For those who read my blogs, I offer an apology for the recent lack of reading material. I have been given work to do toward my ministry that has taken precedence, thus, no word has been given to me for a blog. That is, until this very minute. . .
I have spent the last year and a half searching, seeking, petitioning God for my purpose. And just as God always does, He has answered. I go before Him each day, renewing my commitment to surrender my will and take up His so that His purpose in my life can be fulfilled. So, naturally, I have rejoiced in receiving directions for my ministry. I am excited to be used by God!
I have taken the last few weeks to focus on what He needs me to know, to learn, and to do to birth this endeavor. I have prayed, fasted and listened so that God would direct my paths and move me out of the way so that His glory will be all that is seen through my ministry. But I have been feeling like there is something I have left undone, and just a few moments ago God showed me what it is.
When Satan sees progress in your walk with God, when he sees that something is about to happen that will grow God's Kingdom, he has to try and stop it. I have shared before that when I first reconciled with God, He took away the desire and opportunity for companionship immediately in order for me to focus on Him. God knew that this was the one thing that hinders my walk - the biggest weakness that gets me off track. Now that I am stronger in Christ, the desire to share my life with someone has returned, but I have learned how to deal with it. Yet, recently, Satan has been sending opportunities my way, and although I have managed to stay focused on my task, he has still gained ground in stifling my progress.
See, seeking companionship isn't just a weakness that hinders my walk - it's also a weakness that strengthens my walk. God has put me in a season of singleness in order to birth my ministry. He has taken my struggle, my trials, my falls and my stumbles and turned them into bricks and cement to form my testimony on which my ministry will be built. Psalm 110.1 says that God will make your enemies your footstool. My enemies are Satan's lies. Lies that tell me I need to be with a man to feel complete; that I need a man to help me pay the bills and take care of my kids; that the only way I'll ever be able to get ahead financially is with the help of a man. As long as those lies live in the recesses of my mind, I am giving Satan a foothold.
Now, lately I had come to really believe that my faith lies in what God has for me and not in what want for myself. But God is so faithful that He allows us to be tested to show us where we are falling short. I have been in the midst of a test and I just came out a winner!
For the last few weeks, I had been in touch with an old guy friend with whom I'd only gone out with once. He is a nice guy: good job, funny, a gentleman, etc. I was tempted to pick up where we left off. I began preparing myself to be careful about staying prayed up so as not to compromise my faith and growth in Christ. Now, this all sounds good, the proper thing to do to avoid falling, but there is just one problem . . .
How quickly I have forgotten that this isn't what God wants for me! Didn't I just say a couple of paragraphs ago that "God has put me in a season of singleness in order to birth my ministry"? Our Father just used what Satan meant for bad to awaken me for my good.
God has revealed to me that I have to claim what He has for me. I have been hesitant about telling guys that proposition me the real reason I am single. I have avoided giving them my testimony and as a result I have avoided being obedient to God. Apart of my minsitry is sharing with others where God had brought be from, where is has me now and why His has me where I am. My first ministry is to be a witness, but I have been a coward. I haven't told those guys about the change God has made in me and that I am single because God wants me that way. I have avoided telling them that I am single by design (not by choice) because my Father has plans for me.
It is important that we stand in obedience to God. One of those guys could have been inspired by my witness and given his life to Christ. Even if everyone rejected me, laughed at me or talked about me, someone could have thought back on the conversation one day and decided they wanted to make a change. Everything that God has us do, puts us through and brings us out of is a testimony that could change someone's life.
So, at this moment, I have received a refreshing of my faith. God has renewed a right spirit in me. I am going forth with a new holy boldness so that I can be in obedience through witnessing with my testimony. I have decided to let that guy know REALLY why I am single. I am single by design and happy to be used by ABBA!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
There is therefore no condemnation . . .
We often debate what is right or wrong for a Christian to do. 1 Corinthians 6.12 says "Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial." Paul is simply saying, I am free to choose whatever I want to do because God made us free agents. In Deuteronomy 6.15 God says that he is giving us a choice, life or death. Eternal life with him, or eternal death without him.
The problem for me was trying to be on a certain "level" of Christianity. If I saw someone who was living their life a certain way, I tried to match that in my actions (or non-actions). I was at church for EVERY service, I threw away all of my secular CDs, I separated myself from anyone who wasn't practicing a Godly life. On the surface, this all sounds good, but dig deeper because changing myself was temporary and impossible.
A surgical procedure had me out of church for a couple of weeks. Since I was idle at home and not "doing" church, it was easy for the old habits to creep back in. My problem was that I was trying to "work" my way to God instead of simply surrendering myself to Him. I was doing as the Old Testament Jews: I "circumcised" myself in an effort to keep the law. I changed what I wore, where I went, who I talked to, what I listened to and what I said, but the most important part was left ignored. I never paid any attention to my heart.
