Nehemiah 4:6 Nehemías 4:6
"Continuamos con la reconstrucción y levantamos la muralla hasta media altura, pues el pueblo trabajó con entusiasmo."
"So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work."
What does it mean to have a mind to work? Does it mean that their minds were focused on the work? Or, perhaps, their minds were prepared for the work, and with one accord had a goal in mind for freedom from oppression. The NVI says the people "trabajó con entusiasmo--worked with enthusiasm".
They didn't see the work as labor, they saw it as a way to freedom--a way to a better life.
It should be the same for us. All to often I see the wall under construction and not the city being built. I see the labor in front of me, instead of my eternal destiny. No matter how small or large the task, we, as Christians, should have a mind to work as the Jews of Nehemiah's day did. Because no matter what the task is, if we are doing it for the Lord, we are building our place in heaven.
Today, I'm going to set my mind to heaven as I work, contemplating the finish line and not the work still to be done before it.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
¡Manos a la obra!
Nehemiah 2:18 Nehemías 2:18
"Entonces les conté cómo la bondadosa mano de Dios había estado conmigo y les relaté le que el rey me había dicho. Al oír esto, exclamaron:
--¡Manos a la obra!
Y unieron la acción a la palabra." NVI
“And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me, and also of the king’s words that he had spoken to me.
So they said, ‘Let us rise up and build.’ Then they set their hands to this good work.” NKJV
So many times it is easy to get into a zombie bible reading mode. I start reading the bible stories and, well, it sounds like a lot of biblical stuff. It is very easy to read over verses like this one and not give it a second glance. Yeah, Nehemiah told them God was with him and that the king was going to help and they started to build. Wait a second though. This is right after Nehemiah springs this on them that they were even going to try to rebuild it.
In this story, from the perspective of the Jews, a faraway ethnically Jewish man--a powerful man who worked at the right hand of the king--shows up in Jerusalem with no explanation. The next day he announces to the officials, the priests and the nobles that he actually came all that way to rebuild the wall.
Not only that, but the God of Israel was backing him up on this and apparently so was a foreign king. I don’t know about you, but even if this meeting lasted for hours, that amount of strange information would have left me dumbfounded. My response would have been more along the lines of “Wait... what? I’m supposed to believe that?”
But look at the response of the people. In the NVI it says they exclaimed “Hands to the Work! (Manos a la obra)” What kind of faith they must have had!
It is striking to me how often and how prominently Nehemiah gives all glory to God in all things. Here he told them that the hand of God was upon him. For me, I would have loved to mention that, but I often--to my own dismay--feel like people will think I’m crazy for saying things like that. If I said, “Hey, God told me this” I feel like they would respond with a “So what have you been smoking lately?” at least in their hearts. I feel this way even in Christian circles, and I know it’s wrong.
I need to give God the glory He deserves in all circumstances. After all, most things I have to say won’t probably sound nearly as absurd as what Nehemiah did in this verse. And even though it was a hard pill for most people to swallow, the hand of God truly was upon him, and he trusted God to sway the hearts of the Israelites as well.
"Entonces les conté cómo la bondadosa mano de Dios había estado conmigo y les relaté le que el rey me había dicho. Al oír esto, exclamaron:
--¡Manos a la obra!
Y unieron la acción a la palabra." NVI
“And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me, and also of the king’s words that he had spoken to me.
So they said, ‘Let us rise up and build.’ Then they set their hands to this good work.” NKJV
So many times it is easy to get into a zombie bible reading mode. I start reading the bible stories and, well, it sounds like a lot of biblical stuff. It is very easy to read over verses like this one and not give it a second glance. Yeah, Nehemiah told them God was with him and that the king was going to help and they started to build. Wait a second though. This is right after Nehemiah springs this on them that they were even going to try to rebuild it.
In this story, from the perspective of the Jews, a faraway ethnically Jewish man--a powerful man who worked at the right hand of the king--shows up in Jerusalem with no explanation. The next day he announces to the officials, the priests and the nobles that he actually came all that way to rebuild the wall.
Not only that, but the God of Israel was backing him up on this and apparently so was a foreign king. I don’t know about you, but even if this meeting lasted for hours, that amount of strange information would have left me dumbfounded. My response would have been more along the lines of “Wait... what? I’m supposed to believe that?”
But look at the response of the people. In the NVI it says they exclaimed “Hands to the Work! (Manos a la obra)” What kind of faith they must have had!
It is striking to me how often and how prominently Nehemiah gives all glory to God in all things. Here he told them that the hand of God was upon him. For me, I would have loved to mention that, but I often--to my own dismay--feel like people will think I’m crazy for saying things like that. If I said, “Hey, God told me this” I feel like they would respond with a “So what have you been smoking lately?” at least in their hearts. I feel this way even in Christian circles, and I know it’s wrong.
I need to give God the glory He deserves in all circumstances. After all, most things I have to say won’t probably sound nearly as absurd as what Nehemiah did in this verse. And even though it was a hard pill for most people to swallow, the hand of God truly was upon him, and he trusted God to sway the hearts of the Israelites as well.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Humility in Prayer
Nehemiah 1:4 Nehemías 1:4
"Al escuchar esto, me senté a llorar; hice deulo por algunos días, ayuné y oré al Dios del cielo."
"So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven."
Nehemiah was heartbroken for his people. Hearing the news of their hardship genuinely caused him grief and suffering. He fasted and prayed, not before men, but before God.
There is something very humble in this first chapter of Nehemiah. It begins with simply his name and the fact that he’s writing this. Then he fasted and prayed no doubt silently, and without show or boast before men.
His prayer which is recorded, is also very humble. It is very respectful and exalting to God. He does not deny his own guilt, or that of his people, and then he gently begs God to remember His promise to the Isrealites.
He ends the chapter with his station, cupbearer to the king. Apparently, this is a very high position to be in at the time. Had this been written in modern times, no doubt, the author would have seen his position of power as an important tool of rhetoric. The modern author would have put his station at the beginning when introducing himself, and maybe would have added a little something of the power that job involved. But we don’t see that here. In fact, it’s kind of thrown in there in a way that makes me think that it would not have been added except that it was necessary to understand the story.
I need to be careful not to boast, and to be humble before man--but more importantly before God especially in my prayers.
"Al escuchar esto, me senté a llorar; hice deulo por algunos días, ayuné y oré al Dios del cielo."
"So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven."
Nehemiah was heartbroken for his people. Hearing the news of their hardship genuinely caused him grief and suffering. He fasted and prayed, not before men, but before God.
There is something very humble in this first chapter of Nehemiah. It begins with simply his name and the fact that he’s writing this. Then he fasted and prayed no doubt silently, and without show or boast before men.
His prayer which is recorded, is also very humble. It is very respectful and exalting to God. He does not deny his own guilt, or that of his people, and then he gently begs God to remember His promise to the Isrealites.
He ends the chapter with his station, cupbearer to the king. Apparently, this is a very high position to be in at the time. Had this been written in modern times, no doubt, the author would have seen his position of power as an important tool of rhetoric. The modern author would have put his station at the beginning when introducing himself, and maybe would have added a little something of the power that job involved. But we don’t see that here. In fact, it’s kind of thrown in there in a way that makes me think that it would not have been added except that it was necessary to understand the story.
I need to be careful not to boast, and to be humble before man--but more importantly before God especially in my prayers.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
What Does it Profit?
James 2:14 Santiago 2:14
"Hermanos míos, ¿de qué aprovechará si alguno dice que tiene fe, y no tiene obras? ¿Podrá la fe salvarle?" RV1960
"What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?" NKJV
This verse is kind of a hard pill for me to swallow. We are taught, as one of our church doctrines that there is justification by faith. Why then does James ask a rhetorical question, that in context seems to imply a definite no, faith cannot save him? But then we are also told in other parts of the bible that the unfruitful branches will be cut off.
It seems to me that the result of a true personal relationship with the God and savoir of the world has only one outcome--and that is works. If you have no works then your faith is dead because the Spirit has been ignored and the relationship is either cold or non-existent. But if the relationship is alive, believe me, you will always be convicted of one area in your life and there should always be a struggle to improve one’s relationship with God by obeying the promptings of the Holy Spirit--works.
So what profit is faith without works? It profits no one. It does not profit God, who is given a representative who makes His name look bad. It does not profit man, for there is no effort to love thy neighbor. And, perhaps worst of all, it does not profit the man with faith and no works. For he then remains in a dying state, thinking himself righteous while in reality has no true communion with the Holy Spirit.
So what does this mean practically for me?
I need to make sure that my own relationship with the Father does not falter, like it has been this past week. I need to be more diligent in prayer and in the reading of my bible, all other pass times in the morning and at night come second.
"Hermanos míos, ¿de qué aprovechará si alguno dice que tiene fe, y no tiene obras? ¿Podrá la fe salvarle?" RV1960
"What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?" NKJV
This verse is kind of a hard pill for me to swallow. We are taught, as one of our church doctrines that there is justification by faith. Why then does James ask a rhetorical question, that in context seems to imply a definite no, faith cannot save him? But then we are also told in other parts of the bible that the unfruitful branches will be cut off.
It seems to me that the result of a true personal relationship with the God and savoir of the world has only one outcome--and that is works. If you have no works then your faith is dead because the Spirit has been ignored and the relationship is either cold or non-existent. But if the relationship is alive, believe me, you will always be convicted of one area in your life and there should always be a struggle to improve one’s relationship with God by obeying the promptings of the Holy Spirit--works.
So what profit is faith without works? It profits no one. It does not profit God, who is given a representative who makes His name look bad. It does not profit man, for there is no effort to love thy neighbor. And, perhaps worst of all, it does not profit the man with faith and no works. For he then remains in a dying state, thinking himself righteous while in reality has no true communion with the Holy Spirit.
So what does this mean practically for me?
I need to make sure that my own relationship with the Father does not falter, like it has been this past week. I need to be more diligent in prayer and in the reading of my bible, all other pass times in the morning and at night come second.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Mercy Triumphs
James 2:13 Santiago 2:13
"Porque juicio sin misericordia se hará con aquel que no hiciere misericordia; y la misericordia triunfa sobre el juicio.” RVR1960
“For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” NKJV
In the previous verse we are told to speak and do as those who will be judged. But why? Aren’t we freed from judgment in Christ?
This verse here starts to unpack that answer. For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. My mind immediately goes to the parable of the unfaithful servant (Matthew 18:21-35). In this parable there is a servant that owes his master some money. The servant begs for more time to pay off his debt, and the Master agrees. But then the servant goes out and sees someone who owes him money and demands it. This man also begs for more time, but he is not forgiven by the servant and the servant has the man thrown in jail. When the master learns of it he is furious, and I’m sure we would be too.
Often in the new testament this theme is present: you reap what you sow. In the Lord’s prayer it says “For give us our sins (or debts), for we have also forgiven those who have sinned against us.” Now James is giving us a spiritual truth. Judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy--or if you judge you will be judged.
Even though we are deserving of judgment, because we often fail to forgive or show mercy, James gives us this assurance: Mercy triumphs over judgment. Not only is mercy better than judgment, it is also more powerful and able to overthrow it.
The application to this is obvious: forgive, and show mercy--always. Because our Father always shows mercy and is faithful to forgive us.
"Porque juicio sin misericordia se hará con aquel que no hiciere misericordia; y la misericordia triunfa sobre el juicio.” RVR1960
“For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” NKJV
In the previous verse we are told to speak and do as those who will be judged. But why? Aren’t we freed from judgment in Christ?
This verse here starts to unpack that answer. For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. My mind immediately goes to the parable of the unfaithful servant (Matthew 18:21-35). In this parable there is a servant that owes his master some money. The servant begs for more time to pay off his debt, and the Master agrees. But then the servant goes out and sees someone who owes him money and demands it. This man also begs for more time, but he is not forgiven by the servant and the servant has the man thrown in jail. When the master learns of it he is furious, and I’m sure we would be too.
Often in the new testament this theme is present: you reap what you sow. In the Lord’s prayer it says “For give us our sins (or debts), for we have also forgiven those who have sinned against us.” Now James is giving us a spiritual truth. Judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy--or if you judge you will be judged.
Even though we are deserving of judgment, because we often fail to forgive or show mercy, James gives us this assurance: Mercy triumphs over judgment. Not only is mercy better than judgment, it is also more powerful and able to overthrow it.
The application to this is obvious: forgive, and show mercy--always. Because our Father always shows mercy and is faithful to forgive us.
Old Testament Application #1
Numbers 11:1-2
"1 Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. 2 When the people cried out to Moses, he prayed to the LORD and the fire died down."
The people of isreal complained of their hardships. It said that they did this is the hearing of the Lord.
God had promised to dwell among them and so all that they did was apparent to him. When they sinned, when they complained, when they rejoiced, was always known by Him. Sometimes they lost sight of that.
How much more should we be aware of our attitudes towards God when He promises to dwell in us?
So the Lord became angry and burned the outskirts of the camp. The way they were saved was by Moses coming to the Lord in prayer.
When I mess up and don't have my heart in the right place, I, too, need to come to the Lord in prayer.
"1 Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. 2 When the people cried out to Moses, he prayed to the LORD and the fire died down."
The people of isreal complained of their hardships. It said that they did this is the hearing of the Lord.
God had promised to dwell among them and so all that they did was apparent to him. When they sinned, when they complained, when they rejoiced, was always known by Him. Sometimes they lost sight of that.
How much more should we be aware of our attitudes towards God when He promises to dwell in us?
So the Lord became angry and burned the outskirts of the camp. The way they were saved was by Moses coming to the Lord in prayer.
When I mess up and don't have my heart in the right place, I, too, need to come to the Lord in prayer.
The Law and Judgment
James 2:12 Santiago 2:12
“Hablen y pórtense como quienes han de ser juzgandos por la ley que nos da libertad,” NVI
“So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.” NKJV
We know as Christians that whatever we do and no matter how hard we try we will never be able to achieve righteousness in God’s eye’s. What’s worse is that the sin we all have committed against God is deserving of death and eternal damnation. The miracle of grace is that we are redeemed from the penalty of the grave by the blood of Jesus, the son of God. Instead of a law that condemns we now have a ‘law that gives us liberty’ (NVI) and that is a law of mercy and love. It’s the same basic law as before, except now that the old one was fulfilled with the perfect sacrifice, we live our lives looking back toward that substitutionary atonement instead of looking forward to it. Instead of coming to the alter with a sacrificial lamb, we come to our knees and beg forgiveness though we have nothing to offer but ourselves, --but God has mercy and us and promises to forgive us again and again.
But here we are told to act as if we were to be judged by that law--a law impossible for us to keep.
So before I get into the reasoning behind this statement, how do I obey this? Here James is clearly talking about an old testament law that was there to prove our unrighteousness in the sight of God. This righteousness is impossible to attain and yet we need to strive for it. Not for the sake of saving ourselves, but because God first loved us, and we should now love Him by showing ourselves loyal.
Aside from the redemptive analogies woven into it (the animal sacrifices, the uncleanness, ect.) which was fulfilled, I need to pay close attention to the law in the old testament and find applications in my own life today.
I'm going to write down an application from the old testament for at least two times this week.
“Hablen y pórtense como quienes han de ser juzgandos por la ley que nos da libertad,” NVI
“So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.” NKJV
We know as Christians that whatever we do and no matter how hard we try we will never be able to achieve righteousness in God’s eye’s. What’s worse is that the sin we all have committed against God is deserving of death and eternal damnation. The miracle of grace is that we are redeemed from the penalty of the grave by the blood of Jesus, the son of God. Instead of a law that condemns we now have a ‘law that gives us liberty’ (NVI) and that is a law of mercy and love. It’s the same basic law as before, except now that the old one was fulfilled with the perfect sacrifice, we live our lives looking back toward that substitutionary atonement instead of looking forward to it. Instead of coming to the alter with a sacrificial lamb, we come to our knees and beg forgiveness though we have nothing to offer but ourselves, --but God has mercy and us and promises to forgive us again and again.
But here we are told to act as if we were to be judged by that law--a law impossible for us to keep.
