When was the last time you heard the word righteous used in a sermon? It’s one of those old-fashioned terms evoking thoughts of super-spiritual folks and all things liturgical. In the Bible it is often used to contrast believers with the wicked, or non-believers.
The simplest meaning as far as Bible “righteous” goes is ‘being made right with God - without prejudice or partiality, e.g., of the judgment of God.’
In the Old Testament people had to go to unimaginable lengths to obey every jot and tittle of laws painstakingly put forth by God for atonement. This avenue to righteousness was available to anyone who would participate.
When Abraham came along and God called out a people unto Himself the game plan changed. Abraham was saved by faith. Even though Jesus had not come yet, Paul goes into great detail to explain to us in the book of Romans (4:2-3) that if God had accepted Abraham because of his good deeds Abraham would have had something to brag about.
No, it was Abraham’s faith that made him righteous. He believed God. (v.3) and God DECLARED him to BE righteous.
Jesus was raised from the dead to make us righteous (v25). We have peace with God (5:1). No matter who we are or what we’ve done, we are all saved the same way. (3:22), “we are made right in God’s sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins.”
I’m convinced that sin wouldn’t be a problem in our lives if we thought of ourselves as righteous children of God. If Christians really believed that there isn’t anything good enough we can do ourselves to earn a right place with God. Romans 4: 4-5 reminds us that when we work our wages are not a gift. People are given God’s stamp of righteousness because of their faith NOT because of their work.
So stop wearing yourself out trying to be good enough for God. Instead ask the Holy Spirit to help you remember these verses that remind us we are already righteous in God’s eyes if we are a Believer. The Holy Spirit gives us the power “to DO right(-eous)” but we first have to believe (faith) we ARE right(-eous).
If I truly think (believe) God thinks of me as righteous already then it takes the pressure off of me to perform. Just knowing He approves of me exponentially adds to my desire to please Him and draws me closer to Him. The closer I am to Him the less my desire is for sin. Being righteous is no longer a chore. Because I AM righteous.
And so are you if you are a Believer.
Showing posts with label beliefs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beliefs. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Thursday, October 16, 2008
It's a Fundamental Difference
Dear Sen. Barrack Obama,
Sen. Obama you keep saying "we have a fundamental difference of opinion" when debating John McCain. You got that one thing right, Sir. I, too, have a fundamental difference of opinion with you.
I am just an average American who owns a small business and is trying to create wealth for my family. I am not there yet, but with hard work and determination I believe it is attainable because this is America, and a guy like me can still go out and start a business with the goal of succeeding, contributing to the economy, my community, and hopefully to the lives of my employees and clients. I believe this is a great country and I do not want for the approval of other nations to confirm that for me.
I believe in a Republic form of government. I believe in the Constitution of the United States of America. I believe in less taxes, smaller government, and the principles our nation was founded upon. I don't believe a college education is a right for everyone, paid for by those who worked to earn their money. I believe it is a goal to be aspired to and achieved. I believe that when things are given to you for free you take them for granted and squander them. I believe when you work for something you cherish it. I don't believe in "spreading the wealth". I believe the American people who labor and earn deserve to keep their money, and decide who and what causes they want to help. I do not, sir, believe in your economic policy of socialism. I don't think that you sir, should be able to determine who is "rich". I don't think the president or any man has that "right", nor did the writers of our Constitution. I find it offensive, sir, that you presume to be in a position to forceably take through the power of the government from those who have labored and earned.
I do not believe your healthcare plan is simply a plan to lower cost and provide only for those who currently don't have it. I don't believe that you can institute government healthcare and not mandate it across the board for all businesses with the penalties of fines, because without such mandates there would be no incentive to provide and pay for healthcare of employees and pay your higher tax rates to subsidize your government healthcare system. I hate to bring it up again, sir, but have you read the Constitution? Can you show me where this right to healthare, college education and welfare programs you are proposing are?
Most of all, Senator, I believe in honesty, integrity, and character. You, sir, have shown that you are lacking in each and every one of them. When you say there won't be a fine on small businesses that do not provide your government mandated form of healthcare, but fail to adequately define small business you are being dishonest. When you use "Joe the Plumber" as an example of someone in small business you will raise taxes on, because he is "rich" by your standard, but then say 5 minutes later his business will not be fined for not providing the healthcare you mandate you are being hypocritical at best and dishonest at worst. When you say William Ayers was just an aquaintance you are lying. When you say you will take public financing and then back out you lied. When you say that 95% of Americans are going to get a tax cut you are lying. You can't cut taxes for 95% of working Americans because not that many working Americans pay federal income tax. When you say you are going to cut capital gains tax on the investment people make into their own small business you are either severely misinformed on what capital gains tax is or you are lying.
