When things are going sideways for a child of God, one might assume they are under spiritual attack. And, that could be true as Satan can "sift you as wheat" (Lk 22:31). However, it could also be true that "God is disciplining you as a child" (Heb 12:4-13) or that you are simply "reaping what you have sown" Gal 6:7).
The point is that we cannot not afford to simply jump to conclusions about the trials or tribulations in our lives. Satan may being trying to restrain you from doing good or God could be trying to restrain you for your good. When we are facing trials, we need to take the time to discern whether it is an attack from Satan against which we must take a stand as described in Ephesians 6:10-20 or it is growth opportunity from God under which we should take a knee.
Challenging circumstances could be Satan's deed to stop you or it could be God saying you need to stop - it could be an attack or an adjustment. In response, we need to resist jumping to a conclusion and instead dive into the Word of God, taking time to pray, reflect and talk to trusted others in the faith to determine what our response ought to be to the trial - resist or repent. Jus' Say'n.
Friday, February 10, 2017
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Content
With all the marching, protesting and even rioting going on, one thing seems certain: There are a good number of discontent and disgruntled people in this country, which I find interesting considering we are the envy of the world and people are daily risking their lives to get here.
I suspect that what we complain about would cause a very puzzled reaction to much of the globe. For instance, do you suppose women in Islamic states understand American women complaining about women's rights in a country where women are doctors, lawyers, CEOs, Senators and such? Do you suppose that third world poor understand our unskilled workers complaining about making more money than their doctors? Do you suppose a world that largely has no opportunity for education understands our complaints about not having free college?
Even when things are difficult as sometime difficulties will befall us, is complaining the answer? Is registering our discontent the solution to raising our quality of life? Is there not a better way to address life than to wallow in self-pity and rail against the challenges it deposits in our laps? Let me share the biblical alternative of a winning outlook over a whining attitude:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:4-7).
Don't rail; rejoice! Don't be grumpy; be gentle. Don't be anxious; be asking God in prayer for His peace. While you pray for answers and work to overcome adversity, learn to be content with what God allows for now, looking to Christ for the blessings he has in store rather than focus on the unpleasant or difficult passages you endure for a season.
Listen to how the apostle Paul faced all of life:: "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength" (vv. 12-13). Regardless of what stared him down, he kept his eyes on Jesus, who is the source of joy and strength. He challenges us to do the same. Jus' Say'n.
I suspect that what we complain about would cause a very puzzled reaction to much of the globe. For instance, do you suppose women in Islamic states understand American women complaining about women's rights in a country where women are doctors, lawyers, CEOs, Senators and such? Do you suppose that third world poor understand our unskilled workers complaining about making more money than their doctors? Do you suppose a world that largely has no opportunity for education understands our complaints about not having free college?
Even when things are difficult as sometime difficulties will befall us, is complaining the answer? Is registering our discontent the solution to raising our quality of life? Is there not a better way to address life than to wallow in self-pity and rail against the challenges it deposits in our laps? Let me share the biblical alternative of a winning outlook over a whining attitude:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:4-7).
Don't rail; rejoice! Don't be grumpy; be gentle. Don't be anxious; be asking God in prayer for His peace. While you pray for answers and work to overcome adversity, learn to be content with what God allows for now, looking to Christ for the blessings he has in store rather than focus on the unpleasant or difficult passages you endure for a season.
Listen to how the apostle Paul faced all of life:: "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength" (vv. 12-13). Regardless of what stared him down, he kept his eyes on Jesus, who is the source of joy and strength. He challenges us to do the same. Jus' Say'n.
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Steps
In Romans 14:23, the apostle Paul wrote, "But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin." This passage obviously teaches that to do things you don't believe to be right or from truth is sin. However, there is a deeper message yet when we interpret it in context.
The context is found in verses that precede, which read in part, "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble" (vv. 19-20).
Did you notice the "therefore" following the imperative "let us"? In chapter 14, Paul was dealing with the controversy of eating meat sacrificed to idols. To some it was just fine, to others it was just foul. The question became a point of contention causing division in the body of Christ. Though Paul was on the side of freedom to consume such meat, he was opposed to causing division on a non-essential matter: whether you ate this meat or not was unimportant so don't make it an issue.
The greater point is that we ought to make life choices that stem from our faith and trust in God, and with deference to his kingdom. To act out of personal choice alone, disregarding what our faith in God's righteous will is sinful. To indulge in something not sinful in itself but hurtful to the weaker members of the body of Christ is wrong and therefore sinful.
The overall context is how one chooses to live not simply personal choices about doctrine or ritual. For instance forgiveness over retribution, encouragement over discouragement, acceptance over judgment are all matters of acting in faith rather than reacting from feeling. That which comes from our selfish base desires rather than our selfless desire to serve God is sin. Following in the steps of Jesus is faith; stepping out following our base nature is sin. Jus' Say'n.
The context is found in verses that precede, which read in part, "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble" (vv. 19-20).
