“Honey you just got the rug pulled out from underneath you.” As a little girl I used to think this was a rather strange saying. How could someone pull a rug out from underneath me while I was standing on it?
As I grew up and lived life I realized the meaning of this saying: the unexpected will come into our lives and unless our footing is secure the very foundation we stand upon will be pulled out from underneath us and usually without warning.
When Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” could Jesus have been saying the same thing? Peter’s answer, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:13-20) Peter was declaring the very foundation he would be standing on from that day forward. At times, he didn’t understand it, maybe didn’t always live it, but the foundation was being built with every word, every experience, everything he witnessed walking alongside Jesus.
Verse 21 says, “From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem and suffer many terrible things...” Jesus couldn’t tell them the horrendous things he was about to experience until they had discovered for themselves the foundation they would not only stand upon but lay their very lives down for. That foundation was and is today solid and unwavering; nothing can destroy or change it.
The same question begs an answer from us today. Who do we say the Son of Man is? Our answer becomes the foundation upon which we stand during good times and what supports and keeps us from falling during rough times. Any foundation that is not solid, not built upon the truth of who Jesus is, will collapse at the first tremor. There is no storm the truth of God cannot weather yet remain solid through.
Paul gave witness to this foundation. “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
(2Cor 4:7-9) Isaiah said, “In that day he will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD will be your treasure.” (Isaiah 33:6)
These are truths we can stand upon.
So, who do you say the Son of Man is? Who or what is the foundation you stand upon and is it safe?
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Celebrating uniqueness
I was in a meeting recently where there was a clear distinction between different personalities and even God given gifts. From the discussion it would seem some were either trying to become like others in the room (and becoming frustrated or disappointed in their “lack of___”) or trying to get others to come into their
particular gifting (“you just need to allow the Spirit to……………”). While I believe we need to allow the Spirit to move in and through us, this too can be frustrating at times. But what happens when we don’t sense the Holy Spirit moving in a particular situation; revealing the answer for either yourself or the person asking you for help; or when we don’t hear the Holy Spirit concerning the next move we should make? All the while He seems to be doing all these in others.
While I truly believe everyone’s motives were not to duplicate themselves in that meeting but rather be an encouragement for each other to think-out-of-the-box for new possibilities, let’s face it--it can be frustrating to not see ourselves or others in a spiritual gift we want to be in.
It was very clear at this meeting that hearts were touched by the message; they believed the message, stood in awe at the results of the message yet at the same time to fulfill the message would be a complete 180 in not only thinking but ‘doing’. It would take a complete overhaul of preconceived ideas so ingrained it would
shatter their world as they knew it. It was also very clear the Holy Spirit had been working in their hearts and lives moving toward this change. This too was frustrating.
Paul said in Corinthians we are all part of the body. An arm can’t pretend or act like an eye, or an ear like a foot, yet all are important for the healthy function of the body.
“It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person” should have (1Cor 12:11)
Paul then describes the functions of the body and makes this statement, “So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other…one suffers…all suffer…one is honored…all are glad.” (I Cor 12:24-25)
I started thinking how I treat others that are different than me. Do I honor those that wouldn’t ‘do as I would do’ or who aren’t as ‘spiritually mature’ as I am (said with tongue-in-cheek)? Whichever part I am, am I working in harmony with the others?
Encouraging them in their uniqueness and different thinking? For those who are acting less honorable do I try to clothe them with love, grace and mercy or expose them for who they are?
“In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care.”
God not only gives to each of us gifts and the ability to work in those gifts, he uses our personality through which those gifts take shape. Each of us is going to be different. It is the vehicle through which the world around us sees God in action.
“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” (Prov 27:16-18)
When we stop trying to mold fit but rather encourage one another in the uniqueness and richness God has created each of us for His glory to be seen, the body of Christ will once again become healthy.
There is friction in sharpening one iron with another…let us be careful not to stab one another in the process.
particular gifting (“you just need to allow the Spirit to……………”). While I believe we need to allow the Spirit to move in and through us, this too can be frustrating at times. But what happens when we don’t sense the Holy Spirit moving in a particular situation; revealing the answer for either yourself or the person asking you for help; or when we don’t hear the Holy Spirit concerning the next move we should make? All the while He seems to be doing all these in others.