So before I get into the reasoning behind this statement, how do I obey this? Here James is clearly talking about an old testament law that was there to prove our unrighteousness in the sight of God. This righteousness is impossible to attain and yet we need to strive for it. Not for the sake of saving ourselves, but because God first loved us, and we should now love Him by showing ourselves loyal.
Aside from the redemptive analogies woven into it (the animal sacrifices, the uncleanness, ect.) which was fulfilled, I need to pay close attention to the law in the old testament and find applications in my own life today.
I'm going to write down an application from the old testament for at least two times this week.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Transgressors of the Law
James 2:10-11 Santiago 2:10-11
“Porque el que cumple con toda la ley pero falla en un solo punto ya es culpable de haberla quebrantado toda. Pues el que dijo: «No cometas adulterio», también dijo: «No mates.» Si no cometes adulterio, pero matas, ya has violado la ley.” NVI
“For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.” NKJV
I just finished reading Leviticus today. The law is extensive and very precise. In theory it seems doable but the more I read the more I knew no one would be able to hold up to that standard for long. That was where the sacrifices came in.
Now, the true sacrifice has been made and the law was fulfilled. You would think it would be easier now to obey the law the gives liberty. But at least in my life, I’ve found it impossible to obey it for long as well. We’re freed from the almost ritualistic and overbearing part of the law and given two simple commands--Love God, and Love your Neighbor--and yet we still cannot live up to that standard.
Long biblical story short, we are all sinners in need of redemption. I wish to bring glory to the name which saved my life. For now the most practical way I can think to do that is to write another newsletter of the work being done here--one that is long overdue.
“Porque el que cumple con toda la ley pero falla en un solo punto ya es culpable de haberla quebrantado toda. Pues el que dijo: «No cometas adulterio», también dijo: «No mates.» Si no cometes adulterio, pero matas, ya has violado la ley.” NVI
“For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.” NKJV
I just finished reading Leviticus today. The law is extensive and very precise. In theory it seems doable but the more I read the more I knew no one would be able to hold up to that standard for long. That was where the sacrifices came in.
Now, the true sacrifice has been made and the law was fulfilled. You would think it would be easier now to obey the law the gives liberty. But at least in my life, I’ve found it impossible to obey it for long as well. We’re freed from the almost ritualistic and overbearing part of the law and given two simple commands--Love God, and Love your Neighbor--and yet we still cannot live up to that standard.
Long biblical story short, we are all sinners in need of redemption. I wish to bring glory to the name which saved my life. For now the most practical way I can think to do that is to write another newsletter of the work being done here--one that is long overdue.
Friday, November 25, 2011
The Royal Law
James 2:8 Santiago 2:8
“Hacen muy bien si de veras cumplen la ley suprema de la Escritura: «Ana a tu prójimo como ti mismo»;” NVI
“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well;” NKJV
The thing that strikes me most about this verse is that James calls this the Royal law--the law in authority over all others. When you think of it. If you can get this one law right, then all the other laws pretty much don’t matter. I mean, you’re not going to steal from yourself, covet your own things, have someone cheat on your wife, etc. Even Jesus raised this commandment as only second to “love the Lord your God.”
The irony is that I already had the application to this verse given to me this morning in prayer and the other day in exhortation. To love someone you have to get to know them, and that is what I need to do. I must love myself a lot because I seem to talk to myself a lot. Therefore, if I’m to love people as I love myself, I have to talk to them too--imagine that.
My application is to reach out to people more, to the best of my ability.
“Hacen muy bien si de veras cumplen la ley suprema de la Escritura: «Ana a tu prójimo como ti mismo»;” NVI
“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well;” NKJV
The thing that strikes me most about this verse is that James calls this the Royal law--the law in authority over all others. When you think of it. If you can get this one law right, then all the other laws pretty much don’t matter. I mean, you’re not going to steal from yourself, covet your own things, have someone cheat on your wife, etc. Even Jesus raised this commandment as only second to “love the Lord your God.”
The irony is that I already had the application to this verse given to me this morning in prayer and the other day in exhortation. To love someone you have to get to know them, and that is what I need to do. I must love myself a lot because I seem to talk to myself a lot. Therefore, if I’m to love people as I love myself, I have to talk to them too--imagine that.
My application is to reach out to people more, to the best of my ability.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
I do not understand what I do
James 2:6-7 Santiago 2:6-7
“¡Pero ustedes han menospreciado al pobre! ¿No son los ricos quienes los explotan a ustedes y los arrastran ante los tribunales? ¿No son ellos los que blasfeman el buen nombre de aquel a quien ustedes pertenecen?” NVI
“But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called?” NKJV
This verse again reminds me of the illogic of sin sometimes. We reject those who are pure of heart because of our prejudice and open our arms to that which will cause us misery. But isn’t that the struggle of the Christian walk? I myself try to reject that word which I know logically to be true and for reasons I cannot comprehend do that which I know will cause me suffering. Why? Why do I, when I know the consequences already, continue to sin like a child with no foresight?
Paul had the same dilemma. Romans 7:15 says “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”
Also verses 19 and 20
“For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do--this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.” (NIV)
This application may seem a little off topic but it makes sense in my mind. I need to get out of bed in the morning as soon as my alarm goes off and not wait even another five minutes, so that I can get straight into God’s word in the morning.
“¡Pero ustedes han menospreciado al pobre! ¿No son los ricos quienes los explotan a ustedes y los arrastran ante los tribunales? ¿No son ellos los que blasfeman el buen nombre de aquel a quien ustedes pertenecen?” NVI
“But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called?” NKJV
This verse again reminds me of the illogic of sin sometimes. We reject those who are pure of heart because of our prejudice and open our arms to that which will cause us misery. But isn’t that the struggle of the Christian walk? I myself try to reject that word which I know logically to be true and for reasons I cannot comprehend do that which I know will cause me suffering. Why? Why do I, when I know the consequences already, continue to sin like a child with no foresight?
Paul had the same dilemma. Romans 7:15 says “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”
Also verses 19 and 20
“For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do--this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.” (NIV)
This application may seem a little off topic but it makes sense in my mind. I need to get out of bed in the morning as soon as my alarm goes off and not wait even another five minutes, so that I can get straight into God’s word in the morning.
Culture vs Truth
James 2:5 Santiago 2:5
“Escuchen, mis queridos hermanos: ¿No ha escogido Dios a los que son pobres según el mundo para que sean ricos in la fe y hereden el reino que prometió a quienes lo aman?
“Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?”
Materialism is the most synchronized part of American Christianity. I remember reflecting back a few months ago and being appalled that our church invited Dave Ramsey to speak one night. Dave Ramsey is a powerful speaker on getting out of debt financially--which is a biblical principle. However, his methods of doing so are, unfortunately not biblical. There’s nothing inherently wrong about his methods, but his strategy is to build up treasures on Earth. For the secular would his teachings are wise, the debt in the United States is debilitating and everyone should be striving to avoid it and free themselves from it.
However, Matthew 6:19 states plainly, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth….” The poor of this world very well could be the ones being obedient to God. Those are the ones who will be rich in the next life--who are we to judge them?
I need to be more careful of syncretism in my life. I need to make sure that my beliefs are based in the Word and not in the culture I grew up in.
****Update****
Okay, so I do hear, now, that Dave Ramsey does also talk a lot about giving to the Kingdom. That’s not something I had heard from him before, and now I must take back some of what I said and/or implied about his ministry. However I decided not to rewrite this because the application is still something I want to practice.
“Escuchen, mis queridos hermanos: ¿No ha escogido Dios a los que son pobres según el mundo para que sean ricos in la fe y hereden el reino que prometió a quienes lo aman?
“Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?”
Materialism is the most synchronized part of American Christianity. I remember reflecting back a few months ago and being appalled that our church invited Dave Ramsey to speak one night. Dave Ramsey is a powerful speaker on getting out of debt financially--which is a biblical principle. However, his methods of doing so are, unfortunately not biblical. There’s nothing inherently wrong about his methods, but his strategy is to build up treasures on Earth. For the secular would his teachings are wise, the debt in the United States is debilitating and everyone should be striving to avoid it and free themselves from it.
However, Matthew 6:19 states plainly, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth….” The poor of this world very well could be the ones being obedient to God. Those are the ones who will be rich in the next life--who are we to judge them?
I need to be more careful of syncretism in my life. I need to make sure that my beliefs are based in the Word and not in the culture I grew up in.
****Update****
Okay, so I do hear, now, that Dave Ramsey does also talk a lot about giving to the Kingdom. That’s not something I had heard from him before, and now I must take back some of what I said and/or implied about his ministry. However I decided not to rewrite this because the application is still something I want to practice.
Tie and Chain
James 2:2-4 Santiago2:2-4
“Supongamos que en el lugar donde se reúnen entra un hombre con anillo de oro y ropa elegante, y entra también un pobre desharrapado. Si atienden bien al que lleva ropa elegante y le dicen: <<Siéntese usted aquí, en este lugar cómodo>>, pero al pobre le dicen: <<Quédate ahí de pie>> o <<Siéntate en el suelo, a mis pies>>, ¿acaso no hacen discriminación entre ustedes, juzgando con malas intenciones?”
“For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, ‘You sit here in a good place,’ and say to the poor man, ‘You stand there,’ or, ‘Sit here at my footstool,’ have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?”
It is hard for me to imagine this specific scenario happening in a church today. For one thing the poor and the rich are not as easily determined by clothes anymore. Wealth is more often shown in things like cars and the size of a house. And even if social class could be determined that easily, I still can’t imagine the church body responding that way. But what about if one man was dressed neatly with a tie, and another comes in with torn black clothes and gothic make up? Already, I could see the congregation judging him--myself counted among them.
I need to be careful of all my preconceived notions about people based on how they choose to dress.
“Supongamos que en el lugar donde se reúnen entra un hombre con anillo de oro y ropa elegante, y entra también un pobre desharrapado. Si atienden bien al que lleva ropa elegante y le dicen: <<Siéntese usted aquí, en este lugar cómodo>>, pero al pobre le dicen: <<Quédate ahí de pie>> o <<Siéntate en el suelo, a mis pies>>, ¿acaso no hacen discriminación entre ustedes, juzgando con malas intenciones?”
“For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, ‘You sit here in a good place,’ and say to the poor man, ‘You stand there,’ or, ‘Sit here at my footstool,’ have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?”
It is hard for me to imagine this specific scenario happening in a church today. For one thing the poor and the rich are not as easily determined by clothes anymore. Wealth is more often shown in things like cars and the size of a house. And even if social class could be determined that easily, I still can’t imagine the church body responding that way. But what about if one man was dressed neatly with a tie, and another comes in with torn black clothes and gothic make up? Already, I could see the congregation judging him--myself counted among them.
I need to be careful of all my preconceived notions about people based on how they choose to dress.
Defiled Religion
James 2:1 Santiago 2:1
“Hermanos míos, la fe que tienen en nuestro glorioso Señor Jesucristo no debe dar lugar a favoritismos.” NVI
“My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.” NKJV
In the last verses James was talking about visiting widows and orphans--the outcasts of society. He said by doing this, you are showing pure and undefiled religion, not a religion that is useless. Now he is telling us to avoid partiality in the church, and the context implies in the manner of money. Evidently the church was giving good seats to the rich while degrading the spot of the poor. Perhaps this is the example of a defiled religion. We are to love all of God’s children, and how can we do that if we are blinded by the prejudice of an outcast society?
Application:
I need to be more careful of my prejudices. I think the way to start is by practicing the ‘Hope for the Best’ method Pastor G and Margret taught us, not only for people I know but for people that I meet as well.
“Hermanos míos, la fe que tienen en nuestro glorioso Señor Jesucristo no debe dar lugar a favoritismos.” NVI
“My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.” NKJV
In the last verses James was talking about visiting widows and orphans--the outcasts of society. He said by doing this, you are showing pure and undefiled religion, not a religion that is useless. Now he is telling us to avoid partiality in the church, and the context implies in the manner of money. Evidently the church was giving good seats to the rich while degrading the spot of the poor. Perhaps this is the example of a defiled religion. We are to love all of God’s children, and how can we do that if we are blinded by the prejudice of an outcast society?
Application:
I need to be more careful of my prejudices. I think the way to start is by practicing the ‘Hope for the Best’ method Pastor G and Margret taught us, not only for people I know but for people that I meet as well.
Friday, November 18, 2011
To Visit Widows and Orphans
James 1:27 Santiago 1:27
“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”
To visit orphans and widows. This is interesting to me. It doesn’t say to feed the hungry, to give the orphans shelters and the widows a place to lay their head. It mentions nothing of providing for the physical needs of those in trouble. So what does it mean to visit?
The literal English definition--since I don‘t speak Greek--for the word is this: to go to see and spend time with somebody, especially as an act of affection or friendship. The importance here seems to be way more on relationship and empathy than on getting all of them food and shelter. The command here is to generally care, and to not be afraid of getting your hands dirty by reaching out personally to the outcasts.
Something else to note about this verse is that you don’t need a lot of money to follow this command. In fact, you don’t need any. The tool of trade is instead a loving heart and a willingness to obey.
It is interesting to me that in the New King James version of this verse the word “and” is italicized meaning it was not part of the original text; it was added for clarification. But if you take this word out it almost sounds causational.
“To visit orphans and widows in their trouble to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”
By genuinely caring for those who are hurting, we, in a way, keep ourselves from being spotted by the world and it’s unhealthy assumptions and ambitions. By relating to and loving our less fortunate brethren we are more easily able to avoid useless materialism and keep ourselves purely focused on what truly matters--Jesus Christ.
Application:
I don’t know any widows, but we visit orphans almost every day here. I need to spend more time reaching out to them and loving them even though I only have a very poor grasp of their language.
“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”
To visit orphans and widows. This is interesting to me. It doesn’t say to feed the hungry, to give the orphans shelters and the widows a place to lay their head. It mentions nothing of providing for the physical needs of those in trouble. So what does it mean to visit?
The literal English definition--since I don‘t speak Greek--for the word is this: to go to see and spend time with somebody, especially as an act of affection or friendship. The importance here seems to be way more on relationship and empathy than on getting all of them food and shelter. The command here is to generally care, and to not be afraid of getting your hands dirty by reaching out personally to the outcasts.
Something else to note about this verse is that you don’t need a lot of money to follow this command. In fact, you don’t need any. The tool of trade is instead a loving heart and a willingness to obey.
It is interesting to me that in the New King James version of this verse the word “and” is italicized meaning it was not part of the original text; it was added for clarification. But if you take this word out it almost sounds causational.
“To visit orphans and widows in their trouble to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”
By genuinely caring for those who are hurting, we, in a way, keep ourselves from being spotted by the world and it’s unhealthy assumptions and ambitions. By relating to and loving our less fortunate brethren we are more easily able to avoid useless materialism and keep ourselves purely focused on what truly matters--Jesus Christ.
Application:
I don’t know any widows, but we visit orphans almost every day here. I need to spend more time reaching out to them and loving them even though I only have a very poor grasp of their language.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
The Gap
James 1:26 Santiago 1:26
“Si alguien se cree religioso pero no le pone freno a su lengua, se engaña a sí mismo, y su religión no sirve para nada.” NVI
“If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.” NKJV
The majority of this passage stems from speaking. In verses 19 and 20 James informs us to be swift to listen, slow to speak, and slow to wrath, and in verse 21 commands us to put aside this wrath and filthiness and receive the implanted word. He then goes on to inform us how to receive that word--by doing it, not only hearing. Now again he returns to his point of concern--our tongues.
He says that if we think we are religious, and yet do not bridle our tongues, we are not only deceiving ourselves but our religion is useless. He said earlier that we deceive ourselves when we hear the word but do not put it into practice. Right now, the word we are to hear is to be rulers of our tongues.
I have never agreed with the cliché “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” In my experience this is very far from the truth. The damage caused by words is damaging to a person’s spirit, and is far more harmful than anything that can be done to the physical body. Not only that, but this kind of attack is far more frequent.