I was taught from a very young age that my character as a man would define me. Your character is definining you and it leaves a lot to be desired. When you oppose legislation that would provide medical treatment for babies born alive after a botched abortion because, "it would further burden the original decision of the mother" it shows a lack of character. To later claim it was because of a roe v wade issue when your words sir, are on record as to why you opposed it, you are lying. When you associate with men like William Ayers, Tony Rezko, and Rev. Wright to further your political career it shows you lack integrity. When you give 832,000 dollars from your campaign to ACORN who is now being investigated by the FBI in 11 states for voter fraud, and when asked about it you still defend them and claim your campaign has nothing to do with them you lack integrity and honesty.
When you slide by the question of "when does life begin" with the answer of "that is above my paygrade", it shows a lack of character because you will not take a stand one way or the other for what you believe in.
Because of these issues and many more I will be voting for John McCain, not because I agree with everything he says, but because we fundamentally agree on the principles that make this country great, and more importantly because he is a man, that while he isn't always right, exhibits honesty, integrity, and character. Even when it isn't popular and won't further his political career he being a principled man of character stands on his convictions. On top of that, Sir, we are at war against a real enemy that would like to destroy our way of life. Our economy will bounce back. This isn't the greatest economic crisis since the great depression. It is the greatest economic crisis since your fellow Democrat Carter left office, leaving us with double digit unemployment, over 20% interest rates, and 12.5% inflation. You know how we bounced back then? A man named Reagan cut taxes, tried to cut spending, and inspired a nation with optimism not fear. If you have your way with our economy and your proposed 860 billion in new spending you may fulfill your own doom and gloom prognistications, but I digress.
We are at war with a real enemy that seeks to destroy our way of life. They seek to destroy us because of our ideals, but more importantly because we do not serve their god. I would like to share with you a little tidbit of the history of this thinking and this threat. Two American ambassadors met with Sidi Haji Abdul Rahman Adja also an ambassador to Britian to discuss attacks on Americans, they reported his response to Congress.
It was written in their Koran, that all nations which had not acknowledged the Prophet were sinners, whom it was the right and duty of the faithful to plunder and enslave; and that every mussulman who was slain in this warfare was sure to go to paradise. He said, also, that the man who was the first to board a vessel had one slave over and above his share, and that when they sprang to the deck of an enemy's ship, every sailor held a dagger in each hand and a third in his mouth; which usually struck such terror into the foe that they cried out for quarter at once.
The two ambassadors I speak of were Thomas Jefferson, then ambassador to France, and John Adams, then ambassador to Great Britian. The year was 1786. American warships were being attacked off the Barbary coast not because they loathed Americans for actions abroad, but because we were a Christian nation and did not bow to their god.
Surely, sir, you agree that we can not mandate servitude and adherence to a particular religion in this country? If so, then this threat will not go away. Diplomacy is not the answer. You can not negotiate when the negotiation begins and ends with your death. No, it takes force. These men are evil, sir, and they will not stop because we ask nicely. We need a leader who is ready to face this threat head on and take the fight to the enemy, not raise the flag of surrender when the going gets tough or it is politically expediant to do so. We need a leader like John McCain who knows what it is to fight and spill blood in devotion for his fellow soldier and country.
This election is not about parties, or you, as you seem to believe. It is about the country and the principles we were founded upon, the threats we face abroad, and the ideals many of us still hold dear.
Regards,
"N. Talbot the business owner and American voting for J. McCain"
Sen. Obama you keep saying "we have a fundamental difference of opinion" when debating John McCain. You got that one thing right, Sir. I, too, have a fundamental difference of opinion with you.
I am just an average American who owns a small business and is trying to create wealth for my family. I am not there yet, but with hard work and determination I believe it is attainable because this is America, and a guy like me can still go out and start a business with the goal of succeeding, contributing to the economy, my community, and hopefully to the lives of my employees and clients. I believe this is a great country and I do not want for the approval of other nations to confirm that for me.
I believe in a Republic form of government. I believe in the Constitution of the United States of America. I believe in less taxes, smaller government, and the principles our nation was founded upon. I don't believe a college education is a right for everyone, paid for by those who worked to earn their money. I believe it is a goal to be aspired to and achieved. I believe that when things are given to you for free you take them for granted and squander them. I believe when you work for something you cherish it. I don't believe in "spreading the wealth". I believe the American people who labor and earn deserve to keep their money, and decide who and what causes they want to help. I do not, sir, believe in your economic policy of socialism. I don't think that you sir, should be able to determine who is "rich". I don't think the president or any man has that "right", nor did the writers of our Constitution. I find it offensive, sir, that you presume to be in a position to forceably take through the power of the government from those who have labored and earned.
