27 Marks Of A Christian - Romans 12:9-21
This passage jumped out at me as I was in my devotions this morning. These are the things that should be part of my "normal" day by day walk. Read through each of these characteristics and give yourself a "yes" or a "no." This will make you think about whether you are living the Christian life as God intended you to live it.
1. Let love be genuine.
2. Abhor what is evil.
3. Hold fast to what is good.
4. Love one another with brotherly affection.
5. Outdo one another in showing honor.
6. Do not be slothful in zeal.
7. Be fervent in spirit.
8. Serve The Lord.
9. Rejoice in hope.
10. Be patient in tribulation.
11. Be constant in prayer.
12. Contribute to the needs of saints.
13. Show hospitality.
14. Bless those who curse you and do not curse them.
15. Rejoice with those who rejoice.
16. Weep with those who weep.
17. Live in harmony with one another.
18. Do not be haughty.
19. Associate with the lowly.
20. Never be wise in your own sight.
21. Repay no one evil for evil.
22. Give thought to what is honorable in the sight of all.
23. If possible, live at peace with all men.
24. Never avenge ourselves.
25. If your enemy is hungry - feed him.
26. If your enemy is thirsty - give him something to drink.
27. Do not be overcome with evil but overcome evil with good.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Victorious Over Trials
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35, 37-39 ESV)
Like most people I have endured my share of trials and troubles. And, if I allow myself to dwell on those things - it could be very overwhelming. God didn't promise this life would be trouble/trial free. Instead, He tells us often that in the world you will have tribulation and trial and difficulty. But that is not the end of the story for God also promises us something else - victory through the power of Christ. These trials/ troubles will not have the last word and they don't define the last word with Christ. In fact, they bring us closer to the love of Christ and they make us much stronger. He tells us in this passage that we are "more than conquerors through Christ who loves us." (He) Christ gives us the power to be victorious through the power of the Holy Spirit on a day by day experience. Often we feel like David who said in Psalm 55:6 - "I wish I had wings like a dove and fly away and rest." We want to run away and not deal with the things that are pressing us. Yet, God tells us that trials produce in us a fortitude and a strength and a patience that we would not have without the pressure of those trials. In the High Desert we get lots of wind which causes the roots of trees to go very deep in the earth. Without the constant pressure of the wind - the trees would not be able to stand against the elements of heat and cold and adversity that defines the High Desert terrain. After Jesus was crucified there came an intense persecution on the church where many were martyred for their faith - but that strategy began to backfire on the Roman government. What they thought was going to make the Christians weak and make the Christian movement to dissolve had a completely opposite effect - they got stronger, much stronger. They grew. They allowed their roots to go deep. They sang praises to God as persecutions grew stronger and stronger. It is no different with us today. Whatever trial you might be facing, if you allow God to be "in" you - you will be stronger and stronger as things get tougher and tougher. Remember, there is nothing that can separate you from the love of God. Nothing. Keep your eyes on Him and you will be a victorious conqueror.
Like most people I have endured my share of trials and troubles. And, if I allow myself to dwell on those things - it could be very overwhelming. God didn't promise this life would be trouble/trial free. Instead, He tells us often that in the world you will have tribulation and trial and difficulty. But that is not the end of the story for God also promises us something else - victory through the power of Christ. These trials/ troubles will not have the last word and they don't define the last word with Christ. In fact, they bring us closer to the love of Christ and they make us much stronger. He tells us in this passage that we are "more than conquerors through Christ who loves us." (He) Christ gives us the power to be victorious through the power of the Holy Spirit on a day by day experience. Often we feel like David who said in Psalm 55:6 - "I wish I had wings like a dove and fly away and rest." We want to run away and not deal with the things that are pressing us. Yet, God tells us that trials produce in us a fortitude and a strength and a patience that we would not have without the pressure of those trials. In the High Desert we get lots of wind which causes the roots of trees to go very deep in the earth. Without the constant pressure of the wind - the trees would not be able to stand against the elements of heat and cold and adversity that defines the High Desert terrain. After Jesus was crucified there came an intense persecution on the church where many were martyred for their faith - but that strategy began to backfire on the Roman government. What they thought was going to make the Christians weak and make the Christian movement to dissolve had a completely opposite effect - they got stronger, much stronger. They grew. They allowed their roots to go deep. They sang praises to God as persecutions grew stronger and stronger. It is no different with us today. Whatever trial you might be facing, if you allow God to be "in" you - you will be stronger and stronger as things get tougher and tougher. Remember, there is nothing that can separate you from the love of God. Nothing. Keep your eyes on Him and you will be a victorious conqueror.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Rejoicing In My Weakness
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV)
Regardless of your circumstances - God's grace is always present to help you with whatever you are dealing with. It is interesting that weakness is the platform for God to emerge strong in our lives. I've often wondered "why" I'm wired the way I am and "why" certain things bother me and other things don't. I wonder "why" God would put me in certain situations when He knows that I get anxious and nervous with that type of problem. Knowing that "He knows" puts my mind at ease but I still at times try to handle the situation in my strength rather than His. His desire is that I would allow the power of Christ to rest on and through me and that I would not try to work it out in my strenght - as weak as it may be. 1 & 2 Corinthians is filled with a number of contrasts between weakness and strength that we need to look at...