Words are a dangerous and beautiful thing. A teacher of mine once told me of the difficulties of public speaking. He told us that unlike writing, when you speak aloud, your words are ephemeral. They are there for a moment and then they are gone. For that reason we were taught not only to use clear and concise language but to restate and repeat our main points several times so that we would not be misunderstood. I found this hard because I am more of a writer than of a speaker, and I thought for sure I would sound redundant to death--for on paper it was redundant to death. But after listening to my fellow classmates I found that the ones who had taken his advice and repeated themselves several times were the ones that actually made sense to me, while the others mostly did not.
This is all a very long way of explaining how I learned about the gap. The gap is the space between my lips and your ears--or vice versa. We learned at Potter’s Field that this is present when talking to people of different cultures. Different life assumptions on either end make the gap bigger and more of your meaning is lost. But there was something else that I learned at Potter’s Field that wasn’t in the classroom. This gap--between my assumptions and your assumptions, my thoughts and your thoughts--is the very place the devil likes to slip in the most.
It is amazing to me that one person can speak something simple to a friend in a joking way in his mind, while that friend is broken down by those same words, taking them as daggers to his heart.
These gaps have been severely manipulated here in El Salvador. This is the area the devil has attacked us most so far. This is also where Matthew 18:15-17 comes in handy. The more gaps an initial message is passed through (gossip) the further from the truth the devil will bring the final message. That is why the Matthew 18 style of problem solving is so important, and gossip is so detrimental.
All this is to say that I need to be very careful of my words and speak nothing rashly. I need to be very aware of the gap between my lips and my friend’s ears because the gap between my own mind and my own lips is unusually large. I need to be slow to speak, so that when I do speak, my message is clear and can reach the other side uncorrupted.
“Si alguien se cree religioso pero no le pone freno a su lengua, se engaña a sí mismo, y su religión no sirve para nada.” NVI
“If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.” NKJV
The majority of this passage stems from speaking. In verses 19 and 20 James informs us to be swift to listen, slow to speak, and slow to wrath, and in verse 21 commands us to put aside this wrath and filthiness and receive the implanted word. He then goes on to inform us how to receive that word--by doing it, not only hearing. Now again he returns to his point of concern--our tongues.
He says that if we think we are religious, and yet do not bridle our tongues, we are not only deceiving ourselves but our religion is useless. He said earlier that we deceive ourselves when we hear the word but do not put it into practice. Right now, the word we are to hear is to be rulers of our tongues.
I have never agreed with the cliché “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” In my experience this is very far from the truth. The damage caused by words is damaging to a person’s spirit, and is far more harmful than anything that can be done to the physical body. Not only that, but this kind of attack is far more frequent.
Words are a dangerous and beautiful thing. A teacher of mine once told me of the difficulties of public speaking. He told us that unlike writing, when you speak aloud, your words are ephemeral. They are there for a moment and then they are gone. For that reason we were taught not only to use clear and concise language but to restate and repeat our main points several times so that we would not be misunderstood. I found this hard because I am more of a writer than of a speaker, and I thought for sure I would sound redundant to death--for on paper it was redundant to death. But after listening to my fellow classmates I found that the ones who had taken his advice and repeated themselves several times were the ones that actually made sense to me, while the others mostly did not.
This is all a very long way of explaining how I learned about the gap. The gap is the space between my lips and your ears--or vice versa. We learned at Potter’s Field that this is present when talking to people of different cultures. Different life assumptions on either end make the gap bigger and more of your meaning is lost. But there was something else that I learned at Potter’s Field that wasn’t in the classroom. This gap--between my assumptions and your assumptions, my thoughts and your thoughts--is the very place the devil likes to slip in the most.
It is amazing to me that one person can speak something simple to a friend in a joking way in his mind, while that friend is broken down by those same words, taking them as daggers to his heart.
These gaps have been severely manipulated here in El Salvador. This is the area the devil has attacked us most so far. This is also where Matthew 18:15-17 comes in handy. The more gaps an initial message is passed through (gossip) the further from the truth the devil will bring the final message. That is why the Matthew 18 style of problem solving is so important, and gossip is so detrimental.
All this is to say that I need to be very careful of my words and speak nothing rashly. I need to be very aware of the gap between my lips and my friend’s ears because the gap between my own mind and my own lips is unusually large. I need to be slow to speak, so that when I do speak, my message is clear and can reach the other side uncorrupted.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Hypocrisy
James 1:22 Santiago 1:22
“No se contenten sólo con escuchar la palabra, pues así se engañan ustedes mismos. Llévenla a la práctica.” NVI
“But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” NKJV
This passage is very convicting and practical as well. The last verse talked about putting off all filthiness and wickedness and instead receiving in meekness the word of God--the thing which can save your soul. But a mere book or word from God cannot save a man’s soul, but it is the act of obedience that brings fourth a relationship. For what relationship is there without trust or respect? Jesus said: “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15) Furthermore he told the Jews “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.” (John 8:31)
When James is talking about the implanted word here, I believe he means more than only the fancy book you see Christians carrying around from time to time. But more specifically I believe he’s talking about God’s personal commands for us. Now, where do we generally find these commands? In the God-breathed book we hold to. But it is those personal convictions that it is so important to, after finding out what to do, carry out in the fullest extent--and to do so honestly and with a good heart. This verse is especially convicting for me because I often fail to do my applications for these blogs to the extent that I should. I often look at them as a chore or something that I can check off my list of a million things to get done in order to be a good Christian.
These are life changing verses, but only if I allow them to change my life. I need to practice more in my obedience in these applications. And I need to be careful to make applications that will actually benefit me. My first step is to redo some of the applications that I know I have failed to complete in honesty.
“No se contenten sólo con escuchar la palabra, pues así se engañan ustedes mismos. Llévenla a la práctica.” NVI
“But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” NKJV
This passage is very convicting and practical as well. The last verse talked about putting off all filthiness and wickedness and instead receiving in meekness the word of God--the thing which can save your soul. But a mere book or word from God cannot save a man’s soul, but it is the act of obedience that brings fourth a relationship. For what relationship is there without trust or respect? Jesus said: “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15) Furthermore he told the Jews “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.” (John 8:31)
When James is talking about the implanted word here, I believe he means more than only the fancy book you see Christians carrying around from time to time. But more specifically I believe he’s talking about God’s personal commands for us. Now, where do we generally find these commands? In the God-breathed book we hold to. But it is those personal convictions that it is so important to, after finding out what to do, carry out in the fullest extent--and to do so honestly and with a good heart. This verse is especially convicting for me because I often fail to do my applications for these blogs to the extent that I should. I often look at them as a chore or something that I can check off my list of a million things to get done in order to be a good Christian.
These are life changing verses, but only if I allow them to change my life. I need to practice more in my obedience in these applications. And I need to be careful to make applications that will actually benefit me. My first step is to redo some of the applications that I know I have failed to complete in honesty.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
The Implanted Word of God
James 1:21 Santiago 1:21
“Por eso, despójense de toda inmundicia y de la maldad que tanto abunda, para que puedan recibir con humildad la palabra sembrada en ustedes, la cual tiene poder para salvarles la vida.” NVI
“Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” NKJV
It astounds me how logical our faith is sometimes. When you think about a lot of things with a simple mind they just make sense. This verse, for example. We’re commanded to rid ourselves of filth and wickedness and leave our hearts open to receive to word of God. But sometimes those filthy and wicked things seem like a good idea. Sometimes they seem like they will bring fulfillment. Sometimes our flesh just sees sin as so much more attractive than a several hundred year old document.
But then James ends with undisputable logic. This document (which is so much more than that in reality--nothing less than the living word of God) is the thing which can save our souls. Sin, obviously, cannot.
Next time I am tempted I will either start reading my bible if I am able, or bow my head in prayer, though my flesh may want to do otherwise.
“Por eso, despójense de toda inmundicia y de la maldad que tanto abunda, para que puedan recibir con humildad la palabra sembrada en ustedes, la cual tiene poder para salvarles la vida.” NVI
“Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” NKJV
It astounds me how logical our faith is sometimes. When you think about a lot of things with a simple mind they just make sense. This verse, for example. We’re commanded to rid ourselves of filth and wickedness and leave our hearts open to receive to word of God. But sometimes those filthy and wicked things seem like a good idea. Sometimes they seem like they will bring fulfillment. Sometimes our flesh just sees sin as so much more attractive than a several hundred year old document.
But then James ends with undisputable logic. This document (which is so much more than that in reality--nothing less than the living word of God) is the thing which can save our souls. Sin, obviously, cannot.
Next time I am tempted I will either start reading my bible if I am able, or bow my head in prayer, though my flesh may want to do otherwise.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Listen first, then speak.
James 1:19-20 Santiago 1:19-20
“Mis queridos hermanos, tengan presente esto: Todos deben estar listos para escuchar, y ser lentos para hablar y para enojarse; pues la ira humana no produce la vida justa que Dios quiere.” NVI
“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” NKJV
Swift to Hear
--Willing to seek out and live off the wisdom of others.
--To quickly set aside any previous thoughts and needs to give your full attention to another.
Slow to Speak
--To, as you have already given your attention to the person, wait until they are fully ready for input before tossing in your two cents.
--To be careful of what your tongue and your flesh would blurt out. To consider your words and their impact before putting them to the ears of others.
Slow to Wrath
--To always assume and hope the best of other people, trying to see the situation from their eyes to better understand why you have been wronged.
“For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God”
In other words we are, in the eyes of God, incapable of bringing true justice. Only the blameless can condemn the sinners, but we are all sinners. When wronged against we are not justified in the eyes of God to even hold anger in our hearts because we have committed much worse towards Him.
I relate personally more with the first two sections of this verse, though the truth about anger and hate is always a good lesson to store in my heart. I see a lot of dying to self in those first two commands. Be quick to lend someone your ear, and then place your own opinions and ideas at the lowliest pile and only bring them in if they are significant or useful to the conversation. This is especially difficult for me when there is a question being asked. I want everyone to know what my opinion is because I always think it must be something amazingly worthwhile. Of course, most of the time it isn’t, and I often regret fighting my way in to speak for something that--after it was spoken--really doesn’t seem that profound after all.
Today I will be especially careful to consider what I say and weigh it’s importance before speaking it. I will also look for opportunities to listen full heartedly.
“Mis queridos hermanos, tengan presente esto: Todos deben estar listos para escuchar, y ser lentos para hablar y para enojarse; pues la ira humana no produce la vida justa que Dios quiere.” NVI
“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” NKJV
Swift to Hear
--Willing to seek out and live off the wisdom of others.
--To quickly set aside any previous thoughts and needs to give your full attention to another.
Slow to Speak
--To, as you have already given your attention to the person, wait until they are fully ready for input before tossing in your two cents.
--To be careful of what your tongue and your flesh would blurt out. To consider your words and their impact before putting them to the ears of others.
Slow to Wrath
--To always assume and hope the best of other people, trying to see the situation from their eyes to better understand why you have been wronged.
“For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God”
In other words we are, in the eyes of God, incapable of bringing true justice. Only the blameless can condemn the sinners, but we are all sinners. When wronged against we are not justified in the eyes of God to even hold anger in our hearts because we have committed much worse towards Him.
I relate personally more with the first two sections of this verse, though the truth about anger and hate is always a good lesson to store in my heart. I see a lot of dying to self in those first two commands. Be quick to lend someone your ear, and then place your own opinions and ideas at the lowliest pile and only bring them in if they are significant or useful to the conversation. This is especially difficult for me when there is a question being asked. I want everyone to know what my opinion is because I always think it must be something amazingly worthwhile. Of course, most of the time it isn’t, and I often regret fighting my way in to speak for something that--after it was spoken--really doesn’t seem that profound after all.
Today I will be especially careful to consider what I say and weigh it’s importance before speaking it. I will also look for opportunities to listen full heartedly.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Mini Update
Hello everyone,
El Salv team has a lot of sore muscles and a few hurt feelings but so far we're doing okay. Christopher, one of my teammates is trying to lead us all into a discussion of God's word each day and trying to help strengthen our group. He is such a blessing to have around right now and I thank God for his willing spirit.
As of today I think there has been three scorpion sitings in our house and two giant spider sitings--as well as a multitude of ants which luckily don't seem to bite but are still annoying when they crawl into computers and faces and whatnot. The ants at La Casa do bite, but we're slowly learning new ways I think of keeping them off our legs--as well as just being more observant. My first day in San Martín I got what seemed like a whole ant hill up my legs and onto my back before I knew what was going on.
The kids at San Martín are a lot of fun, both Los Niños and the kids who come in the afternoon for the day school.
Other than that just remember to keep us in your prayers for the same reasons mentioned in the newsletter. I'm sorry it took so long to get an update up here, but my computer really is on the fritz right now. I'm going to try to be more diligent in this even though I don't know when I'll find the time. In a few weeks after the Pastors Conference we should be getting Mondays off so I'll at least be able to do bi-weekly updates if not weekly ones.
Dios les bendiga,
God Bless,
~Kayla
El Salv team has a lot of sore muscles and a few hurt feelings but so far we're doing okay. Christopher, one of my teammates is trying to lead us all into a discussion of God's word each day and trying to help strengthen our group. He is such a blessing to have around right now and I thank God for his willing spirit.
As of today I think there has been three scorpion sitings in our house and two giant spider sitings--as well as a multitude of ants which luckily don't seem to bite but are still annoying when they crawl into computers and faces and whatnot. The ants at La Casa do bite, but we're slowly learning new ways I think of keeping them off our legs--as well as just being more observant. My first day in San Martín I got what seemed like a whole ant hill up my legs and onto my back before I knew what was going on.
The kids at San Martín are a lot of fun, both Los Niños and the kids who come in the afternoon for the day school.
Other than that just remember to keep us in your prayers for the same reasons mentioned in the newsletter. I'm sorry it took so long to get an update up here, but my computer really is on the fritz right now. I'm going to try to be more diligent in this even though I don't know when I'll find the time. In a few weeks after the Pastors Conference we should be getting Mondays off so I'll at least be able to do bi-weekly updates if not weekly ones.
Dios les bendiga,
God Bless,
~Kayla
Newsletter Update One
Dear Friends and Family,
It has now been about two weeks since leaving the states. It feels longer. Not out of boredom or resentment but almost the opposite. It feels like a long time because I have learned and adjusted to so much in that short amount of time. There were a lot of things that surprised me when coming here. I didn’t know much about El Salvador before coming here, but I was shocked to find myself living deep within a city. I would compare driving here to New York, with less traffic but stranger laws. Other than that graffiti seems to be a national art form. On the darker side, it is hard to see so many houses made entirely of a frame and some metal roofing used as roof walls and a door. I’ve never seen what they look like on the inside because we aren’t allowed to go anywhere aside from inside church grounds and highly Americanized malls and the like but I can imagine how badly the rains would have effected 50% of the housing in San Salvador.
The first week of our stay here was during a “national catastrophe” AKA rain. It rained for the entire first week of our stay, and while it was only raining really hard for a few select moments, it was apparently the most rain this place has had since 1960. Just under four thousand people were evacuated. That is something I’m still trying to wrap my head around because that amount of rain is normal where I come--in fact, it would be normal for rain like that to last a month. But schools were closed, entire areas flooded and even our own team had to evacuate because of possible land slides. Luckily nothing happened to Pastor Carlos’ house (the one at which we are staying), but the possibility was still there. The roads were so bad that first week that we weren’t even able to go to San Martin until a few days ago. San Martin is where the orphanage is, which we call “La Casa” or “La Casa de Los Niños“.
But the rain stopped a few days ago and we were able to spend the last three days going out to San Martin. The boys there are really sweet, and they really do love to beat us at soccer. We were out working in the field the other day just cleaning up a small but very overgrown waterway and a few of the boys spent their day off just helping and spending time with us.
There are a lot of things we would appreciate prayer for, but I’ll mention just a few. Help and diligence in learning Spanish. We are all at different levels of speaking at this point but we all definitely have room for improvement, and it is very hard to find time to do our assigned homework much less find the time to really get deep into studying it.
