth. I also had to ask Him to help me have patience with those who are struggling, to remember my own times of doubt and times of slipping in and out of sinful behavior.
Delayed obedience is disobedience so when God puts a next step in front of me, I should just do it. No more praying, no more dilly-dallying. A simple Yes, Lord, is all He wants to hear.
I had been praying periodically for God to give me new or more opportunities to serve. As I talked to people at church on Sundays I had opportunities to tell what God has done and is doing in my life. That led to me getting a phone call to go to lunch with a staff member. Then our conversation that day led to an offer to come to the church on a weekly basis as a volunteer to speak one on one with women who are struggling in their relationship with Christ or their children or their spouse. This leads to conversations about salvation and how to handle money and so many other things.
When I got the email asking would I be interested, I immediately said yes. Because I had already been praying for God to give me opportunities, I knew He was putting this before me. But then I had to admit my inability to do it and ask Him to put His words in my mouth. I also had to ask Him to help me have patience with those who are struggling, to remember my own times of doubt and times of slipping in and out of sinful behavior.
Delayed obedience is disobedience so when God puts a next step in front of me, I should just do it. No more praying, no more dilly-dallying. A simple Yes, Lord, is all He wants to hear.
Whatever You Do
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:17
"Whatever you do, work heartily as for the Lord and not for men" Colossians 3:23
These passages made me stop and think about the things I do - or used to do. When I was working, how much of what I did was done in the name of Nancy because I was good at what I did? Did I work heartily for the Lord or for a paycheck and promotion? Did I remember to give thanks to God because He gave me the ability to do what I did? And what about now? As I spend my time volunteering, do I remember to thank God for the opportunities to serve?
When I stand before God one day, I want my time as a business owner and subsequently as an employee to be something that does not burn up as inconsequential because that was such a huge part of my life - 8 to 10 hours a day for years and years. The relationships I formed with business associates, customers and clients were opportunities God put before me. Was I sensitive to God's leading when He directed me to speak of His love or to offer a word of encouragement or perhaps a word of correction? And was I obedient to do what He asked? I can't change any of that now but hopefully I do still have years of service ahead of me.
Now that I am retired, it seems harder sometimes to keep that focus of doing everything for the Lord, especially on days when I am not doing something specific. But as I volunteer at Mobile Meals and at NewSpring, I want the tasks I do and the words I speak to be not my own but God working in and through me.
I also have more time to spend with my grandchildren. Nate, at age 11, is especially eager to learn about God and I love being able to talk to Him and take him to FUSE and to things like Winter Jam. He and I have a special bond and of course I want him to love Grandma but more than that I want to be sure our relationship leads him to love Jesus with all his heart.
"Whatever you do, work heartily as for the Lord and not for men" Colossians 3:23
These passages made me stop and think about the things I do - or used to do. When I was working, how much of what I did was done in the name of Nancy because I was good at what I did? Did I work heartily for the Lord or for a paycheck and promotion? Did I remember to give thanks to God because He gave me the ability to do what I did? And what about now? As I spend my time volunteering, do I remember to thank God for the opportunities to serve?
When I stand before God one day, I want my time as a business owner and subsequently as an employee to be something that does not burn up as inconsequential because that was such a huge part of my life - 8 to 10 hours a day for years and years. The relationships I formed with business associates, customers and clients were opportunities God put before me. Was I sensitive to God's leading when He directed me to speak of His love or to offer a word of encouragement or perhaps a word of correction? And was I obedient to do what He asked? I can't change any of that now but hopefully I do still have years of service ahead of me.
Now that I am retired, it seems harder sometimes to keep that focus of doing everything for the Lord, especially on days when I am not doing something specific. But as I volunteer at Mobile Meals and at NewSpring, I want the tasks I do and the words I speak to be not my own but God working in and through me.
I also have more time to spend with my grandchildren. Nate, at age 11, is especially eager to learn about God and I love being able to talk to Him and take him to FUSE and to things like Winter Jam. He and I have a special bond and of course I want him to love Grandma but more than that I want to be sure our relationship leads him to love Jesus with all his heart.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Contentment
Philippians 4 is one of my favorite chapters in Paul's letters. He says be full of joy. Don't worry about anything but pray about EVERYTHING. Think good thoughts. Be content with whatever you have, no matter your circumstances.
Sounds almost impossible. But "be full of joy" is completed with "in the Lord". Don't worry? Tell God everything and thank Him for all He has done, THEN I will experience God's peace. Think about what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and worthy of praise as I continue to put into practice (be a doer of the word) what I have learned. THEN the peace of God will be with me.
And is contentment even possible in this day and age? Paul said he learned to be content with whatever he had whether much or little. He has learned the secret - "I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."