Regardless of your circumstances - God's grace is always present to help you with whatever you are dealing with. It is interesting that weakness is the platform for God to emerge strong in our lives. I've often wondered "why" I'm wired the way I am and "why" certain things bother me and other things don't. I wonder "why" God would put me in certain situations when He knows that I get anxious and nervous with that type of problem. Knowing that "He knows" puts my mind at ease but I still at times try to handle the situation in my strength rather than His. His desire is that I would allow the power of Christ to rest on and through me and that I would not try to work it out in my strenght - as weak as it may be. 1 & 2 Corinthians is filled with a number of contrasts between weakness and strength that we need to look at...
- 1 Cor. 1:25- The weakness of God is stronger than man
- 1 Cor. 12:27 - God chose what is weak to shame the strong
- 1 Cor. 2:3,5 - Paul didn't come in "weakness and fear" but in the power of God
- 1 Cor. 15:43 - What is sown in weakness will be raised in power
- 1 Cor. 12:9 - I will boast... of my weakness so the power of Christ may rest upon me
- 2 Cor. 13:3 - Not weak among you... but powerful among you
- 2 Cor 13:4 - He was crucified in weakness but lives by the power of God
- 2 Cor. 13:4 - We are also weak in him... but with him by the power of God
- 2 Cor. 13:9 - We are glad when we are weak and you are strong
Paul has come to realize that weakness is good because it allows us to be dependent on God and Him alone. I know that I am weak. I know that there are areas of life that make me more uncomfortable than others. I also know that God didn't goof up by putting me into those types of situations. He knows that it is when I am in those places that I will call out to Him. Paul learned the secret - don't be afraid of your weaknesses but allow them to be the place where God will shine forth the most.
Monday, September 23, 2013
What I Need To Excel In My Life
But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also. (2 Corinthians 8:7 ESV)
There are so many classes and seminars now days it's hard to keep up with them. You see these at the local college or perhaps they are listed in the newspaper or given through a local church - they are everywhere. People want to learn how to be a better person and how to enhance their skills in music and art and computers, etc. They want to know how to be a better parent, spouse and grandparent - the list could go on and on. Paul the apostle tells us that these are all good things to pursue - but don't forget to excel in this one skill called grace. I am often amazed at how little grace people give to one another. I see the way that they treat others or how they expect them to live their lives. They are demanding and filled with anger and they are critical and overbearing. They have no grace for differences and the nuances that person might be displaying. There is no grace for differences between them and the other person. This passage teaches us that we need to EXCEL in this area of our lives. We need to rememer the grace that God gave us and then to extend it to those around us. We need to give room for short comings and we need to make room for idiocincracies that might be so glaring in others. I look back on my life and am so thankful for God's grace to me with all my quirks and bad habits. He loved my inspite of myself. He has extended His grace to me - even though I don't deserve it. As a result, I try to live my life in such a way that I extend that to those I come in contact. Yes, I fail at this and will fail in the future but it is my desire that I get better and better at this and that if I excel at anything - it will be this thing called grace.