Did you notice the "therefore" following the imperative "let us"? In chapter 14, Paul was dealing with the controversy of eating meat sacrificed to idols. To some it was just fine, to others it was just foul. The question became a point of contention causing division in the body of Christ. Though Paul was on the side of freedom to consume such meat, he was opposed to causing division on a non-essential matter: whether you ate this meat or not was unimportant so don't make it an issue.
The greater point is that we ought to make life choices that stem from our faith and trust in God, and with deference to his kingdom. To act out of personal choice alone, disregarding what our faith in God's righteous will is sinful. To indulge in something not sinful in itself but hurtful to the weaker members of the body of Christ is wrong and therefore sinful.
The overall context is how one chooses to live not simply personal choices about doctrine or ritual. For instance forgiveness over retribution, encouragement over discouragement, acceptance over judgment are all matters of acting in faith rather than reacting from feeling. That which comes from our selfish base desires rather than our selfless desire to serve God is sin. Following in the steps of Jesus is faith; stepping out following our base nature is sin. Jus' Say'n.
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Night Songs
Job wrote, "People cry out under a load of oppression; they plead for relief from the arm of the powerful. But no one says, 'Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night'" (35:9-10). The gist of his words is that while people cry out to God in their struggles, they tend to cry out questioning why He would allow their calamity and plead with Him to bring an end to it, rather than seek God in the struggle.
There is a distinct difference in crying out to God and crying out for God. In the one case, we assume that our problem is misplaced and needs to be fixed or we need to be removed from it. In the next case, we assume that God has something in store for us that comes as we endure the hardship and travel down that stretch of bad road.
The second notion is that of James the brother of Jesus who said, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (1:2-4).
The biblical reality that both Job and James are teaching is that God being in control can control the outcome of adversity. And, even in situations where we can see nothing good arising, we are promised that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Rom 8:28).
Looking back, I can see how God has been walking with me, providing me strength, giving me wisdom, developing my faith, increasing me as disciple of Christ, not in spite of the challenges but through and in the challenges.
Your financial difficulty may be an opportunity to develop your trust in God. Your loss may enrich your appreciation of what you have. Your pain may increase your perseverance. The very obstacles you are facing right now may be stepping stones to a better you.
God does provide songs in the night - melodies that bring us increase in and through a dark time. Rather than cry out for relief from the struggle, why not try crying out for release in the struggle - release of the power of the Spirit to cover you and cause you to lift up your head knowing that God's got this and that He has you, that He can bless you in the middle of the storm. Jus' Say'n.
There is a distinct difference in crying out to God and crying out for God. In the one case, we assume that our problem is misplaced and needs to be fixed or we need to be removed from it. In the next case, we assume that God has something in store for us that comes as we endure the hardship and travel down that stretch of bad road.
The second notion is that of James the brother of Jesus who said, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (1:2-4).
The biblical reality that both Job and James are teaching is that God being in control can control the outcome of adversity. And, even in situations where we can see nothing good arising, we are promised that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Rom 8:28).
Looking back, I can see how God has been walking with me, providing me strength, giving me wisdom, developing my faith, increasing me as disciple of Christ, not in spite of the challenges but through and in the challenges.
Your financial difficulty may be an opportunity to develop your trust in God. Your loss may enrich your appreciation of what you have. Your pain may increase your perseverance. The very obstacles you are facing right now may be stepping stones to a better you.
God does provide songs in the night - melodies that bring us increase in and through a dark time. Rather than cry out for relief from the struggle, why not try crying out for release in the struggle - release of the power of the Spirit to cover you and cause you to lift up your head knowing that God's got this and that He has you, that He can bless you in the middle of the storm. Jus' Say'n.
Monday, February 6, 2017
Power For What?
Ephesians 3:20 tells us that God "can do more than we can ask or imagine." However, have you every wondered "Do what about what?" Does this verse reveal an unqualified source of power or is there some kind of qualifier on its use and purpose?
Actually, there is a very specific purpose: that "He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts..." (Eph 3:16, 17). In order for the Spirit of Christ to live in us, we need power from on high.
One cannot study enough, pray enough, give enough, teach enough or whatever enough to become good enough to be a Sanctuary for the Holy Spirit - only the power of God, through Christ can make that happen - only GRACE: God's Redemption At Christ's Expense, can make one holy.
What is more than we can ask or imagine is to become as holy as Christ himself. And the only power that can make that possible is the very Spirit of God, who dwells within the body of Christ, which is the church made up of the spirit-filled children of God: "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?" (1 Cor 3:16).
The power is meant for so much more than getting what we want or doing what we desire, it is the power to become what we need to be: One with Christ! Jus' Say'n.
Actually, there is a very specific purpose: that "He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts..." (Eph 3:16, 17). In order for the Spirit of Christ to live in us, we need power from on high.
One cannot study enough, pray enough, give enough, teach enough or whatever enough to become good enough to be a Sanctuary for the Holy Spirit - only the power of God, through Christ can make that happen - only GRACE: God's Redemption At Christ's Expense, can make one holy.