Safety is a big one. We’ve found ants that bite and can make a whole arm numb to two different types of scorpions and very large spiders in our house alone. These won’t endanger our lives at all but unfortunately the diseases that the local flies and mosquitoes carry can. Also the driving is dangerous and the fact that we’re all gringos. I know we are all in God’s will and so anything that happens He’s got covered, but just be praying for caution and common sense on our part.
Many of us still need funding for Potter’s Field and that is going to be very hard to do overseas with how busy we are.
And on a personal note, something is wrong with my computer. It’s only been working about half the time and it will be very difficult to stay in contact with you should it die completely--not to mention make it very difficult to post my blogs.
Thank you for your support and prayer. If you know anyone else who might like this newsletter please email me back or tell them to, it is really easy to add more people on to my list.
God Bless,
~Kayla Harrington
It has now been about two weeks since leaving the states. It feels longer. Not out of boredom or resentment but almost the opposite. It feels like a long time because I have learned and adjusted to so much in that short amount of time. There were a lot of things that surprised me when coming here. I didn’t know much about El Salvador before coming here, but I was shocked to find myself living deep within a city. I would compare driving here to New York, with less traffic but stranger laws. Other than that graffiti seems to be a national art form. On the darker side, it is hard to see so many houses made entirely of a frame and some metal roofing used as roof walls and a door. I’ve never seen what they look like on the inside because we aren’t allowed to go anywhere aside from inside church grounds and highly Americanized malls and the like but I can imagine how badly the rains would have effected 50% of the housing in San Salvador.
The first week of our stay here was during a “national catastrophe” AKA rain. It rained for the entire first week of our stay, and while it was only raining really hard for a few select moments, it was apparently the most rain this place has had since 1960. Just under four thousand people were evacuated. That is something I’m still trying to wrap my head around because that amount of rain is normal where I come--in fact, it would be normal for rain like that to last a month. But schools were closed, entire areas flooded and even our own team had to evacuate because of possible land slides. Luckily nothing happened to Pastor Carlos’ house (the one at which we are staying), but the possibility was still there. The roads were so bad that first week that we weren’t even able to go to San Martin until a few days ago. San Martin is where the orphanage is, which we call “La Casa” or “La Casa de Los Niños“.
But the rain stopped a few days ago and we were able to spend the last three days going out to San Martin. The boys there are really sweet, and they really do love to beat us at soccer. We were out working in the field the other day just cleaning up a small but very overgrown waterway and a few of the boys spent their day off just helping and spending time with us.
There are a lot of things we would appreciate prayer for, but I’ll mention just a few. Help and diligence in learning Spanish. We are all at different levels of speaking at this point but we all definitely have room for improvement, and it is very hard to find time to do our assigned homework much less find the time to really get deep into studying it.
Safety is a big one. We’ve found ants that bite and can make a whole arm numb to two different types of scorpions and very large spiders in our house alone. These won’t endanger our lives at all but unfortunately the diseases that the local flies and mosquitoes carry can. Also the driving is dangerous and the fact that we’re all gringos. I know we are all in God’s will and so anything that happens He’s got covered, but just be praying for caution and common sense on our part.
Many of us still need funding for Potter’s Field and that is going to be very hard to do overseas with how busy we are.
And on a personal note, something is wrong with my computer. It’s only been working about half the time and it will be very difficult to stay in contact with you should it die completely--not to mention make it very difficult to post my blogs.
Thank you for your support and prayer. If you know anyone else who might like this newsletter please email me back or tell them to, it is really easy to add more people on to my list.
God Bless,
~Kayla Harrington
Pray without a Doubt
James 1:7-8 Santiago 1:7-8
“Quien es así no piense que va a recibir cosa alguna del Señor, es indeciso e inconstante en todo lo que hace.” NVI
“For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” NKJV
It is better to not believe at all than to doubt. Jesus said with only a mustard seed of faith we could move mountains and yet how often do I lack even that? I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before but I’ve never really struggled with the concept of God’s sovereignty and power. I know He is fully capable of answering any prayer, I just doubt that He would answer one for me.
This is an all or nothing verse. I need to either pray for something I am confident is in his will or don’t bother praying at all.
“Quien es así no piense que va a recibir cosa alguna del Señor, es indeciso e inconstante en todo lo que hace.” NVI
“For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” NKJV
It is better to not believe at all than to doubt. Jesus said with only a mustard seed of faith we could move mountains and yet how often do I lack even that? I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before but I’ve never really struggled with the concept of God’s sovereignty and power. I know He is fully capable of answering any prayer, I just doubt that He would answer one for me.
This is an all or nothing verse. I need to either pray for something I am confident is in his will or don’t bother praying at all.
A Wave of the Sea
James 1:6 Santiago 1:6
“Pero que pida con fe, sin dudar, porque quien duda es como las olas de mar, agitates y llevadas de un lado a otro por el viento.” NVI
“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.” ESV
Ask without doubting. Sounds simple. But how? For the most part all you have to do is have faith. But what about those times when the devil is constantly attacking your faith? You sit down to read your bible, he starts off with “Is this really inspired by God?” You bow your head to pray and he whispers “Does God really exist or are you here being the fool the atheists make you out to be, on your knees talking to yourself.” You say with defiance “I believe in God” and all you hear is “But does He believe in you? I mean, just look at yourself. Why would He?”
I myself have been though as similar hole a few years ago but it wasn’t nearly to the extent that a dear friend of mine was going through a few weeks ago. She said she had tried everything. She had tried to pray without doubts, she had even prayed for God to help her with her doubting, but every day she heard those words spoken to her. In those times we’re often able to muffle the doubts when they come, but we can’t in our own strength stop them from coming at all.
My advice to her at the time was one that struck even my own understanding. After much prayer for God to help me find the words to say to help her I told her this: Not doubting in your mind is obviously impossible in those situations, but the things you can control are your actions. This is where perseverance comes in. Even when we feel abandoned and without hope we still need to hold on to God though we cannot feel Him there.
When those times come, I need to continue my devotions, increase my time in prayer and live each moment saying “I believe” with my actions though my mind might whisper otherwise.
“Pero que pida con fe, sin dudar, porque quien duda es como las olas de mar, agitates y llevadas de un lado a otro por el viento.” NVI
“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.” ESV
Ask without doubting. Sounds simple. But how? For the most part all you have to do is have faith. But what about those times when the devil is constantly attacking your faith? You sit down to read your bible, he starts off with “Is this really inspired by God?” You bow your head to pray and he whispers “Does God really exist or are you here being the fool the atheists make you out to be, on your knees talking to yourself.” You say with defiance “I believe in God” and all you hear is “But does He believe in you? I mean, just look at yourself. Why would He?”
I myself have been though as similar hole a few years ago but it wasn’t nearly to the extent that a dear friend of mine was going through a few weeks ago. She said she had tried everything. She had tried to pray without doubts, she had even prayed for God to help her with her doubting, but every day she heard those words spoken to her. In those times we’re often able to muffle the doubts when they come, but we can’t in our own strength stop them from coming at all.
My advice to her at the time was one that struck even my own understanding. After much prayer for God to help me find the words to say to help her I told her this: Not doubting in your mind is obviously impossible in those situations, but the things you can control are your actions. This is where perseverance comes in. Even when we feel abandoned and without hope we still need to hold on to God though we cannot feel Him there.
When those times come, I need to continue my devotions, increase my time in prayer and live each moment saying “I believe” with my actions though my mind might whisper otherwise.
Seeking Wisdom
James 1:5 Santiago 1:5
“Si a alguno de ustedes le falta sabiduria, pídasela a Dios, y él se la dará, pues Dios da a todos generosamente sin menospreciar a nadie.” NVI
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who give to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” NKJV
“But first, we shall pray.” --Pastor G
Isn’t this what we do every day before IBS? We ask for His Spirit to guide us in His wisdom when applying His Word. Kind of like our situation here in El Salvador, we let the more experience and knowledgeable do the deep thinking for us.
It is perfectly logical to seek God’s wisdom on these interpretations, for who would know the Word of God better than God?
But then, God knows all things better than me, down to my own minute to minute decisions.
Today I am going to seek God’s wisdom throughout the day for various tasks.
“Si a alguno de ustedes le falta sabiduria, pídasela a Dios, y él se la dará, pues Dios da a todos generosamente sin menospreciar a nadie.” NVI
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who give to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” NKJV
“But first, we shall pray.” --Pastor G
Isn’t this what we do every day before IBS? We ask for His Spirit to guide us in His wisdom when applying His Word. Kind of like our situation here in El Salvador, we let the more experience and knowledgeable do the deep thinking for us.
It is perfectly logical to seek God’s wisdom on these interpretations, for who would know the Word of God better than God?
But then, God knows all things better than me, down to my own minute to minute decisions.
Today I am going to seek God’s wisdom throughout the day for various tasks.
"Missions Training"
James 1:4 Santiago 1:4
“Y la constencia debe llevar a feliz término la obra, para que sean perfectos e íntegros, sin que les falta nada.” NVI
“But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” NKJV
Perseverance. Boy I am finding out right now how to persevere. 5:30 in the morning and the only thing keeping my eyes open and is from rocking back and forth to keep my body awake.
But how can forcing myself awake one morning make me lack nothing? I still lack a content heart and a bond slave’s mindset, and how can staying up like this even begin to help me with those?
Well it says “Let patience have its perfect work.” So in other words we have to be patient with patience in order for us to become more like Him.
And what does it mean by “lacking nothing”? If I lacked nothing, there would be no reason for me to persevere.
But what I think it’s talking about is lacking nothing in the form of spiritual tools. When we are faced with trials not only do they increase our perseverance, they give us practical lesson tools for future trials as well. By surviving one struggle we are more prepared and equipped to face the next, bigger trial.
I need to be more diligent in recording my life, especially my trials, in my journal, so I may remember the ways God and I overcame them.
“Y la constencia debe llevar a feliz término la obra, para que sean perfectos e íntegros, sin que les falta nada.” NVI
“But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” NKJV
Perseverance. Boy I am finding out right now how to persevere. 5:30 in the morning and the only thing keeping my eyes open and is from rocking back and forth to keep my body awake.
But how can forcing myself awake one morning make me lack nothing? I still lack a content heart and a bond slave’s mindset, and how can staying up like this even begin to help me with those?
Well it says “Let patience have its perfect work.” So in other words we have to be patient with patience in order for us to become more like Him.
And what does it mean by “lacking nothing”? If I lacked nothing, there would be no reason for me to persevere.
But what I think it’s talking about is lacking nothing in the form of spiritual tools. When we are faced with trials not only do they increase our perseverance, they give us practical lesson tools for future trials as well. By surviving one struggle we are more prepared and equipped to face the next, bigger trial.
I need to be more diligent in recording my life, especially my trials, in my journal, so I may remember the ways God and I overcame them.
Various Trials
James 1:2 Santiago 1:2
“Hermanos míos, considérense muy dichosos cuando tegan que enfrentarse con diversas pruebas.” NVI
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” NKJV
Various trials. Maybe that means something like a house full of ants, no seat belts in a van, and being constantly told how dangerous this place is and then having everyone stare at you wherever you go.
Maybe it means things like being able to take a shower faster than you can brush your teeth, or not being able to flush the toilet paper--or not having toilet paper at all--or not being able to use the tap water for anything.
I’m not complaining or anything. These things are all very small in perspective and in a month I probably won’t even think of them. But still, I need to remember to count them as joy, because if I cannot count these little things this way what will I do in a month when I’m really sick or we have giant spiders, or it’s over a hundred degrees? Will I be able to count these as joy if I can’t even handle a few miniscule ants on my bible? (No joke, the ants really are on my bible right now. And on my computer. And on me.)
I need to consider the little things and the big as joyous, so that my patience may profit through perseverance.
“Hermanos míos, considérense muy dichosos cuando tegan que enfrentarse con diversas pruebas.” NVI
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” NKJV
Various trials. Maybe that means something like a house full of ants, no seat belts in a van, and being constantly told how dangerous this place is and then having everyone stare at you wherever you go.
Maybe it means things like being able to take a shower faster than you can brush your teeth, or not being able to flush the toilet paper--or not having toilet paper at all--or not being able to use the tap water for anything.
I’m not complaining or anything. These things are all very small in perspective and in a month I probably won’t even think of them. But still, I need to remember to count them as joy, because if I cannot count these little things this way what will I do in a month when I’m really sick or we have giant spiders, or it’s over a hundred degrees? Will I be able to count these as joy if I can’t even handle a few miniscule ants on my bible? (No joke, the ants really are on my bible right now. And on my computer. And on me.)
I need to consider the little things and the big as joyous, so that my patience may profit through perseverance.
Open-minded
James 1:1 Santiago 1:1
“Santiago, siervo de Dios y del Señor Jesucristo, a las doce tribas que se hallan dispersas por el mundo:
Saludos.” NVI
“James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ
To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad:
Greetings.” NKJV
At first this greeting doesn’t seem like anything special. Most of us probably already know what a bondservant is and the rest implies he is writing to all of the Jews.
What I didn’t know before is that the person proclaiming here to be a willing slave of Christ Jesus was Jesus’ half-brother. Someone who used to mock Jesus for his claim as Christ. Apparently it wasn’t until after the resurrection that James and Jude believed in Him
Application:
Sometimes I unwittingly mock or doubt what my family or close friends tell me. And while I know none of them are Christ, as Jesus was, they have Christ in them and He could--after all--be speaking into them or showing them something I cannot see. I need to keep a more open mind about such things.
“Santiago, siervo de Dios y del Señor Jesucristo, a las doce tribas que se hallan dispersas por el mundo:
Saludos.” NVI
“James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ
To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad:
Greetings.” NKJV
At first this greeting doesn’t seem like anything special. Most of us probably already know what a bondservant is and the rest implies he is writing to all of the Jews.
What I didn’t know before is that the person proclaiming here to be a willing slave of Christ Jesus was Jesus’ half-brother. Someone who used to mock Jesus for his claim as Christ. Apparently it wasn’t until after the resurrection that James and Jude believed in Him
Application:
Sometimes I unwittingly mock or doubt what my family or close friends tell me. And while I know none of them are Christ, as Jesus was, they have Christ in them and He could--after all--be speaking into them or showing them something I cannot see. I need to keep a more open mind about such things.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
The Marks of a Christian
Psalm 23:6
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” NKJV
What does it mean to have a state of being follow you? If hatred and malice follow the footsteps of a man, is it not that man who leaves such turmoil in his wake?
Likewise, if someone leaves goodness and mercy in the hearts of those he passes all the days of his life, is that not a mark of God? For who can reach such perfection apart from God?
I don’t know if this is correct or not, but I read the second half of this verse as “And then I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
To me this verse looks like the mark of a believer on the earth--to leave God’s goodness and mercy on every heart within his path--and the mark of a believer after death--to spend eternity with our creator.
Application:
Today especially and hopefully everyday hereafter, I want to leave people with the feeling and peace of mercy and goodness. When I leave a room, I want it to remember my passing with joy and not resentment.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” NKJV
What does it mean to have a state of being follow you? If hatred and malice follow the footsteps of a man, is it not that man who leaves such turmoil in his wake?
Likewise, if someone leaves goodness and mercy in the hearts of those he passes all the days of his life, is that not a mark of God? For who can reach such perfection apart from God?
I don’t know if this is correct or not, but I read the second half of this verse as “And then I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
To me this verse looks like the mark of a believer on the earth--to leave God’s goodness and mercy on every heart within his path--and the mark of a believer after death--to spend eternity with our creator.
Application:
Today especially and hopefully everyday hereafter, I want to leave people with the feeling and peace of mercy and goodness. When I leave a room, I want it to remember my passing with joy and not resentment.
In the Presence of my Enemies.
Psalm 23:5
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.” NKJV
David mentions this right after saying he walked through the valley of the shadow of death. Then he says God is faithful. This verse is how God showed his faithfulness.
“You prepare a table” sounds as if God is making some sort of grand feast that David has to look forward to, and the ones who hate him see this happening.