Circumcision is broadly defined as "when one keeps the law." In Romans 2.28, Paul says "a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not a cutting of the body but a change of heart produced by God's Spirit." Simply changing the who, what and where in your life will not work. The only way to produce change and live "circumcised" is through the Holy Spirit of God.
In Romans 8, Paul makes it plain:
5.Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.
6.If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace.
7.For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will.
8.That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.
9.But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you.
In order for me to live a life pleasing to God, I must be led by His Spirit, asking him to dwell in me and surrendering my will and life to him. I can not measure my level of faith against someone else's because they are in a different place than I. What God has for them to do is different for what he has for me. What they struggle with, their weaknesses and strengths are different than mine. Therefore, I can not look at someone else's life and try to match what they are doing. If I do, I am focusing on my self - the sinful or carnal nature. I have to focus on God, letting his Spirit lead and guide me toward where I need to be when I need to be there. This doesn't mean that I can live as I want to live, but rather I live as God wants me to live. When the Spirit urges me to not do something or to start doing something else, I must be obedient. This is how I change. This is how I let my light shine, and shining my light encourages others to live a better life too.
The problem for me was trying to be on a certain "level" of Christianity. If I saw someone who was living their life a certain way, I tried to match that in my actions (or non-actions). I was at church for EVERY service, I threw away all of my secular CDs, I separated myself from anyone who wasn't practicing a Godly life. On the surface, this all sounds good, but dig deeper because changing myself was temporary and impossible.
A surgical procedure had me out of church for a couple of weeks. Since I was idle at home and not "doing" church, it was easy for the old habits to creep back in. My problem was that I was trying to "work" my way to God instead of simply surrendering myself to Him. I was doing as the Old Testament Jews: I "circumcised" myself in an effort to keep the law. I changed what I wore, where I went, who I talked to, what I listened to and what I said, but the most important part was left ignored. I never paid any attention to my heart.
Circumcision is broadly defined as "when one keeps the law." In Romans 2.28, Paul says "a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not a cutting of the body but a change of heart produced by God's Spirit." Simply changing the who, what and where in your life will not work. The only way to produce change and live "circumcised" is through the Holy Spirit of God.
In Romans 8, Paul makes it plain:
5.Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.
6.If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace.
7.For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will.
8.That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.
9.But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you.
In order for me to live a life pleasing to God, I must be led by His Spirit, asking him to dwell in me and surrendering my will and life to him. I can not measure my level of faith against someone else's because they are in a different place than I. What God has for them to do is different for what he has for me. What they struggle with, their weaknesses and strengths are different than mine. Therefore, I can not look at someone else's life and try to match what they are doing. If I do, I am focusing on my self - the sinful or carnal nature. I have to focus on God, letting his Spirit lead and guide me toward where I need to be when I need to be there. This doesn't mean that I can live as I want to live, but rather I live as God wants me to live. When the Spirit urges me to not do something or to start doing something else, I must be obedient. This is how I change. This is how I let my light shine, and shining my light encourages others to live a better life too.
Monday, July 13, 2009
The "Get Out of Hell Free" card is not accepted in Heaven . . .
Ephesians 4.22-24 (MSG)
22.Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything - and I do mean everything - connected with that old way of life has to go. It's rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life - a God-fashioned life,
23.a life renewed from the inside
24.and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.
Hebrews 10.26 (GWD)
26.If we go on sinning after we have learned the truth, no sacrifice can take away our sins.
There is a belief among some Christians that "once saved, always saved". We think that Christ's death and Resurrection, being baptized and going to church automatically signs us for entry into Heaven. We pray empty prayers and quote scripture yet continue in sin like we have a "Get Out of Hell Free" card tucked safely in our wallet. This is a dangerous misconception. Yes, once Christ died for us, that act only needed to happen once to cover the totality of all sin to come. The problem is understanding the difference between committing a sin and living in sin.
We understand that we will falter, we were born into sin and direct our own wills, so God gives us mercy and grace to help us in that regard. However, once we sin, we are to repent (turn away) and avoid repeating that act. . .
If I become overwhelmed about a lack of money and commit an act that is dishonest, I am to confess, ask for forgiveness and choose to work on increasing my faith in God instead of relying on self in order to avoid repeating the sin. Mercy says that God will withhold the punishment I really deserve because of this fallacy. Grace says that he will continue to bless me in spite of the fact that I have sinned and do not deserve it. In this example, I have "committed a sin".
