Ephesians 4:25 (The Message)
25 What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ's body we're all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself.
In this verse the Apostle Paul sums up the point he is trying to make to Christians. Stop lying to people. Stop trying to pretend you are something you are not. Be honest with those who are closest with you. For if you are not honest with others you will find yourself believing in your own lies.
I have known people to lie about all kinds of things. They lie to stay out of trouble. They lie because they don’t want to admit the pain in their life. They lie because they are struggling with sin. They lie because of pride. They lie because they are afraid.
You may have heard a Christian say, “I use to have a life where I did nothing but tell lies, cuss, drink, etc., but thank God Jesus changed all that.” I do believe Jesus changed that person and gave them freedom over those sins. I believed Jesus died to set each of us free from sin so that we might have a more abundant, fruitful and joyful life. I believe when we turn our lives over to Jesus and give Him complete control we are set free from the sins that controlled us.
I want to share a sobering thought; Christians will find themselves lying when they aren’t allowing Jesus into all areas of their life. I’ll give you an example. Let’s say you are struggling with sin or facing an overwhelming problem. You haven’t turned those problems over to Jesus. What happens when you pass a friend and they ask, “How are you doing?” In reality you are not doing well are you? But often the response will be, “Oh, I am doing great, thank you!” What did you just do? You lied, maybe you consider it a small lie, but still it was a lie.
The Apostle Paul encourages us to give up the lies and be honest with those around us. When we lie we might opportunities for help. When we lie we begin to believe we are ok, when we are not. I pray God would bring people into your life that you will be honest with. I pray God will let you share your heart with people who can help you with your struggle. Draw close to God and He will draw close to you.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
The addiction of alcohol
Proverbs 20:1 (ESV)
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
In this verse King Solomon relates to us the issues of indulging in alcoholic drink. While intoxicated, some speak of things probably best left unsaid. They find themselves not holding personal opinions to themselves. At times they even toss insults to the innocent. The higher the level of drinking -- a person finds themselves out of control. They want to argue and cause strife. Some even go as far as starting a physical altercation. King Solomon finishes the verse by saying that a person who is led astray by the temptation of alcohol is not wise.
In 1 Corinthians 10:13 the Apostle Paul writes, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
There are many addictions in life common to man including alcoholism. Like any other addiction alcoholism destroys the life of a person. Families are often torn apart by the actions of the addict. My father was an alcoholic. My mother divorced my father shortly after I was 2 years old out of fear for my life and her life. My father’s drinking caused him to mock others and say horrid things. My father would start fights and became involved in fist brawls. My father would beat and abuse my mother because of his uncontrolled drinking. King Solomon was right on when he said the person who is led astray by alcohol is not wise.
My father passed away several years ago. I went to the funeral and it was the first time I had ever seen my father. It is odd seeing a person you know to be your father and yet you don’t recognize him or know much about him. I do know my father was married several times and the marriages ended the same way -- in divorce due to his drinking. I was contacted by a social worker once while my father was alive. He was found homeless on the streets. His uncontrolled drinking had left him disoriented. His clothing was tattered, he was without shoes and his feet were raw. More than likely he had been in a fight and lost by the condition he was found in. He was in a city where he did not live. He wasn’t lucid and could not provide details about himself. Oddly, he knew he had a son with the same name as his. It wasn’t difficult for the social worker to track me down, since my name isn’t common. Sadly I had to tell the social worker I knew knowing about my father, but I could put her in touch with one of his brothers or sisters. She then shocked me with her next question, “Could you tell me how I could locate your brother Luther?” It was the first time I knew my father had another son. There may even be more siblings, but I don’t know who they are.
The consequences of an addiction are great. The addiction affects the person, the family and friends. The person loses control of their life and it is handed over to the addiction. I can testify my mother lived out of fear. I can testify it was difficult growing up without a father. It was difficult when my mother repeated her mistake by marrying another alcoholic who left when my brother was born.
Yes, addiction has consequences and destroys people. If you know someone who has an addiction or if you face and addiction yourself, seek out help. May God be with you in your struggle and provide a way of escape.
Yesterday would have been my father's birthday.
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
In this verse King Solomon relates to us the issues of indulging in alcoholic drink. While intoxicated, some speak of things probably best left unsaid. They find themselves not holding personal opinions to themselves. At times they even toss insults to the innocent. The higher the level of drinking -- a person finds themselves out of control. They want to argue and cause strife. Some even go as far as starting a physical altercation. King Solomon finishes the verse by saying that a person who is led astray by the temptation of alcohol is not wise.
In 1 Corinthians 10:13 the Apostle Paul writes, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
There are many addictions in life common to man including alcoholism. Like any other addiction alcoholism destroys the life of a person. Families are often torn apart by the actions of the addict. My father was an alcoholic. My mother divorced my father shortly after I was 2 years old out of fear for my life and her life. My father’s drinking caused him to mock others and say horrid things. My father would start fights and became involved in fist brawls. My father would beat and abuse my mother because of his uncontrolled drinking. King Solomon was right on when he said the person who is led astray by alcohol is not wise.
