God has such a sense of humor when we try to ignore the lessons He is trying to teach us.Being self-centered and selfish has always been am issue for me. While I thought it was getting better, or that I was through Christ overcoming this sin of the flesh, once again - WAKE UP CALL BY GOD!!!
The Tuesday before Christmas, I was driving to work listening to K-Love, lost in my own thoughts, selfish "poor me" thoughts. I was concerned about getting a check in the mail that day, to "generously" give to my kids so they could go buy presents for me. See I had taken them the Saturday before to pick up presents for everyone else on their list. As we shopped Saturday, I made a point to tell the kids exactly what I wanted, showing them as we shopped for others. Lots of options were provided. I was thinking that if the check didn't come, Christmas was not going to be good for me and I was thinking about what presents I was going to get - completely selfish and self-centered.
Then I get into Joplin and started to listen to the radio again, because I can't be lost in my own thought. This call comes through the broadcast, a mother talking to the DJ about a conversation with her four year old about the true meaning of Christmas. The mother had told the child that Jesus is the reason that we receive gift. The child asked about the children who do not get presents. The mother used that opportunity to talk about giving and how God uses people to give the love of Jesus in tangible ways to other. Then the four year old told his mother that he wants to give all his gifts to kids who don't get one because he wants to make sure kids know the love of Jesus and what Christmas is really about - OKAY reality check by radio that morning. If a four year old can get it, there is no reason that I should be so selfish, when Christmas is really about Jesus. So I repent on the walk into work, and go about my day. So the check comes, as scheduled. Then the kids go shopping.
Fast-forward to Wednesday night. Laurin comes to get me and is not very good at keeping a secret. She starts dropping hints and then finally just came out and told me what she got me - something that was on the list of DO NOT BUY THIS for me, I do not want it. Then she tells me what Billie Jo wanted to get me, which again was on my DO NOT BUY THIS for me list, which Laurin had told Billie Jo. That started my "poor me" temper tantrum. Then Tim calls and was upset Laurin had not answered his call. He was texting her about my Christmas, and was not having any luck find the things I requested at Wal-Mart and did not want to have to drive an hour to a location where he could get it. Not sure what the conversation was between the two, but it was about what I wanted - which I had also told him and showed him and provided a written list. This just fueled my flame and made me continue my what about what I want and how no one listens to me. Then Tim calls me about my plans for Wednesday evening and again it is clear that he has not listened to anything I said. So I spent the hour drive home throwing a little fit, came home and threw a little bit more. Finally I decided to quit my pity party, but still had a little resentment about it.
At night I do my Bible reading, and Had been working on I John. I was in chapter 4. I was tired, and the lights were off, so I wanted to just use my cell phone, I have the entire Bible available. I clicked on The book I John and then chapter 4. Oddly, that is not what came up. Instead it was "Since Jesus went through everything you're going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you'll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want. " I Peter 4:1-2 I stopped reading after the 2nd verse and just told God I was sorry, and laughed at his sense of humor.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
He did it all
Jesus was able to clear the temple of the thieves and yet captivate the audience.
He was able to share God's message of love with those who sought it, yet convict those who merely pretended.
He was able to stand against those who came against Him, despite the fact that those who came against Him were afraid of the opinion that those he taught had.
Jesus was able to call the religious out, without stooping to their level. He was able to amaze and silence them by His response.
He was able to share God's message of love with those who sought it, yet convict those who merely pretended.
He was able to stand against those who came against Him, despite the fact that those who came against Him were afraid of the opinion that those he taught had.
Jesus was able to call the religious out, without stooping to their level. He was able to amaze and silence them by His response.
The Price Paid
I John 2:2 states "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for our sins, but for the sins of the whole world."
As I read that tonight, it really sunk in to me that Jesus has already paid the price, as the atoning sacrifice for our sins, not just the sins of Christians - but of everyone, for everything that has already been done and is yet to be done, confessed and unconfessed. The price was paid in full that day on Calvery.
I think for the most part, we tend to categorize sins. We say one thing is worse than another. A white lie is much less harmful than murder. Disobedience is better than stealing. Drugs are worse than alcohol. But the fact is, disobedience is what started the world on the path to destruction. And a white lie alone, if it was the only sin ever done, would have separated us from God, and Christ still would have had to pay the ultimate price to bridge that gap.