Now, suppose I meet Mr. Wonderful, the man I have prayed for forever. We plan to marry, but the timing just isn't right. Unfortunately, my desire for him physically is killing me and I give in. The next day, I confess, ask for forgiveness and choose to renew my commitment to waiting for sex until we are married. Then, the next time we are together it happens again. I repeat my confession, begging for forgiveness, etc. but can't seem to stick with my commitment to wait. In this example, I am "living in sin" - I have disregarded the truth of God's Word and submitted to fulfilling my own desires. Now, mercy can't help me because I have not repented (turned away from the act). Grace is of no use to me, because God will not "bless my mess". But this isn't to say that it's too late to repent, only that repentance isn't complete unless I turn away from the sin. Then, mercy will withhold the punishment I truly deserve for breaking God's law; and Grace will give me the blessing of making us able to marry to avoid the sin.
If you read all of the promises that God makes to us in the Scriptures, you will notice that each is attached to a condition:
"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37.4
"Bring ye all the tithes . . . and I will pour you out blessings . . ." Malachi 3.10
". . . if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, pray, search for me, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear [their prayer] from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their country." 2 Chron 7. 14
"We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God - those whom he has called according to his plan." Romans 8.28
Please know that God has a plan for each of us that He has called into His family. He is shaping us to be like Him, so that we can be with Him in eternity. Unless we submit ourselves to His plan, we can not be transformed. We can not use Christ's sacrifice, our baptism or "doing church" as a "Get out of Hell Free" card. We must surrender ourselves to His Holy Spirit so that we can be taught, led and directed in the way that our lives should go in order to fulfill God's plan.
22.Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything - and I do mean everything - connected with that old way of life has to go. It's rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life - a God-fashioned life,
23.a life renewed from the inside
24.and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.
Hebrews 10.26 (GWD)
26.If we go on sinning after we have learned the truth, no sacrifice can take away our sins.
There is a belief among some Christians that "once saved, always saved". We think that Christ's death and Resurrection, being baptized and going to church automatically signs us for entry into Heaven. We pray empty prayers and quote scripture yet continue in sin like we have a "Get Out of Hell Free" card tucked safely in our wallet. This is a dangerous misconception. Yes, once Christ died for us, that act only needed to happen once to cover the totality of all sin to come. The problem is understanding the difference between committing a sin and living in sin.
We understand that we will falter, we were born into sin and direct our own wills, so God gives us mercy and grace to help us in that regard. However, once we sin, we are to repent (turn away) and avoid repeating that act. . .
If I become overwhelmed about a lack of money and commit an act that is dishonest, I am to confess, ask for forgiveness and choose to work on increasing my faith in God instead of relying on self in order to avoid repeating the sin. Mercy says that God will withhold the punishment I really deserve because of this fallacy. Grace says that he will continue to bless me in spite of the fact that I have sinned and do not deserve it. In this example, I have "committed a sin".
Now, suppose I meet Mr. Wonderful, the man I have prayed for forever. We plan to marry, but the timing just isn't right. Unfortunately, my desire for him physically is killing me and I give in. The next day, I confess, ask for forgiveness and choose to renew my commitment to waiting for sex until we are married. Then, the next time we are together it happens again. I repeat my confession, begging for forgiveness, etc. but can't seem to stick with my commitment to wait. In this example, I am "living in sin" - I have disregarded the truth of God's Word and submitted to fulfilling my own desires. Now, mercy can't help me because I have not repented (turned away from the act). Grace is of no use to me, because God will not "bless my mess". But this isn't to say that it's too late to repent, only that repentance isn't complete unless I turn away from the sin. Then, mercy will withhold the punishment I truly deserve for breaking God's law; and Grace will give me the blessing of making us able to marry to avoid the sin.
If you read all of the promises that God makes to us in the Scriptures, you will notice that each is attached to a condition:
"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37.4
"Bring ye all the tithes . . . and I will pour you out blessings . . ." Malachi 3.10
". . . if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, pray, search for me, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear [their prayer] from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their country." 2 Chron 7. 14
"We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God - those whom he has called according to his plan." Romans 8.28
Please know that God has a plan for each of us that He has called into His family. He is shaping us to be like Him, so that we can be with Him in eternity. Unless we submit ourselves to His plan, we can not be transformed. We can not use Christ's sacrifice, our baptism or "doing church" as a "Get out of Hell Free" card. We must surrender ourselves to His Holy Spirit so that we can be taught, led and directed in the way that our lives should go in order to fulfill God's plan.
Friday, July 10, 2009
How will I know? . . .
I was asked yesterday, how will you know if a man is right for you if you don't "try it out" first? Then, someone else told me that no man will want to marry me if he can't "see what he's getting first." They all assume that because I choose abstinence, I am a hurt, bitter and lonely woman.