Too often I focus on me - how I was hurt, what I don't have, what I can't do. After all, isn't that the American way? We all want more and more and more. We're made to feel we haven't made it unless we own a home. Or we need a new car so we are not embarrassed by our current car. Or this credit card so we can save 1% of all we spend (the more you spend the more you save - HA!) or get rewards. Or this TV so we can watch in style. Consumerism is what drives our economy (and fills our landfills).
Paul says that is the wrong focus. Focus on God and His provision and be thankful for what I DO have, especially His salvation through Jesus Christ. With the right focus (which leads to guarding my heart and my mind) I can have a whole new outlook on life. I can have God's peace. I can have contentment in my current state of affairs. I can rejoice!
Sounds almost impossible. But "be full of joy" is completed with "in the Lord". Don't worry? Tell God everything and thank Him for all He has done, THEN I will experience God's peace. Think about what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and worthy of praise as I continue to put into practice (be a doer of the word) what I have learned. THEN the peace of God will be with me.
And is contentment even possible in this day and age? Paul said he learned to be content with whatever he had whether much or little. He has learned the secret - "I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."
Too often I focus on me - how I was hurt, what I don't have, what I can't do. After all, isn't that the American way? We all want more and more and more. We're made to feel we haven't made it unless we own a home. Or we need a new car so we are not embarrassed by our current car. Or this credit card so we can save 1% of all we spend (the more you spend the more you save - HA!) or get rewards. Or this TV so we can watch in style. Consumerism is what drives our economy (and fills our landfills).
Paul says that is the wrong focus. Focus on God and His provision and be thankful for what I DO have, especially His salvation through Jesus Christ. With the right focus (which leads to guarding my heart and my mind) I can have a whole new outlook on life. I can have God's peace. I can have contentment in my current state of affairs. I can rejoice!
Monday, February 7, 2011
New Creation
I am told in the Bible that when I come to Christ I become a new creation. God has said He would change my heart of stone and He would give me a heart of flesh - soft and tender towards Him. These are God's miraculous acts of love toward me.
However, in Ephesians 4:17-24, Paul indicates that I also have a role to play in becoming the new creation God desires for me. He says "put off your old self" and be "renewed in the spirit of your minds".
Living the Christian life is not always easy. Every day I have choices to make about where I will go, how I will spend my time, what I will read, watch or think about. I also have attitudes about myself and about others that may need to be considered and adjusted. There may be people I need to forgive - or ask to forgive me.
Paul goes so far as to say I should be an "imitator of God". What little do I know about God to imitate? He is holy, He is love, He is faithful, He is forgiving, He is good, He is just, He shows mercy. Living up to that is something I can do only through the power of the Holy Spirit living within me. As I have grown and matured in my relationship with Jesus over the years some of this is easier than it once was, some of it even becoming part of who I really am in Christ. But this journey will last my entire life and I will not "arrive" until I pass from this life to the next to become another new creation.
However, in Ephesians 4:17-24, Paul indicates that I also have a role to play in becoming the new creation God desires for me. He says "put off your old self" and be "renewed in the spirit of your minds".
Living the Christian life is not always easy. Every day I have choices to make about where I will go, how I will spend my time, what I will read, watch or think about. I also have attitudes about myself and about others that may need to be considered and adjusted. There may be people I need to forgive - or ask to forgive me.
Paul goes so far as to say I should be an "imitator of God". What little do I know about God to imitate? He is holy, He is love, He is faithful, He is forgiving, He is good, He is just, He shows mercy. Living up to that is something I can do only through the power of the Holy Spirit living within me. As I have grown and matured in my relationship with Jesus over the years some of this is easier than it once was, some of it even becoming part of who I really am in Christ. But this journey will last my entire life and I will not "arrive" until I pass from this life to the next to become another new creation.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Justified, Sanctified, Glorified
It seems preaching in these days doesn't use the terms justification and sanctification or glorified as they relate to a Christ follower although these words are used many times in the Bible. Maybe it is just that the definitions are used rather than the words themselves.
Justification is a legal term. The Bible often speaks of our being justified (Romans 3:24 & 8:30, Galatians 2:16 are just a few examples) which means declared innocent or guiltless. It means I have been acquitted of the charges brought against me by my sin.
Along with justification comes sanctification. (John 17:19, Hebrews 10:10, 1 Corinthians 6:11) When I am sanctified I am made holy, set apart and consecrated to God.
But then I am also glorified which means to cause to be more splendid or excellent than would normally be considered. This is not for my sake but so that Jesus Christ might be glorified through me. (2 Thessalonians 1:12,
Romans 8:17)
Considering these words and their definitions and the Bible passages that use them helps me better understand my standing with God. He CHOSE me for justification; He CHOSE me for sanctification; He CHOSE me to be glorified and that just blows me away. (John 6:65, Ephesians 1:11) Remembering all the while that "God so loved the WORLD, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
Justification is a legal term. The Bible often speaks of our being justified (Romans 3:24 & 8:30, Galatians 2:16 are just a few examples) which means declared innocent or guiltless. It means I have been acquitted of the charges brought against me by my sin.