My father passed away several years ago. I went to the funeral and it was the first time I had ever seen my father. It is odd seeing a person you know to be your father and yet you don’t recognize him or know much about him. I do know my father was married several times and the marriages ended the same way -- in divorce due to his drinking. I was contacted by a social worker once while my father was alive. He was found homeless on the streets. His uncontrolled drinking had left him disoriented. His clothing was tattered, he was without shoes and his feet were raw. More than likely he had been in a fight and lost by the condition he was found in. He was in a city where he did not live. He wasn’t lucid and could not provide details about himself. Oddly, he knew he had a son with the same name as his. It wasn’t difficult for the social worker to track me down, since my name isn’t common. Sadly I had to tell the social worker I knew knowing about my father, but I could put her in touch with one of his brothers or sisters. She then shocked me with her next question, “Could you tell me how I could locate your brother Luther?” It was the first time I knew my father had another son. There may even be more siblings, but I don’t know who they are.
The consequences of an addiction are great. The addiction affects the person, the family and friends. The person loses control of their life and it is handed over to the addiction. I can testify my mother lived out of fear. I can testify it was difficult growing up without a father. It was difficult when my mother repeated her mistake by marrying another alcoholic who left when my brother was born.
Yes, addiction has consequences and destroys people. If you know someone who has an addiction or if you face and addiction yourself, seek out help. May God be with you in your struggle and provide a way of escape.
Yesterday would have been my father's birthday.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Emotional intimacy
1 Samuel 25:29 (NLT)
29 “Even when you are chased by those who seek to kill you, your life is safe in the care of the LORD your God, secure in his treasure pouch!
David was known for his love of God. God loved David and in the Bible called David a man after His own heart. In these verses we find Abigail, the wife of Nabal, telling David his life is safe and secure in the care of The Lord. God had a close, intimate relationship with David and watched over him and protected him. We find in the book of Psalms David often opens his heart to God and speaks honestly to The Lord. David felt safe and secure in the arms of The Lord and others took notice of that.
Intimacy is when a person feels they can be open, honest and expressive and feel safe and secure at the same time. The idea can apply to emotional or physical intimacy, but let’s focus on the emotional aspect. Emotional intimacy is what David felt in his relationship with God. David could be expressive and feel safe and secure in the arms of God.
An important part of emotional intimacy is a need for honesty. When someone is open and honest with us it gives us a sense of security. We can understand what they desire, what they like, and what they dislike. It allows us to gain a sense of who they are and what they want. In a relationship most of us want to know the other person, what is taking place in their lives and what has happened in their past that might have affected them. This honesty brings us closer together in an intimate way.
Honesty and openness is a good thing for a relationship because it brings intimacy. What happens though when honesty is missing? When a person is not open and honest it begins to undermine a relationship. Dishonesty quickly destroys the feelings of being safe and secure. Those insecure feelings interrupt intimacy because the foundation of the relationship has been shattered. We can no longer trust our feelings about the other person because we no longer have a true sense of who they are.
There are many reasons why people may be dishonest. Sometimes it is what they learned from their parents. Sometimes it is because they are immature and don’t want to deal with reality. Maybe they have experienced dishonesty themselves so they learned to guard their feelings by being dishonest. Some may have been hurt in the past by their honesty so they choose to remain silent, which is a form of dishonesty. People will become desperate because of sin and they will start lying and deceiving to cover their tracks. There are some who are insecure and admitting to the truth heightens their insecurity. So there are many reasons and most reasons are the result of sin.
A person must accept the responsibility of being honest for themselves. A person must decide they will have integrity and tell the truth. We can however help in our relationships by ensuring we listen carefully and provide a safe and secure way for the other person to express themselves. If we ridicule, hurt, disregard feelings, putdown, belittle or we also are dishonest -- it is going to hinder honesty from the other person. Look to God to see how to make your relationship safe and secure just like God provides safety and security for you. Look to God on how to be honest, for God Himself cannot lie. God tells us throughout the Bible what is good about honesty and what is bad about dishonesty. Read His words of encouragement.
Let other others take notice of your intimate relationship for it honors your spouse and God.
29 “Even when you are chased by those who seek to kill you, your life is safe in the care of the LORD your God, secure in his treasure pouch!
David was known for his love of God. God loved David and in the Bible called David a man after His own heart. In these verses we find Abigail, the wife of Nabal, telling David his life is safe and secure in the care of The Lord. God had a close, intimate relationship with David and watched over him and protected him. We find in the book of Psalms David often opens his heart to God and speaks honestly to The Lord. David felt safe and secure in the arms of The Lord and others took notice of that.
Intimacy is when a person feels they can be open, honest and expressive and feel safe and secure at the same time. The idea can apply to emotional or physical intimacy, but let’s focus on the emotional aspect. Emotional intimacy is what David felt in his relationship with God. David could be expressive and feel safe and secure in the arms of God.
An important part of emotional intimacy is a need for honesty. When someone is open and honest with us it gives us a sense of security. We can understand what they desire, what they like, and what they dislike. It allows us to gain a sense of who they are and what they want. In a relationship most of us want to know the other person, what is taking place in their lives and what has happened in their past that might have affected them. This honesty brings us closer together in an intimate way.
Honesty and openness is a good thing for a relationship because it brings intimacy. What happens though when honesty is missing? When a person is not open and honest it begins to undermine a relationship. Dishonesty quickly destroys the feelings of being safe and secure. Those insecure feelings interrupt intimacy because the foundation of the relationship has been shattered. We can no longer trust our feelings about the other person because we no longer have a true sense of who they are.