The way I see it, Jesus paid the price and is just waiting for us to cash in on it (So to speak). It is like He wrote this check, made payable in full for each one of us. But like any check, its value can not be felt until it is cashed. He wrote the check that day on Calvary and the only "CASH BY" date is the day we die. Since no one is given a stamp on the bottom of the foot that tells their expiration date, we need to accept the price that was paid for us and start living our life to the fullest. We need to share the price that was paid, and the forgiveness that is available with the whole world - even those that we secretly hope won't accept the price paid.
As I read that tonight, it really sunk in to me that Jesus has already paid the price, as the atoning sacrifice for our sins, not just the sins of Christians - but of everyone, for everything that has already been done and is yet to be done, confessed and unconfessed. The price was paid in full that day on Calvery.
I think for the most part, we tend to categorize sins. We say one thing is worse than another. A white lie is much less harmful than murder. Disobedience is better than stealing. Drugs are worse than alcohol. But the fact is, disobedience is what started the world on the path to destruction. And a white lie alone, if it was the only sin ever done, would have separated us from God, and Christ still would have had to pay the ultimate price to bridge that gap.
The way I see it, Jesus paid the price and is just waiting for us to cash in on it (So to speak). It is like He wrote this check, made payable in full for each one of us. But like any check, its value can not be felt until it is cashed. He wrote the check that day on Calvary and the only "CASH BY" date is the day we die. Since no one is given a stamp on the bottom of the foot that tells their expiration date, we need to accept the price that was paid for us and start living our life to the fullest. We need to share the price that was paid, and the forgiveness that is available with the whole world - even those that we secretly hope won't accept the price paid.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Because You said so
So many times growing up I remember my mom saying "Because I said so" in response to my endless questions of why. Or to my complaints or excuses as I tried to get out of 'whatever' I was doing or not doing at the time. I truly hated that response. Yet, often I find myself resorting to those same words with my children. Oh, how I long for the day when my kids will say "I got it done, because you said so."
An interesting story in the Bible is found in Luke 5, it is the story of Peter's calling. Jesus is teaching people all around. Jesus says (My paraphrasing) "Hey, let me borrow your boat so I can sit down and teach." Without question, Peter did it.
Then Jesus teaches and preaches to the people around. When he is finished, He returns his attention back to Peter. Jesus tells him to go back out in the deep water and let down his nets. Peter tells Jesus why he shouldn't do this, but still says "I'll do i because you said so."
When Peter obeyed, the response was more than He expected. It was such a big response that his partners, and other boats around were blessed also - out of his overflow.
What a lesson - when God's Word, or even that still small voice inside us tells us to do something - even if it seems insignificant or something we have done before without response, we need to obey because " He said So." You never know what that simple act of obedience will bring, who will be touched or how much will be accomplished.
An interesting story in the Bible is found in Luke 5, it is the story of Peter's calling. Jesus is teaching people all around. Jesus says (My paraphrasing) "Hey, let me borrow your boat so I can sit down and teach." Without question, Peter did it.
Then Jesus teaches and preaches to the people around. When he is finished, He returns his attention back to Peter. Jesus tells him to go back out in the deep water and let down his nets. Peter tells Jesus why he shouldn't do this, but still says "I'll do i because you said so."
When Peter obeyed, the response was more than He expected. It was such a big response that his partners, and other boats around were blessed also - out of his overflow.
What a lesson - when God's Word, or even that still small voice inside us tells us to do something - even if it seems insignificant or something we have done before without response, we need to obey because " He said So." You never know what that simple act of obedience will bring, who will be touched or how much will be accomplished.
Great Escapes
Luke 4 tells of different times in the Lord's life where he made a "great escape."
Luke 4:1-13 Jesus escaped to the wilderness to be tempted, but also to receive power. When we are able to go through trials and tribulations and escape the entrapment of those times 0 then we are refreshed and filled with power from the Holy Spirit.
Luke 4:14-27 Jesus went on to Nazareth, his hometown. There are times in life where we need to get away from the things of this world and just be at home.
Jesus also during this time went to the synagogue. This can represent our modern day church. It is important that we escape to the presence of God, a time of prayer and worship. A time to focus on God's word.
Luke 4:28 - 30 Jesus escaped death. The crowd was angry at him. But he was able to talk right through them. If God be for you, who can stand against you. There may be times that we face persecution, but through Christ, we can stand against it and escape.
A few other examples:
Luke 4:35, 41 Jesus escaped or helped others and the work of the enemy. We too must take time to help others and break away from the work of the enemy.
Luke 4:39, 40 Jesus helped others escape illness. We to can have the power through the Holy Spirit and work don on the cross to pray and help others receive healing.
Luke 4:38 Jesus escaped to the home of a friend. It is important that we take time for friends.
