“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)
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
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?
Monday, December 26, 2011
“Show-Me”
There are a number of stories and legends behind Missouri's sobriquet "Show-Me" state. The slogan is not official, but is common throughout the state and is used on Missouri license plates.The most widely known legend attributes the phrase to Missouri's U.S. Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver, who served in the United States House of Representatives from 1897 to 1903. While a member of the U.S. House Committee on Naval Affairs, Vandiver attended an 1899 naval banquet in Philadelphia. In a speech there, he declared, "I come from a state that raises corn and cotton and cockleburs and Democrats, and frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I am from Missouri. You have got to show me." Regardless of whether Vandiver coined the phrase, it is certain that his speech helped to popularize the saying.[1]
I thought of this Show-Me slogan while reading Luke 3 this morning. When the crowds came to hear John he told them the same thing (well, kinda!). John’s message was “repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand”. When the people asked what they should do he didn’t go into a 3 point sermon or give them a tract (I write this tongue-in-check). John’s message and Jesus’ was the same “Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.” John said, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”
Jesus said, “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!...‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ (Mt 25:34-46)
Both John and Jesus were saying, Show-me! Have you and I, as the body of Christ, gone to the poor, hungry, desperate, the prisons, brothels, slums, streets…where people live and brought God to them by giving “food, drink, clothing or taken them into our homes? Or have we been content to pay someone else to do what we have been mandated to do? I’m not against giving to charitable organizations. These organizations can sometimes reach more people than one individual ever could. I also understand some have physical or age limitations where it’s not as easy for them to “go”. But if we ‘pay’ so we don’t have to ‘go’ then are we truly “living our repentance”? Our motives become the window of our hearts revealing the proof of our repentance.
When Jesus looks inside our window, what will he see and will he be pleased? Show-me…..
[1]Resources:
Rossiter, Phyllis. "I'm from Missouri--you'll have to show me." Rural Missouri, Volume 42, Number 3, March 1989, page 16.Official Manual of the State of Missouri, 1979-1980, page 1486.
Rossiter, Phyllis. "I'm from Missouri--you'll have to show me." Rural Missouri, Volume 42, Number 3, March 1989, page 16.Official Manual of the State of Missouri, 1979-1980, page 1486.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Sack race
I loved the games we played when I was a kid, especially the sack race game. Two people are put together; one leg from each person is put into a sack and then the bag is tied shut. Object of the game is to work together to get to the finish line first. To make it even more difficult two people of different sizes were often put together. Bruises, grass stains from falling down, and sometimes even being drug along by your partner become the survival-mode of getting to the finish line!
Don’t know if the prophet Isaiah ever play the sack game, but he certainly describes the process in Isaiah 5:18. What sorrow for those who drag their sins behind them with ropes made of lies, who drag wickedness behind them like a cart.
Amazing how some of these same games seem to weave their way into our lives as adults. Only the game is no longer fun but instead becomes a destructive way of life.
The ropes of deception can bind us so tightly that only when they are broken do we realize how much of a stronghold they actually were. These ropes don’t appear overnight nor would we think we could be controlled by them. They build with one compromise upon another usually starting with something small, something seemingly innocent.
Ø A “small white lie” becomes a foundation for others to build upon.
Ø A clerk’s mistake on our bill could be seen as our “advantage”…do we say something or consider it a “blessing”?
Ø An innocent look that becomes easier to linger the next time (a pornographic website that pops on our computer screen or TV channel when searching).
Ø An innocent touch that turns into a longing for someone other than our spouse.
Ø “If one pill helps with the pain, two will be even better”, prescription medicine turning into a habit.
Ø A comment or action made toward us that we allow to fester in our hearts turning into hatred and/or gossip.
Ropes of destruction become weights that hold us down and keep us back from living a life of freedom, hope and peace. They become the binding force behind not extending mercy and grace (i.e. forgiveness) to others. Freeing ourselves of these ropes become the avenue through which God can work in and through us to show the world who He is.
The book of Isaiah is filled with the Israelites getting caught in these ropes of bondage and God’s responses.
Isaiah 30:1, 12-13, 15,18 (NLT) “What sorrow awaits my rebellious children,”
says the Lord…“Because you despise what I tell you and trust instead in oppression and lies, calamity will come upon you suddenly—like a bulging wall that bursts and falls. In an instant it will collapse and come crashing down…”
says the Lord…“Because you despise what I tell you and trust instead in oppression and lies, calamity will come upon you suddenly—like a bulging wall that bursts and falls. In an instant it will collapse and come crashing down…”
“Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength…”
So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion.
For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help.
For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help.
How then do we get out of this cycle? We cannot do this on our own.
First: Admit, stop hiding and recognize what your rope of destruction is. People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)
Second: Repent. Simply put, do a complete 180◦ about face turn. But don’t just turn, RUN from those ropes. Ask for forgiveness from God and possibly those you have wronged. So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. (Isaiah 30:18) God pursues us and longs to show us His love and compassion even when others won’t.
Third: Find a Christ follower who will hold you accountable. Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. (2 Timothy 2:22)
Finally: Wait on the Lord. Let God’s Word (the Bible) be the foundation you build upon. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Games don’t have to stop when we “grow-up.” We just need to remember to keep the ropes where they belong.
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