There are many reasons why people may be dishonest. Sometimes it is what they learned from their parents. Sometimes it is because they are immature and don’t want to deal with reality. Maybe they have experienced dishonesty themselves so they learned to guard their feelings by being dishonest. Some may have been hurt in the past by their honesty so they choose to remain silent, which is a form of dishonesty. People will become desperate because of sin and they will start lying and deceiving to cover their tracks. There are some who are insecure and admitting to the truth heightens their insecurity. So there are many reasons and most reasons are the result of sin.
A person must accept the responsibility of being honest for themselves. A person must decide they will have integrity and tell the truth. We can however help in our relationships by ensuring we listen carefully and provide a safe and secure way for the other person to express themselves. If we ridicule, hurt, disregard feelings, putdown, belittle or we also are dishonest -- it is going to hinder honesty from the other person. Look to God to see how to make your relationship safe and secure just like God provides safety and security for you. Look to God on how to be honest, for God Himself cannot lie. God tells us throughout the Bible what is good about honesty and what is bad about dishonesty. Read His words of encouragement.
Let other others take notice of your intimate relationship for it honors your spouse and God.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
The name of Jesus
Matthew 10:32 (ESV)
32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven:
As Christians it is our duty to confess Jesus Christ before men. We should not be ashamed of our relationship with Jesus, our expectations of Jesus or our faith in Jesus. Through our words the name of Jesus Christ is glorified and we edify others by teaching them about Christ. However our stance for Jesus is not without exposure to the rejection Christ received. We too may be rejected, but the rejection is not of our fault or making, but of man who does not understand the love of God and Christ. When we acknowledge Christ before men, Christ acknowledges us before God in heaven.
Many of you are probably aware the famous singer Whitney Houston passed away. She had a beautiful voice that was loved by many. Whitney grew up in a Christian church where she learned about the love, the grace and the mercy God offers through Jesus Christ. Speaking to Oprah, Oprah asked Whitney, “Who do you love?” and Whitney responded, “The Lord!” The last song Whitney sang in public as a spontaneous act was, “Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so.” Whitney loved The Lord. Whitney acknowledged Jesus. But we know too that Whitney struggled in life and occasionally fell to the temptations of addiction. It is during a fall away from Christ we are less likely to speak the name of Jesus because we fear bringing discredit to our Lord and to ourselves. So it is for that reason we must always keep Jesus close, avoid temptation and do what is right in His eyes.
Whitney’s death did not go without purpose. On Saturday for four hours her funeral was covered by national news networks. For four hours praise was lifted up to God and Christ as the life of Whitney was honored. For a period of time the actor, playwright, director, producer and songwriter Tyler Perry stood before a congregation of people and boldly spoke about the love of Jesus Christ and how it was present in Whitney’s life. Tyler was not ashamed speak about Jesus. Others sang beautiful songs that glorified Christ and God. As a remembrance to the last song Whitney sang, “Jesus loves me this I know” was sang to a nation of viewers.
One of Whitney’s songs was, “I will always love you.” Jesus Christ is always calling out to you saying that He will always love you. Are you showing your love to Jesus by telling others about Him and speaking His name proudly?
32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven:
As Christians it is our duty to confess Jesus Christ before men. We should not be ashamed of our relationship with Jesus, our expectations of Jesus or our faith in Jesus. Through our words the name of Jesus Christ is glorified and we edify others by teaching them about Christ. However our stance for Jesus is not without exposure to the rejection Christ received. We too may be rejected, but the rejection is not of our fault or making, but of man who does not understand the love of God and Christ. When we acknowledge Christ before men, Christ acknowledges us before God in heaven.
Many of you are probably aware the famous singer Whitney Houston passed away. She had a beautiful voice that was loved by many. Whitney grew up in a Christian church where she learned about the love, the grace and the mercy God offers through Jesus Christ. Speaking to Oprah, Oprah asked Whitney, “Who do you love?” and Whitney responded, “The Lord!” The last song Whitney sang in public as a spontaneous act was, “Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so.” Whitney loved The Lord. Whitney acknowledged Jesus. But we know too that Whitney struggled in life and occasionally fell to the temptations of addiction. It is during a fall away from Christ we are less likely to speak the name of Jesus because we fear bringing discredit to our Lord and to ourselves. So it is for that reason we must always keep Jesus close, avoid temptation and do what is right in His eyes.
Whitney’s death did not go without purpose. On Saturday for four hours her funeral was covered by national news networks. For four hours praise was lifted up to God and Christ as the life of Whitney was honored. For a period of time the actor, playwright, director, producer and songwriter Tyler Perry stood before a congregation of people and boldly spoke about the love of Jesus Christ and how it was present in Whitney’s life. Tyler was not ashamed speak about Jesus. Others sang beautiful songs that glorified Christ and God. As a remembrance to the last song Whitney sang, “Jesus loves me this I know” was sang to a nation of viewers.
One of Whitney’s songs was, “I will always love you.” Jesus Christ is always calling out to you saying that He will always love you. Are you showing your love to Jesus by telling others about Him and speaking His name proudly?