It is hard to understand my choice from a purely natural state-of-mind. You have to look at my life in the spiritual, with the assistance of The Spirit. Just as a puppy doesn't understand what you say until she has been taught and trained into understanding, we can not understand the things of God without teaching and training through His Holy Spirit.
I will know that a man is right for me without "trying it out" because I have that much faith in God. I believe that He is all-knowing and all-powerful. I believe the Psalmist who said "delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37.4) And I believe that God gave us laws not to restrict us, but to protect us from dangers unseen. Consider how few divorces there would be if we all sought God's guidance in choosing a mate. My faith tells me that every good and perfect gift from God (James 1.17) also includes His choice of my husband.
Any man that does not want to wait for me until marraige isn't a man that God has ordained for me. We wouldn't be equally yoked (2 Cor 6.14). So, I am glad that my mention of abstinence runs some men away! This then begs the question of whether I will be able to find a man that IS on the same spiritual page as me. To that I answer: IS THERE ANYTHING TOO HARD FOR GOD? (Jeremiah 32.27)
Finally, it was said that I must have been hurt by a man and now have renounced them all. My response was that in my old nature I would do the opposite of what I do now: when depressed, disappointed or hurt I sought out destructive behaviors. So, instead of abstinence, I practiced promiscuity. Instead of prayer, I self-medicated. Instead of reserving, I indulged. In fact, God healed my broken heart before I ever considered abstinence. My decision was born in my renewed mind. God initially took the desire away until after my renewal. Then, the desire returned, but with a changed mind I chose obedience over lust.
Everyone understands God's position on fornication, but we have chosen to ignore it, thinking that God must understand that He is asking too much of us to give this up. This is not true. God's Word hasn't changed. Again, God gave us these laws to protect us. Consider how many broken hearts, fatal attractions, unwanted babies, struggling single mothers, AIDS cases, etc. would be avoided if we followed this one single rule. How different the world would be! God saw all of the harm that fornication would cause and asked us to avoid it. Just think how different your life would be if you avoided it.
I never thought that I could live without it, but I'll be celebrating two years of abstinence next month. It amazes me what God has done in my life, simply because I say to Him each day, "I surrender all."
It is hard to understand my choice from a purely natural state-of-mind. You have to look at my life in the spiritual, with the assistance of The Spirit. Just as a puppy doesn't understand what you say until she has been taught and trained into understanding, we can not understand the things of God without teaching and training through His Holy Spirit.
I will know that a man is right for me without "trying it out" because I have that much faith in God. I believe that He is all-knowing and all-powerful. I believe the Psalmist who said "delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37.4) And I believe that God gave us laws not to restrict us, but to protect us from dangers unseen. Consider how few divorces there would be if we all sought God's guidance in choosing a mate. My faith tells me that every good and perfect gift from God (James 1.17) also includes His choice of my husband.
Any man that does not want to wait for me until marraige isn't a man that God has ordained for me. We wouldn't be equally yoked (2 Cor 6.14). So, I am glad that my mention of abstinence runs some men away! This then begs the question of whether I will be able to find a man that IS on the same spiritual page as me. To that I answer: IS THERE ANYTHING TOO HARD FOR GOD? (Jeremiah 32.27)
Finally, it was said that I must have been hurt by a man and now have renounced them all. My response was that in my old nature I would do the opposite of what I do now: when depressed, disappointed or hurt I sought out destructive behaviors. So, instead of abstinence, I practiced promiscuity. Instead of prayer, I self-medicated. Instead of reserving, I indulged. In fact, God healed my broken heart before I ever considered abstinence. My decision was born in my renewed mind. God initially took the desire away until after my renewal. Then, the desire returned, but with a changed mind I chose obedience over lust.
Everyone understands God's position on fornication, but we have chosen to ignore it, thinking that God must understand that He is asking too much of us to give this up. This is not true. God's Word hasn't changed. Again, God gave us these laws to protect us. Consider how many broken hearts, fatal attractions, unwanted babies, struggling single mothers, AIDS cases, etc. would be avoided if we followed this one single rule. How different the world would be! God saw all of the harm that fornication would cause and asked us to avoid it. Just think how different your life would be if you avoided it.
I never thought that I could live without it, but I'll be celebrating two years of abstinence next month. It amazes me what God has done in my life, simply because I say to Him each day, "I surrender all."
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Taking off my casual clothes . . .
Sunday, my pastor preached about "Casual Christianity" meaning being morally indifferent, spiritually idle and lukewarm in faith. The Casual Christian has knowledge of God and believes in Him but is strongly tied to the world and afraid to let go - basically trying to serve two masters. Jesus instructs us in Matt 6.24 that this is not possible.