What is more than we can ask or imagine is to become as holy as Christ himself. And the only power that can make that possible is the very Spirit of God, who dwells within the body of Christ, which is the church made up of the spirit-filled children of God: "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?" (1 Cor 3:16).
The power is meant for so much more than getting what we want or doing what we desire, it is the power to become what we need to be: One with Christ! Jus' Say'n.
Friday, February 3, 2017
Giving and Receiving
The apostle Paul wrote, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:19). This passage has become a catch phrase for many. It catches their attention and they latch on to the promise but often do not catch the full meaning.
We tend to catch the part about God meeting all our needs without latching on to the fact that the conjunction "and" precedes the promise. So often the premise connected to the promise is simply overlooked. We catch hold of the part where God meets his children's needs but miss the part where they had been supplying Paul in his mission.
Paul was acknowledging how much they had helped him and was assuring them that God would not forget their generosity and in turn would ensure they were fully supplied as well. His words are reminiscent of the promise Jesus made, "I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward" (Mk 9:41).
The point being is that God wants us to be generous because he is generous and as we live out this life of generosity, he will supply all our needs so that we do not suffer loss from sharing with others. When the Spirit places a need upon our heart, we can respond generously to,that need knowing that God will not fail to, in turn, meet our needs.
God does care and he will provide but he does not want us to just be on the receiving end as that would diminish us and rob us of the grace of meeting the needs of others, missing the truth that "it is more blessed to give than receive" (Acts 20:35).
One additional point is that God is not teaching us to give so that we can receive, rather that what we receive from him is provided so that we may give. Remember, the real blessing is not in the getting but in the getting. Jus' Say'n.
We tend to catch the part about God meeting all our needs without latching on to the fact that the conjunction "and" precedes the promise. So often the premise connected to the promise is simply overlooked. We catch hold of the part where God meets his children's needs but miss the part where they had been supplying Paul in his mission.
Paul was acknowledging how much they had helped him and was assuring them that God would not forget their generosity and in turn would ensure they were fully supplied as well. His words are reminiscent of the promise Jesus made, "I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward" (Mk 9:41).
The point being is that God wants us to be generous because he is generous and as we live out this life of generosity, he will supply all our needs so that we do not suffer loss from sharing with others. When the Spirit places a need upon our heart, we can respond generously to,that need knowing that God will not fail to, in turn, meet our needs.
God does care and he will provide but he does not want us to just be on the receiving end as that would diminish us and rob us of the grace of meeting the needs of others, missing the truth that "it is more blessed to give than receive" (Acts 20:35).
One additional point is that God is not teaching us to give so that we can receive, rather that what we receive from him is provided so that we may give. Remember, the real blessing is not in the getting but in the getting. Jus' Say'n.
Thursday, February 2, 2017
Leaving Behind
Speaking of the call God had upon him, the apostle Paul wrote: "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:13-14).
Paul was encouraging us to, as he did, leave behind our former lives outside of Christ, to not rest on our former accomplishments and to not allow our former failures to hold us back. We are new in Christ and what came before is not only unimportant but can hold us back or tie us down. Pride of past accomplishments and regret of past failures can equally become stumbling blocks. Our sights should be squarely on Jesus and the path he lays out before us.
As important as leaving behind the achievements and failures are to following Christ, there is one other, even more important leaving behind: Leave behind your personal dreams of how things ought to go and are to be. If you have your life all mapped out, how can you follow the path God has laid before you?
Why would one even look for road markers if he is following his personal GPS to a pre-determined place or outcome? How is there to be room for God's direction if your life is self-directed? God may indeed lead you to a life of which you dreamed, but if you are taking yourself there, how can you be sure it is the life or the calling that comes from God?
My point is that part of the leaving behind Paul speaks of is that of self-rule, which disallows accepting the rule of God. If you have planned out your life in full, where is there room for God's plan? So, from a biblical perspective, leaving behind includes abandoning what you may have sat out ahead in order to reach what God has sat before you. Jus' Say'n.
Paul was encouraging us to, as he did, leave behind our former lives outside of Christ, to not rest on our former accomplishments and to not allow our former failures to hold us back. We are new in Christ and what came before is not only unimportant but can hold us back or tie us down. Pride of past accomplishments and regret of past failures can equally become stumbling blocks. Our sights should be squarely on Jesus and the path he lays out before us.
As important as leaving behind the achievements and failures are to following Christ, there is one other, even more important leaving behind: Leave behind your personal dreams of how things ought to go and are to be. If you have your life all mapped out, how can you follow the path God has laid before you?
Why would one even look for road markers if he is following his personal GPS to a pre-determined place or outcome? How is there to be room for God's direction if your life is self-directed? God may indeed lead you to a life of which you dreamed, but if you are taking yourself there, how can you be sure it is the life or the calling that comes from God?
My point is that part of the leaving behind Paul speaks of is that of self-rule, which disallows accepting the rule of God. If you have planned out your life in full, where is there room for God's plan? So, from a biblical perspective, leaving behind includes abandoning what you may have sat out ahead in order to reach what God has sat before you. Jus' Say'n.
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