Along with justification comes sanctification. (John 17:19, Hebrews 10:10, 1 Corinthians 6:11) When I am sanctified I am made holy, set apart and consecrated to God.
But then I am also glorified which means to cause to be more splendid or excellent than would normally be considered. This is not for my sake but so that Jesus Christ might be glorified through me. (2 Thessalonians 1:12,
Romans 8:17)
Considering these words and their definitions and the Bible passages that use them helps me better understand my standing with God. He CHOSE me for justification; He CHOSE me for sanctification; He CHOSE me to be glorified and that just blows me away. (John 6:65, Ephesians 1:11) Remembering all the while that "God so loved the WORLD, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
Memorizing Scripture
Perry occasionally asks us to memorize a verse of Scripture as he did a few weeks ago - Ephesians 3:20. I had Nate with me at church that morning and he started memorizing it as I drove us home. Since I want to encourage his new found faith in God and desire to read the Bible, I memorized it along with him.
After I got home I began to think about the verses (and some lengthy passages) that I had memorized over the years. I realized that I no longer remember a lot of them completely. Or if I remember the verse I have forgotten its chapter and verse location in the Bible.
I often quote the Bible when I send emails to those who have requested prayer because it is not my words but the words of God that will have power in their lives. Usually I use a keyword search and just find them on BibleGateway.com. I know the passage is in Psalms or John or wherever and I know enough of it to find it easily but I have been under conviction that I need to know EXACTLY where the verse is and EXACTLY what it says. Most of the time I prefer the English Standard Version translation but do still use the NIV in the 1984 edition.
Anyway in Psalm 119:11 says "I have stored up Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You." Verse 105 states "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says "All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work."
God has been showing me that His word cannot be these things in my life if I don't really know His word. I find it is much harder now at age 62 to memorize than it was at age 42 but with God's help, I will once again store up His word in my heart.
After I got home I began to think about the verses (and some lengthy passages) that I had memorized over the years. I realized that I no longer remember a lot of them completely. Or if I remember the verse I have forgotten its chapter and verse location in the Bible.
I often quote the Bible when I send emails to those who have requested prayer because it is not my words but the words of God that will have power in their lives. Usually I use a keyword search and just find them on BibleGateway.com. I know the passage is in Psalms or John or wherever and I know enough of it to find it easily but I have been under conviction that I need to know EXACTLY where the verse is and EXACTLY what it says. Most of the time I prefer the English Standard Version translation but do still use the NIV in the 1984 edition.
Anyway in Psalm 119:11 says "I have stored up Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You." Verse 105 states "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says "All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work."
God has been showing me that His word cannot be these things in my life if I don't really know His word. I find it is much harder now at age 62 to memorize than it was at age 42 but with God's help, I will once again store up His word in my heart.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
New Opportunities
I am so excited about a couple of new opportunities that have come my way recently. I have just started volunteering every Tuesday to assist Adrienne with Care Team follow-ups through phone calls and emails, as well as appointments with women at the NewSpring offices. Reaching out to those who are hurting and/or are far from God will be a challenge. Especially those who think they are "saved" but cannot give a clear, appropriate Jesus) salvation story. I hope to be able to help them take the necessary steps to be absolutely sure they have a personal relationship with God and then encourage them to surrender everything to Him.
Although the assisting Adrienne was not on my list of things to do, I did approach Kevin about doing a monthly communication with the Production Team...a short, newsy email with birthdays and new team members and simple reminders. Sent the first one this morning and have already received positive feedback. As the only woman (got 2 in the wings, maybe) and definitely the oldest person on the team I think I am the appropriate person to be the nurturer of the team. This is something I think we have been missing as a team.
The only thing I think negatively about all this is how will the enemy ramp up his interest in me. Maybe he'll just leave me alone but that may not be the case. Prayer, prayer and more prayer will keep him in check. "...for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." 1 John 4:4 "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7
Thank You, Jesus, for answering my prayer to use me for Your glory.
Although the assisting Adrienne was not on my list of things to do, I did approach Kevin about doing a monthly communication with the Production Team...a short, newsy email with birthdays and new team members and simple reminders. Sent the first one this morning and have already received positive feedback. As the only woman (got 2 in the wings, maybe) and definitely the oldest person on the team I think I am the appropriate person to be the nurturer of the team. This is something I think we have been missing as a team.
The only thing I think negatively about all this is how will the enemy ramp up his interest in me. Maybe he'll just leave me alone but that may not be the case. Prayer, prayer and more prayer will keep him in check. "...for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." 1 John 4:4 "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7
Thank You, Jesus, for answering my prayer to use me for Your glory.
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