I remember trying to live out my Christian life without letting go of the world. I would show up at church and rush into the choir stand with the stenches of the club and some random guy clinging to my skin. I would teach a Sunday School lesson, maybe dip out of service early, and go smoke a blunt and lay up with my boyfriend. Eventually, my service in church was less and less because it was hard to wake up with a hangover and go to 9am service. It was rough trying to encourage someone with prayer when my mind was clouded with guilt. Listening to the pastor "step on my toes" every Sunday was more than my conscience could take. I knew I had to let one of my masters go. Unfortunately, it was easier to indulge in the world than sacrifice for God.
My problem was thinking that changing myself to live for God would make life too restrictive and boring. That trying to get rid of my vices, desires and indulgences was impossible and would never happen. Actually, I was right.
If I try to change myself, then yes, life will seem cut-off from all of the things I enjoy. I won't be able to have the fun that I'm used to having. And letting go of my vices, addictions, desires?? Impossible!! That is why God doesn't expect me to change myself. He doesn't ask me to clean up and then dedicate my life to Him. The only thing He asks of me is to love Him, with all of my heart, soul and strength (Deut. 6.5). Giving Him myself completely - in whatever state I am in - allows God to mold me and shape me (heart, soul and body) into what He needs me to be in order to serve Him best. ("The LORD your God will cleanse your heart . . . so that you will love him with all your heart and soul, and so you may live!" Deut. 30.6)
So now, my life isn't restricted and boring to me, because my mind has been changed and those things I used to desire to do, I don't desire anymore. Now, there are desires that remain, but my changed heart doesn't want to partake. Don't think that all desires or weaknesses will leave you. Just like there is no cure for addictions, there is no cure for sin. A drug addict must work daily against his addiction. In the same way, I have to work daily against the flesh. Becoming like God is a process that must grow and continue unto completion. God leaves us with certain struggles so that we will continue to lean on Him and seek Him daily - allowing the process to continue.
In Pastor's sermon, he discussed suffering for our faith. First Peter 4.1-5 tells us that we are to put on a mind of suffering as Jesus did. Verse 13 goes on to say we should be rejoicing over suffering because suffering is a spiritual refining process. It helps to wean us from a life of sin. Suffering also makes us stronger, e.g., "No Pain, No Gain." We have to go through the fire of suffering to come out changed. This is all apart of the process of becoming like God.
Now, to the unbeliever (and maybe some believers) this is not appealing. Why should I leave a life of doing what I want to enter a life of pain, discomfort and suffering? What I've realized is, life outside of God is full of pain, discomfort and suffering, as well. The difference is having God to ease the pain, take away the discomfort and heal the suffering. When I suffer for God, I am rewarded in a way that is unlike the rewards of the flesh. When I suffer for my faith, I don't have to turn to addictive drugs or destructive lifestyles to numb the pain or alleviate discomfort. God has promised never to put more on us than we can bear, because He makes everything bearable!
God has allowed Satan to be god of this world - for the time being - so he has some power over those who are not empowered by God. Thus, the choice is essentially whether to serve God or Satan. The more I understood this, the more I realized that I had to make a choice. I decided that if I kept living for Satan I would end up dead and possibly by my own hands (there were many close calls). That life was fun, but the fun came at a cost: my sanity, my joy, my peace. So, I made up my mind to give my life to God and "introduced my Sunday self to my Monday self." I took off the my Casual Christian uniform that I'd worn to fool the world and put on the true Armor of God that is my gift from Him. My mind is clear, joy has been restored and I live with abundant peace. The changes come one-by-one, slowly buy surely. But as long as I wake up and choose Christ, the change will continue.
I remember trying to live out my Christian life without letting go of the world. I would show up at church and rush into the choir stand with the stenches of the club and some random guy clinging to my skin. I would teach a Sunday School lesson, maybe dip out of service early, and go smoke a blunt and lay up with my boyfriend. Eventually, my service in church was less and less because it was hard to wake up with a hangover and go to 9am service. It was rough trying to encourage someone with prayer when my mind was clouded with guilt. Listening to the pastor "step on my toes" every Sunday was more than my conscience could take. I knew I had to let one of my masters go. Unfortunately, it was easier to indulge in the world than sacrifice for God.
My problem was thinking that changing myself to live for God would make life too restrictive and boring. That trying to get rid of my vices, desires and indulgences was impossible and would never happen. Actually, I was right.
