Romans 3:23-25 (NLT) 23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past,
There are a lot of ideas out there about how to “get” to God. Some people feel that you need to work extra hard and others think you need to chant a certain prayer. Getting to God is as simple as accepting what God has done for us by sending Jesus Christ as the payment for our sins. His blood was shed as the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind. Man is very empty and is looking everywhere to fill that emptiness. The only thing they find is more emptiness. God made a way – through Jesus. He fills the void in our life. We didn’t deserve His love but He gave it anyway. He made a way for all of us to be right with God. He paid the penalty of our sins. It is available for us right now – God’s underserved kindness because He loves us.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Love God, Love People!
Matthew 22:36-40 (NLT) 36 “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” 37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
The foundation of our faith rests on this principle – Love God and love people. Jesus was asked about what was the most important commandment in the law and this was His answer. When these two principles are activated in my life – I am most peaceful and contented with my life. When I love God I will want to do everything that He wants me to do including loving those that around me. I like what John Piper says, “God is most glorified when I am most satisfied in Him.” My life should be consumed in being satisfied in the presence of God. God’s arms are always open to us. He is just waiting for us to run to Him and trust in Him. It is then that we will be able to reach out and love others in the way that God has received us unto Himself.
The foundation of our faith rests on this principle – Love God and love people. Jesus was asked about what was the most important commandment in the law and this was His answer. When these two principles are activated in my life – I am most peaceful and contented with my life. When I love God I will want to do everything that He wants me to do including loving those that around me. I like what John Piper says, “God is most glorified when I am most satisfied in Him.” My life should be consumed in being satisfied in the presence of God. God’s arms are always open to us. He is just waiting for us to run to Him and trust in Him. It is then that we will be able to reach out and love others in the way that God has received us unto Himself.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Don't Be Afraid
Matthew 14:27 (NLT) 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
The disciples we’re trying to get to the other side of the lake when a sudden storm blew in on them. As hard as they tried – they we’re out of control and weren’t able to make any headway. Jesus, knowing this, comes out on the water toward them. Seeing Him, they thought He was a ghost. Jesus speaks to them telling them to not be afraid, to take courage because He was there. This physical storm is not unlike the storms we face. Things are going well and all of a sudden a storm will blow into our lives. Thankfully, Jesus is never far from us. He sees what we’re going through and He knows the fears we all face. He speaks to us at just the right time and He knows just what to say. All of us need to take note of this story because we all face fears in our lives. We need to trust in our Almighty savior and believe for God to step into our darkness and bring deliverance our way.
The disciples we’re trying to get to the other side of the lake when a sudden storm blew in on them. As hard as they tried – they we’re out of control and weren’t able to make any headway. Jesus, knowing this, comes out on the water toward them. Seeing Him, they thought He was a ghost. Jesus speaks to them telling them to not be afraid, to take courage because He was there. This physical storm is not unlike the storms we face. Things are going well and all of a sudden a storm will blow into our lives. Thankfully, Jesus is never far from us. He sees what we’re going through and He knows the fears we all face. He speaks to us at just the right time and He knows just what to say. All of us need to take note of this story because we all face fears in our lives. We need to trust in our Almighty savior and believe for God to step into our darkness and bring deliverance our way.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Loving Others
Matthew 5:43-48 (NLT) 43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Jesus raises the bar by telling us that we need to love our enemies as well as our neighbor. It’s an easy thing to love those who don’t love us. Jesus says that even non-believers can do that. As believers – we have a higher standard. We are to rise above what is normal and go the distance when it comes to love. As I read this passage this morning I was struck by the fact that I would rather do what is easy rather then what is hard. It’s easy to love my friends and my family. It’s hard to love the unlovable at times. Or is it? On my own – I would never be able to do that. But with God’s power I not only can but I take pleasure in loving everyone. I really enjoy reaching out to those who don’t feel loved or haven’t experienced the love of God. In fact, a lot of what I do in life is measured by the fact that I’ve become a loving person in spite of those who are unlovable around me. My prayer is that I would be able to grow in my capacity to love people – even those that don’t love me in return.