While I truly believe everyone’s motives were not to duplicate themselves in that meeting but rather be an encouragement for each other to think-out-of-the-box for new possibilities, let’s face it--it can be frustrating to not see ourselves or others in a spiritual gift we want to be in.
It was very clear at this meeting that hearts were touched by the message; they believed the message, stood in awe at the results of the message yet at the same time to fulfill the message would be a complete 180 in not only thinking but ‘doing’. It would take a complete overhaul of preconceived ideas so ingrained it would
shatter their world as they knew it. It was also very clear the Holy Spirit had been working in their hearts and lives moving toward this change. This too was frustrating.
Paul said in Corinthians we are all part of the body. An arm can’t pretend or act like an eye, or an ear like a foot, yet all are important for the healthy function of the body.
“It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person” should have (1Cor 12:11)
Paul then describes the functions of the body and makes this statement, “So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other…one suffers…all suffer…one is honored…all are glad.” (I Cor 12:24-25)
I started thinking how I treat others that are different than me. Do I honor those that wouldn’t ‘do as I would do’ or who aren’t as ‘spiritually mature’ as I am (said with tongue-in-cheek)? Whichever part I am, am I working in harmony with the others?
Encouraging them in their uniqueness and different thinking? For those who are acting less honorable do I try to clothe them with love, grace and mercy or expose them for who they are?
“In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care.”
God not only gives to each of us gifts and the ability to work in those gifts, he uses our personality through which those gifts take shape. Each of us is going to be different. It is the vehicle through which the world around us sees God in action.
“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” (Prov 27:16-18)
When we stop trying to mold fit but rather encourage one another in the uniqueness and richness God has created each of us for His glory to be seen, the body of Christ will once again become healthy.
There is friction in sharpening one iron with another…let us be careful not to stab one another in the process.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Wisdom or arrogance?
“Kay, you blew it! Why did you feel the need to expound on a truthful but simple statement? Would have been fine to just let the statement stand and work on its message. My ‘so called wisdom’ was not needed!!”
This was the conversation I had with myself yesterday when leaving a local clinic where I volunteer. Was I trying to impress my client or was it truly the Holy Spirit working through me to reach this young lady? Valid question. While I believe the Lord can speak through us we must learn to distinguish between the two. One brings life the other sucks life.
Pride if not dealt with will always falsely draw others to us rather than releasing them to the One who is true wisdom.
Genesis 3:6 is one of the first references to wisdom in the bible. “She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her.” Eve tasted the forbidden fruit, offered it to her husband and false wisdom drew them not closer but away from the Source of wisdom and ever since we have been struggling to submit our wisdom and pride to God’s wisdom. God’s wisdom is always available to us but we cannot rob God of something before he is ready to give it.
True wisdom is born through humility, while pride is born through false humility that puffs us up in arrogance, conceit and smugness.
Pride leads to disgrace and humiliation while humility brings honor and wisdom (Proverbs 11:2; 29:23).
The Apostle Paul said, “In him (Jesus) lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments (prideful words?).” Col 2:4
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom
For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition (pride), there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.”
James 1:5;3:13,16-18
When I truly examine my heart and motives in light of the scriptures, then my mouth and actions must also be aligned with the true Source of wisdom.
“Take control of what I say, O LORD, and guard my lips.
Don’t let me drift toward evil or take part in acts of wickedness.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
(Psalm 141:3-4; 139:23)
This was the conversation I had with myself yesterday when leaving a local clinic where I volunteer. Was I trying to impress my client or was it truly the Holy Spirit working through me to reach this young lady? Valid question. While I believe the Lord can speak through us we must learn to distinguish between the two. One brings life the other sucks life.
Pride if not dealt with will always falsely draw others to us rather than releasing them to the One who is true wisdom.
Genesis 3:6 is one of the first references to wisdom in the bible. “She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her.” Eve tasted the forbidden fruit, offered it to her husband and false wisdom drew them not closer but away from the Source of wisdom and ever since we have been struggling to submit our wisdom and pride to God’s wisdom. God’s wisdom is always available to us but we cannot rob God of something before he is ready to give it.