I do not believe your healthcare plan is simply a plan to lower cost and provide only for those who currently don't have it. I don't believe that you can institute government healthcare and not mandate it across the board for all businesses with the penalties of fines, because without such mandates there would be no incentive to provide and pay for healthcare of employees and pay your higher tax rates to subsidize your government healthcare system. I hate to bring it up again, sir, but have you read the Constitution? Can you show me where this right to healthare, college education and welfare programs you are proposing are?
Most of all, Senator, I believe in honesty, integrity, and character. You, sir, have shown that you are lacking in each and every one of them. When you say there won't be a fine on small businesses that do not provide your government mandated form of healthcare, but fail to adequately define small business you are being dishonest. When you use "Joe the Plumber" as an example of someone in small business you will raise taxes on, because he is "rich" by your standard, but then say 5 minutes later his business will not be fined for not providing the healthcare you mandate you are being hypocritical at best and dishonest at worst. When you say William Ayers was just an aquaintance you are lying. When you say you will take public financing and then back out you lied. When you say that 95% of Americans are going to get a tax cut you are lying. You can't cut taxes for 95% of working Americans because not that many working Americans pay federal income tax. When you say you are going to cut capital gains tax on the investment people make into their own small business you are either severely misinformed on what capital gains tax is or you are lying.
I was taught from a very young age that my character as a man would define me. Your character is definining you and it leaves a lot to be desired. When you oppose legislation that would provide medical treatment for babies born alive after a botched abortion because, "it would further burden the original decision of the mother" it shows a lack of character. To later claim it was because of a roe v wade issue when your words sir, are on record as to why you opposed it, you are lying. When you associate with men like William Ayers, Tony Rezko, and Rev. Wright to further your political career it shows you lack integrity. When you give 832,000 dollars from your campaign to ACORN who is now being investigated by the FBI in 11 states for voter fraud, and when asked about it you still defend them and claim your campaign has nothing to do with them you lack integrity and honesty.
When you slide by the question of "when does life begin" with the answer of "that is above my paygrade", it shows a lack of character because you will not take a stand one way or the other for what you believe in.
Because of these issues and many more I will be voting for John McCain, not because I agree with everything he says, but because we fundamentally agree on the principles that make this country great, and more importantly because he is a man, that while he isn't always right, exhibits honesty, integrity, and character. Even when it isn't popular and won't further his political career he being a principled man of character stands on his convictions. On top of that, Sir, we are at war against a real enemy that would like to destroy our way of life. Our economy will bounce back. This isn't the greatest economic crisis since the great depression. It is the greatest economic crisis since your fellow Democrat Carter left office, leaving us with double digit unemployment, over 20% interest rates, and 12.5% inflation. You know how we bounced back then? A man named Reagan cut taxes, tried to cut spending, and inspired a nation with optimism not fear. If you have your way with our economy and your proposed 860 billion in new spending you may fulfill your own doom and gloom prognistications, but I digress.
We are at war with a real enemy that seeks to destroy our way of life. They seek to destroy us because of our ideals, but more importantly because we do not serve their god. I would like to share with you a little tidbit of the history of this thinking and this threat. Two American ambassadors met with Sidi Haji Abdul Rahman Adja also an ambassador to Britian to discuss attacks on Americans, they reported his response to Congress.
It was written in their Koran, that all nations which had not acknowledged the Prophet were sinners, whom it was the right and duty of the faithful to plunder and enslave; and that every mussulman who was slain in this warfare was sure to go to paradise. He said, also, that the man who was the first to board a vessel had one slave over and above his share, and that when they sprang to the deck of an enemy's ship, every sailor held a dagger in each hand and a third in his mouth; which usually struck such terror into the foe that they cried out for quarter at once.
The two ambassadors I speak of were Thomas Jefferson, then ambassador to France, and John Adams, then ambassador to Great Britian. The year was 1786. American warships were being attacked off the Barbary coast not because they loathed Americans for actions abroad, but because we were a Christian nation and did not bow to their god.
Surely, sir, you agree that we can not mandate servitude and adherence to a particular religion in this country? If so, then this threat will not go away. Diplomacy is not the answer. You can not negotiate when the negotiation begins and ends with your death. No, it takes force. These men are evil, sir, and they will not stop because we ask nicely. We need a leader who is ready to face this threat head on and take the fight to the enemy, not raise the flag of surrender when the going gets tough or it is politically expediant to do so. We need a leader like John McCain who knows what it is to fight and spill blood in devotion for his fellow soldier and country.
This election is not about parties, or you, as you seem to believe. It is about the country and the principles we were founded upon, the threats we face abroad, and the ideals many of us still hold dear.
Regards,
"N. Talbot the business owner and American voting for J. McCain"
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Words We Can Trust
Sitting on my back lanai one morning recently as I am at this moment, I watched the birds come and go at the feeders. My Bible was open and my coffee cup full of the ‘juice’ that greets me in the mornings.