Friday, February 17, 2012
Reaching out to others
Matthew 9:9-11 (NLT)
9 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him. 10 Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. 11 But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?”
Here we find the account of the Apostle Matthew being called by Jesus to be His disciple. Matthew left his place of business without hesitation to follow Jesus. Then Matthew invited Jesus to his home where he called friends and work associates to come dine. Many of these people considered disreputable sinners and yet Jesus dined with them while the religious leaders criticized his actions.
The Pharisees were critical of the people Jesus was dining with. They referred to them as disreputable sinners. Tax Collectors of the time often took advantage of others by collecting additional funds for their own follies. While the Pharisees would have never allowed themselves to associate with such people we find Jesus dining, having conversation and enjoying the company of those around Him.
The Pharisees in no way wanted to associate with the people they considered sinners. They would look from afar, passing their judgment and speaking critically of them. They made no attempt at friendship. They made no attempt to tell them about God. Instead they tossed them aside like trash.
Unlike the Pharisees Jesus was right there in the midst of the sinners. Jesus did not hesitate to be in an intimate setting to converse and share the love of God. These people were able to observe Jesus and get to know him. These sinners could see Jesus was different and they enjoyed His presence and took interest in Him. Jesus took interest in them because He knew the needs of their heart.
This is a lesson for Christians – We need to be like Jesus and not like the Pharisees. We need to hold firm to God’s word, but we need to share His word with others. If it takes dining with those who are different; for all sakes dine with them. If it requires taking time to talk with people who are not following God; stop and talk with them. Let your presence be the light of Christ in this world. Glorify Christ that others may see the hope of your salvation and the joy in your life.
I want to offer a word of caution - We all can fall to temptation especially when we are in setting where sin is bountiful. We should never place ourselves in a situation where we know there is a great potential to fall o sin. For if we fall we give reason to others to see sin as a freedom and that hurts the cause of Christ. So reach out to sinners, but be aware of your boundaries in doing so.
So with that said tell others about the love of Jesus and share His Good News of salvation. Reach out in love as Jesus would have done.
9 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him. 10 Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. 11 But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?”
Here we find the account of the Apostle Matthew being called by Jesus to be His disciple. Matthew left his place of business without hesitation to follow Jesus. Then Matthew invited Jesus to his home where he called friends and work associates to come dine. Many of these people considered disreputable sinners and yet Jesus dined with them while the religious leaders criticized his actions.
The Pharisees were critical of the people Jesus was dining with. They referred to them as disreputable sinners. Tax Collectors of the time often took advantage of others by collecting additional funds for their own follies. While the Pharisees would have never allowed themselves to associate with such people we find Jesus dining, having conversation and enjoying the company of those around Him.
The Pharisees in no way wanted to associate with the people they considered sinners. They would look from afar, passing their judgment and speaking critically of them. They made no attempt at friendship. They made no attempt to tell them about God. Instead they tossed them aside like trash.
Unlike the Pharisees Jesus was right there in the midst of the sinners. Jesus did not hesitate to be in an intimate setting to converse and share the love of God. These people were able to observe Jesus and get to know him. These sinners could see Jesus was different and they enjoyed His presence and took interest in Him. Jesus took interest in them because He knew the needs of their heart.
This is a lesson for Christians – We need to be like Jesus and not like the Pharisees. We need to hold firm to God’s word, but we need to share His word with others. If it takes dining with those who are different; for all sakes dine with them. If it requires taking time to talk with people who are not following God; stop and talk with them. Let your presence be the light of Christ in this world. Glorify Christ that others may see the hope of your salvation and the joy in your life.
I want to offer a word of caution - We all can fall to temptation especially when we are in setting where sin is bountiful. We should never place ourselves in a situation where we know there is a great potential to fall o sin. For if we fall we give reason to others to see sin as a freedom and that hurts the cause of Christ. So reach out to sinners, but be aware of your boundaries in doing so.
So with that said tell others about the love of Jesus and share His Good News of salvation. Reach out in love as Jesus would have done.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Struggling with sin
Romans 7:18-20 (NLT)
18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. 20 But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
The apostle explains the corruptness that lives within all of us is called our “sinful nature” or as some Bible translations say, “the flesh”. The apostle believes there is nothing good which can come from us alone. He sees the struggle in that God has given him a desire to do what is right and he wants to do what is right - but he doesn’t. The opposite is also true, he wants to avoid what is evil, yet he finds himself doing the very thing he desired not to do. The apostle acknowledges that sin dwells within him and it is sin causing him to act against the desires of God.
When the Apostle Paul was writing the words above he was already a Christian. Paul knew he was a sinful man. Paul desired to walk away from sin, which showed his repentant nature. Paul had complete trust that Jesus died for his sin and that he would be reconciled with God to live an eternal life in heaven. We see that even though Paul was a Christian - Paul struggled with sin. Paul was not perfect and the truth is there are none of us who are.
For those who do not know Jesus Christ, I want you to know Jesus Christ loves you no matter what you have done, no matter who you are, no matter what sin you have committed. JESUS CHRIST LOVES YOU! Jesus desires to give you the same gift of eternal life as he gave Paul and every other Christian.