Jesus raises the bar by telling us that we need to love our enemies as well as our neighbor. It’s an easy thing to love those who don’t love us. Jesus says that even non-believers can do that. As believers – we have a higher standard. We are to rise above what is normal and go the distance when it comes to love. As I read this passage this morning I was struck by the fact that I would rather do what is easy rather then what is hard. It’s easy to love my friends and my family. It’s hard to love the unlovable at times. Or is it? On my own – I would never be able to do that. But with God’s power I not only can but I take pleasure in loving everyone. I really enjoy reaching out to those who don’t feel loved or haven’t experienced the love of God. In fact, a lot of what I do in life is measured by the fact that I’ve become a loving person in spite of those who are unlovable around me. My prayer is that I would be able to grow in my capacity to love people – even those that don’t love me in return.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Who Loves You?
Matthew 3:16-17 (NLT) 16 After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”
Two of man’s greatest needs are to love and to be loved. What God the Father spoke over Jesus is what every son and daughter wishes to be heard in their own lives – “You are my dearly loved Son/daughter, who brings me great joy.” Sadly, so many have never felt that blessing from their father and spend a lifetime searching for that blessing in their own lives. They search for validation, significance, value, etc. As a result – many look in the wrong places and end of making decisions that affect them for their lifetime. The great thing about God is that what He said over His son Jesus is what He wants to say over each and every one of us – “you bring me great joy.” Think about that – I BRING GOD JOY. I am His son. He loves me so much.
To wish you we're someone else is a waste of the person you are - Anonymous
Two of man’s greatest needs are to love and to be loved. What God the Father spoke over Jesus is what every son and daughter wishes to be heard in their own lives – “You are my dearly loved Son/daughter, who brings me great joy.” Sadly, so many have never felt that blessing from their father and spend a lifetime searching for that blessing in their own lives. They search for validation, significance, value, etc. As a result – many look in the wrong places and end of making decisions that affect them for their lifetime. The great thing about God is that what He said over His son Jesus is what He wants to say over each and every one of us – “you bring me great joy.” Think about that – I BRING GOD JOY. I am His son. He loves me so much.
To wish you we're someone else is a waste of the person you are - Anonymous
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Lessons On Weaknesses!
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NLT) 7 even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. 8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Sometimes I wonder why I’m wired the way I’m wired or why I was made the way I way made. Given the opportunity – I think I would have put in a different order to the maker - taller, smarter, wiser and healthier. There are certain areas of my life that seem boggle me up and set me back. There are certain parts of my personality that always get me into trouble with some people. The list could go on and on. This passage tells us that those things are here to keep me from have a pride issue. Paul recognizes that and says “that’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses… because it causes me to lean on and depend fully on the power of God – therefore I really am strong.” It’s a hard pill to swallow but its an important one. God knows me better then I know myself and He wants me to come to Him, trusting and believing that He will work all things out in my life.
Sometimes I wonder why I’m wired the way I’m wired or why I was made the way I way made. Given the opportunity – I think I would have put in a different order to the maker - taller, smarter, wiser and healthier. There are certain areas of my life that seem boggle me up and set me back. There are certain parts of my personality that always get me into trouble with some people. The list could go on and on. This passage tells us that those things are here to keep me from have a pride issue. Paul recognizes that and says “that’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses… because it causes me to lean on and depend fully on the power of God – therefore I really am strong.” It’s a hard pill to swallow but its an important one. God knows me better then I know myself and He wants me to come to Him, trusting and believing that He will work all things out in my life.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Lessons On Giving
2 Corinthians 9:6-9 (NLT) 6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
I have been taught the blessings of giving ever since I was a child. It was ingrained in me as my parents modeled that in their own lives and began to teach the same principles to me and my siblings. I can honestly say over the years that God has abundantly blessed me and my family. I’ve seen miracle after miracle. Tithing and the giving of offerings is part of who I am and I have reaped its rewards over and over. Last month was a very tight month for the church financially. A fellow minister came into to talk to me about their ministry in the area. While they we’re talking to me I felt a prompting by the spirit of God to give to their ministry $500.00 (money that we really didn’t have). Because I was obedient and planted those seeds – God has looked very favorably on the church this month financially. Last Sunday the church gave to a family who was hurting financially. They had been faithful in their giving – now God was giving back to them. God never fails! You read what you sow. God promises to generously provide all that we need. We need to trust Him in this area of our life.