To say my thoughts were a little on the anxious side specifically about the recent presidential candidate announcements and our current options for the November elections would be an understatement. It’s discouraging, to say the least, to think how my beloved country has fallen for the dishonest easy-speak of one candidate who has absolutely no qualifications for becoming head of any state. Not to mention he is more liberal (by his own statements and voting record) than even what we have considered the “most liberal” of Senators now occupying those seats. The other candidate will be supported but would not be my choice if lined up with a more conservative candidate. Essentially the greatest nation on the face of the earth has narrowed the presidential field to two men, neither of which I would ultimately choose for President if given better choices.
In the quiet and in the midst of near sadness that early morning a scripture in Matthew 6 came to my heart. Jesus is in the middle of an extended church service teaching crowds of folks and He’s answering some everyday life-questions. I imagine him meeting the gaze of those dear people right in the eyes, lowering his deep, manly voice in a calming manner and gently speaking, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.” Right before those words he was watching the birds, too. (I’m sure that’s why I like birds so much, it’s my spiritual side, you know… me and Jesus.) He said, “Look at the birds. They don’t need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. AND YOU ARE FAR MORE VALUABLE TO HIM THAN THEY ARE.” Ahhhh… now that’s comforting, that’s reassuring, and the mere breath of those words spoken to me brought peace to my soul once again.
So, can any of my worries change a single thing about the impending elections? (For that matter can my worries change any situation that has me bothered?) Worries and sadness cannot. But one thing is true, I can rest assured that no matter the outcome my Heavenly Father will take care of me… and you! It is God who has promised to watch over us no matter the state of our government or any other circumstance in our lives. In the meantime, I am resolved to pray.
To say my thoughts were a little on the anxious side specifically about the recent presidential candidate announcements and our current options for the November elections would be an understatement. It’s discouraging, to say the least, to think how my beloved country has fallen for the dishonest easy-speak of one candidate who has absolutely no qualifications for becoming head of any state. Not to mention he is more liberal (by his own statements and voting record) than even what we have considered the “most liberal” of Senators now occupying those seats. The other candidate will be supported but would not be my choice if lined up with a more conservative candidate. Essentially the greatest nation on the face of the earth has narrowed the presidential field to two men, neither of which I would ultimately choose for President if given better choices.
In the quiet and in the midst of near sadness that early morning a scripture in Matthew 6 came to my heart. Jesus is in the middle of an extended church service teaching crowds of folks and He’s answering some everyday life-questions. I imagine him meeting the gaze of those dear people right in the eyes, lowering his deep, manly voice in a calming manner and gently speaking, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.” Right before those words he was watching the birds, too. (I’m sure that’s why I like birds so much, it’s my spiritual side, you know… me and Jesus.) He said, “Look at the birds. They don’t need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. AND YOU ARE FAR MORE VALUABLE TO HIM THAN THEY ARE.” Ahhhh… now that’s comforting, that’s reassuring, and the mere breath of those words spoken to me brought peace to my soul once again.
So, can any of my worries change a single thing about the impending elections? (For that matter can my worries change any situation that has me bothered?) Worries and sadness cannot. But one thing is true, I can rest assured that no matter the outcome my Heavenly Father will take care of me… and you! It is God who has promised to watch over us no matter the state of our government or any other circumstance in our lives. In the meantime, I am resolved to pray.
Prayer opens the way for God to do His will in the earth. Rather than worry and “talk” about the poor selection we will face in November, we can pray that every Christian would seek God to know His choice for the next president and then they will exercise their right to vote. God can move through ungodly leaders when Christians pray. He did it throughout the Bible for the sake of His children. We MUST keep our eyes and heart on Him and not on the man in office.
Monday, June 9, 2008
A simple reminder
We have authority as believers in this world (Eph 1:22-23). We have authority over the devil. Our authorty is granted to us because of the finished work of Christ on the cross. He died for our sins, for our salvation, but in that finished worked he also brought us victory in THIS life(Romans 8:37). We are victorious because we are joint heirs, we are seated with Him in the heavenly places(Eph 2:6), we are the BODY of Christ.
The problems arise when we don't excercise our authority. The power is ours and it is our responsibility to operate in and excercise that power. We have authority over our lives, the devil, our homes and families. We need to be taking that authority by covering ourselves and our families in prayer.
Don't let lack of time, obligations and even service to your church get in the way of taking time to cover your family in prayer. Invoke the mighty name of Jesus and take your authority. We have a real enemy who is "roaming about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour"(1 Peter 5:8). Don't open the door for him by forsaking prayer, and not binding him by the mighty name of Jesus. We need to incorporate this into our daily prayer lives.