If I try to change myself, then yes, life will seem cut-off from all of the things I enjoy. I won't be able to have the fun that I'm used to having. And letting go of my vices, addictions, desires?? Impossible!! That is why God doesn't expect me to change myself. He doesn't ask me to clean up and then dedicate my life to Him. The only thing He asks of me is to love Him, with all of my heart, soul and strength (Deut. 6.5). Giving Him myself completely - in whatever state I am in - allows God to mold me and shape me (heart, soul and body) into what He needs me to be in order to serve Him best. ("The LORD your God will cleanse your heart . . . so that you will love him with all your heart and soul, and so you may live!" Deut. 30.6)
So now, my life isn't restricted and boring to me, because my mind has been changed and those things I used to desire to do, I don't desire anymore. Now, there are desires that remain, but my changed heart doesn't want to partake. Don't think that all desires or weaknesses will leave you. Just like there is no cure for addictions, there is no cure for sin. A drug addict must work daily against his addiction. In the same way, I have to work daily against the flesh. Becoming like God is a process that must grow and continue unto completion. God leaves us with certain struggles so that we will continue to lean on Him and seek Him daily - allowing the process to continue.
In Pastor's sermon, he discussed suffering for our faith. First Peter 4.1-5 tells us that we are to put on a mind of suffering as Jesus did. Verse 13 goes on to say we should be rejoicing over suffering because suffering is a spiritual refining process. It helps to wean us from a life of sin. Suffering also makes us stronger, e.g., "No Pain, No Gain." We have to go through the fire of suffering to come out changed. This is all apart of the process of becoming like God.
Now, to the unbeliever (and maybe some believers) this is not appealing. Why should I leave a life of doing what I want to enter a life of pain, discomfort and suffering? What I've realized is, life outside of God is full of pain, discomfort and suffering, as well. The difference is having God to ease the pain, take away the discomfort and heal the suffering. When I suffer for God, I am rewarded in a way that is unlike the rewards of the flesh. When I suffer for my faith, I don't have to turn to addictive drugs or destructive lifestyles to numb the pain or alleviate discomfort. God has promised never to put more on us than we can bear, because He makes everything bearable!
God has allowed Satan to be god of this world - for the time being - so he has some power over those who are not empowered by God. Thus, the choice is essentially whether to serve God or Satan. The more I understood this, the more I realized that I had to make a choice. I decided that if I kept living for Satan I would end up dead and possibly by my own hands (there were many close calls). That life was fun, but the fun came at a cost: my sanity, my joy, my peace. So, I made up my mind to give my life to God and "introduced my Sunday self to my Monday self." I took off the my Casual Christian uniform that I'd worn to fool the world and put on the true Armor of God that is my gift from Him. My mind is clear, joy has been restored and I live with abundant peace. The changes come one-by-one, slowly buy surely. But as long as I wake up and choose Christ, the change will continue.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Celebrate Independence Day everyday . . .
Over 230 years ago a small country of rebellious people were set free from their overbearing parent country and came to be known as Americans. Almost 2,000 years ago a world of rebellious people were set free from the overbearing hold of sin and came to be known as Christians.
When America was freed, it came on the backs of troops and brave men who fought for what they wanted. It was birthed in the minds of politicos who sought a better life for those they represented. When believers were freed, it wasn't on the backs of troops or through the work of politicians, but by the sacrifice of one man - Jesus Christ.
In both situations, blood was shed and a call for sacrifice was made. Both situations sought to bring a better life to those being freed. In both instances, that better life, whether freedom to "make my own rules" or freedom from "the bondage of sin", was acheived.
Imagine if Pres. Obama announced a plan for all Americans to revoke our rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. A plan that would take away our freedoms of speach, worship, travel, assembly, etc. Riots, looting and impeachment would loom, for sure. So why is it that believers choose to go back to the bondage of sin and loose their freedoms of victory, salvation and eternal life?
Sin is powerful and its allure can be overwhelming. But it will soon make you a prisoner if you wallow in it for long. You will be held captive, and captivity is certainly not freedom. God, however, does not hold you captive but frees you from the bondage of guilt, error, deception, pain, ignorance and eternal damnation - all things that service to sin will produce.
We can not escape sin, we were born into it. However, we can escape living in sin. Focusing our lives on God, submitting to His will and surrendering to His Holy Spirit keeps us out of sin's grasp and let's us walk in the freedom of Christ.
Americans celebrate Independence Day on July 4th with cookouts, parties, fireworks and family time. As believers, we should be celebrating independence everyday with prayer, praise,submission and time with God. Don't revoke your freedom; don't let Christ's death be in vain! Know Him as the Truth because the Truth shall make you free (John 8.32).
When America was freed, it came on the backs of troops and brave men who fought for what they wanted. It was birthed in the minds of politicos who sought a better life for those they represented. When believers were freed, it wasn't on the backs of troops or through the work of politicians, but by the sacrifice of one man - Jesus Christ.