I have been taught the blessings of giving ever since I was a child. It was ingrained in me as my parents modeled that in their own lives and began to teach the same principles to me and my siblings. I can honestly say over the years that God has abundantly blessed me and my family. I’ve seen miracle after miracle. Tithing and the giving of offerings is part of who I am and I have reaped its rewards over and over. Last month was a very tight month for the church financially. A fellow minister came into to talk to me about their ministry in the area. While they we’re talking to me I felt a prompting by the spirit of God to give to their ministry $500.00 (money that we really didn’t have). Because I was obedient and planted those seeds – God has looked very favorably on the church this month financially. Last Sunday the church gave to a family who was hurting financially. They had been faithful in their giving – now God was giving back to them. God never fails! You read what you sow. God promises to generously provide all that we need. We need to trust Him in this area of our life.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Longing For Heaven
2 Corinthians 5:1-2 (NLT) 1 For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. 2 We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing.
The older I get the more this verse comes alive to me. The thought of heaven compared to living on earth is almost too overwhelming. To think about being in heaven with our Savior and to be out of the pain of our present bodies is a wonderful thought. But the reality is this… I’m not in heaven yet and I still have to live with this present body. I still have to come to God daily and seek out his mercy and grace. I still need to go to work and I still need to pay the bills. I still need to deal with the things of this world. That’s not all bad news because I have been promised a helper to come along side me and give me the grace I need. Praise God for the Holy Spirit who is with me and wants to help me through my day by day living experience. God is good!
The older I get the more this verse comes alive to me. The thought of heaven compared to living on earth is almost too overwhelming. To think about being in heaven with our Savior and to be out of the pain of our present bodies is a wonderful thought. But the reality is this… I’m not in heaven yet and I still have to live with this present body. I still have to come to God daily and seek out his mercy and grace. I still need to go to work and I still need to pay the bills. I still need to deal with the things of this world. That’s not all bad news because I have been promised a helper to come along side me and give me the grace I need. Praise God for the Holy Spirit who is with me and wants to help me through my day by day living experience. God is good!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
No Regrets
Job 42:16-17 (NLT) 16 Job lived 140 years after that, living to see four generations of his children and grandchildren. 17 Then he died, an old man who had lived a long, full life.
I think that if I was to write the epitaph of Job’s life I would have said something like this – “Job lived 140 years – he had a lot of kids and grandkids. Job lived out his life in depression and trouble and died bitter and angry at God and the world.” Thank God, I’m not Job’s God. The scriptures say that “he died, an old man who had lived a long, and full life.” Think about that for a second. His life was full in spite of the trials and troubles he had. He did allow the hellish attacks from Satan or his friends to bring Him down. He came to the end of life full. He wasn’t bitter or angry. He found His peace in God and His sovereignty over man. He fully trusted God who always remained faithful to him – even to the end.
I think that if I was to write the epitaph of Job’s life I would have said something like this – “Job lived 140 years – he had a lot of kids and grandkids. Job lived out his life in depression and trouble and died bitter and angry at God and the world.” Thank God, I’m not Job’s God. The scriptures say that “he died, an old man who had lived a long, and full life.” Think about that for a second. His life was full in spite of the trials and troubles he had. He did allow the hellish attacks from Satan or his friends to bring Him down. He came to the end of life full. He wasn’t bitter or angry. He found His peace in God and His sovereignty over man. He fully trusted God who always remained faithful to him – even to the end.
Friday, November 13, 2009
More Spirit Praying
1 Corinthians 14:15 (NLT) 15 Well then, what shall I do? I will pray in the spirit, and I will also pray in words I understand. I will sing in the spirit, and I will also sing in words I understand.
When we pray – we should be engaging both our intellect and our spirit. Most of us pray with our intellect, asking God for things and praying for situations that we have in our lives. But we must press in to pray with our spirit. It’s times like these that I don’t really know how to pray. This usually starts with the intellect but soon becomes a burden in your life that needs to be released. It is then that we need to allow the spirit to pray through us and for us. I believe that more and more people would find release in their lives if they would just allow more spirit praying to happen. I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately. I tend to carry things. I tend to pray with my understanding. Breakthrough comes through praying in the spirit. I need breakthrough in my life.