The problems arise when we don't excercise our authority. The power is ours and it is our responsibility to operate in and excercise that power. We have authority over our lives, the devil, our homes and families. We need to be taking that authority by covering ourselves and our families in prayer.
Don't let lack of time, obligations and even service to your church get in the way of taking time to cover your family in prayer. Invoke the mighty name of Jesus and take your authority. We have a real enemy who is "roaming about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour"(1 Peter 5:8). Don't open the door for him by forsaking prayer, and not binding him by the mighty name of Jesus. We need to incorporate this into our daily prayer lives.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Is Prosperity Biblical?
I believe God wants us prosperous in everything we do and in every area of our lives. I believe there is a balance. We are warned against the love of money. This is a crucial piece of the puzzle. We must be cautious to guard our heart and our attitude. If we do though, and we obey God and walk in His commandments He promises us prosperity along with our healing, and victory. Does that mean we will never go through any trials or difficult times? No, but he is faithful to reward those who seek Him.
Galatians 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree."
The curse of the law includes poverty (Deut 28:15-45).
1 Corinthians 16:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
We also have to look at our responsibility in all this. We have to take some responsibility. If we are not faithful in little we can not be faithful in much. We also have to be diligent to work and be fruitful with what we have been provided. I do not believe that Biblical prosperity is about sitting at home claiming debt being paid off and money just raining down. We have to be diligent in our efforts.
Deut 8:18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
Proverbs 10:4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
Galatians 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree."
The curse of the law includes poverty (Deut 28:15-45).
1 Corinthians 16:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
We also have to look at our responsibility in all this. We have to take some responsibility. If we are not faithful in little we can not be faithful in much. We also have to be diligent to work and be fruitful with what we have been provided. I do not believe that Biblical prosperity is about sitting at home claiming debt being paid off and money just raining down. We have to be diligent in our efforts.
Deut 8:18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
Proverbs 10:4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Have You Lost Your Senses?
Hey- I just copied it right from the Bible.
I've been noticing lately some of the questions Paul asks us in his writings. He was a man after my own heart. No beating around the bush for that man. He wants to know something - he just comes right out and asks. Then if he thinks you didn't get it the first time, he goes ahead and asks again in the next few sentences down from the first question. When he wants to get a message across he pretty much tells it like it is.
In the book of Galatians (3:3) he says these simple words that have been ringing in my heart for the past several days...
"Have you lost your senses?
After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?"
Somewhere/sometime in our life we became a child of God by opening our heart to His perfect grace and by receiving the promise of salvation. We heard the gospel preached about what Jesus did for us to redeem us. Hearing the gospel gave us the faith (Rom. 10:17) we needed to believe it . We accepted it and opened our mouth (Rom. 10:9-10) to receive the salvation offered to us. In that moment of time the Holy Spirit came to dwell in our human spirit and made us a new creation. All we had to do was believe... and receive.
It's still the same today and everyday of our Christian walk. For every promise of God, it is the same. We hear the gospel, we believe the promises by faith. We open our mouth to receive.
It really is THAT simple. We really do tend to lose our senses sometimes as we "try so hard" to become perfect in our human ways. God just wants our simple original faith- hearts that believe in Him no matter what our head says. Hearts that yield to Him no matter what living in this imperfect world brings our way.
I've been noticing lately some of the questions Paul asks us in his writings. He was a man after my own heart. No beating around the bush for that man. He wants to know something - he just comes right out and asks. Then if he thinks you didn't get it the first time, he goes ahead and asks again in the next few sentences down from the first question. When he wants to get a message across he pretty much tells it like it is.
In the book of Galatians (3:3) he says these simple words that have been ringing in my heart for the past several days...
"Have you lost your senses?
After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?"
Somewhere/sometime in our life we became a child of God by opening our heart to His perfect grace and by receiving the promise of salvation. We heard the gospel preached about what Jesus did for us to redeem us. Hearing the gospel gave us the faith (Rom. 10:17) we needed to believe it . We accepted it and opened our mouth (Rom. 10:9-10) to receive the salvation offered to us. In that moment of time the Holy Spirit came to dwell in our human spirit and made us a new creation. All we had to do was believe... and receive.
It's still the same today and everyday of our Christian walk. For every promise of God, it is the same. We hear the gospel, we believe the promises by faith. We open our mouth to receive.It really is THAT simple. We really do tend to lose our senses sometimes as we "try so hard" to become perfect in our human ways. God just wants our simple original faith- hearts that believe in Him no matter what our head says. Hearts that yield to Him no matter what living in this imperfect world brings our way.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
My Heart is Steadfast, O God
My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises!