In both situations, blood was shed and a call for sacrifice was made. Both situations sought to bring a better life to those being freed. In both instances, that better life, whether freedom to "make my own rules" or freedom from "the bondage of sin", was acheived.
Imagine if Pres. Obama announced a plan for all Americans to revoke our rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. A plan that would take away our freedoms of speach, worship, travel, assembly, etc. Riots, looting and impeachment would loom, for sure. So why is it that believers choose to go back to the bondage of sin and loose their freedoms of victory, salvation and eternal life?
Sin is powerful and its allure can be overwhelming. But it will soon make you a prisoner if you wallow in it for long. You will be held captive, and captivity is certainly not freedom. God, however, does not hold you captive but frees you from the bondage of guilt, error, deception, pain, ignorance and eternal damnation - all things that service to sin will produce.
We can not escape sin, we were born into it. However, we can escape living in sin. Focusing our lives on God, submitting to His will and surrendering to His Holy Spirit keeps us out of sin's grasp and let's us walk in the freedom of Christ.
Americans celebrate Independence Day on July 4th with cookouts, parties, fireworks and family time. As believers, we should be celebrating independence everyday with prayer, praise,submission and time with God. Don't revoke your freedom; don't let Christ's death be in vain! Know Him as the Truth because the Truth shall make you free (John 8.32).
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Let us pray . . .
I was enlightened recently by a handout in Bible study. It breaks down the Model Prayer given in Matt 6. 9-13, when Jesus taught the disciples how to pray. As expected, I found that the prayer is more than just a prayer, it's a lesson we all need to embrace. (I have added my personal thoughts on each part.)
From: ("If God Talked Out Loud..." by Clyde Lee Herring pg.13-21. 1977 Broadman Press Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 76-27479.)
I cannot pray "OUR," if my faith has no room for others and their need.
My pastor told us to pray for others in OUR time of need and watch God help us, too. I tried this and it took the focus off of self and I felt better instantly. I also became aware of how selfish my prayers were.
I cannot pray "FATHER," if I do not demonstrate this relationship to God in my daily living.
I never call strangers Dad. I refused to even call my step-father Dad. That moniker was reserved for the man who really got all my love as my father. So, how can I call God "Father" when I treat Him like a stranger and don't really know Him?
I cannot pray "WHO ART IN HEAVEN," if all of my interests and pursuits are in earthly things.
If the only focus I have is on "my world" I'll never stop to think about God's reign over everything. My goals will be aimed at earthly living when they should be aimed at eternal living.
I cannot pray "HALLOWED BE THY NAME," if I am not striving for God's help to be holy.
Hallowed means set apart, devote, treat as holy. My actions should be setting God apart by devoting time to Him, treating Him with reverence and mimicking Him through word and deed.
I cannot pray, "THY KINGDOM COME," if I am unwilling to accept God's rule in my life.
Kingdom is from the greek "basilea" meaning not the actual kingdom but the right to rule or authority. Come is from the greek "erchomai" meaning to establish or find place. I must give God the authority to rule over my ENTIRE life and ask Him daily to establish His kingdom in me.
I cannot pray "THY WILL BE DONE," if I am unwilling or resentful of having it in my life.
My pastor told us that if we find that our prayers aren't being answered, start asking God to let His will be done and not ours. Watch and see how quickly He'll start to move . . .
I cannot pray "IN EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN," unless I am truly ready to give myself to God's service here and now.
I wouldn't try to have my way in Heaven, the place where I KNOW God is running things. So, in order to submit to Him I must let Him have His way in "my world", too.
I cannot pray "GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD," without expending honest effort for it or if I would withhold from my neighbor the bread I receive.
I can't worry about the light bill due on the 15th or the car note that was due last month. If I am aligned with God's will, and being a good steward over my money, then whether or not I lose my job God is never in a recession. I must praise Him for what He has given me TODAY. Also, I can't expect God to give to me if I am too stubborn or stingy to give and share with others.
I cannot pray "FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US," if I continue to harbor a grudge against anyone.
Forgiving means forgetting. In the greek it is "aphiemi" which means to let go, let alone, let be. I don't want God to hold a grudge against me, so I shouldn't hold a grudge against someone else.
I cannot pray "LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION," if I deliberately choose to remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted.
Since I have become celibate, I know that it would be dangerous for me to be alone with a guy in an intimate setting. I'd be setting myself up for failure. I can't ask God to "lead me not" if I'm already headed there myself.
I cannot pray "DELIVER US FROM EVIL," if I am not prepared to fight with my life and my prayer.
A guy at church told me how hard it is for him to separate from his old lifestyle. I told him to pray and not stop until God provided him with a way of escape. God promised he would: 1 Corinthians 10.13.