When we pray – we should be engaging both our intellect and our spirit. Most of us pray with our intellect, asking God for things and praying for situations that we have in our lives. But we must press in to pray with our spirit. It’s times like these that I don’t really know how to pray. This usually starts with the intellect but soon becomes a burden in your life that needs to be released. It is then that we need to allow the spirit to pray through us and for us. I believe that more and more people would find release in their lives if they would just allow more spirit praying to happen. I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately. I tend to carry things. I tend to pray with my understanding. Breakthrough comes through praying in the spirit. I need breakthrough in my life.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Intricately Made
1 Corinthians 12:18-21 (NLT) 18 But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. 19 How strange a body would be if it had only one part! 20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”
When I think about God creating man – I think He did it with a smile on His face. Sometimes – I think He might have even laughed. We are so different. We have so many variations. Some our tall – and some are short. Some are skinny and some are… well you know. When I look at all the parts our body has – it is truly amazing. They are all important. They all coordinate. The feet face a certain direction. Our hands have fingers to pick things up with. Our mouth is centered just right. It’s not on the side of our head. Our eyes are shaped and placed so we can have the maximum sphere of vision. And for some of us – we have hair on the top of our heads. Isn’t that funny? Every part has a place and every part in important. Yet, in the same way – God has put the body of Christ together in the same way. We are all so different yet we are all so important. Every one has a special place and every one is very special to God. We need each other in order to function.
When I think about God creating man – I think He did it with a smile on His face. Sometimes – I think He might have even laughed. We are so different. We have so many variations. Some our tall – and some are short. Some are skinny and some are… well you know. When I look at all the parts our body has – it is truly amazing. They are all important. They all coordinate. The feet face a certain direction. Our hands have fingers to pick things up with. Our mouth is centered just right. It’s not on the side of our head. Our eyes are shaped and placed so we can have the maximum sphere of vision. And for some of us – we have hair on the top of our heads. Isn’t that funny? Every part has a place and every part in important. Yet, in the same way – God has put the body of Christ together in the same way. We are all so different yet we are all so important. Every one has a special place and every one is very special to God. We need each other in order to function.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
God's House
Psalms 122:1 (NLT) 1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
I was born into a Christian home. In fact – I was in church the first Sunday after my mom came home from the hospital. I love going to church. I love being around God’s people. Going to church can be a chore or it could be a delight. If you have unconfessed sin in your life – it is probably a chore. But if you are close to God and enjoy his presence – it is something that you look forward to do and you will be eager to worship and praise God with other saints. Something within us should stir with expectancy as we prepare to go into God’s House. Not only are we going to worship God almighty with other Christians but we are going to receive that which we need for the upcoming week.
I was born into a Christian home. In fact – I was in church the first Sunday after my mom came home from the hospital. I love going to church. I love being around God’s people. Going to church can be a chore or it could be a delight. If you have unconfessed sin in your life – it is probably a chore. But if you are close to God and enjoy his presence – it is something that you look forward to do and you will be eager to worship and praise God with other saints. Something within us should stir with expectancy as we prepare to go into God’s House. Not only are we going to worship God almighty with other Christians but we are going to receive that which we need for the upcoming week.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Running The Race
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NLT) 24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 25 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. 27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
As a kid, I lived in a small rural community. It was mostly farmland with the biggest crop being oranges. Our community was surrounded by mountains with the rolling hills coming right down to our doorstep. I played in those hills from morning to night. One day, while I was in the mountains playing with my brother – I noticed a bunch of runners from the local High School running up and down the mountain. I remember my brother and myself running with them just for the fun of it. What caught my attention was that I noticed that most of them we’re wearing weights around their ankles to help them build up endurance. I made a remark to one of the young men saying that they could go faster if they took those off. He explained to me that when they run the actual race they take them off but when they are practicing they keep them on to make their legs stronger. That picture has never left my mind. This scripture depicts this very thing. We, as Christians must discipline our bodies in such a way that when needed – we can run the race with strength and endurance. We have to discipline our lives with prayer and with the reading of the Word. We must always run our race to win and we must always run with integrity that we would never be disqualified.