Psalm 57:7 (NAS)
Steadfast. I like words like steadfast. It could be an intimidating word for some folks. But I like to think of it as an encouraging word. Some more words that are synonymous with steadfast: unwavering, resolute, persistent, dedicated, unswerving, unfaltering. All really good words. Now if we reserve these traits only for our spouse/employer/friends/political views (you get the idea) in a time of conflict then steadfast might not serve us so well.
BUT if this is the dedication in our hearts and our commitment when trusting God and walking out this Christian life then “steadfast” becomes a GREAT attribute. One of the definitions of steadfast is firmly fixed in place or position. In this day and time when even the church has itching ears wanting to hear what pleases and gratifies our flesh the word steadfast has a calming affect in my soul.
What about when you believe something from God’s word and it doesn’t look like the promise is coming to pass? Or what about when you put your deepest desires in God’s hands and in your way of seeing things, it didn’t work out that way at all? Or what about just plain ole’ everyday life and the discouragements that we allow to set in while feeling like we are doing our best?
Does the fact that a thing doesn’t work out like I desire change the absolute Truth of the Word of God? I say a resounding NO. No matter what goes wrong in my life I must determine to go to God’s Word for the Truth and His light in every circumstance. I keep my relationship with Him based on that Truth- not my own life. I don’t rearrange what I believe or how I view God based on what happens in my life.
Back to why I like this word “steadfast” so much! It reminds to continue doing what I know is right to do in the face of every situation- good ones AND adverse ones. The very meaning of the word rings a bell/strikes a chord, if you will, prompting me not to give up. Most importantly it ignites my spirit to abandon my heart to my covenant-keeping God and to keep believing with faith and patience what the Truth of God's Word says about each situation until the promises show up in my life!
I leave you with this encouraging Truth from God’s Word.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile[it is never wasted or to no purpose]. I Cor. 15:58 Amp.
Monday, October 29, 2007
'Everything Happens for a Reason'
If I had a dollar for every time I heard that saying, I'd be a whole lot richer. I hear it on TV shows, in song lyrics, in movies, and in countless everday conversations I'm either having or over-hearing. I've even heard it in many church services or Bible studies and read it in several books.
The saying, "Everything happens for a reason" is wrong. False. Not true.
The saying, "Everything happens for a reason" is wrong. False. Not true.
This terminology is not in the Bible, contrary to what so many Christians (and non-Christians) erroneously think.
If you mean, by using this phrase , which most people do, that everything has a divine purpose, that God caused such and such to happen to teach you a lesson or bless you eventually in some yet-to-be revealed way, or that everything was caused by God Himself (either by primary or secondary cause, which most people phrase as, "God allowed such and such to happen"), then I have to disagree.
However, I do believe nothing happens by accident. Even things we've come to call "accidents" don't happen by accident. For example, accidental pregnancies. You may not have wanted to get pregnant, but if you had sex, then you really didn't get pregnant on accident. So, in that case, yes, you got pregnant for a reason...the reason being: you had sex. Another example: car accidents. These aren't really "accidents" either. These happen for any number of reasons: someone was drunk and swerved into oncoming traffic, someone was talking on the cell phone while changing the radio station and eating french fries and ran into the stopped car in front of them, someone was turned around trying to reach something in the back seat and ran a red light...you get the idea.
In this sense, I can agree that everything does happen for a reason. However, I cannot agree that God is the author of everything that happens. This kind of thinking goes against the principal teachings of the Bible and the character of God as revealed in the Bible.
I often wonder if "everything happens for a reason" is such a popular saying because of the supposed comfort and absolution it gives us. But it affords us a false comfort if anything, thinking that God is in control and will somehow, someday reveal to us His divine plan and how it is in our best interests. Likewise, it's a false absolution because we are never truly absolved from personal responsibility. But people tend to want to think, God's in control, so what could I really have done? I didn't cause this. I'm not to blame. Everything happens for a reason.
Don't misunderstand me. Bad things happen. Sometimes even things we don't directly cause (unless you consider Adam's original sin, by which we have been affected). But God didn't cause them. They didn't happen for a reason. Unless you consider the reason being A) Sin or B) Sinful people or C) Satan who is out to destroy you.
Another common false statement many people make is "God won't give you more than you can handle." This is no where in the Bible. What IS in the Bible is this: God won't allow you to be tempted beyond what you can resist. And in case you're thinking that God is the one tempting you, the Book of James clears that up. According to James 1:13, we shouldn't say that God is tempting us, because God cannot be tempted with evil neither does he tempt any man. Evil happens when we are enticed and dragged away by our own lust. Bad things aren't from God. The Bible tells us that all GOOD gifts come down from our Father in Heaven. One good gift God gives us: a way of escape when temptations and bad situations arise.