There are so many classes and seminars now days it's hard to keep up with them. You see these at the local college or perhaps they are listed in the newspaper or given through a local church - they are everywhere. People want to learn how to be a better person and how to enhance their skills in music and art and computers, etc. They want to know how to be a better parent, spouse and grandparent - the list could go on and on. Paul the apostle tells us that these are all good things to pursue - but don't forget to excel in this one skill called grace. I am often amazed at how little grace people give to one another. I see the way that they treat others or how they expect them to live their lives. They are demanding and filled with anger and they are critical and overbearing. They have no grace for differences and the nuances that person might be displaying. There is no grace for differences between them and the other person. This passage teaches us that we need to EXCEL in this area of our lives. We need to rememer the grace that God gave us and then to extend it to those around us. We need to give room for short comings and we need to make room for idiocincracies that might be so glaring in others. I look back on my life and am so thankful for God's grace to me with all my quirks and bad habits. He loved my inspite of myself. He has extended His grace to me - even though I don't deserve it. As a result, I try to live my life in such a way that I extend that to those I come in contact. Yes, I fail at this and will fail in the future but it is my desire that I get better and better at this and that if I excel at anything - it will be this thing called grace.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
When God Says No
When God Says No
Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. (Acts 16:6-10 NIV)
Paul and his companions were traveling around the country and having an unusual and successful season of ministry. Everywhere they went - people's lives were touched and delivered and churches were started in many places. Then God said no. As they prepared to go to Bithynia - "the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to"go to Bithynia. We don't know the reason but immediately we see that Paul received a vision in the night to go a different direction - to Macedonia. I wonder how many of us get so caught up in our successes and even just the daily routine of life that we don't heed the Holy Spirit's warnings in our lives - that... we don't listen to His promptings about whether something is from God or not. Is it possible today that you've got so busy that you are not responding to that tug in your heart about the direction and decisions that you are about to make. Recently someone offered to give me a nice motorcycle. At first, all I could see was the picture of me going down the road with the wind in my face looking really cool. I entertained that thought for a bit ignoring the tugging on my heart from the Holy Spirit. I kept saying, "That's not from God. It can't be from Him." But as I got over the excitement I started to listen to what the little voice from God was actually saying - "This is not for you." As hard as it was, I had to turn down the offer knowing that I would rather listen to what the Holy Spirit was saying rather than what my flesh wanted and desired. I would challenge you today to open up your heart to God's voice that is always speaking "yes" or "no" about a whole bunch of things that influence you and those around you. People tell me often that they never hear God's voice speaking to them. Could it be, that in reality, you are not really listening. God is speaking to you and He is wanting to have more influence over each and every decision you make but you just aren't listening. I would challenge you today to be intentional about listening to that ever so quiet and gentle voice from God Himself. Don't wait until He has to shout His instructions to you to warn about the danger ahead. Instead, listen for that quiet and tender voice that speaks over every situation that you face today.
Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. (Acts 16:6-10 NIV)
Paul and his companions were traveling around the country and having an unusual and successful season of ministry. Everywhere they went - people's lives were touched and delivered and churches were started in many places. Then God said no. As they prepared to go to Bithynia - "the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to"go to Bithynia. We don't know the reason but immediately we see that Paul received a vision in the night to go a different direction - to Macedonia. I wonder how many of us get so caught up in our successes and even just the daily routine of life that we don't heed the Holy Spirit's warnings in our lives - that... we don't listen to His promptings about whether something is from God or not. Is it possible today that you've got so busy that you are not responding to that tug in your heart about the direction and decisions that you are about to make. Recently someone offered to give me a nice motorcycle. At first, all I could see was the picture of me going down the road with the wind in my face looking really cool. I entertained that thought for a bit ignoring the tugging on my heart from the Holy Spirit. I kept saying, "That's not from God. It can't be from Him." But as I got over the excitement I started to listen to what the little voice from God was actually saying - "This is not for you." As hard as it was, I had to turn down the offer knowing that I would rather listen to what the Holy Spirit was saying rather than what my flesh wanted and desired. I would challenge you today to open up your heart to God's voice that is always speaking "yes" or "no" about a whole bunch of things that influence you and those around you. People tell me often that they never hear God's voice speaking to them. Could it be, that in reality, you are not really listening. God is speaking to you and He is wanting to have more influence over each and every decision you make but you just aren't listening. I would challenge you today to be intentional about listening to that ever so quiet and gentle voice from God Himself. Don't wait until He has to shout His instructions to you to warn about the danger ahead. Instead, listen for that quiet and tender voice that speaks over every situation that you face today.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
8 Ways To Get Along With Others
Acts 4:32 (NIV) All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any
of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.
It's hard to look back at this scripture and realize exactly what was taking place in this Acts church setting. Really? They all had one heart and one mind and they shared everything together? I've been a Christian for a long time and I've seen some amazing seasons and moves of God but it seems that the sin nature seems to keep creeping it's head to the surface and sabotaging this spirit. I've seen moments in the church that rival this Acts church but doesn't sustain itself over time because of man's human nature. It is so important that we must keep revisiting the element that made this possible - the power of the Holy Spirit. Here are a few thoughts to help in the process.