But who were David’s enemies? Well, King Saul to start. Saul knew that God had chosen David to be king instead of him and because of this he tried desperately to kill him. At one point Saul even admitted that David would be king because of what the Lord had done for him (1 Samuel 24:20). Of course, right after this Saul went right back to trying to kill him again.
“You anoint my head with oil” is obviously reminiscent of 1 Samuel chapter 16 where God sends His prophet to David’s house, rejected every one of David’s older brothers, and anointed him because of his heart.
God loved David so much that He promised to make him king over all Israel. However, David had to wait several decades running in fear for his life before that promise was fulfilled.
Application:
When God makes a promise, I need to be willing to take God’s long and winding path to get there and be patient along the way.
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.” NKJV
David mentions this right after saying he walked through the valley of the shadow of death. Then he says God is faithful. This verse is how God showed his faithfulness.
“You prepare a table” sounds as if God is making some sort of grand feast that David has to look forward to, and the ones who hate him see this happening.
But who were David’s enemies? Well, King Saul to start. Saul knew that God had chosen David to be king instead of him and because of this he tried desperately to kill him. At one point Saul even admitted that David would be king because of what the Lord had done for him (1 Samuel 24:20). Of course, right after this Saul went right back to trying to kill him again.
“You anoint my head with oil” is obviously reminiscent of 1 Samuel chapter 16 where God sends His prophet to David’s house, rejected every one of David’s older brothers, and anointed him because of his heart.
God loved David so much that He promised to make him king over all Israel. However, David had to wait several decades running in fear for his life before that promise was fulfilled.
Application:
When God makes a promise, I need to be willing to take God’s long and winding path to get there and be patient along the way.
Fear no Evil
Psalm 23:4
“Yea, though I walk though the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For you are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
1 Samuel 17:34-37--When King David was a shepherd he put his life on the line for a single sheep. He chased after a bear and a lion and slew them both as a young boy, for the Lord was on his side.
David knew that as he was the protector of the sheep, so God was his protector. As the sheep no doubt recognized their shepherd by the staff in his hand, so we are comforted by the outward signs of God.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death:
In fear for his life (the shadow of death) and no way to escape aside from going forward or looking back (valley) David walks. Not run. Not tip toes. He walks. Because he feared not death nor evil.
But everyone fears death. Everyone fears the traps of the evil one. For who can escape death? Who can predict the traps of the deceiver?
Surely no one can aside from God--and those He chooses to save. David knew that God loved him and would not forsake him. David knew that God was with him always.
“Where can I go from your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; If I make my bed in the depths you are there…. Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” Psalm 139:7-10
David also knew that God is more powerful and more sovereign than anything Satan could throw at him. The promise described in 1 Corinthians 10:13 no doubt rang in his heart, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
If God promises that we can endure every trial and we know that he has overcome death, what then is there to fear?
Certainly not death or temptation. That is why His presence can comfort us though death is near and we are surrounded by the looming walls of ambush.
Application:
Not to fear. Last night even I was tempted by sin so strongly that I feared I had already given in, but 1 Corinthians 10:13 came to my mind and I prayed for the way to “Stand up under it” until He delivered me from it.
Because of this I feel I should memorize 1 Corinthians 10:13 so that promise will always be engrained in my heart.
“Yea, though I walk though the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For you are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
1 Samuel 17:34-37--When King David was a shepherd he put his life on the line for a single sheep. He chased after a bear and a lion and slew them both as a young boy, for the Lord was on his side.
David knew that as he was the protector of the sheep, so God was his protector. As the sheep no doubt recognized their shepherd by the staff in his hand, so we are comforted by the outward signs of God.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death:
In fear for his life (the shadow of death) and no way to escape aside from going forward or looking back (valley) David walks. Not run. Not tip toes. He walks. Because he feared not death nor evil.
But everyone fears death. Everyone fears the traps of the evil one. For who can escape death? Who can predict the traps of the deceiver?
Surely no one can aside from God--and those He chooses to save. David knew that God loved him and would not forsake him. David knew that God was with him always.
“Where can I go from your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; If I make my bed in the depths you are there…. Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” Psalm 139:7-10
David also knew that God is more powerful and more sovereign than anything Satan could throw at him. The promise described in 1 Corinthians 10:13 no doubt rang in his heart, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
If God promises that we can endure every trial and we know that he has overcome death, what then is there to fear?
Certainly not death or temptation. That is why His presence can comfort us though death is near and we are surrounded by the looming walls of ambush.
Application:
Not to fear. Last night even I was tempted by sin so strongly that I feared I had already given in, but 1 Corinthians 10:13 came to my mind and I prayed for the way to “Stand up under it” until He delivered me from it.
Because of this I feel I should memorize 1 Corinthians 10:13 so that promise will always be engrained in my heart.
"Por amor a su nombre"
Psalm 23:3
“He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.” NKJV
The Lord restores my soul, but how? By leading me down paths of righteousness. He takes a lost and corrupted soul wandering astray on the path of destruction and sets it on a different path--a path of healing.
But why would He take us, his disobedient children, and try so hard to set us right?
This is answered in the last part of the verse “For His name’s sake.” For the love of His name He makes us righteous so in our righteousness we should glorify Him.
Application:
I need to give God the glory for every good thing I do because apart from Him I am nothing.
“He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.” NKJV
The Lord restores my soul, but how? By leading me down paths of righteousness. He takes a lost and corrupted soul wandering astray on the path of destruction and sets it on a different path--a path of healing.
But why would He take us, his disobedient children, and try so hard to set us right?
This is answered in the last part of the verse “For His name’s sake.” For the love of His name He makes us righteous so in our righteousness we should glorify Him.
Application:
I need to give God the glory for every good thing I do because apart from Him I am nothing.
I shall not want
Psalm 23:1-2
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters.” NKJV
The Lord is my shepherd. The thing that sticks out to me most is that Kind David use to be a shepherd. He knew at a young age how to watch over sheep. He knew how to tend their every need. He led them to green pastures where they could rest and eat, and to still waters where they could drink without fear or apprehension of the crashing waves.
He provided for them everything they needed: rest, water, and food to eat. In the same way, David said, the Lord provides for us, we just have to be sure we do not wander from His presence.
“I shall not want.” This, to me, sounds like a statement of determination. The NIV puts it as “I shall not be in want.” That makes it sound as if we will never desire anything else ever again. And while that is true on some level, God will not take away the day to day temptations of the evil one until we meet Him in heaven.
“I shall” is different than “I will” is the sense that “shall” implies more of a choice and a constant conviction to not go there.
My application is this:
I shall not want. I shall not desire my old life, I shall not dwell in future dreams. I shall not daydream of things I don’t have nor try in my own strength to get things I don’t need. I shall desire a closer relationship with my God and remember that He is all I need.
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters.” NKJV
The Lord is my shepherd. The thing that sticks out to me most is that Kind David use to be a shepherd. He knew at a young age how to watch over sheep. He knew how to tend their every need. He led them to green pastures where they could rest and eat, and to still waters where they could drink without fear or apprehension of the crashing waves.
He provided for them everything they needed: rest, water, and food to eat. In the same way, David said, the Lord provides for us, we just have to be sure we do not wander from His presence.
“I shall not want.” This, to me, sounds like a statement of determination. The NIV puts it as “I shall not be in want.” That makes it sound as if we will never desire anything else ever again. And while that is true on some level, God will not take away the day to day temptations of the evil one until we meet Him in heaven.
“I shall” is different than “I will” is the sense that “shall” implies more of a choice and a constant conviction to not go there.
My application is this:
I shall not want. I shall not desire my old life, I shall not dwell in future dreams. I shall not daydream of things I don’t have nor try in my own strength to get things I don’t need. I shall desire a closer relationship with my God and remember that He is all I need.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Words from God
Isaiah 55:10-11
“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heave,
And do not return there,
But water the earth
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” NKJV
I’ve often heard this verse quoted but not known the context. “His word shall not return void,” I’m told, often to justify random teachings or street evangelisms. It seemed strange to me because that would also seem to justify TOB (turn or burn) sermons. After all, they use His word (hopefully).
Out of context, it would also seem to imply that going around and posting random bible verses would be guaranteed to have an impact. But the sentence before doesn’t say that.
“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth.”
“…From My mouth.”
That, to me, implies a need for these things to be from God, and due to the work of His Spirit.
Application:
When I preach/teach/talk about His word, I need to make sure it is something from Him and not form me.
“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heave,
And do not return there,
But water the earth
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” NKJV
I’ve often heard this verse quoted but not known the context. “His word shall not return void,” I’m told, often to justify random teachings or street evangelisms. It seemed strange to me because that would also seem to justify TOB (turn or burn) sermons. After all, they use His word (hopefully).
Out of context, it would also seem to imply that going around and posting random bible verses would be guaranteed to have an impact. But the sentence before doesn’t say that.
“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth.”
“…From My mouth.”
That, to me, implies a need for these things to be from God, and due to the work of His Spirit.
Application:
When I preach/teach/talk about His word, I need to make sure it is something from Him and not form me.
God knows
Isaiah 55:9
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And my thoughts than your thoughts.” NKJV
In the context of this passage, God gives us a choice. Forsake your ways and thoughts and seek mine, or be content with your own evil thoughts and plans. God is perfect. In this verse He reminds us that the Creator is greater than the created. That His plan and will for us is a hundred-fold better than our own plans should be a given.
Application:
All the plans I’ve been trying to make for next year need to be put aside. I need to trust that the Lord will give me another direction when I need to know.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And my thoughts than your thoughts.” NKJV
In the context of this passage, God gives us a choice. Forsake your ways and thoughts and seek mine, or be content with your own evil thoughts and plans. God is perfect. In this verse He reminds us that the Creator is greater than the created. That His plan and will for us is a hundred-fold better than our own plans should be a given.
Application:
All the plans I’ve been trying to make for next year need to be put aside. I need to trust that the Lord will give me another direction when I need to know.
God and us
Isaiah 55:8
“’For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord.” NKJV
How often do I try to fit my God into some pre-conceived mold? I’ve heard the argument of “Why would God give me a logic and understanding that cannot comprehend all things?” and I regret that sometimes I take that to heart.
That is a good question though. God made us in His image, why don’t we think like Him?
I think for a person who doesn’t believe in spiritual warfare, this question would be very difficult to answer.
Satan’s strongest device is to work behind the scenes. He loves it when we don’t believe he exists because the traps we don’t see are the ones that break our legs.
The biggest gap of our plans and thoughts and God’s is due to minds corrupted by sin.
It also has to do with the fact that we are separate entities than God. God is in us, but we are not God--or even part God. This may seem obvious but here is what that clarifies:
*God made my unique spirit/soul
*I may be made in God’s image, but I am no more God than a drawing of me is actually me
*I am independent from God in thought, actions, and beliefs unless I choose to be dependent
*I can grow to reflect Him more, but I grow by giving up my thoughts and desires for the ones He reveals to me.
I should be careful to never impose my ideas on who I think God is.
This verse also brings to mind another truth. Thoughts given to me from God should stick out. They should be recognizable as something I wouldn’t normally consider.
Application:
I will seek God’s will for me today in everything I can.
“’For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord.” NKJV
How often do I try to fit my God into some pre-conceived mold? I’ve heard the argument of “Why would God give me a logic and understanding that cannot comprehend all things?” and I regret that sometimes I take that to heart.
That is a good question though. God made us in His image, why don’t we think like Him?
I think for a person who doesn’t believe in spiritual warfare, this question would be very difficult to answer.
Satan’s strongest device is to work behind the scenes. He loves it when we don’t believe he exists because the traps we don’t see are the ones that break our legs.
The biggest gap of our plans and thoughts and God’s is due to minds corrupted by sin.
It also has to do with the fact that we are separate entities than God. God is in us, but we are not God--or even part God. This may seem obvious but here is what that clarifies:
*God made my unique spirit/soul
*I may be made in God’s image, but I am no more God than a drawing of me is actually me
*I am independent from God in thought, actions, and beliefs unless I choose to be dependent
*I can grow to reflect Him more, but I grow by giving up my thoughts and desires for the ones He reveals to me.
I should be careful to never impose my ideas on who I think God is.
This verse also brings to mind another truth. Thoughts given to me from God should stick out. They should be recognizable as something I wouldn’t normally consider.
Application:
I will seek God’s will for me today in everything I can.
Original State
“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”
“Let him return to the Lord.”
This verse to me, sounds like a call to the unsaved, why then does it say to “return”? Wouldn’t the proper wording be to “turn to the Lord? After all, they’ve never been a Christian/true Jewish believer before.
One definition of return is to bring back to a normal or original state. Our (humanity’s) normal and original state was a strong relationship with God, no sin, and no death.
To live apart from God is not how we were designed to function. It is unnatural for us to have to deal with death and disease. It is unnatural for us to try to bring glory for ourselves. Just look at our condition.
People can spend their whole lives getting known, but those who are in the spotlight most spiral down the quickest, felling more empty than when they began. Why is it that the things we think will make us happy don’t, and often make it worse?
Serving Christ will fulfill you.
It seems absurd that someone or even this book could tell me how to rid myself of the gnawing emptiness.
But looking back, has it? I gave up my single greatest pursuit in faith that God could heal me. I gave up writing, the one thing I thought could make me truly happy, but now I feel the furthest from empty I’ve ever been.
Trying to fill up on the things of this world is like trying to fill a car up with water instead of gas. It gets full of something, and maybe even the gas gauge reads full, but when it comes to running off it, it just doesn’t go. Because water doesn’t have the explosive energy potential of gas. In the same way, filling up with worldly passions just doesn’t have the energy potential of godly ones. Illogical as it may sound.
I need to rely upon God’s judgment to know what is best for me and accept it.
“Let him return to the Lord.”
This verse to me, sounds like a call to the unsaved, why then does it say to “return”? Wouldn’t the proper wording be to “turn to the Lord? After all, they’ve never been a Christian/true Jewish believer before.
One definition of return is to bring back to a normal or original state. Our (humanity’s) normal and original state was a strong relationship with God, no sin, and no death.
To live apart from God is not how we were designed to function. It is unnatural for us to have to deal with death and disease. It is unnatural for us to try to bring glory for ourselves. Just look at our condition.
People can spend their whole lives getting known, but those who are in the spotlight most spiral down the quickest, felling more empty than when they began. Why is it that the things we think will make us happy don’t, and often make it worse?
Serving Christ will fulfill you.
It seems absurd that someone or even this book could tell me how to rid myself of the gnawing emptiness.
But looking back, has it? I gave up my single greatest pursuit in faith that God could heal me. I gave up writing, the one thing I thought could make me truly happy, but now I feel the furthest from empty I’ve ever been.
Trying to fill up on the things of this world is like trying to fill a car up with water instead of gas. It gets full of something, and maybe even the gas gauge reads full, but when it comes to running off it, it just doesn’t go. Because water doesn’t have the explosive energy potential of gas. In the same way, filling up with worldly passions just doesn’t have the energy potential of godly ones. Illogical as it may sound.
I need to rely upon God’s judgment to know what is best for me and accept it.
Delayed Obedience
Isaiah 55:6
“Seek the Lord while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near.”
Verses 1-5 of this chapter are a call to all who are lost. God speaks of the futility of working for bread that “does not satisfy” when we could instead “eat what is good.”
He also assures us that He will fulfill His promises to us, as he did for king David.
Verse six reaffirms this and tells us to chase after God while we can still find Him, and while He still makes the effort to be heard.
My fist thoughts go to Joshua 11:20 and what Pastor Levi taught last Sunday (click here to watch--click on message 14, No stone Unturned). God is longsuffering and not willing that any should perish, but eventually time runs out for us and we will be judged accordingly.
It is comforting that God waited 450 years for the sinful cities that inhabited the promise land before passing judgment and even forced evangelism on cities liked Nineveh (see the book of Jonah) so that they might be save. He truly is longsuffering and merciful, but eventually everyone will be judged.
The message Pastor Levi gave still aches my heart: That people can say no to God so much for so long that their hearts can be hardened against Him beyond repair.
I need to be more diligent in my prayers for my non-believing relatives and friends.
