I have always thought of Romans 1:18-32 as an indication of God's thoughts about America in our current day. Our country is so far removed from the things of God, or so it seems. Maybe it seems that way because those in favor of abortion or same gender marriage or ecology (as a worship of nature) or similar things are more vocal in their demands to have their way.
It's kind of scary to read "God gave them up..." to fulfill all the lusts of their hearts. But as I read the list of sins - envy, covetousness, murder (Jesus said anger = murder), gossis, faithlessness I thought this could very well be me. Except for the grace of God, I could be one of those God gave up. In fact He did allow me to pursue all the evil in my heart for many years. Fortunately for me He never gave up on me and continually drew me to Himself until I surrendered my life and my will to Jesus as Lord.
I was also reminded of Elijah, after he defeated the prophets of Baal he ran away scared telling God I'm the only one of Your prophets left. God told Elijah that He had 7000 left in Israel that had not bowed their knees to Baal. So maybe things are not as bad here in America as they seem. At NewSpring Church we are seeing tremendous numbers of people who are experiencing life change by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
At the Right Time
In my life I have been characterized by making things happen in MY time. It took a long time to learn (and I'm still learning) to allow things to happen in God's time.
This morning I read in Romans 5:6, "For while we were still weak, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly." That made me think about 2 Peter 3:9, "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should reach repentance."
When we are in crisis mode, we want God to act today - yesterday even. We want God to show up RIGHT NOW to take away the crisis, to fix our situation, to make it all better - by our definition of better.
Sometimes God does that. But other times He doesn't. My experience is most of the time He doesn't. Oh, He shows up but His purposes are not the same as mine. His solutions are not the same as mine. His time table is not the same as mine. So when I am in a crisis my priority is to align myself with God, not try to get God to align Himself with me because God always acts at the right time.
This morning I read in Romans 5:6, "For while we were still weak, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly." That made me think about 2 Peter 3:9, "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should reach repentance."
When we are in crisis mode, we want God to act today - yesterday even. We want God to show up RIGHT NOW to take away the crisis, to fix our situation, to make it all better - by our definition of better.
Sometimes God does that. But other times He doesn't. My experience is most of the time He doesn't. Oh, He shows up but His purposes are not the same as mine. His solutions are not the same as mine. His time table is not the same as mine. So when I am in a crisis my priority is to align myself with God, not try to get God to align Himself with me because God always acts at the right time.
This Is My Bible
I've taken this information verbatim from something I got from Walk in the Word back in 2004 from a preaching series called (I think) God Wrote a Book. I often use this to remind myself of the importance of seeking God on a regular basis through the Bible.
I am who [the Bible] says I am. Matthew 5:16
I can do what it says I can do. Philippians 4:13
I am going where it says I will go. John 14:3
God's Word is milk for my soul. 1 Peter 2:2
God's Word is seed for my faith. Luke 8:11
God's Word is light for my path. Psalm 119:105
God's Word is power for my victory. Hebrews 4:12
God's Word is freedom for my life. John 8:32
When I read God's Word it brings me joy. Jeremiah 15:16
When I study God's Word, it keeps me from shame. 2 Timothy 2:15
When I memorize God's Word, it purifies my heart. Psalm 119:11
When I quote God's Word, it defeats my enemies. Ephesians 6:10,17
When I mediate on God's Word, it brings me success. Joshua 1:8
When I abide in God's Word, it gives me confidence. John 15:7
"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." Isaiah 40:8
I am who [the Bible] says I am. Matthew 5:16
I can do what it says I can do. Philippians 4:13
I am going where it says I will go. John 14:3
God's Word is milk for my soul. 1 Peter 2:2
God's Word is seed for my faith. Luke 8:11
God's Word is light for my path. Psalm 119:105
God's Word is power for my victory. Hebrews 4:12
God's Word is freedom for my life. John 8:32
When I read God's Word it brings me joy. Jeremiah 15:16
When I study God's Word, it keeps me from shame. 2 Timothy 2:15
When I memorize God's Word, it purifies my heart. Psalm 119:11
When I quote God's Word, it defeats my enemies. Ephesians 6:10,17
When I mediate on God's Word, it brings me success. Joshua 1:8
When I abide in God's Word, it gives me confidence. John 15:7
"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." Isaiah 40:8
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
No Condemnation
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1 (ESV)
That, to me, is one of the most powerful statements in the Bible. No condemnation. What does it mean to be condemned? I found these definitions at www.dictionary.com. Jesus Christ was condemned for me so I can live this life and the life to come with no condemnation. That is huge!
As I read these I realize I don't have to face disapproval or experience punishment from God. There are no grounds for convicting me before God. I will never be unfit for use or service in the kingdom of God. Everything I do for the sake of the kingdom of God, even if unseen or unknown by others (menial job), is of value to God. I can not be declared incurable of any disease because healing will come.
n-dem] 
Show IPA
That, to me, is one of the most powerful statements in the Bible. No condemnation. What does it mean to be condemned? I found these definitions at www.dictionary.com. Jesus Christ was condemned for me so I can live this life and the life to come with no condemnation. That is huge!