As a kid, I lived in a small rural community. It was mostly farmland with the biggest crop being oranges. Our community was surrounded by mountains with the rolling hills coming right down to our doorstep. I played in those hills from morning to night. One day, while I was in the mountains playing with my brother – I noticed a bunch of runners from the local High School running up and down the mountain. I remember my brother and myself running with them just for the fun of it. What caught my attention was that I noticed that most of them we’re wearing weights around their ankles to help them build up endurance. I made a remark to one of the young men saying that they could go faster if they took those off. He explained to me that when they run the actual race they take them off but when they are practicing they keep them on to make their legs stronger. That picture has never left my mind. This scripture depicts this very thing. We, as Christians must discipline our bodies in such a way that when needed – we can run the race with strength and endurance. We have to discipline our lives with prayer and with the reading of the Word. We must always run our race to win and we must always run with integrity that we would never be disqualified.
Monday, November 9, 2009
The Mind Of Christ
1 Corinthians 2:16 (NLT) 16 For, “Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?” But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.
One of the benefits of getting to know God is that we also begin to have the mind of Christ. People often tell me that they have a hard time understanding God – that He seems far away. But if we’re honest – have we taken the time to get to know Him? Have we spent time in His Word? In Prayer? I am blessed to know many elderly people. Over the years – they have come to realize the importance of God in their lives. They have developed an ongoing conversation with Him. To be around them – it as if God was sitting right next to them. They have such a peace. So – as the scripture states – Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? The answer is still the same. I can. He hasn’t moved. I just need to come along side Him and purpose in my heart to get to know Him better. It is then that we will have the mind of Christ.
One of the benefits of getting to know God is that we also begin to have the mind of Christ. People often tell me that they have a hard time understanding God – that He seems far away. But if we’re honest – have we taken the time to get to know Him? Have we spent time in His Word? In Prayer? I am blessed to know many elderly people. Over the years – they have come to realize the importance of God in their lives. They have developed an ongoing conversation with Him. To be around them – it as if God was sitting right next to them. They have such a peace. So – as the scripture states – Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? The answer is still the same. I can. He hasn’t moved. I just need to come along side Him and purpose in my heart to get to know Him better. It is then that we will have the mind of Christ.
Friday, November 6, 2009
God's Kid
Galatians 4:6 (NLT) 6 And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.”
As I write this – my grandson Kyle is with Denise and I this weekend. He is adopted. His parents, Gary and Michelle absolutely love this young boy. We all do. I love the way he calls his dad “dada” and his mom “mommy.” Even though he is not theirs by birth – He is fully their child. He has their last name and will be part of their inheritance some day. He and I are alike. We are both adopted. Well, maybe not physically but I am adopted spiritually. I was a cast off and God came down and made me one of His kids. He is not just my father but He is my “abba” or my daddy. I am so blessed! As Christians – we need to come to our father and know that he loves us so much. We ARE one of His kids.
As I write this – my grandson Kyle is with Denise and I this weekend. He is adopted. His parents, Gary and Michelle absolutely love this young boy. We all do. I love the way he calls his dad “dada” and his mom “mommy.” Even though he is not theirs by birth – He is fully their child. He has their last name and will be part of their inheritance some day. He and I are alike. We are both adopted. Well, maybe not physically but I am adopted spiritually. I was a cast off and God came down and made me one of His kids. He is not just my father but He is my “abba” or my daddy. I am so blessed! As Christians – we need to come to our father and know that he loves us so much. We ARE one of His kids.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Pleasing God!
Galatians 1:10 (NLT) 10 Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.
Some people spend their whole life trying to please other people around them. It could be a family member, our co-workers, our neighbors, etc. In trying please others we often lose our own identity and we don’t even know who we are. God wants me to just be me. He made me and accepts me just like I am. I know that I’m wired differently then a lot of people. There are those who love me just like I am and those that don’t. I have to be true to myself and my calling. God has called us to holiness and to righteousness. I am so glad that He loves me and accepts me. I serve only an audience of one – my Heavenly Father.