1. I must daily do a "heart check" about my motives and even the motives of others. I have a tendency to point the fingers at others first rather than look at my own heart. I blame them for the lack of unity and the lack of cooperation that they are not giving at the time. The scriptures tell us over and over to "examine our hearts." When we do this - the Holy Spirit will reveal what our heart really looks like.
2. I must realize that earth is not heaven. This is a big one as we must be reminded that earth is still not completely redeemed. Unity and one accord are possible on earth but the fact remains - we are still living life on earth and that we are just passing through with our real home being heaven. People will disappoint me and will disappoint them. Yes, I can hope and pray that we would all live like heaven is to be but without the power of the Holy Spirit on a daily basis - this will never happen.
3. I must put aside my personal agenda. Last week, I met with a pastor and afterward he wrote me a "nice" email telling me of how insensitive I was and that I didn't really care. What? I'm giving up my time for him - "trying to help him" and all he could say was that I didn't care? I called another pastor who was there to get his feedback and he simply said, "You talked more about yourself than asking about the needs of this pastor." Ouch. God help me in this area.
4. I must be willing for divine interruptions to take place. Yes, I pray and plan my day but life happens not on my schedule or plans. Oftentimes those are God-interruptions that God wants me to stop and give attention to that will help everyone to "be of one heart and one mind." This goes for my personal life and it goes for my work and ministry and family also.
5. I must realize that I really don't own anything - it all belongs to God. My human nature wants to yell out "It's mine - not yours." This could be about finances, material goods, places that I've marked as my territory and even the ministry that God has given me. Authority can be given by God but it also can be taken in return. I don't own anything. Ministry is NOT about me - it's about HIM.
6. I must continue to walk life humbly. Pride comes before the fall. Pride seeks it's own good and it is consumed with only itself and what others can do for you. God wants to use me - but I must remain humble - always. God is always good and he "lifts up those of a humble heart." It is when I keep others in view and not on my way of doing things and what I deserve that God can use me to minister peace to others.
7. I must look at challenging situations and challenging people through God's eyes. Often times I only see through my eyes. I don't see the hurts and disappointments others have gone through. It is very deep for many. They walk with unanswered prayers and promises. They have learned to cope by just existing and saying only what will get them through life. They don't trust people. I must remember that I too have had challenges and that I have been a challenging person. As I write that I'm saying "amen." I must remember that I'm on a journey. The destination is important but what is most important is "who I'm becoming on this journey." It's all about character.
8. I must always pray for the Holy Spirit. The key to the whole experience of the Acts church was the power of the Holy Spirit. Daily they went before God and asked to be refilled with His precious Holy Spirit. And... we should do no less.
I pray that we would all be consumed with living this passage out and that our church would be a place where God can dwell in this kingdom type spirit.
It's hard to look back at this scripture and realize exactly what was taking place in this Acts church setting. Really? They all had one heart and one mind and they shared everything together? I've been a Christian for a long time and I've seen some amazing seasons and moves of God but it seems that the sin nature seems to keep creeping it's head to the surface and sabotaging this spirit. I've seen moments in the church that rival this Acts church but doesn't sustain itself over time because of man's human nature. It is so important that we must keep revisiting the element that made this possible - the power of the Holy Spirit. Here are a few thoughts to help in the process.
1. I must daily do a "heart check" about my motives and even the motives of others. I have a tendency to point the fingers at others first rather than look at my own heart. I blame them for the lack of unity and the lack of cooperation that they are not giving at the time. The scriptures tell us over and over to "examine our hearts." When we do this - the Holy Spirit will reveal what our heart really looks like.
2. I must realize that earth is not heaven. This is a big one as we must be reminded that earth is still not completely redeemed. Unity and one accord are possible on earth but the fact remains - we are still living life on earth and that we are just passing through with our real home being heaven. People will disappoint me and will disappoint them. Yes, I can hope and pray that we would all live like heaven is to be but without the power of the Holy Spirit on a daily basis - this will never happen.
3. I must put aside my personal agenda. Last week, I met with a pastor and afterward he wrote me a "nice" email telling me of how insensitive I was and that I didn't really care. What? I'm giving up my time for him - "trying to help him" and all he could say was that I didn't care? I called another pastor who was there to get his feedback and he simply said, "You talked more about yourself than asking about the needs of this pastor." Ouch. God help me in this area.