I cannot pray "THINE IS THE KINGDOM," if I am unwilling to obey the King.
In order for me to tell God that everything belongs to Him, I must act as if He is the ruler over my life. Not just when I need help, but all of the time.
I cannot pray "THINE IS THE POWER AND THE GLORY," if I am seeking power for myself and my own glory first.
Enough said.
I cannot pray 'FOREVER AND EVER," if I am too anxious about each day's affairs.
If God took care of me today, I must believe that He will take care of me "forever and ever".
I cannot pray "AMEN," unless I honestly say "Not MY will, but THY will be done, so let it be.
Thayer's Greek lexicon says that Amen was said by those listening to prayer as a way of taking the substance of what was said and making it their own. I need not say Amen if I don't agree with what came before it.
From: ("If God Talked Out Loud..." by Clyde Lee Herring pg.13-21. 1977 Broadman Press Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 76-27479.)
I cannot pray "OUR," if my faith has no room for others and their need.
My pastor told us to pray for others in OUR time of need and watch God help us, too. I tried this and it took the focus off of self and I felt better instantly. I also became aware of how selfish my prayers were.
I cannot pray "FATHER," if I do not demonstrate this relationship to God in my daily living.
I never call strangers Dad. I refused to even call my step-father Dad. That moniker was reserved for the man who really got all my love as my father. So, how can I call God "Father" when I treat Him like a stranger and don't really know Him?
I cannot pray "WHO ART IN HEAVEN," if all of my interests and pursuits are in earthly things.
If the only focus I have is on "my world" I'll never stop to think about God's reign over everything. My goals will be aimed at earthly living when they should be aimed at eternal living.
I cannot pray "HALLOWED BE THY NAME," if I am not striving for God's help to be holy.
Hallowed means set apart, devote, treat as holy. My actions should be setting God apart by devoting time to Him, treating Him with reverence and mimicking Him through word and deed.
I cannot pray, "THY KINGDOM COME," if I am unwilling to accept God's rule in my life.
Kingdom is from the greek "basilea" meaning not the actual kingdom but the right to rule or authority. Come is from the greek "erchomai" meaning to establish or find place. I must give God the authority to rule over my ENTIRE life and ask Him daily to establish His kingdom in me.
I cannot pray "THY WILL BE DONE," if I am unwilling or resentful of having it in my life.
My pastor told us that if we find that our prayers aren't being answered, start asking God to let His will be done and not ours. Watch and see how quickly He'll start to move . . .
I cannot pray "IN EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN," unless I am truly ready to give myself to God's service here and now.
I wouldn't try to have my way in Heaven, the place where I KNOW God is running things. So, in order to submit to Him I must let Him have His way in "my world", too.
I cannot pray "GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD," without expending honest effort for it or if I would withhold from my neighbor the bread I receive.
I can't worry about the light bill due on the 15th or the car note that was due last month. If I am aligned with God's will, and being a good steward over my money, then whether or not I lose my job God is never in a recession. I must praise Him for what He has given me TODAY. Also, I can't expect God to give to me if I am too stubborn or stingy to give and share with others.
I cannot pray "FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US," if I continue to harbor a grudge against anyone.
Forgiving means forgetting. In the greek it is "aphiemi" which means to let go, let alone, let be. I don't want God to hold a grudge against me, so I shouldn't hold a grudge against someone else.
I cannot pray "LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION," if I deliberately choose to remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted.
Since I have become celibate, I know that it would be dangerous for me to be alone with a guy in an intimate setting. I'd be setting myself up for failure. I can't ask God to "lead me not" if I'm already headed there myself.
I cannot pray "DELIVER US FROM EVIL," if I am not prepared to fight with my life and my prayer.
A guy at church told me how hard it is for him to separate from his old lifestyle. I told him to pray and not stop until God provided him with a way of escape. God promised he would: 1 Corinthians 10.13.
I cannot pray "THINE IS THE KINGDOM," if I am unwilling to obey the King.
In order for me to tell God that everything belongs to Him, I must act as if He is the ruler over my life. Not just when I need help, but all of the time.
I cannot pray "THINE IS THE POWER AND THE GLORY," if I am seeking power for myself and my own glory first.
Enough said.
I cannot pray 'FOREVER AND EVER," if I am too anxious about each day's affairs.
If God took care of me today, I must believe that He will take care of me "forever and ever".
I cannot pray "AMEN," unless I honestly say "Not MY will, but THY will be done, so let it be.
Thayer's Greek lexicon says that Amen was said by those listening to prayer as a way of taking the substance of what was said and making it their own. I need not say Amen if I don't agree with what came before it.
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