True wisdom is born through humility, while pride is born through false humility that puffs us up in arrogance, conceit and smugness.
Pride leads to disgrace and humiliation while humility brings honor and wisdom (Proverbs 11:2; 29:23).
The Apostle Paul said, “In him (Jesus) lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments (prideful words?).” Col 2:4
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom
For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition (pride), there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.”
James 1:5;3:13,16-18
When I truly examine my heart and motives in light of the scriptures, then my mouth and actions must also be aligned with the true Source of wisdom.
“Take control of what I say, O LORD, and guard my lips.
Don’t let me drift toward evil or take part in acts of wickedness.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
(Psalm 141:3-4; 139:23)
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Press on to possess
What would happen if I rode my bike, went for a walk, drove my car or cooked a meal all the while not looking forward but behind me? Well, if you knew me you would realize I wouldn’t need that reasoning for falling off my bike or tripping while walking (I do that quite well looking ahead!!). A car accident would be more than probable and cooking would be a disaster. What about our relationships? If we always remember and base any present or future relationships on what he/she/they did to us are we not living in the today with our hearts looking backwards?
In order to look forward the Apostle Paul had a lot to forget. Not only in whom he had become or what he did to others in the name of religion, but what was now being done to him in the name of religion.
“…I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me…forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on…” *
The possess Paul describes as central to this process is the same described in the gospels when people brought their loved ones to Jesus for deliverance. This possession is a total takeover of our minds, hearts, a seizing of all of us by Christ. But just as importantly, and we tend to miss, is our possession of Christ; a desperate seizing, a grabbing hold of, and a willful abandonment of all of me, for all of him. When we forgo our righteousness and allow Christ’s to become ours we can release the hold our past has on us today.
I love the vulnerability of Paul! “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead…”* It’s ok to admit we don’t have it altogether, and at times we may even fail. But I also love the encouragement Paul gives, “… we must hold on to the progress we have already made.”* This speaks of present, actively pursuing and looking forward, taking the hard road and doing the work by not giving up or in to past behaviors or thoughts.
It is a permanent forgetting of the past in order to create and build upon the present and future.
Wherever you are in this process be assured you are not alone. We all have a lot of work to do…don’t give up! “Press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”*
Our promise: “God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. (Phil 2:13)
*Philippians 3:9-16
In order to look forward the Apostle Paul had a lot to forget. Not only in whom he had become or what he did to others in the name of religion, but what was now being done to him in the name of religion.
“…I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me…forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on…” *
The possess Paul describes as central to this process is the same described in the gospels when people brought their loved ones to Jesus for deliverance. This possession is a total takeover of our minds, hearts, a seizing of all of us by Christ. But just as importantly, and we tend to miss, is our possession of Christ; a desperate seizing, a grabbing hold of, and a willful abandonment of all of me, for all of him. When we forgo our righteousness and allow Christ’s to become ours we can release the hold our past has on us today.
I love the vulnerability of Paul! “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead…”* It’s ok to admit we don’t have it altogether, and at times we may even fail. But I also love the encouragement Paul gives, “… we must hold on to the progress we have already made.”* This speaks of present, actively pursuing and looking forward, taking the hard road and doing the work by not giving up or in to past behaviors or thoughts.
It is a permanent forgetting of the past in order to create and build upon the present and future.
Wherever you are in this process be assured you are not alone. We all have a lot of work to do…don’t give up! “Press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”*
Our promise: “God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. (Phil 2:13)
*Philippians 3:9-16
Monday, January 23, 2012
Costume change
As a little girl I remember playing dress-up, being magically transformed into nurses, teachers, fairy princesses and doctors. Perhaps you became Darth Vader or a cowboy or ruler of an unseen kingdom.
Remember how the costume became the doorway into living, albeit for a short amount of time, the character by taking on the characteristics and mindset (or what we could possibly imagine it would be at that age) of a particular person? Sometimes the language would even change, especially if we were living in France or England. We spoke words with no clue of their meaning, they just sounded like it would be what that character would have sounded like.
When our children were younger they would play for hours with costume jewelry my mother-in-law had given them. They would become pirates on the open seas (amazing what a Sit ‘n Spin would transform into) or in the summertime marooned on a desert island when playing in the pool.