Luke 4:42 Jesus escaped to solitude. Sometimes we just need to get alone.
Luke 4:43 - 44 Jesus escaped to help others. Sometimes despite the demands on our life, we are going to have to escape to spend time helping others.
Luke 4:1-13 Jesus escaped to the wilderness to be tempted, but also to receive power. When we are able to go through trials and tribulations and escape the entrapment of those times 0 then we are refreshed and filled with power from the Holy Spirit.
Luke 4:14-27 Jesus went on to Nazareth, his hometown. There are times in life where we need to get away from the things of this world and just be at home.
Jesus also during this time went to the synagogue. This can represent our modern day church. It is important that we escape to the presence of God, a time of prayer and worship. A time to focus on God's word.
Luke 4:28 - 30 Jesus escaped death. The crowd was angry at him. But he was able to talk right through them. If God be for you, who can stand against you. There may be times that we face persecution, but through Christ, we can stand against it and escape.
A few other examples:
Luke 4:35, 41 Jesus escaped or helped others and the work of the enemy. We too must take time to help others and break away from the work of the enemy.
Luke 4:39, 40 Jesus helped others escape illness. We to can have the power through the Holy Spirit and work don on the cross to pray and help others receive healing.
Luke 4:38 Jesus escaped to the home of a friend. It is important that we take time for friends.
Luke 4:42 Jesus escaped to solitude. Sometimes we just need to get alone.
Luke 4:43 - 44 Jesus escaped to help others. Sometimes despite the demands on our life, we are going to have to escape to spend time helping others.
Fullness and Power
Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit when he went into the desert. The Holy Spirit led him there to be tempted forty days and forty nights. (Luke 4:1-2).
So many times, I think of this time in Jesus' life and I think He fasted for forty days and then the devil came to him with the three temptations that are told. But the Bible actually says that he was tempted by the devil for forty days and he didn't eat during that time.
There are so many things that I find fascinating about this story. One being that Jesus was FULL of the Holy Spirit. Even being full, he still fasted during this time to overcome the flesh of being tempted.
Second, he went there to be tempted. He was led by the Holy Spirit to the desert where he would be tempted.
We know that Jesus lived a perfect life, and that he overcame the temptations without sin.
But that is not the end of the story. Luke 4:14 states that Jesus returned with the POWER of the Holy Spirit. That tells me that I can be full of the Holy Spirit and not walk in the power that comes from the Holy Spirit. It was only after Jesus came out on the other side of the temptation that he walked in that power of the Holy Spirit.
The fullness of the Spirit will sustain us through the trials and temptations. The power of the Holy Spirit will be received when we show that we can withstand the trials and temptations we face.
So many times, I think of this time in Jesus' life and I think He fasted for forty days and then the devil came to him with the three temptations that are told. But the Bible actually says that he was tempted by the devil for forty days and he didn't eat during that time.
There are so many things that I find fascinating about this story. One being that Jesus was FULL of the Holy Spirit. Even being full, he still fasted during this time to overcome the flesh of being tempted.
Second, he went there to be tempted. He was led by the Holy Spirit to the desert where he would be tempted.
We know that Jesus lived a perfect life, and that he overcame the temptations without sin.
But that is not the end of the story. Luke 4:14 states that Jesus returned with the POWER of the Holy Spirit. That tells me that I can be full of the Holy Spirit and not walk in the power that comes from the Holy Spirit. It was only after Jesus came out on the other side of the temptation that he walked in that power of the Holy Spirit.
The fullness of the Spirit will sustain us through the trials and temptations. The power of the Holy Spirit will be received when we show that we can withstand the trials and temptations we face.
Right Living
Luke 3:8 states prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.
Our lives here on earth will never be perfectly lives, as we are sinful by nature. However, when we become Christians and repent of our sins, our life should show that to others. As we turn to God, those sins of habitual nature should lessen and cease. People should be able to look at our lives before and after Christ and see a difference.
Yes, we are forgiven, but our life should demonstrate change and growth. Our live should have fruit that shows we are Christ's chosen. If it does not, we will eventually be shopped down and cast into the fire (Luke 3:9).
Our lives here on earth will never be perfectly lives, as we are sinful by nature. However, when we become Christians and repent of our sins, our life should show that to others. As we turn to God, those sins of habitual nature should lessen and cease. People should be able to look at our lives before and after Christ and see a difference.
Yes, we are forgiven, but our life should demonstrate change and growth. Our live should have fruit that shows we are Christ's chosen. If it does not, we will eventually be shopped down and cast into the fire (Luke 3:9).
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