So, instead of saying, "everything happens for a reason," I'd rather say, "Everything happens for a season." No matter what life or the devil or other people throw my way and no matter what situations I myself create, I can find victory over the situation through Jesus Christ. I don't have to stay in the circumstance, but can find the way out which God has graciously provided for me.
However, I do believe nothing happens by accident. Even things we've come to call "accidents" don't happen by accident. For example, accidental pregnancies. You may not have wanted to get pregnant, but if you had sex, then you really didn't get pregnant on accident. So, in that case, yes, you got pregnant for a reason...the reason being: you had sex. Another example: car accidents. These aren't really "accidents" either. These happen for any number of reasons: someone was drunk and swerved into oncoming traffic, someone was talking on the cell phone while changing the radio station and eating french fries and ran into the stopped car in front of them, someone was turned around trying to reach something in the back seat and ran a red light...you get the idea.
In this sense, I can agree that everything does happen for a reason. However, I cannot agree that God is the author of everything that happens. This kind of thinking goes against the principal teachings of the Bible and the character of God as revealed in the Bible.
I often wonder if "everything happens for a reason" is such a popular saying because of the supposed comfort and absolution it gives us. But it affords us a false comfort if anything, thinking that God is in control and will somehow, someday reveal to us His divine plan and how it is in our best interests. Likewise, it's a false absolution because we are never truly absolved from personal responsibility. But people tend to want to think, God's in control, so what could I really have done? I didn't cause this. I'm not to blame. Everything happens for a reason.
Don't misunderstand me. Bad things happen. Sometimes even things we don't directly cause (unless you consider Adam's original sin, by which we have been affected). But God didn't cause them. They didn't happen for a reason. Unless you consider the reason being A) Sin or B) Sinful people or C) Satan who is out to destroy you.
Another common false statement many people make is "God won't give you more than you can handle." This is no where in the Bible. What IS in the Bible is this: God won't allow you to be tempted beyond what you can resist. And in case you're thinking that God is the one tempting you, the Book of James clears that up. According to James 1:13, we shouldn't say that God is tempting us, because God cannot be tempted with evil neither does he tempt any man. Evil happens when we are enticed and dragged away by our own lust. Bad things aren't from God. The Bible tells us that all GOOD gifts come down from our Father in Heaven. One good gift God gives us: a way of escape when temptations and bad situations arise.
So, instead of saying, "everything happens for a reason," I'd rather say, "Everything happens for a season." No matter what life or the devil or other people throw my way and no matter what situations I myself create, I can find victory over the situation through Jesus Christ. I don't have to stay in the circumstance, but can find the way out which God has graciously provided for me.
Friday, September 28, 2007
As Jesus Is, So Are We
Today I will be picking up from my post on September 7. I was trying to share with you that Christianity is not about us. It’s about Jesus. Hence, the first five letters of Christianity. Sometimes we hear messages in church that make us think it is “me”-anity or Scottanity. But Jesus is the center of Christianity.
So what’s the greatest news I’ve ever heard? It comes from 1 John 4:17. It reads, “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the Day of Judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world." I have to confess that I was taught this scripture from a miracle mindset. The person that I learned from used this scripture often, and he said, "As Jesus is, so are we." Then he pointed out all of the works that Jesus did: healing the sick, raising the dead, casting out demons…. He said that if Jesus could do those things, so could we.
Sounded good to me! After all, John 14:12 says that we will do even greater works than Jesus did because He is going to His Father. So I bought into that interpretation of 1 John 4:17 hook, line and sinker. And I still believe it today. The Bible tells us that Jesus was anointed with the Holy Ghost and went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed of the devil for God was with Him. Well, God says that we are anointed with the same Holy Ghost. God also says that He is with us always.
The only problem with this point of view is that 1 John 4:17 does not read “As he does, so will we do.” It says as Jesus IS, so ARE we in this world. This verse isn’t talking about the actions or good works of Jesus. This verse is talking about the being of Jesus. As Jesus is, so are we.
How is Jesus right now? What kind of relationship does He have with the Father? Is He acceptable in God’s sight? As Jesus is, so are we.
One of the tools the enemy uses against us is to get us to focus on ourselves. Satan is called "the accuser of the brethren," and, boy, is he good at accusing! He will get our attention on what we have done wrong lately or how undeserving we are of God’s love and favor. His motive is to get us to think that we have to earn or merit God’s love. If we haven’t been performing up to par, then we think God is far from us and has withdrawn Himself. Nothing could be further from the truth!
Is Jesus far from God? No, He is seated at His right Hand. Hallelujah! Is Jesus in Heaven working His fingers to the bone to get His Father’s approval? No! As a matter of fact, God looked down from Heaven at His Son’s baptism and declared, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” Do you know how many miracles Jesus had performed up to that time? Zero. God wanted us to know that His love isn’t based upon performance.