As I read these I realize I don't have to face disapproval or experience punishment from God. There are no grounds for convicting me before God. I will never be unfit for use or service in the kingdom of God. Everything I do for the sake of the kingdom of God, even if unseen or unknown by others (menial job), is of value to God. I can not be declared incurable of any disease because healing will come.
con·demn
[kuhn-dem] Show IPA–verb (used with object)
1.
to express an unfavorable or adverse judgment on; indicatestrong disapproval of; censure.
3.
to give grounds or reason for convicting or censuring: Hisacts condemn him.
5.
U.S. Law . to acquire ownership of for a public purpose, underthe right of eminent domain: The city condemned theproperty.
6.
to force into a specific state or activity: His lack ofeducation condemned him to a life of menial Jobs.
7.
to declare incurable.
Hubby
Well, I don't have a hubby and don't want a hubby - not now. I have been married and divorced twice. Both times to men that I never should have dated and NEVER, ever have married although I have a terrific son and now grandchildren because of my second marriage. Marriage was long, long ago in a far away land that was focused on me and now, with no thought of God or the future.
But yesterday, when I was shoveling 6" of snow and ice off my car and driveway, I had the passing thought that having a hubby around to do this might be nice. Then I came to my senses and said don't go there in your thoughts because that is not where God wants you to be.
I am convinced that the singleness I've experience for the last 29 years is not just a "season" in my life but an actual gift from God. A gift that allows me to serve God without guilt or restraint whenever and wherever He chooses. Not everyone can be content in singleness but I thank God that He has given me the ability to relish the life He has provided for me.
But yesterday, when I was shoveling 6" of snow and ice off my car and driveway, I had the passing thought that having a hubby around to do this might be nice. Then I came to my senses and said don't go there in your thoughts because that is not where God wants you to be.
I am convinced that the singleness I've experience for the last 29 years is not just a "season" in my life but an actual gift from God. A gift that allows me to serve God without guilt or restraint whenever and wherever He chooses. Not everyone can be content in singleness but I thank God that He has given me the ability to relish the life He has provided for me.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
The Wrath of God
My friend, Joann, reminded me that point number 3 from Perry's message on Sunday was that I have been saved from the wrath of God.
Perhaps I couldn't remember that point because that is the one point that I don't struggle with. I KNOW that I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and that God's wrath was poured out on Him for my sins when Jesus went to the cross at Calvary. Hallelujah!
But it is a huge point for those who don't know Christ. Too many people think a loving God would never send anyone to Hell. Well, He doesn't!! People send themselves to an eternity separated from God to a place the Bible says is darkness, with fire and weeping and gnashing of teeth by continually rejecting the Holy Spirit in His attempt to draw them to Christ. God has said over and over those who are not His will be sent away and He always keeps His word.
Anne Graham Lotz said in an interview once that if we continually ask God to leave us alone and keep out of our lives, He is too much of a gentleman to force Himself on us. She was speaking about our country but it applies as well to our personal lives.
Perhaps I couldn't remember that point because that is the one point that I don't struggle with. I KNOW that I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and that God's wrath was poured out on Him for my sins when Jesus went to the cross at Calvary. Hallelujah!
But it is a huge point for those who don't know Christ. Too many people think a loving God would never send anyone to Hell. Well, He doesn't!! People send themselves to an eternity separated from God to a place the Bible says is darkness, with fire and weeping and gnashing of teeth by continually rejecting the Holy Spirit in His attempt to draw them to Christ. God has said over and over those who are not His will be sent away and He always keeps His word.
Anne Graham Lotz said in an interview once that if we continually ask God to leave us alone and keep out of our lives, He is too much of a gentleman to force Himself on us. She was speaking about our country but it applies as well to our personal lives.
Roman Road
I love reading Romans. Sometimes I think what did Paul just say and I have to read the passage again. I don't read many authors who use sentences as long as Paul's. Or who are as theologically profound as Paul. But there is so much in this book that begs for my attention and my memorization.
So today I was reminded of the Roman Road to salvation:
3:23 "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..."
6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
5:8 "...but God shows His great love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
10:9-10 "...if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
10:13 "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
When speaking to someone who does not know Jesus, it is good to know these verses. I may not go "down the list" but if the opportunity presents itself, the lost person needs to know what God says - not what Perry says and certainly not what Nancy says. Only God's word has the power to change hearts and lives.
So today I was reminded of the Roman Road to salvation:
3:23 "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..."
6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
5:8 "...but God shows His great love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
10:9-10 "...if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
10:13 "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
When speaking to someone who does not know Jesus, it is good to know these verses. I may not go "down the list" but if the opportunity presents itself, the lost person needs to know what God says - not what Perry says and certainly not what Nancy says. Only God's word has the power to change hearts and lives.
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