I must admit, there are times when the simplicity and excitement of those days would be wonderful to slip back into especially when my day is hectic or demanding.
I was thinking of this in view of the perspective Paul gives in Colossians 3:10-14.
“Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and forgive anyone who offends you…above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.”
Opposite of our childlike transformations, this “clothing change” becomes permanent, or at least it was designed to. This is the new nature and renewing Paul speaks about in Colossians 3. It is one-size-fits-all yet amazingly fits each one perfectly. Cannot be sold, bartered or exchanged, although we can choose to never wear or own it. Never needs washed or cleaned, yet is renewed daily within us.
What is the old costume we are to get rid of in exchange for the new?
“…sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world…get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.” (Col 3:5-10)
Don’t rush through these words. God chose you…He loves you…He wants to live in and be with you. We put on this new clothing, taking on his character, by learning to know our Creator and become like him. Jesus said, “…I am in the Father and the Father is in me. All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them and we will come and make our home with each of them.” (Jo 14:9-11, 23)
So how well are we who call ourselves Christ followers doing? Do we play dress-up with respect to our new life in Christ or have we really taken on and become transformed into who and what Christ represented on earth? When we walk outside our homes do others “see, hear, feel or experience” God when they encounter us? Is our language one of love, mercy, compassion, gentleness, forgiveness and humility or is it “church-anese” that only a select group of people understands? Is this change of clothing one that I wear in my home with my loved ones or does my costume change according to whom I am with or trying to impress?
As eagerly as we played dress up as a child, today may we be all the more eager to exchange our old worn out costume for the new.
Remember how the costume became the doorway into living, albeit for a short amount of time, the character by taking on the characteristics and mindset (or what we could possibly imagine it would be at that age) of a particular person? Sometimes the language would even change, especially if we were living in France or England. We spoke words with no clue of their meaning, they just sounded like it would be what that character would have sounded like.
When our children were younger they would play for hours with costume jewelry my mother-in-law had given them. They would become pirates on the open seas (amazing what a Sit ‘n Spin would transform into) or in the summertime marooned on a desert island when playing in the pool.
I must admit, there are times when the simplicity and excitement of those days would be wonderful to slip back into especially when my day is hectic or demanding.
I was thinking of this in view of the perspective Paul gives in Colossians 3:10-14.
“Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and forgive anyone who offends you…above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.”
Opposite of our childlike transformations, this “clothing change” becomes permanent, or at least it was designed to. This is the new nature and renewing Paul speaks about in Colossians 3. It is one-size-fits-all yet amazingly fits each one perfectly. Cannot be sold, bartered or exchanged, although we can choose to never wear or own it. Never needs washed or cleaned, yet is renewed daily within us.
What is the old costume we are to get rid of in exchange for the new?
“…sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world…get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.” (Col 3:5-10)
Don’t rush through these words. God chose you…He loves you…He wants to live in and be with you. We put on this new clothing, taking on his character, by learning to know our Creator and become like him. Jesus said, “…I am in the Father and the Father is in me. All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them and we will come and make our home with each of them.” (Jo 14:9-11, 23)
So how well are we who call ourselves Christ followers doing? Do we play dress-up with respect to our new life in Christ or have we really taken on and become transformed into who and what Christ represented on earth? When we walk outside our homes do others “see, hear, feel or experience” God when they encounter us? Is our language one of love, mercy, compassion, gentleness, forgiveness and humility or is it “church-anese” that only a select group of people understands? Is this change of clothing one that I wear in my home with my loved ones or does my costume change according to whom I am with or trying to impress?
As eagerly as we played dress up as a child, today may we be all the more eager to exchange our old worn out costume for the new.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
I grew up with something that is almost unheard of today. For some in my family it was a great source of embarrassment but for me it was the norm, all I ever knew until I was in 7th grade. I grew up in a small town and although we were not the only ones with this, it still wasn’t in the typical home. While some might be familiar with this in camping situations, it would definitely not be characteristic for most 21st century Americans. What I am referring to is an outhouse. In the summer the trips to the outhouse would be quick because of the heat and in the winter they would even be quicker because of the cold. At night, my mother had a chamber bucket in our cellar of which she would make the trip every morning to empty in the outhouse.