However, I feel I’d be shortchanging this verse if I said it was only for non-believers. It strikes a cord with me to be obedient more quickly. There is a saying here at the ranch, “Delayed obedience is disobedience.” If I say “Maybe--I’ll get back to you on that,” when I feel He wants me to do something, eventually He’ll just stop asking. I need to say yes to His commands before I let the worries of this life flood out His call.
~~~~~
See also:
Numbers 14--In that chapter Moses and the Israelites made it to the doorstep of the promised land and they sent twelve spies in, they all came back, ten of them had great fear of the people in the land, but two of them knew that God was greater than any enemy before them. The Israelites were so terrified they wanted to run back to Egypt, where they were enslaved, rather than trust God. The two warned them and pleaded them but the Israelites were ready to kill them when God intervened. God told them that what they had feared in their disobedience would become their punishment, they would die in the desert. After they heard this, against the warnings of Moses, the people tried to take the land. God was not with them and they lost that battle.
They set against God's will, and decided to disobey. However when they saw the alternative they tried to obey after. However the time of obedience had already passed.
“Seek the Lord while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near.”
Verses 1-5 of this chapter are a call to all who are lost. God speaks of the futility of working for bread that “does not satisfy” when we could instead “eat what is good.”
He also assures us that He will fulfill His promises to us, as he did for king David.
Verse six reaffirms this and tells us to chase after God while we can still find Him, and while He still makes the effort to be heard.
My fist thoughts go to Joshua 11:20 and what Pastor Levi taught last Sunday (click here to watch--click on message 14, No stone Unturned). God is longsuffering and not willing that any should perish, but eventually time runs out for us and we will be judged accordingly.
It is comforting that God waited 450 years for the sinful cities that inhabited the promise land before passing judgment and even forced evangelism on cities liked Nineveh (see the book of Jonah) so that they might be save. He truly is longsuffering and merciful, but eventually everyone will be judged.
The message Pastor Levi gave still aches my heart: That people can say no to God so much for so long that their hearts can be hardened against Him beyond repair.
I need to be more diligent in my prayers for my non-believing relatives and friends.
However, I feel I’d be shortchanging this verse if I said it was only for non-believers. It strikes a cord with me to be obedient more quickly. There is a saying here at the ranch, “Delayed obedience is disobedience.” If I say “Maybe--I’ll get back to you on that,” when I feel He wants me to do something, eventually He’ll just stop asking. I need to say yes to His commands before I let the worries of this life flood out His call.
~~~~~
See also:
Numbers 14--In that chapter Moses and the Israelites made it to the doorstep of the promised land and they sent twelve spies in, they all came back, ten of them had great fear of the people in the land, but two of them knew that God was greater than any enemy before them. The Israelites were so terrified they wanted to run back to Egypt, where they were enslaved, rather than trust God. The two warned them and pleaded them but the Israelites were ready to kill them when God intervened. God told them that what they had feared in their disobedience would become their punishment, they would die in the desert. After they heard this, against the warnings of Moses, the people tried to take the land. God was not with them and they lost that battle.
They set against God's will, and decided to disobey. However when they saw the alternative they tried to obey after. However the time of obedience had already passed.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Obedience with no thought of Reward.
Luke 17:10
“So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.” NKJV
Unprofitable: producing no gain, good, or result.
What is an unprofitable servant?
A servant who, despite efforts, produces nothing good out of his labor. By stating that we are unprofitable slaves, we reaffirm that anything good we do in obedience to Christ is a good produced by Christ and not by us. Just as a company gets credit for the labors and innovations of its workers, so should we give all credit to God.
But what prompted Jesus to start speaking on servant hood and humility when He was speaking about forgiveness then the power of faith? Did He randomly pull this lesson out of the air?
Look back to verse six. Jesus tell them with a minuscule amount of faith they can command a tree to get up and jump off a cliff. One of the people in class pointed out that He was making a point: That it is not the size of their faith that matters, but the size of their God. God performs the miracles, our faith does not.
The wonderful thing about our God is that he desires to answer our prayers. But what happens to a man when he realizes he can do anything (with the help of God)?
Right after Jesus explains that God is a loving and gracious Master, He reminds us that we should be loving and gracious servants, aware and respectful of the role we are supposed to perform.
The illustration of the servant here brings to mind another truth. The servant works all day, comes inside, and works some more. “When will he get to rest and eat?” we ask. This is a question often answered by the Pastors here. “When you’re dead.”
When does a minister stop ministering (serving)?
Not until we meet Jesus in heaven. It is then Jesus will make us clean and allow us to eat and rest at His table. Until that time we are to present ourselves humbly doing all that is commanded without expectation of rest or reward in this life.
I know Jesus desires to give me good gifts because I am His child, but I should desire to serve Him not for thought of reward but for the sole purpose of a desire to please my God to the best of my ability.
Application:
When I have done all the things which I am commanded, I will say “I am an unprofitable servant. I have done what is my duty to do.”
Sound familiar? Good because that’s the verse.
In other words I will give all glory to God for any good works He does through me and understand that it is my duty to do so.
“So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.” NKJV
Unprofitable: producing no gain, good, or result.
What is an unprofitable servant?
A servant who, despite efforts, produces nothing good out of his labor. By stating that we are unprofitable slaves, we reaffirm that anything good we do in obedience to Christ is a good produced by Christ and not by us. Just as a company gets credit for the labors and innovations of its workers, so should we give all credit to God.
But what prompted Jesus to start speaking on servant hood and humility when He was speaking about forgiveness then the power of faith? Did He randomly pull this lesson out of the air?
Look back to verse six. Jesus tell them with a minuscule amount of faith they can command a tree to get up and jump off a cliff. One of the people in class pointed out that He was making a point: That it is not the size of their faith that matters, but the size of their God. God performs the miracles, our faith does not.
The wonderful thing about our God is that he desires to answer our prayers. But what happens to a man when he realizes he can do anything (with the help of God)?
Right after Jesus explains that God is a loving and gracious Master, He reminds us that we should be loving and gracious servants, aware and respectful of the role we are supposed to perform.
The illustration of the servant here brings to mind another truth. The servant works all day, comes inside, and works some more. “When will he get to rest and eat?” we ask. This is a question often answered by the Pastors here. “When you’re dead.”
When does a minister stop ministering (serving)?
Not until we meet Jesus in heaven. It is then Jesus will make us clean and allow us to eat and rest at His table. Until that time we are to present ourselves humbly doing all that is commanded without expectation of rest or reward in this life.
I know Jesus desires to give me good gifts because I am His child, but I should desire to serve Him not for thought of reward but for the sole purpose of a desire to please my God to the best of my ability.
Application:
When I have done all the things which I am commanded, I will say “I am an unprofitable servant. I have done what is my duty to do.”
Sound familiar? Good because that’s the verse.
In other words I will give all glory to God for any good works He does through me and understand that it is my duty to do so.
Lord, Lord
Luke 17:9
“Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not.”
We might think, why wouldn’t the servant at least be thanked for his hard work?
A servant works with no expectation of reward. He knows what his master wants and does his best to obey in a way that is pleasing. He does this with no thought of rewards aside from a master who is pleased with his work.
I want to be a servant like that to my Lord and Master.
Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
How many times do I call my Savior “Lord” and yet disobey His will, or worse yet, demand things from him. I don’t even comprehend the implications of the name “Lord” because we have no understanding of it in our culture other than another name of God or Jesus.
I truth, I probably would not comprehend His authority even if I called Him by a different and more respectful name such as Master.
Growing up in martial arts, I’ve even called several instructors master. Furthermore, in the traditional schools, we go so far as to use the honorific “Sir” in every sentence.
At first it’s weird. Then slowly it becomes respectful, but if you do it long enough it eventually is worn down to habit. The initial respect and realization that every time you address this person in the dojang you are submitting to his authority is forgotten, or at the very least pushed to the back of your mind.
In the same way, when I address God, even as God the creator of all, the titles become nothing more than that. I call Him Lord and Master, but do I submit to His authority? Do I respect him and the one who holds my life in His hands? Do I come to Him in the reverence as one who saved me not only in this life but in the next as well?
I need to come to the realization of who God is and His greatness. It truly is unfathomable, the mercy He has towards us.
Today I am going to count and write down the things which He has created and the “coincidences” He has divinely inspired in my life.
“Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not.”
We might think, why wouldn’t the servant at least be thanked for his hard work?
A servant works with no expectation of reward. He knows what his master wants and does his best to obey in a way that is pleasing. He does this with no thought of rewards aside from a master who is pleased with his work.
I want to be a servant like that to my Lord and Master.
Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
How many times do I call my Savior “Lord” and yet disobey His will, or worse yet, demand things from him. I don’t even comprehend the implications of the name “Lord” because we have no understanding of it in our culture other than another name of God or Jesus.
I truth, I probably would not comprehend His authority even if I called Him by a different and more respectful name such as Master.
Growing up in martial arts, I’ve even called several instructors master. Furthermore, in the traditional schools, we go so far as to use the honorific “Sir” in every sentence.
At first it’s weird. Then slowly it becomes respectful, but if you do it long enough it eventually is worn down to habit. The initial respect and realization that every time you address this person in the dojang you are submitting to his authority is forgotten, or at the very least pushed to the back of your mind.
In the same way, when I address God, even as God the creator of all, the titles become nothing more than that. I call Him Lord and Master, but do I submit to His authority? Do I respect him and the one who holds my life in His hands? Do I come to Him in the reverence as one who saved me not only in this life but in the next as well?
I need to come to the realization of who God is and His greatness. It truly is unfathomable, the mercy He has towards us.
Today I am going to count and write down the things which He has created and the “coincidences” He has divinely inspired in my life.
Mercy
Luke 17:8
“But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’?”
In my stories I often wrote about slavery and corrupt social classes. A slave master in those stories would only be considered cruel for punishing a slave unjustly and even that was almost a social norm. Slaves were treated as slaves.
The scenario described here could have easily been the response of a good Christian master. The master would know his place and would expect obedience. A good slave who respects his master would just assume as he finished in the field that he would then need to serve his master dinner. It’s our equality culture that makes this sound horrible, not the scene itself. The master wouldn’t even have to command this because it would be normal for that culture.
Now, I’m not saying our view of equality is wrong, because all men were created equal. But if you take your mind to a place where slaves really are lesser beings than their masters, then this makes sense.
The slave understands that he is a lesser being and thanks his master simply for being just and not punishing him unfairly and for giving him food to eat at all.
This relationship is unfair for human to human situations but we are lesser beings compared to God.
How merciful that God is to love us as children and to desire to bless us despite repeated disobedience. If, in one of my stories, the slave was as disobedient to his master as I am to my God, the slave would not survive the beatings he would be given.
I am amazed at His goodness when I see things in perspective. I am amazed simply by the fact that the was able to redeem the time I spent writing on this subject, so that now I can clearly understand this scenario.
God can truly redeem all mistakes in my life. He is the perfect craftsmen. He works the air pockets out of the clay without ruining the piece. He sees the broken polygons and knows already how to lay the rest out in perfect alignment yet with beauty so all will blend and not be broken. He can take an abstract thought and arrange then words the words with perfect connotation in a way that not only flows but conjures an image in the mind as well (something I seem to be struggling with just now).
A more talented artist, the world will never know.
I like to call myself an artist, but by the grace of God, I’ve never been good enough at any art form to call myself that realistically.
Now when I watch the clay in my hands stumble and fall to utter ruin, I need to remember the hands which mold me. When I start to fall, He will support me even as I failed to support that clay.
“But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’?”
In my stories I often wrote about slavery and corrupt social classes. A slave master in those stories would only be considered cruel for punishing a slave unjustly and even that was almost a social norm. Slaves were treated as slaves.
The scenario described here could have easily been the response of a good Christian master. The master would know his place and would expect obedience. A good slave who respects his master would just assume as he finished in the field that he would then need to serve his master dinner. It’s our equality culture that makes this sound horrible, not the scene itself. The master wouldn’t even have to command this because it would be normal for that culture.
Now, I’m not saying our view of equality is wrong, because all men were created equal. But if you take your mind to a place where slaves really are lesser beings than their masters, then this makes sense.
The slave understands that he is a lesser being and thanks his master simply for being just and not punishing him unfairly and for giving him food to eat at all.
This relationship is unfair for human to human situations but we are lesser beings compared to God.
How merciful that God is to love us as children and to desire to bless us despite repeated disobedience. If, in one of my stories, the slave was as disobedient to his master as I am to my God, the slave would not survive the beatings he would be given.
I am amazed at His goodness when I see things in perspective. I am amazed simply by the fact that the was able to redeem the time I spent writing on this subject, so that now I can clearly understand this scenario.
God can truly redeem all mistakes in my life. He is the perfect craftsmen. He works the air pockets out of the clay without ruining the piece. He sees the broken polygons and knows already how to lay the rest out in perfect alignment yet with beauty so all will blend and not be broken. He can take an abstract thought and arrange then words the words with perfect connotation in a way that not only flows but conjures an image in the mind as well (something I seem to be struggling with just now).
A more talented artist, the world will never know.
I like to call myself an artist, but by the grace of God, I’ve never been good enough at any art form to call myself that realistically.
Now when I watch the clay in my hands stumble and fall to utter ruin, I need to remember the hands which mold me. When I start to fall, He will support me even as I failed to support that clay.
Equality
Luke 17:7
“And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he comes in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat?’”
For a master to say this would be truly absurd. We may react indignantly to this as Americans because we have no slaves and an ambiguous social class structure. We would come in from the field and expect the verse “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” to apply. We believe in equality and we expect it. If we came in from a long hard day of work, we would expect to be treated with gratitude and respect.
Ironically, “Come at once and sit down and eat,” sounds a lot like what my mom tells my dad sometimes when she times things just right and traffic doesn’t throw the whole thing off. It has become a sort of tradition of my dad’s to walk in the front door and say in a gruff voice, “I’m hungry!”
Though we pride ourselves here on equality, there is no equality with God. Trying to be equal with God is not only an impossible task, but it doesn’t end well. King Herod, for instance, was smitten for allowing people to praise him as a god. The tower of Babel builders tried to reach heaven in their own way, trying in their own strength to become on equal terms with God. The consequences of which we still suffer to this day.
If I am to pride myself on being His servant then I need to remember who and what He is. He is not just my Master, He is my God.
“And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he comes in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat?’”
For a master to say this would be truly absurd. We may react indignantly to this as Americans because we have no slaves and an ambiguous social class structure. We would come in from the field and expect the verse “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” to apply. We believe in equality and we expect it. If we came in from a long hard day of work, we would expect to be treated with gratitude and respect.
Ironically, “Come at once and sit down and eat,” sounds a lot like what my mom tells my dad sometimes when she times things just right and traffic doesn’t throw the whole thing off. It has become a sort of tradition of my dad’s to walk in the front door and say in a gruff voice, “I’m hungry!”
Though we pride ourselves here on equality, there is no equality with God. Trying to be equal with God is not only an impossible task, but it doesn’t end well. King Herod, for instance, was smitten for allowing people to praise him as a god. The tower of Babel builders tried to reach heaven in their own way, trying in their own strength to become on equal terms with God. The consequences of which we still suffer to this day.
If I am to pride myself on being His servant then I need to remember who and what He is. He is not just my Master, He is my God.
Faith
Luke 17:6
“So the Lord said, ‘If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, “be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,” and it will obey you.’”
How many times does Jesus tell us that what we ask for in His name will be given to us? But how many times do I claim to know this as fact--to know that God is powerful and can do all things and desires to bless us--but then never believe enough to ask practically. It’s not that I secretly think God can’t do it, it’s that I think He won’t do it for me. I’m afraid of being disappointed so I don’t ask.
I need to remember that God loves me and wishes to bless me. I need to pray with confidence that God will answer.
“So the Lord said, ‘If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, “be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,” and it will obey you.’”
How many times does Jesus tell us that what we ask for in His name will be given to us? But how many times do I claim to know this as fact--to know that God is powerful and can do all things and desires to bless us--but then never believe enough to ask practically. It’s not that I secretly think God can’t do it, it’s that I think He won’t do it for me. I’m afraid of being disappointed so I don’t ask.