For those who have placed their complete trust and faith in Jesus Christ, I pray you have the same desire as Paul to do well and to turn away from evil. As a Christian, sin is always present in our lives, but sin does not control us unless we give it control. 1 Corinthians 15:57 tells us, “But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, but we receive God’s promise of freedom by believing in Jesus Christ. We had a passion for sin, but that passion was nailed to the cross when Jesus died. Our flesh still wants to rise up against us. As Paul put it, “I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from being proud.” We have to fight the temptation that comes at us, but we need Jesus to do it.
Maybe you have slipped and fallen into sin. Jesus can help you recover. Maybe sin has a tight grasp on you. Pray for mercy and grace and ask Jesus to take control. Maybe you want to do what is right and good but you are struggling. Ask Jesus to lead the way.
May God bless you, keep you close and pour His mercy and grace freely upon you.
18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. 20 But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
The apostle explains the corruptness that lives within all of us is called our “sinful nature” or as some Bible translations say, “the flesh”. The apostle believes there is nothing good which can come from us alone. He sees the struggle in that God has given him a desire to do what is right and he wants to do what is right - but he doesn’t. The opposite is also true, he wants to avoid what is evil, yet he finds himself doing the very thing he desired not to do. The apostle acknowledges that sin dwells within him and it is sin causing him to act against the desires of God.
When the Apostle Paul was writing the words above he was already a Christian. Paul knew he was a sinful man. Paul desired to walk away from sin, which showed his repentant nature. Paul had complete trust that Jesus died for his sin and that he would be reconciled with God to live an eternal life in heaven. We see that even though Paul was a Christian - Paul struggled with sin. Paul was not perfect and the truth is there are none of us who are.
For those who do not know Jesus Christ, I want you to know Jesus Christ loves you no matter what you have done, no matter who you are, no matter what sin you have committed. JESUS CHRIST LOVES YOU! Jesus desires to give you the same gift of eternal life as he gave Paul and every other Christian.
For those who have placed their complete trust and faith in Jesus Christ, I pray you have the same desire as Paul to do well and to turn away from evil. As a Christian, sin is always present in our lives, but sin does not control us unless we give it control. 1 Corinthians 15:57 tells us, “But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, but we receive God’s promise of freedom by believing in Jesus Christ. We had a passion for sin, but that passion was nailed to the cross when Jesus died. Our flesh still wants to rise up against us. As Paul put it, “I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from being proud.” We have to fight the temptation that comes at us, but we need Jesus to do it.
Maybe you have slipped and fallen into sin. Jesus can help you recover. Maybe sin has a tight grasp on you. Pray for mercy and grace and ask Jesus to take control. Maybe you want to do what is right and good but you are struggling. Ask Jesus to lead the way.
May God bless you, keep you close and pour His mercy and grace freely upon you.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
God's broken heart
Genesis 6:5-6 (NLT)
5 The LORD observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. 6 So the LORD was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart.
Our creator, our God, our Lord, looked down on mankind and saw how sin had taken hold of man’s heart. Man’s thoughts and imaginations were forever looking towards evil. It broke God’s heart that He ever made man and was sorry He had made man that man would fall to sin.
There is a statement that says “The rain falls because the cloud can no long hold the weight. The tears fall because the heart can no longer handle the pain.” There is nothing heavier and sadder than a broken heart. A person with a broken heart is devastated with sorrow. There has been someone who has caused disappointment and caused great despair. Love never walks away; it is a person who walks away and abandons their love. Man abandoned God’s love and it broke His heart.
It may be that someone has abandoned you and broken your heart. It may be that you are still feeling the pain of a damaged relationship. David said in his psalms, “Their insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. If only one person would show some pity; if only one would turn and comfort me.” Jeremiah upon looking at the sins of Israel said, “My grief is beyond healing; my heart is broken.” In Lamentations God spoke of the people and said, “I have cried until the tears no longer come; my heart is broken.” Many have understood the pain of a broken heart.
If the God of the universe can have a broken heart, let me assure you the Lord understands your pain. God wants to heal that pain. Throughout the Bible God says, “Let their hearts return to me and I will heal them.” God heals broken hearts and restores the joy it once had.
On this Valentine’s Day give your heart to God and He will give His heart to you.
5 The LORD observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. 6 So the LORD was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart.
Our creator, our God, our Lord, looked down on mankind and saw how sin had taken hold of man’s heart. Man’s thoughts and imaginations were forever looking towards evil. It broke God’s heart that He ever made man and was sorry He had made man that man would fall to sin.
There is a statement that says “The rain falls because the cloud can no long hold the weight. The tears fall because the heart can no longer handle the pain.” There is nothing heavier and sadder than a broken heart. A person with a broken heart is devastated with sorrow. There has been someone who has caused disappointment and caused great despair. Love never walks away; it is a person who walks away and abandons their love. Man abandoned God’s love and it broke His heart.
It may be that someone has abandoned you and broken your heart. It may be that you are still feeling the pain of a damaged relationship. David said in his psalms, “Their insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. If only one person would show some pity; if only one would turn and comfort me.” Jeremiah upon looking at the sins of Israel said, “My grief is beyond healing; my heart is broken.” In Lamentations God spoke of the people and said, “I have cried until the tears no longer come; my heart is broken.” Many have understood the pain of a broken heart.