Today I have 3 ½ baths in my home…guess you could say, “you’ve come a long way baby!”
I’ve recently been thinking of that old outhouse and have found some valuable lessons in it. Believe it or not we all have lived with the affects of an outhouse in our lives.
ONE OUTHOUSE RUNOFF AFFECTS OTHERS
We live in a domino world. Everything we do has an effect on someone else. Whether intentional or not we sometimes find ourselves living with the “stench” of others choices which has the potential of horrendous impact on our lives. Most times how much of an impact is determined by how much power we choose to give them.
The apostle Paul didn’t allow others actions to deter or determine his mission.
“Everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News…everyone here…knows I am in chains because of Christ. It is true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry…intending to make my chains more painful to me. But that doesn’t matter…the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice.” Philippians 1
Paul chose to take the higher road and rejoice thereby diffusing the potential effect of others on his life and outlook.
CLEANING TIME
To keep the refuse at a manageable level, from time to time a company would come to empty the outhouse.
Paul knew the heart has to be cleansed of the refuse we allow to filter in: pride, self-righteousness, position and prestige, money, complacency, etc.
“I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done…I have discarded everything else counting it all as garbage*, so that I could gain Christ and become like him.” Philippians 3:7-11
Jesus said, “But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.” Matthew 15:17-19
*Greek: sku/balon which means refuse, the excrement (dung) of animals = crap
HOUSE MOVING TIME
When the outhouse was moved what was left behind became a wonderful source of fertilizer. When it seems like there is no way out remember this, we won’t always have to live with the effects someone else’s refuse. “If you think you are standing strong, be careful, for you, too, may fall into the same sin. But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it.” 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
Rather than complaining about the outhouse being moved and the emptiness left behind, my father planted a garden. Not just any garden but with all that fertilizer his was always the best garden on the block! Rather than complaining about the residual of the domino affects in our lives use them as fertilizer to produce a bountiful harvest. Jesus never promised a “no-fertilized” life, but he did promise if we remain in him we would produce fruit—no matter what was put into our soil. (John 15)
Today I have 3 ½ baths in my home…guess you could say, “you’ve come a long way baby!”
I’ve recently been thinking of that old outhouse and have found some valuable lessons in it. Believe it or not we all have lived with the affects of an outhouse in our lives.
ONE OUTHOUSE RUNOFF AFFECTS OTHERS
We live in a domino world. Everything we do has an effect on someone else. Whether intentional or not we sometimes find ourselves living with the “stench” of others choices which has the potential of horrendous impact on our lives. Most times how much of an impact is determined by how much power we choose to give them.
The apostle Paul didn’t allow others actions to deter or determine his mission.
“Everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News…everyone here…knows I am in chains because of Christ. It is true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry…intending to make my chains more painful to me. But that doesn’t matter…the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice.” Philippians 1
Paul chose to take the higher road and rejoice thereby diffusing the potential effect of others on his life and outlook.
CLEANING TIME
To keep the refuse at a manageable level, from time to time a company would come to empty the outhouse.
Paul knew the heart has to be cleansed of the refuse we allow to filter in: pride, self-righteousness, position and prestige, money, complacency, etc.
“I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done…I have discarded everything else counting it all as garbage*, so that I could gain Christ and become like him.” Philippians 3:7-11
Jesus said, “But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.” Matthew 15:17-19
*Greek: sku/balon which means refuse, the excrement (dung) of animals = crap
HOUSE MOVING TIME
When the outhouse was moved what was left behind became a wonderful source of fertilizer. When it seems like there is no way out remember this, we won’t always have to live with the effects someone else’s refuse. “If you think you are standing strong, be careful, for you, too, may fall into the same sin. But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it.” 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
Rather than complaining about the outhouse being moved and the emptiness left behind, my father planted a garden. Not just any garden but with all that fertilizer his was always the best garden on the block! Rather than complaining about the residual of the domino affects in our lives use them as fertilizer to produce a bountiful harvest. Jesus never promised a “no-fertilized” life, but he did promise if we remain in him we would produce fruit—no matter what was put into our soil. (John 15)
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Longing Fulfilled
Have you ever experienced a longing, to the point of an aching in your heart for someone you once knew? Perhaps that person is no longer living or perhaps they moved away and can no longer physically share in a cup of coffee or go for a walk. Perhaps there has been a strain in the relationship and although the physical distance is not great, emotionally the distance seems like planets away. A word or thought conjures memories that only make the longing greater.