4. I must be willing for divine interruptions to take place. Yes, I pray and plan my day but life happens not on my schedule or plans. Oftentimes those are God-interruptions that God wants me to stop and give attention to that will help everyone to "be of one heart and one mind." This goes for my personal life and it goes for my work and ministry and family also.
5. I must realize that I really don't own anything - it all belongs to God. My human nature wants to yell out "It's mine - not yours." This could be about finances, material goods, places that I've marked as my territory and even the ministry that God has given me. Authority can be given by God but it also can be taken in return. I don't own anything. Ministry is NOT about me - it's about HIM.
6. I must continue to walk life humbly. Pride comes before the fall. Pride seeks it's own good and it is consumed with only itself and what others can do for you. God wants to use me - but I must remain humble - always. God is always good and he "lifts up those of a humble heart." It is when I keep others in view and not on my way of doing things and what I deserve that God can use me to minister peace to others.
7. I must look at challenging situations and challenging people through God's eyes. Often times I only see through my eyes. I don't see the hurts and disappointments others have gone through. It is very deep for many. They walk with unanswered prayers and promises. They have learned to cope by just existing and saying only what will get them through life. They don't trust people. I must remember that I too have had challenges and that I have been a challenging person. As I write that I'm saying "amen." I must remember that I'm on a journey. The destination is important but what is most important is "who I'm becoming on this journey." It's all about character.
8. I must always pray for the Holy Spirit. The key to the whole experience of the Acts church was the power of the Holy Spirit. Daily they went before God and asked to be refilled with His precious Holy Spirit. And... we should do no less.
I pray that we would all be consumed with living this passage out and that our church would be a place where God can dwell in this kingdom type spirit.
You Are Not Done Until God Says Your Done
You Are Not Done Until God Says Your Done
“Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. (Acts 13:36 NIV)
I love this verse that "David served God's purpose in his own generation." It is true that each of us has a mission from God to serve and be used while we are on earth. I'm often asked "What is the meaning of life?" In other words, "what am I supposed to do while I'm here on earth?" I believe that every one of us has a purpose and a calling and we won't be satisfied or fulfilled until we do what we're called and wired to do. For some of you, that is some ministry of some kind at the church. And for others, your ministry is the place where you go to school and the place where you work. It might be just saying a kind and encouraging word or it might be that you are serving those less fortunate. May I encourage you today that you must fulfill your ministry and calling. You can't put it off for another day, you must be intentional and start today. You might be thinking - "Well, I just don't know what to do." That might be the case but as least do something. If, after doing something and you find out it's not for you - then cross that off the list. That is one less thing you have to worry about. I took a job an after school day care one time when I was younger - and after one day I never went back because I knew I wasn't wired for that. What do you like to do? What is it that energizes you? What do you dream about doing? I like what Robert Schuller said, "What would you do if you absolutely knew that you wouldn't fail?" I don't want to go the grave full but rather I want to go empty - that I've given all away in serving God. I want to be like David who fulfilled God's purpose in his own generation. I pray that would be the dream of all of us today.
“Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. (Acts 13:36 NIV)
I love this verse that "David served God's purpose in his own generation." It is true that each of us has a mission from God to serve and be used while we are on earth. I'm often asked "What is the meaning of life?" In other words, "what am I supposed to do while I'm here on earth?" I believe that every one of us has a purpose and a calling and we won't be satisfied or fulfilled until we do what we're called and wired to do. For some of you, that is some ministry of some kind at the church. And for others, your ministry is the place where you go to school and the place where you work. It might be just saying a kind and encouraging word or it might be that you are serving those less fortunate. May I encourage you today that you must fulfill your ministry and calling. You can't put it off for another day, you must be intentional and start today. You might be thinking - "Well, I just don't know what to do." That might be the case but as least do something. If, after doing something and you find out it's not for you - then cross that off the list. That is one less thing you have to worry about. I took a job an after school day care one time when I was younger - and after one day I never went back because I knew I wasn't wired for that. What do you like to do? What is it that energizes you? What do you dream about doing? I like what Robert Schuller said, "What would you do if you absolutely knew that you wouldn't fail?" I don't want to go the grave full but rather I want to go empty - that I've given all away in serving God. I want to be like David who fulfilled God's purpose in his own generation. I pray that would be the dream of all of us today.
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