I need to remember that God loves me and wishes to bless me. I need to pray with confidence that God will answer.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Justified Anger
Ephesians 4:31
“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away form you, with all malice.” NKJV
This verse is very similar to verse 22 which speaks of putting off the ungodly man we were before. Only this verse defines that ungodly life. It drills down on all forms of anger, from an angry heart, to angry words or angry actions. Verses 26 and 29 also speak on anger.
Why does Paul talk of anger so often in this text? Is anger really that important of a subject?
Verse 27, right after speaking of wrath, implies that sustained anger gives the devil a foothold in your heart.
Verse 30 implies that using words to hurt our brothers causes the Spirit to suffer.
So not only does anger give the devil power over people, but it hurts a relationship with God.
What are the things that make me angry?
Gossip, misuse of scripture, and injustice. No doubt these things also make God angry. But there is a difference.
First, God is perfect. When we cause injustice, lead people astray, or gossip, we are sinning first and foremost to God. God is completely justified in His anger.
What about when people sin against us? Aren’t we justified in our anger? Consider first the sins we have committed against God. Has he forgiven us? Does the sin committed against us even compare to what we have done against Him? It doesn’t.
Application: Never try to justify my anger. Never hold on to anger.
“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away form you, with all malice.” NKJV
This verse is very similar to verse 22 which speaks of putting off the ungodly man we were before. Only this verse defines that ungodly life. It drills down on all forms of anger, from an angry heart, to angry words or angry actions. Verses 26 and 29 also speak on anger.
Why does Paul talk of anger so often in this text? Is anger really that important of a subject?
Verse 27, right after speaking of wrath, implies that sustained anger gives the devil a foothold in your heart.
Verse 30 implies that using words to hurt our brothers causes the Spirit to suffer.
So not only does anger give the devil power over people, but it hurts a relationship with God.
What are the things that make me angry?
Gossip, misuse of scripture, and injustice. No doubt these things also make God angry. But there is a difference.
First, God is perfect. When we cause injustice, lead people astray, or gossip, we are sinning first and foremost to God. God is completely justified in His anger.
What about when people sin against us? Aren’t we justified in our anger? Consider first the sins we have committed against God. Has he forgiven us? Does the sin committed against us even compare to what we have done against Him? It doesn’t.
Application: Never try to justify my anger. Never hold on to anger.
God's Love Everlasting
Ephesians 4:30
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” NKJV
Grieve: to cause to suffer
How great is God’s love for us that our disobedience causes His eternal heart to ache. Truly He is a loving Master to care so much about the actions of His selfish and lowly servant.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son and whomsoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” I’ve heard this verse so many times it is stale to my heart. Christ died to save a broken world. But do I realize that every time I am disobedient and stubborn I am still causing Him to suffer?
How dare I pity myself when the people of this world grieve me, when God has felt that hurt and anger since the dawn of time!
The Spirit has written our names in the book of life. How can we feel anything but an overwhelming gratitude and a will to spend a life working to repay in whatever small ways we can?
Application:
When I want to complain, even in my mind, I need to remember all the Lord, my King, has done for me. These things that plague me are nothing in comparison. Nothing.
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” NKJV
Grieve: to cause to suffer
How great is God’s love for us that our disobedience causes His eternal heart to ache. Truly He is a loving Master to care so much about the actions of His selfish and lowly servant.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son and whomsoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” I’ve heard this verse so many times it is stale to my heart. Christ died to save a broken world. But do I realize that every time I am disobedient and stubborn I am still causing Him to suffer?
How dare I pity myself when the people of this world grieve me, when God has felt that hurt and anger since the dawn of time!
The Spirit has written our names in the book of life. How can we feel anything but an overwhelming gratitude and a will to spend a life working to repay in whatever small ways we can?
Application:
When I want to complain, even in my mind, I need to remember all the Lord, my King, has done for me. These things that plague me are nothing in comparison. Nothing.
Words and His Word.
Ephesians 4:29
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” NKJV
Edify: to instruct and improve especially in moral and religious knowledge.
Corrupt words:
Curse words have never really been a huge problem for me. Though I did have to erase two words from my vocabulary upon my arrival here (damn and hell) I haven’t really struggled with it since the initial rebuke.
However, since I still feel the call to go into the military in my heart, this verse will become very relevant. Everyone knows it is almost impossible to go through boot camp and not come out with a foul mouth. Because of this, I’ve already started compiling a list of verses I will read every day, God willing, in boot camp. This verse and its parallels will definitely be on that list.
Necessary edification:
The verse not only states that our words should edify (that is, to instruct) but that it is necessary to do so. Building each other up in knowledge and morality is essential. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
That it may impart Grace:
Our Lord is a God of mercy and love. Nothing we say should imply otherwise. The worse things I ever hear--more painful to listen to than any over abundance of foul language--is the Word of God quoted in a context that tears a person down and condemns.
“Zechariah 8 says God hates lying. Therefore God hates you because you are a liar,” or “because you are homosexual,” or “fat.”
How my heart burns when I hear words such as these. These are the devices of the evil one: to use scripture to wound and isolate and to lead astray.
We saw him use Scripture to try to mislead Jesus, and this is not a new trick. He used God’s word in the garden of Eden to lead Eve astray, “Did God really say…?”
This has been his device since the beginning and we should be sure never to let is pass though our own lips.
Remember also Ephesians 4:27. By speaking what is corrupt, what is hurtful, and what is misleading we are allowing the devil to stick his foot in the door and claim his territory on the battlefield of our hearts. Do all you can to defend your heart for once the land is lost, the battle to regain it will last though the night.
Application:
*Keep all words spoken clean and pleasing to God.
*Edify.
*Show love and grace alone, as He has shown me.
*Do not condemn others with the Word of my Savior.
*Avoid the devices of the Evil One.
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” NKJV
Edify: to instruct and improve especially in moral and religious knowledge.
Corrupt words:
Curse words have never really been a huge problem for me. Though I did have to erase two words from my vocabulary upon my arrival here (damn and hell) I haven’t really struggled with it since the initial rebuke.
However, since I still feel the call to go into the military in my heart, this verse will become very relevant. Everyone knows it is almost impossible to go through boot camp and not come out with a foul mouth. Because of this, I’ve already started compiling a list of verses I will read every day, God willing, in boot camp. This verse and its parallels will definitely be on that list.
Necessary edification:
The verse not only states that our words should edify (that is, to instruct) but that it is necessary to do so. Building each other up in knowledge and morality is essential. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
That it may impart Grace:
Our Lord is a God of mercy and love. Nothing we say should imply otherwise. The worse things I ever hear--more painful to listen to than any over abundance of foul language--is the Word of God quoted in a context that tears a person down and condemns.
“Zechariah 8 says God hates lying. Therefore God hates you because you are a liar,” or “because you are homosexual,” or “fat.”
How my heart burns when I hear words such as these. These are the devices of the evil one: to use scripture to wound and isolate and to lead astray.
We saw him use Scripture to try to mislead Jesus, and this is not a new trick. He used God’s word in the garden of Eden to lead Eve astray, “Did God really say…?”
This has been his device since the beginning and we should be sure never to let is pass though our own lips.
Remember also Ephesians 4:27. By speaking what is corrupt, what is hurtful, and what is misleading we are allowing the devil to stick his foot in the door and claim his territory on the battlefield of our hearts. Do all you can to defend your heart for once the land is lost, the battle to regain it will last though the night.
Application:
*Keep all words spoken clean and pleasing to God.
*Edify.
*Show love and grace alone, as He has shown me.
*Do not condemn others with the Word of my Savior.
*Avoid the devices of the Evil One.
Selfishness to Selflessness
Ephesians 4:28
“Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.” NKJV
Blessed Redeemer. No one apart from God could take a thief and make a saint. But as we saw in the earlier passages we must take hold of the new life.
God will not force a thief to give up his trade to learn a new for the benefit of the poor. The thief, having met God, must choose to put away his past to follow the will of his Savior.
I must remember that although I have been redeemed by God, I must take hold of that gift of redemption and the life that comes with it.
“Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.” NKJV
Blessed Redeemer. No one apart from God could take a thief and make a saint. But as we saw in the earlier passages we must take hold of the new life.
God will not force a thief to give up his trade to learn a new for the benefit of the poor. The thief, having met God, must choose to put away his past to follow the will of his Savior.
I must remember that although I have been redeemed by God, I must take hold of that gift of redemption and the life that comes with it.
Redeeming the Irredeemable
Ephesians 4:27
“nor give place to the devil.” NKJV
“and do not give the devil a foothold.” NIV
In the last verse we are told to not let the sun go down on our wrath. Why? Because it gives a foothold to the devil in our hearts.
Anger, bitterness, and malice opens a door for Satan, and once he gets his foot in, it becomes a lot harder to close.
This applies to more areas than simple anger. For me the devil finds other footholds. For as long as I can remember I’ve had the words “No redeeming value,” stuck in my head.
Every time someone turns their back on me or says something that hurts me, even little insignificant things, those words echo in my head. Always those three little words.
It basically means that I’m not worthwhile, and can never be made so. It justifies their actions toward me by proving my own insignificance.
I don’t remember when I opened that door to him, but ever since then I’ve never been able to truly regain that ground which I lost. His foot is in the door and pushing on it however hard I might try won’t get it closed again.
“… He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4b
The Lord has not been gracious enough to take those thoughts from me, but since the events described in a previous blog post, every time I hear those words I look back and remember that momentous day in which God proved that statement wrong. Truly the Lord does work for my best, even when I do not understand why, because when I hear those words though they still hurt me on some level, I am again reminded of the spiritual war which we are in. And through acknowledging the devil’s devices, the Lord gains ground on the battlefield of my heart.
It is good to know God can make bad mistakes into good reminders. However the devil should never have been able to take that ground to begin with.
Brothers, guard your hearts from the evil that smells like happiness but tastes like death. Don’t buy into the lie. Don’t give him the pleasure.
Pray to God for the strength to win the moment, for the future and past are out of our reach. But this moment God has delivered into our hands and all we have to do is live it in obedience.
“nor give place to the devil.” NKJV
“and do not give the devil a foothold.” NIV
In the last verse we are told to not let the sun go down on our wrath. Why? Because it gives a foothold to the devil in our hearts.
Anger, bitterness, and malice opens a door for Satan, and once he gets his foot in, it becomes a lot harder to close.
This applies to more areas than simple anger. For me the devil finds other footholds. For as long as I can remember I’ve had the words “No redeeming value,” stuck in my head.
Every time someone turns their back on me or says something that hurts me, even little insignificant things, those words echo in my head. Always those three little words.
It basically means that I’m not worthwhile, and can never be made so. It justifies their actions toward me by proving my own insignificance.
I don’t remember when I opened that door to him, but ever since then I’ve never been able to truly regain that ground which I lost. His foot is in the door and pushing on it however hard I might try won’t get it closed again.
“… He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4b
The Lord has not been gracious enough to take those thoughts from me, but since the events described in a previous blog post, every time I hear those words I look back and remember that momentous day in which God proved that statement wrong. Truly the Lord does work for my best, even when I do not understand why, because when I hear those words though they still hurt me on some level, I am again reminded of the spiritual war which we are in. And through acknowledging the devil’s devices, the Lord gains ground on the battlefield of my heart.
It is good to know God can make bad mistakes into good reminders. However the devil should never have been able to take that ground to begin with.
Brothers, guard your hearts from the evil that smells like happiness but tastes like death. Don’t buy into the lie. Don’t give him the pleasure.
Pray to God for the strength to win the moment, for the future and past are out of our reach. But this moment God has delivered into our hands and all we have to do is live it in obedience.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Wrath
Ephesians 4:26
“’Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath.” NKJV
“’In your anger, do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” NIV
I like how the Psalmist assumes anger will come. The command here is doable. Though anger is inevitable, we should never let it travel from emotions to thoughts or plans, and from thoughts we should never let it reach actions for it says “do not sin.”
Sometimes I go straight from emotion to action. This is the hardest to overcome, and the best example of this is sinning with words. Either in the form of cursing or gossip or just saying something I regret greatly, the tongue causes all kinds of mischief and should be given particular attention when safeguarding my sinful nature.
Not only does it tell what will happen and what to avoid it also mentions a step to avoid that sin. To avoid plotting evil, never end a day angry but always check these emotions at the door before falling asleep. If you find that in you own strength it can’t be done, ask the Lord to change your heart on the matter. Every time I’ve prayed for such He has been faithful to answer quickly and effectively.
Application:
To recognize that my anger is not justified, though I often like to think it is. To never go to bed angry. To not sin when times of anger come.
~~~~
More to Ponder:
Matthew 18:21-35 http://kaylaharrington.blogspot.com/2011/08/forgiveness.html
Luke 6:37-38
“’Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath.” NKJV
“’In your anger, do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” NIV
I like how the Psalmist assumes anger will come. The command here is doable. Though anger is inevitable, we should never let it travel from emotions to thoughts or plans, and from thoughts we should never let it reach actions for it says “do not sin.”
Sometimes I go straight from emotion to action. This is the hardest to overcome, and the best example of this is sinning with words. Either in the form of cursing or gossip or just saying something I regret greatly, the tongue causes all kinds of mischief and should be given particular attention when safeguarding my sinful nature.
Not only does it tell what will happen and what to avoid it also mentions a step to avoid that sin. To avoid plotting evil, never end a day angry but always check these emotions at the door before falling asleep. If you find that in you own strength it can’t be done, ask the Lord to change your heart on the matter. Every time I’ve prayed for such He has been faithful to answer quickly and effectively.
Application:
To recognize that my anger is not justified, though I often like to think it is. To never go to bed angry. To not sin when times of anger come.
~~~~
More to Ponder:
Matthew 18:21-35 http://kaylaharrington.blogspot.com/2011/08/forgiveness.html
Luke 6:37-38
Lying
Ephesians 4:25
“Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another.” NKJV
What is lying?
Above and beyond bearing false witness with the sole purpose of deception, lying is also creating false or misleading impressions. It is possible to lie by omission. It is possible to lie by redirection. And I can say for myself at least that this form of lying is a lot more common than bearing false witness.
Why can’t we lie? Some things are better left undisclosed until an appropriate time, right?
The verse tells us, also, the reason that we can’t. Because we (the church) are all part of one another. It is hard to create strong relationships in the midst of deception and secrets.
Being a guarded person, this is especially important for me to remember. But are little white lies and quiet omission really that important?
Look back at the verses Paul seems to be quoting from in Zechariah 8:14-17. Twice the prophet says these are words direct from the Lord Almighty. God tells us to speak truth to one another, judge fairly in courts, never plot evil, and never swear falsely. Then he says “I hate all of this.”
In God’s eyes lying is just as bad as swearing falsely and plotting evil.
My application is as simple as the verse--to not lie. And if I do end up lying, I need to make amends not only with God but the one whom I have deceived.
“Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another.” NKJV
What is lying?
Above and beyond bearing false witness with the sole purpose of deception, lying is also creating false or misleading impressions. It is possible to lie by omission. It is possible to lie by redirection. And I can say for myself at least that this form of lying is a lot more common than bearing false witness.
Why can’t we lie? Some things are better left undisclosed until an appropriate time, right?
The verse tells us, also, the reason that we can’t. Because we (the church) are all part of one another. It is hard to create strong relationships in the midst of deception and secrets.
Being a guarded person, this is especially important for me to remember. But are little white lies and quiet omission really that important?
Look back at the verses Paul seems to be quoting from in Zechariah 8:14-17. Twice the prophet says these are words direct from the Lord Almighty. God tells us to speak truth to one another, judge fairly in courts, never plot evil, and never swear falsely. Then he says “I hate all of this.”
In God’s eyes lying is just as bad as swearing falsely and plotting evil.
My application is as simple as the verse--to not lie. And if I do end up lying, I need to make amends not only with God but the one whom I have deceived.
New Life
Ephesians 4:24
“and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” NKJV
If we are to embrace our new Christian life, we must be filled to the brim with the new life lest the old one return to the throne of our hearts.