If the God of the universe can have a broken heart, let me assure you the Lord understands your pain. God wants to heal that pain. Throughout the Bible God says, “Let their hearts return to me and I will heal them.” God heals broken hearts and restores the joy it once had.
On this Valentine’s Day give your heart to God and He will give His heart to you.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Have you been rejected
Luke 9:22 (NLT)
22 “The Son of Man must suffer many terrible things,” he said. “He will be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead.”
After Peter confirms Jesus is the Christ, Jesus says the words above. Just affirmed and accepted by Peter as the Son of God, The Savior of men - Jesus says He will be rejected by those who should know God. He says the elders, leading priests and teachers will reject Him.
Rejection is a tough emotion to deal with. When someone rejects you there is a negative flood of emotions. You begin to wonder if you are good enough. Some people even start trying to change what they are to meet the others expectations. The issue -More than likely the other person is the problem.
Look at the life of Jesus. He ministered to people. Jesus had compassion for people. Jesus met the needs of people. Yet Jesus was rejected by those who should have known Him.
There are those who should know you, but have rejected you. They have said things that hurt and strike at the core of your heart. When that happens, remember Jesus. Jesus endured it all for our sakes. Jesus continued to be who He was. Jesus still reached out in compassion and love. Even today Jesus waits to give the gift of salvation to those who place their faith in Him. There are many who still reject Him and yet Jesus still loves them too, but He has to wait on them to come to Him.
22 “The Son of Man must suffer many terrible things,” he said. “He will be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead.”
After Peter confirms Jesus is the Christ, Jesus says the words above. Just affirmed and accepted by Peter as the Son of God, The Savior of men - Jesus says He will be rejected by those who should know God. He says the elders, leading priests and teachers will reject Him.
Rejection is a tough emotion to deal with. When someone rejects you there is a negative flood of emotions. You begin to wonder if you are good enough. Some people even start trying to change what they are to meet the others expectations. The issue -More than likely the other person is the problem.
Look at the life of Jesus. He ministered to people. Jesus had compassion for people. Jesus met the needs of people. Yet Jesus was rejected by those who should have known Him.
There are those who should know you, but have rejected you. They have said things that hurt and strike at the core of your heart. When that happens, remember Jesus. Jesus endured it all for our sakes. Jesus continued to be who He was. Jesus still reached out in compassion and love. Even today Jesus waits to give the gift of salvation to those who place their faith in Him. There are many who still reject Him and yet Jesus still loves them too, but He has to wait on them to come to Him.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Have faith and pray
1 John 5:14-15 (NLT)
14 And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. 15 And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.
The Apostle John starts this chapter with a call to continue keeping our faith in Jesus Christ. It is through our faith in Christ that we find our victories and win the battles we face in life. Through Christ we are given the bold ability to come to God with our honest and earnest requests. When we are humble, sincere and ask of God in accordance to His majesty and glory - Christ takes up petition for us with The Father. Knowing we want to give God the glory, knowing we desire to seek His will, and knowing Christ speaks for us gives us the confidence God will hear us and give and answer to our prayer.
In life there are certain expectations you come to believe in. If someone asked, “Has your wife ever misplaced her pocketbook” I could answer with a definite yes. After almost 33 years of marriage I would believe and expect that my wife has either left her pocketbook in the car, on the kitchen table, on the counter next to the stove, on the couch, or on the furniture in the bedroom and that she will spend some amount of time looking for that pocketbook. I have an expectation after looking she will find it in one of those places because that is where she usually leaves it.
Last night my wife ordered dinner out and was going to pick it up. As she would normally do, my wife went to look for her pocketbook in the above mentioned spots. This time however there was no pocketbook to be found. She started to become frantic looking under the cushions of the couch, looking in the trunk of the car, and looking just about any place where she thought she might have left it. All of us joined in the search, still 15 minutes later - no pocketbook. Since she was still looking I suggested I would go pick up the dinner she had ordered.
When I left she gave up looking and prayed for God to lead her to find her pocketbook. As I drove to the restaurant I prayed God would reveal the location of the pocketbook. I believe in prayer, but I must be honest and admit there are times when maybe I’m not so confident about the result.
I picked up our order and returned home. As I drove into the garage, hanging eye level straight before me from a shelf on the wall in the garage was my wife’s pocketbook. If I had asked someone I could not have asked them to put that pocketbook in a more obvious place. I walked in with it in my hand and my wife asked where did I find it and I said, “Right where God put it.” Three of us had walked by that spot several times to look in the car where we thought that pocketbook might be, but we never saw it. God listens and He hears our prayers. We just need to stop, pray and look forward to His answer. Most of all we need to have faith and believe.
14 And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. 15 And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.
The Apostle John starts this chapter with a call to continue keeping our faith in Jesus Christ. It is through our faith in Christ that we find our victories and win the battles we face in life. Through Christ we are given the bold ability to come to God with our honest and earnest requests. When we are humble, sincere and ask of God in accordance to His majesty and glory - Christ takes up petition for us with The Father. Knowing we want to give God the glory, knowing we desire to seek His will, and knowing Christ speaks for us gives us the confidence God will hear us and give and answer to our prayer.