David described this longing when he wrote, “God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” (Ps 63:1O) Because we were all made in God’s image (Gen 1:26-27) there is a longing in our hearts to know Him and to have intimacy with Him. Some may try to fill this longing with material objects while others may try to fill this with spiritual objects or customs, all the while still experiencing a longing that cannot be filled.
Something is missing…rather some One is missing.
The amazing truth is God wants and longs for that same intimacy with us! This same God who created the universe, things we can see and those that haven’t been discovered yet; all creatures great and same; the very air we breathe; planets and their positions…EVERYTHING! And yet, He wants an intimate relationship with you and me!
This is mind boggling for me.
Fact is we were created for intimacy!! As God created us to be relational with each other, he also created us to be relational with him. Isaiah wrote, “Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion.” (Is 30:18) God is not just an image or statue or thought to be worshipped, sung about, or talked about only one day a week.
The only way to nurture any relationship is by getting to know that person. If we only observed from a distance or build a relationship based upon what others knew about that person it will never be our own personal relationship. Something would also be missing. Had I not spent time getting to know my husband but only listened to others describe their relationship with him admiration rather than love would have developed. I would have missed out getting to know and fall in love with an amazing man. Likewise only relying on another’s view of who God is cannot be the basis of what our relationship is with him. If it is we miss out on an amazing journey of past, present and future discoveries of “who and what” God is. The Bible describes a loving, compassionate, patient, kind, gentle and good God, who laughs, cries, sings, gets tired, hungry and yes even gets angry. We were created in His image and we experience all the same emotions.
We sense His closeness as we talk with Him. Sense His peace and comfort when we are lonely, sad, confused or in the midst of a crisis. We realize he will never leave us but always sticks closer to us than anyone else, no matter what we have done.
This is not a relationship based on Hollywood’s description of a God follower. Nor is it a relationship that is only available to certain people or classes of people. This relationship is available to anyone who wants and longs for it.
What about you? Where are you on this journey?
David described this longing when he wrote, “God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” (Ps 63:1O) Because we were all made in God’s image (Gen 1:26-27) there is a longing in our hearts to know Him and to have intimacy with Him. Some may try to fill this longing with material objects while others may try to fill this with spiritual objects or customs, all the while still experiencing a longing that cannot be filled.
Something is missing…rather some One is missing.
The amazing truth is God wants and longs for that same intimacy with us! This same God who created the universe, things we can see and those that haven’t been discovered yet; all creatures great and same; the very air we breathe; planets and their positions…EVERYTHING! And yet, He wants an intimate relationship with you and me!
This is mind boggling for me.
Fact is we were created for intimacy!! As God created us to be relational with each other, he also created us to be relational with him. Isaiah wrote, “Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion.” (Is 30:18) God is not just an image or statue or thought to be worshipped, sung about, or talked about only one day a week.
The only way to nurture any relationship is by getting to know that person. If we only observed from a distance or build a relationship based upon what others knew about that person it will never be our own personal relationship. Something would also be missing. Had I not spent time getting to know my husband but only listened to others describe their relationship with him admiration rather than love would have developed. I would have missed out getting to know and fall in love with an amazing man. Likewise only relying on another’s view of who God is cannot be the basis of what our relationship is with him. If it is we miss out on an amazing journey of past, present and future discoveries of “who and what” God is. The Bible describes a loving, compassionate, patient, kind, gentle and good God, who laughs, cries, sings, gets tired, hungry and yes even gets angry. We were created in His image and we experience all the same emotions.
We sense His closeness as we talk with Him. Sense His peace and comfort when we are lonely, sad, confused or in the midst of a crisis. We realize he will never leave us but always sticks closer to us than anyone else, no matter what we have done.
This is not a relationship based on Hollywood’s description of a God follower. Nor is it a relationship that is only available to certain people or classes of people. This relationship is available to anyone who wants and longs for it.
What about you? Where are you on this journey?
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