This verse also mentions that God created our new spiritual bodies. Just as He has hand-crafted each one of our carnal bodies, He has also--with his infinite wisdom and grace--crafted the new lives and new spirits which He has allowed us to take hold of through the cross.
This gift of new life and spirit is the only way to attain true righteousness and holiness.
But what is righteousness? Certainly there have been good people without Jesus!
“There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins.” Ecclesiastes 7:20
To be righteous is to be in accordance with moral law. Certainly non-believers have moral laws which they follow. Just look at pre-conversion Saul (popularly know as Paul). In his mind he was disposing of heretics and keeping the synagogues clean. He was righteous according to his own moral law. However, Ephesians 4:24 says true righteousness. Godly righteousness is the one we cannot attain without Christ, for it is the only true moral law without the corruption of sin.
I should never try to justify myself in the things of this world because there is only one moral law which is right and only one way to attain it--not by chasing after doing right, but chasing after Christ, and through my focus on Him I will do right.
“and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” NKJV
If we are to embrace our new Christian life, we must be filled to the brim with the new life lest the old one return to the throne of our hearts.
This verse also mentions that God created our new spiritual bodies. Just as He has hand-crafted each one of our carnal bodies, He has also--with his infinite wisdom and grace--crafted the new lives and new spirits which He has allowed us to take hold of through the cross.
This gift of new life and spirit is the only way to attain true righteousness and holiness.
But what is righteousness? Certainly there have been good people without Jesus!
“There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins.” Ecclesiastes 7:20
To be righteous is to be in accordance with moral law. Certainly non-believers have moral laws which they follow. Just look at pre-conversion Saul (popularly know as Paul). In his mind he was disposing of heretics and keeping the synagogues clean. He was righteous according to his own moral law. However, Ephesians 4:24 says true righteousness. Godly righteousness is the one we cannot attain without Christ, for it is the only true moral law without the corruption of sin.
I should never try to justify myself in the things of this world because there is only one moral law which is right and only one way to attain it--not by chasing after doing right, but chasing after Christ, and through my focus on Him I will do right.
Renew
Ephesians 4:23
“and be renewed in the spirit of your mind.” NKJV
What is “the spirit of your mind?”
It ranges from your mood or attitude to the outlook you have on situations. So why is that important? Because your new Christian spirit is a lot different than a non-Christian old man one.
My old spirit or mindset was one that looked not at the world as something that was lost and in need of redemption, but as the corruptor of my soul and the enemy of my heart.
But a Christian spirit is one that sees the human race as God does. It sees a man for what he could be and not for what he was or is today. That spirit sees a world in need of redemption and guidance--a world in need of mercy and grace.
A Christian spirit is one that sees the world through God glasses and does not rely upon the eyes of the flesh for interpretation. For example, carnal eyes would see work as menial and frustrating, while the heart of God would be to rejoice in serving others.
Paul tells us to “be renewed” in this Christian worldview and attitude. “Be” implies a continuous action while “renewed” means that not only are we to have a new spirit, wee are to re-new that spirit continually. “To Renew” means to restore to freshness, vigor, or perfection.
Refresh our worldview, return to zeal, and delete impurities, that is what needs to happen in this continual renewal of our spirits. But how? How can I, a lowly and fleshly being take reign over my own soul?
Clicking my heels and chanting “There’s no place like home” every day certainly won’t cut it. No physical act, no matter how well-meaning could accomplish such a task when I’m so prone bouts of apathy and despair.
Galatians 5:16 “… walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
So the key to keeping a godly spirit, I think is to keep God’s Spirit alive and active within me. Departing into sin for me is inevitable one way or another, but as soon as I do I need to repent and seek forgiveness so I may always be in that blessed fellowship with our Lord.
Old Men
Ephesians 4:22
“that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,” NKJV
“You were told, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires.” NIV
We all have had old past identities before we devoted ourselves to Christ. Like a fat unhealthy looking old man, following us about and dictating our thoughts, our desires, and our fears. The old man convinced us to do things that we now know probably weren’t that good for our health--spiritual or otherwise. He told us that in lying, bad situations would be made right. In stealing, our needs would be fulfilled. And, in entertainment, we would be made happy. He told us this, and on some level, all of us listened and believed.
Then came Christ who came with cleansing, and in Him the power of the old man over us was diminished and we could choose a new life. But in order to have that new life we had to sacrifice our old identity. Our old habits, activities, and lifestyle need to be brought to the alter and left there, though it is all too easy to steal them back.
I’ve mentioned often what my old man looked like in this blog. He was an isolated, selfish, distracted little man that had big dreams about publishing novels and making animations. He liked to divide his time between entertainment and selfish dreams.
Right now that man sleeps at the Lord’s alter, and I need to never wake him.
More and more often I feel the Lord telling me that he might never allow me to pick up my pen again--that I need to lay that identity down as a sacrifice and not as a fast. At the end of this year, when my fast is over, I will seek earnestly for the Lord’s heart in this matter. Until then, I will live as though I’ve already committed to giving it up for life.
“that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,” NKJV
“You were told, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires.” NIV
We all have had old past identities before we devoted ourselves to Christ. Like a fat unhealthy looking old man, following us about and dictating our thoughts, our desires, and our fears. The old man convinced us to do things that we now know probably weren’t that good for our health--spiritual or otherwise. He told us that in lying, bad situations would be made right. In stealing, our needs would be fulfilled. And, in entertainment, we would be made happy. He told us this, and on some level, all of us listened and believed.
Then came Christ who came with cleansing, and in Him the power of the old man over us was diminished and we could choose a new life. But in order to have that new life we had to sacrifice our old identity. Our old habits, activities, and lifestyle need to be brought to the alter and left there, though it is all too easy to steal them back.
I’ve mentioned often what my old man looked like in this blog. He was an isolated, selfish, distracted little man that had big dreams about publishing novels and making animations. He liked to divide his time between entertainment and selfish dreams.
Right now that man sleeps at the Lord’s alter, and I need to never wake him.
More and more often I feel the Lord telling me that he might never allow me to pick up my pen again--that I need to lay that identity down as a sacrifice and not as a fast. At the end of this year, when my fast is over, I will seek earnestly for the Lord’s heart in this matter. Until then, I will live as though I’ve already committed to giving it up for life.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Serving and Hospitality
Romans 12:13
“distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.” NKJV
According to the NKJV grammar structure, this and the previous verses were all referring to the phrase in verse 10, “Be kindly affectionate with brotherly love,” and these are just two more steps to doing that sincerely.
Give to those in need in the church and be hospitable. To be hospitable is to “offer a pleasant or sustaining environment.”
So all that I do should be to cater to the needs of my fellow Christians, but beyond that, to work in such a way that does not hinder a brother’s joy, but instead breeds joy.
This is love and devotion.
“distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.” NKJV
According to the NKJV grammar structure, this and the previous verses were all referring to the phrase in verse 10, “Be kindly affectionate with brotherly love,” and these are just two more steps to doing that sincerely.
Give to those in need in the church and be hospitable. To be hospitable is to “offer a pleasant or sustaining environment.”
So all that I do should be to cater to the needs of my fellow Christians, but beyond that, to work in such a way that does not hinder a brother’s joy, but instead breeds joy.
This is love and devotion.
Staying Focused and Praying
Romans 12:12
“rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer,” NKJV
I often lose sight of the great joy we should have always because of what our future with Jesus will be, and how insignificant He made our past mistakes. It is easy for me to get caught up in the world and the fact that Jesus (Who is God!) died for us became just that--a fact. The fact that I’m going to heaven does the same. It’s like God gave me a passport, and like my real passport I know it will get me somewhere someday. Like my real passport, it’s tucked away in some crevice. Not quite forgotten but not on my mind either.
As far as patient in tribulation and continuing steadfastly in prayer goes, I’m patient up ‘til the point when I utter a quick prayer, then I’m too busy worrying about whether I think God will answer to be waiting patiently.
But what can man change in his own heart?
I am going to schedule out a time in my day to pray alone about the state of my heart.
“rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer,” NKJV
I often lose sight of the great joy we should have always because of what our future with Jesus will be, and how insignificant He made our past mistakes. It is easy for me to get caught up in the world and the fact that Jesus (Who is God!) died for us became just that--a fact. The fact that I’m going to heaven does the same. It’s like God gave me a passport, and like my real passport I know it will get me somewhere someday. Like my real passport, it’s tucked away in some crevice. Not quite forgotten but not on my mind either.
As far as patient in tribulation and continuing steadfastly in prayer goes, I’m patient up ‘til the point when I utter a quick prayer, then I’m too busy worrying about whether I think God will answer to be waiting patiently.
But what can man change in his own heart?
I am going to schedule out a time in my day to pray alone about the state of my heart.
Spirtitual Zeal and Cold Places. Update: Falling Away
Romans 12:11
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” NIV
I’ve been to places perfectly contradicting this verse. Having been raised a Christian, I’ve always believed in God and there were very few times I’ve actually doubted His existence or reality. But there have certainly been down times in my relationship with God.
You may have heard me describe my past spiritual life as an energetic horse tethered to a fence--all frisked up, but nowhere to go. At times, I was on fire for God, but looking around I had no idea what to do with that zeal. I couldn’t see any way to untie myself, much less jump the fence. And even if I had managed to get to the other side, I wouldn’t have known where to go. I just knew I had to.
I wish I could say honestly that those were the feelings I had my whole life until coming here, but it is the other times that frighten me the most.
It was at those times that I would burry myself in things of this world. Schoolwork, writing, videogames, you name it, all these things I tried to use to fill myself up, but I only succeeded in digging a deeper grave for my soul. I grew so bored of being tethered there, that I contented myself with the brown and earthly grass that I could reach from where I was. In my own strength, that is all I could manage.
At those times, though I was as busy and superficially happy as ever, I was rotting inside and I could feel it. Hopelessness and dread would set in and I would entertain thoughts that I was morally and logically repulsed by normally.
Luckily God broke my chains when he finally showed me what He was discontenting me for these past several years. But even now I still remember those times of darkness and my greatest fear is that I will slip back into one of those ruts.
My application then is this:
If I ever feel myself dying spiritually, I need to fast and pray for a clear direction in my life.
------
Update:
Okay, I’m going to step out on a ledge here and be really open up with this one. As you probably realize, we write these during the week but we normally only get a chance to update them on weekends. The evening after the time I wrote this--the very same day--I fell into one of those ruts. It was as if Satan was listening and said, “Okay, let’s put that conviction to the test, shall we?”
Needless to say, I failed that test. I gave in and broke an oath to my Lord. The worst part about it was that by the end of the night I was steeped in a deep pool of apathy. By morning I was still in sin. I had been putting off praying, and I had been putting off doing IBS because I knew I had to pray before beginning that as well. I finally had to get my IBS done, so I had to pray, but it felt wrong to ask for forgiveness. It felt wrong because I didn’t even care that I had sinned. How could I ask the God of creation for forgiveness when I didn’t even regret what I did wrong? Well I had to before doing IBS so I finally did. I also asked Him to make me regret that sin, and to break my heart for it because I felt nothing. I felt like I did when I would drown myself in the world. The only redeeming thing I could say about myself at that time is that I knew and had faith that the Lord would bring me again to my knees--when and how was up to Him.
Of course, the God we serve is gracious and merciful beyond words. I can’t believe the revival he put into my heart that day. I wept and I prayed nearly the whole time. God answers prayer in amazing ways. At the end of the day I had the opportunity to ask Pastor Mike how he keeps from falling away. The answer he gave was this: Write down what causes you to sin. Then draw a line (figuratively he demonstrated this on the carpet). Then walk ten feet away, and don’t cross that line.
That’s really great for the practical physical sins that are plaguing me, and I’m glad I got the chance to ask him, though I was afraid.
Then, later that day in bible study, just three verses after our study verse, I read Galatians 5:16. “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” NKJV. I don’t even know why I read down there, but I felt I needed to… in the middle of discussion. God is merciful. I didn’t even ask Him to show me how to avoid the sin in my mind, which is what caused me to stumble.
So my new application is this. Each time I feel that temptation, I need to pray. When I feel it again, I need to close my eyes, bow my head, and pray again for the Lord to fill me with His Spirit. I find myself often repeating the prayer, “Lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from the evil one.” (The Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6)
And for the things that cause me to fall away that are not in my head, I need to do as Pastor Mike suggested. I’ve already started my list, now I need to write it out and make it official and draw those lines.
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” NIV
I’ve been to places perfectly contradicting this verse. Having been raised a Christian, I’ve always believed in God and there were very few times I’ve actually doubted His existence or reality. But there have certainly been down times in my relationship with God.
You may have heard me describe my past spiritual life as an energetic horse tethered to a fence--all frisked up, but nowhere to go. At times, I was on fire for God, but looking around I had no idea what to do with that zeal. I couldn’t see any way to untie myself, much less jump the fence. And even if I had managed to get to the other side, I wouldn’t have known where to go. I just knew I had to.
I wish I could say honestly that those were the feelings I had my whole life until coming here, but it is the other times that frighten me the most.
It was at those times that I would burry myself in things of this world. Schoolwork, writing, videogames, you name it, all these things I tried to use to fill myself up, but I only succeeded in digging a deeper grave for my soul. I grew so bored of being tethered there, that I contented myself with the brown and earthly grass that I could reach from where I was. In my own strength, that is all I could manage.
At those times, though I was as busy and superficially happy as ever, I was rotting inside and I could feel it. Hopelessness and dread would set in and I would entertain thoughts that I was morally and logically repulsed by normally.
Luckily God broke my chains when he finally showed me what He was discontenting me for these past several years. But even now I still remember those times of darkness and my greatest fear is that I will slip back into one of those ruts.
My application then is this:
If I ever feel myself dying spiritually, I need to fast and pray for a clear direction in my life.
------
Update:
Okay, I’m going to step out on a ledge here and be really open up with this one. As you probably realize, we write these during the week but we normally only get a chance to update them on weekends. The evening after the time I wrote this--the very same day--I fell into one of those ruts. It was as if Satan was listening and said, “Okay, let’s put that conviction to the test, shall we?”
Needless to say, I failed that test. I gave in and broke an oath to my Lord. The worst part about it was that by the end of the night I was steeped in a deep pool of apathy. By morning I was still in sin. I had been putting off praying, and I had been putting off doing IBS because I knew I had to pray before beginning that as well. I finally had to get my IBS done, so I had to pray, but it felt wrong to ask for forgiveness. It felt wrong because I didn’t even care that I had sinned. How could I ask the God of creation for forgiveness when I didn’t even regret what I did wrong? Well I had to before doing IBS so I finally did. I also asked Him to make me regret that sin, and to break my heart for it because I felt nothing. I felt like I did when I would drown myself in the world. The only redeeming thing I could say about myself at that time is that I knew and had faith that the Lord would bring me again to my knees--when and how was up to Him.
Of course, the God we serve is gracious and merciful beyond words. I can’t believe the revival he put into my heart that day. I wept and I prayed nearly the whole time. God answers prayer in amazing ways. At the end of the day I had the opportunity to ask Pastor Mike how he keeps from falling away. The answer he gave was this: Write down what causes you to sin. Then draw a line (figuratively he demonstrated this on the carpet). Then walk ten feet away, and don’t cross that line.
That’s really great for the practical physical sins that are plaguing me, and I’m glad I got the chance to ask him, though I was afraid.
Then, later that day in bible study, just three verses after our study verse, I read Galatians 5:16. “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” NKJV. I don’t even know why I read down there, but I felt I needed to… in the middle of discussion. God is merciful. I didn’t even ask Him to show me how to avoid the sin in my mind, which is what caused me to stumble.
So my new application is this. Each time I feel that temptation, I need to pray. When I feel it again, I need to close my eyes, bow my head, and pray again for the Lord to fill me with His Spirit. I find myself often repeating the prayer, “Lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from the evil one.” (The Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6)
And for the things that cause me to fall away that are not in my head, I need to do as Pastor Mike suggested. I’ve already started my list, now I need to write it out and make it official and draw those lines.
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