In life there are certain expectations you come to believe in. If someone asked, “Has your wife ever misplaced her pocketbook” I could answer with a definite yes. After almost 33 years of marriage I would believe and expect that my wife has either left her pocketbook in the car, on the kitchen table, on the counter next to the stove, on the couch, or on the furniture in the bedroom and that she will spend some amount of time looking for that pocketbook. I have an expectation after looking she will find it in one of those places because that is where she usually leaves it.
Last night my wife ordered dinner out and was going to pick it up. As she would normally do, my wife went to look for her pocketbook in the above mentioned spots. This time however there was no pocketbook to be found. She started to become frantic looking under the cushions of the couch, looking in the trunk of the car, and looking just about any place where she thought she might have left it. All of us joined in the search, still 15 minutes later - no pocketbook. Since she was still looking I suggested I would go pick up the dinner she had ordered.
When I left she gave up looking and prayed for God to lead her to find her pocketbook. As I drove to the restaurant I prayed God would reveal the location of the pocketbook. I believe in prayer, but I must be honest and admit there are times when maybe I’m not so confident about the result.
I picked up our order and returned home. As I drove into the garage, hanging eye level straight before me from a shelf on the wall in the garage was my wife’s pocketbook. If I had asked someone I could not have asked them to put that pocketbook in a more obvious place. I walked in with it in my hand and my wife asked where did I find it and I said, “Right where God put it.” Three of us had walked by that spot several times to look in the car where we thought that pocketbook might be, but we never saw it. God listens and He hears our prayers. We just need to stop, pray and look forward to His answer. Most of all we need to have faith and believe.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Learn from your mistakes
Galatians 2:11-16 (NLT)
11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong. 12 When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile Christians, who were not circumcised. But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore. He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision. 13 As a result, other Jewish Christians followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 When I saw that they were not following the truth of the gospel message, I said to Peter in front of all the others, “Since you, a Jew by birth, have discarded the Jewish laws and are living like a Gentile, why are you now trying to make these Gentiles follow the Jewish traditions? 15 “You and I are Jews by birth, not ‘sinners’ like the Gentiles. 16 Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.”
The Apostle Paul recounts his confrontation of Peter, a pillar of the church, a strong leader, who gave into the peer pressure instead of relying on his faith in Jesus Christ. Peter made an error in allowing his thoughts to be guided by the criticism of others instead of being guided by Christ.
All of us are going to make mistakes in life. Most of us have a tendency to not want to admit our mistakes. We feel admitting our mistakes will make us less than perfect. The truth is we are less than perfect and the best thing we can do is admit our mistakes as soon as we are confronted. We need to express our regret, take responsibility, make restitution where restitution is due, and ask forgiveness. The last thing we want to do is cover up our problem, blame someone else or get angry when we are confronted. Adam and Eve attempted to handle their sin this way. They tried to hide from God, they tried to blame one another, and they resented being confronted. I wonder what might have happened if Adam and Eve had been honest, had admitted their sin to God, and taken responsibility for what they did. Instead they denied their sin and blamed God.
There is a saying that half of being smart is to know what half of you is dumb. Be willing to reach out for help and ask for guidance. Allow God to work in your life and show you how you can learn from your mistakes.
11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong. 12 When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile Christians, who were not circumcised. But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore. He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision. 13 As a result, other Jewish Christians followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 When I saw that they were not following the truth of the gospel message, I said to Peter in front of all the others, “Since you, a Jew by birth, have discarded the Jewish laws and are living like a Gentile, why are you now trying to make these Gentiles follow the Jewish traditions? 15 “You and I are Jews by birth, not ‘sinners’ like the Gentiles. 16 Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.”
The Apostle Paul recounts his confrontation of Peter, a pillar of the church, a strong leader, who gave into the peer pressure instead of relying on his faith in Jesus Christ. Peter made an error in allowing his thoughts to be guided by the criticism of others instead of being guided by Christ.
All of us are going to make mistakes in life. Most of us have a tendency to not want to admit our mistakes. We feel admitting our mistakes will make us less than perfect. The truth is we are less than perfect and the best thing we can do is admit our mistakes as soon as we are confronted. We need to express our regret, take responsibility, make restitution where restitution is due, and ask forgiveness. The last thing we want to do is cover up our problem, blame someone else or get angry when we are confronted. Adam and Eve attempted to handle their sin this way. They tried to hide from God, they tried to blame one another, and they resented being confronted. I wonder what might have happened if Adam and Eve had been honest, had admitted their sin to God, and taken responsibility for what they did. Instead they denied their sin and blamed God.
There is a saying that half of being smart is to know what half of you is dumb. Be willing to reach out for help and ask for guidance. Allow God to work in your life and show you how you can learn from your mistakes.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
The truth will set you free
John 8:31-32 (NLT)
31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Matthew Henry tells us the following about the verses above. “The truth and certainty of the promise, the liberty which the Jews boasted of was an imaginary liberty; they boasted of a false gift; but the liberty which Christ gives is a certain thing, it is real, and has real effects. The servants of sin promise themselves liberty, and fancy themselves free, when they have broken religion’s bands asunder; but they cheat themselves. None are free indeed but those whom Christ makes free.”