Some people spend their whole life trying to please other people around them. It could be a family member, our co-workers, our neighbors, etc. In trying please others we often lose our own identity and we don’t even know who we are. God wants me to just be me. He made me and accepts me just like I am. I know that I’m wired differently then a lot of people. There are those who love me just like I am and those that don’t. I have to be true to myself and my calling. God has called us to holiness and to righteousness. I am so glad that He loves me and accepts me. I serve only an audience of one – my Heavenly Father.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Clear Conscience
Job 27:6 (NLT) 6 I will maintain my innocence without wavering. My conscience is clear for as long as I live.
Much of what I have to deal with is in ministry is people’s conscience. Either they are living with something from their past that has paralyzed them in the present or they are living with some sort of sin and have not accepted the forgiveness of God. In the midst of all the accusations, Job was able to declare that his conscience was clear. Only God's forgiveness and the determination to live rightly before God can bring a clear conscience. How important Job's record became as he was being accused. Like Job, we can't claim sinless lives, but we can claim forgiven lives. When we confess our sins to God, he forgives us. Then we can live with clear consciences.
Much of what I have to deal with is in ministry is people’s conscience. Either they are living with something from their past that has paralyzed them in the present or they are living with some sort of sin and have not accepted the forgiveness of God. In the midst of all the accusations, Job was able to declare that his conscience was clear. Only God's forgiveness and the determination to live rightly before God can bring a clear conscience. How important Job's record became as he was being accused. Like Job, we can't claim sinless lives, but we can claim forgiven lives. When we confess our sins to God, he forgives us. Then we can live with clear consciences.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Serving God
Mark 14:6-8 (NLT) 6 But Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me? 7 You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time.
This woman came to Jesus with her expensive perfume and immediately poured it on His feet and began to wash His feet. “Some” of the disciples we’re indignant and began to scold her. Jesus’ response – “Leave her alone – she is doing a good thing.” We are often judged by others about our motives and criticized on how we handled things. As a result – our spirit shuts down and we can’t seem to move forward in what God wants for our life. I think that all of us need to hear Jesus’ words – “he/she is doing a good thing.” We must give what we can to God and know that God accepts our gifts of love and sees our hearts.
This woman came to Jesus with her expensive perfume and immediately poured it on His feet and began to wash His feet. “Some” of the disciples we’re indignant and began to scold her. Jesus’ response – “Leave her alone – she is doing a good thing.” We are often judged by others about our motives and criticized on how we handled things. As a result – our spirit shuts down and we can’t seem to move forward in what God wants for our life. I think that all of us need to hear Jesus’ words – “he/she is doing a good thing.” We must give what we can to God and know that God accepts our gifts of love and sees our hearts.
God Knows
Job 23:10-12 (NLT) 10 “But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. 11 For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside. 12 I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food.
Eliphaz had just attacked Job accusing him of some secret sin. There are a lot of people who would try and accuse and condemn us. It might have even been true but Job knew his God. He knew that God didn’t condemn him for his past and he knew that God forgave him and still forgive him. He knew in his heart the way that he had gone and he knew that he had stayed true to God and His ways. This passage shows me that Job had a special relationship with God. He had a confidence in his heart that didn’t give any room to the enemy and his accusations. Job loved God so much that he loved His word more than daily food. He wanted to know him and he wanted to be in the center of God’s will. May we be so in love with God that it won’t matter what people think. We should be so confident in God and His love that we can rest in who He is to us.
Eliphaz had just attacked Job accusing him of some secret sin. There are a lot of people who would try and accuse and condemn us. It might have even been true but Job knew his God. He knew that God didn’t condemn him for his past and he knew that God forgave him and still forgive him. He knew in his heart the way that he had gone and he knew that he had stayed true to God and His ways. This passage shows me that Job had a special relationship with God. He had a confidence in his heart that didn’t give any room to the enemy and his accusations. Job loved God so much that he loved His word more than daily food. He wanted to know him and he wanted to be in the center of God’s will. May we be so in love with God that it won’t matter what people think. We should be so confident in God and His love that we can rest in who He is to us.
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