People often use John 8:32 incorrectly. How many times have you heard someone say, “The truth will set you free” and they are implying telling the truth will somehow relieve you of the consequences of sin. I want to say telling the truth is the right thing to do, but telling the truth is not a get out of jail free card. Telling the truth will begin to bring healing into your life, but the damage has already been done.
I remember a Cops episode on TV where the officer was telling the suspect if he would tell the truth it would set him free. Actually, when the suspect told the truth he was placed in a patrol car and arrested for theft by taking. The man may have felt a sense of freedom by telling the truth, but the consequence for stealing was still there.
You see telling the truth after a sin is not what Jesus is talking about. Jesus was telling us knowing the truth about sin, knowing the truth that Jesus is our Lord and Savior and knowing the truth about the promises of God will set you free. Jesus wants to keep you free from sin before you fall prey to it!
31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Matthew Henry tells us the following about the verses above. “The truth and certainty of the promise, the liberty which the Jews boasted of was an imaginary liberty; they boasted of a false gift; but the liberty which Christ gives is a certain thing, it is real, and has real effects. The servants of sin promise themselves liberty, and fancy themselves free, when they have broken religion’s bands asunder; but they cheat themselves. None are free indeed but those whom Christ makes free.”
People often use John 8:32 incorrectly. How many times have you heard someone say, “The truth will set you free” and they are implying telling the truth will somehow relieve you of the consequences of sin. I want to say telling the truth is the right thing to do, but telling the truth is not a get out of jail free card. Telling the truth will begin to bring healing into your life, but the damage has already been done.
I remember a Cops episode on TV where the officer was telling the suspect if he would tell the truth it would set him free. Actually, when the suspect told the truth he was placed in a patrol car and arrested for theft by taking. The man may have felt a sense of freedom by telling the truth, but the consequence for stealing was still there.
You see telling the truth after a sin is not what Jesus is talking about. Jesus was telling us knowing the truth about sin, knowing the truth that Jesus is our Lord and Savior and knowing the truth about the promises of God will set you free. Jesus wants to keep you free from sin before you fall prey to it!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Following God's wisdom
James 1:5-8 (NLT)
5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.
In these verses James, the half-brother of Jesus, tells us God is generous to give us wisdom when we ask for it. It’s not a request God turns down, but is a promise He keeps. There is a condition to our request. The condition is we must place our faith alone in God and not waver from it. We cannot be divided between God’s wisdom and the wisdom of the world.
We all have someone in our lives we love and yet they can do some small thing that makes us feel rejected. I love my mother. She is a kind and very sweet person. However, there are times when she will call for my advice, then go on to ask the advice of others and then make her own choice. I acknowledge most of us probably do the same thing. We seek out knowledge; then we reject sound ideas and choose something of our own pleasing. I remember a car my mother was purchasing. She called me with the details and asked my opinion whether it would be a good purchase. I enjoy researching so I found out everything about the car. The car was rated well, it had a great expected service life, and the asking price was below average. I called my mother and said it would be a really good purchase. Later on she calls me back to say she got the car. I’m feeling good I was able to give her some wisdom; but that feeling didn’t last long. She informed me it was a different car, not the one she called me about. She tells me about the used car she just bought. Then she asks, “Do you think it was a good purchase?” All I could say was, “I have no clue mom.” I didn’t know anything about the car, its reliability or its price. When I went back and looked everything up I had to tell my mom she could have gotten a new car for the price she paid for a used car. She got a good car, but the price was unreasonable. It was an “as is purchase” so the car was hers. She missed out on the knowledge I passed onto her.
Hopefully you can see God’s point in this story. If we are going to ask for His wisdom, His advice, His Knowledge we need to be ready to accept and follow it. We don’t need to be looking elsewhere and end up with something less than God planned for us.
5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.
In these verses James, the half-brother of Jesus, tells us God is generous to give us wisdom when we ask for it. It’s not a request God turns down, but is a promise He keeps. There is a condition to our request. The condition is we must place our faith alone in God and not waver from it. We cannot be divided between God’s wisdom and the wisdom of the world.
We all have someone in our lives we love and yet they can do some small thing that makes us feel rejected. I love my mother. She is a kind and very sweet person. However, there are times when she will call for my advice, then go on to ask the advice of others and then make her own choice. I acknowledge most of us probably do the same thing. We seek out knowledge; then we reject sound ideas and choose something of our own pleasing. I remember a car my mother was purchasing. She called me with the details and asked my opinion whether it would be a good purchase. I enjoy researching so I found out everything about the car. The car was rated well, it had a great expected service life, and the asking price was below average. I called my mother and said it would be a really good purchase. Later on she calls me back to say she got the car. I’m feeling good I was able to give her some wisdom; but that feeling didn’t last long. She informed me it was a different car, not the one she called me about. She tells me about the used car she just bought. Then she asks, “Do you think it was a good purchase?” All I could say was, “I have no clue mom.” I didn’t know anything about the car, its reliability or its price. When I went back and looked everything up I had to tell my mom she could have gotten a new car for the price she paid for a used car. She got a good car, but the price was unreasonable. It was an “as is purchase” so the car was hers. She missed out on the knowledge I passed onto her.
Hopefully you can see God’s point in this story. If we are going to ask for His wisdom, His advice, His Knowledge we need to be ready to accept and follow it. We don’t need to be looking elsewhere and end up with something less than God planned for us.
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