When my son was born, he did nothing but start breathing and suddenly my heart leaped with a joy I hadn’t known before. How much MORE does God love us...even in spite of our performance!
Let 1 John 4:17 sink down into your spirit (heart). Don’t let the devil focus your attention on yourself. Think about Jesus and His relationship with the Father. Everything He has is yours right now.
Think about this: Jesus didn't merely carry the sins of the world on the Cross. No, Jesus actually became sin that we might be made the righteousness of God. Jesus died a horrible death on the Cross and descended into hell, but His blood was so holy and so powerful that it cleansed Him of the sin He had become. Jesus' blood was so holy and so powerful that it made Jesus clean enough to be resurrected into the very Presence of God in Heaven. What makes us think that our little ole’ sin can keep the Presence of God from our life?
I want you to know that you are blessed today. Jesus was forsaken that you might be accepted. He was bruised that you might be healed. He became sin so that you could become righteous. Everything that Jesus is to God---YOU are to God...because as He is, so are we in this world.
So what’s the greatest news I’ve ever heard? It comes from 1 John 4:17. It reads, “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the Day of Judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world." I have to confess that I was taught this scripture from a miracle mindset. The person that I learned from used this scripture often, and he said, "As Jesus is, so are we." Then he pointed out all of the works that Jesus did: healing the sick, raising the dead, casting out demons…. He said that if Jesus could do those things, so could we.
Sounded good to me! After all, John 14:12 says that we will do even greater works than Jesus did because He is going to His Father. So I bought into that interpretation of 1 John 4:17 hook, line and sinker. And I still believe it today. The Bible tells us that Jesus was anointed with the Holy Ghost and went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed of the devil for God was with Him. Well, God says that we are anointed with the same Holy Ghost. God also says that He is with us always.
The only problem with this point of view is that 1 John 4:17 does not read “As he does, so will we do.” It says as Jesus IS, so ARE we in this world. This verse isn’t talking about the actions or good works of Jesus. This verse is talking about the being of Jesus. As Jesus is, so are we.
How is Jesus right now? What kind of relationship does He have with the Father? Is He acceptable in God’s sight? As Jesus is, so are we.
One of the tools the enemy uses against us is to get us to focus on ourselves. Satan is called "the accuser of the brethren," and, boy, is he good at accusing! He will get our attention on what we have done wrong lately or how undeserving we are of God’s love and favor. His motive is to get us to think that we have to earn or merit God’s love. If we haven’t been performing up to par, then we think God is far from us and has withdrawn Himself. Nothing could be further from the truth!
Is Jesus far from God? No, He is seated at His right Hand. Hallelujah! Is Jesus in Heaven working His fingers to the bone to get His Father’s approval? No! As a matter of fact, God looked down from Heaven at His Son’s baptism and declared, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” Do you know how many miracles Jesus had performed up to that time? Zero. God wanted us to know that His love isn’t based upon performance.
When my son was born, he did nothing but start breathing and suddenly my heart leaped with a joy I hadn’t known before. How much MORE does God love us...even in spite of our performance!
Let 1 John 4:17 sink down into your spirit (heart). Don’t let the devil focus your attention on yourself. Think about Jesus and His relationship with the Father. Everything He has is yours right now.
Think about this: Jesus didn't merely carry the sins of the world on the Cross. No, Jesus actually became sin that we might be made the righteousness of God. Jesus died a horrible death on the Cross and descended into hell, but His blood was so holy and so powerful that it cleansed Him of the sin He had become. Jesus' blood was so holy and so powerful that it made Jesus clean enough to be resurrected into the very Presence of God in Heaven. What makes us think that our little ole’ sin can keep the Presence of God from our life?
I want you to know that you are blessed today. Jesus was forsaken that you might be accepted. He was bruised that you might be healed. He became sin so that you could become righteous. Everything that Jesus is to God---YOU are to God...because as He is, so are we in this world.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
I Was Made To Love
I’ve always felt like God has made life pretty simple for us. When I share this position with fellow believers I am often met with perplexed and sometimes defiant responses. Just because our lives ARE complicated and entangled doesn’t mean God intends for them to be that way.
We are the ones that confuse matters, not God. Please don’t misunderstand, I am not saying that what God has done is simple, nor am I in any way minimizing His provision. Quite the opposite. The way I see it, what God HAS provided FOR US is so monumental and magnanimous that it makes our part in the equation simple. He had a plan before the foundation of the world to save us for Himself. (It thrills me to my core to know I was on His mind before the world began.)
God sent His son, Jesus, to be the substitute for my sin, sickness, disease and death. Once Jesus fulfilled His mission, He told us to tell others about what He did. And He gave us the Holy Spirit which gives us the power to do it. God pours out His love in us and upon us when we give our life to Him, He gave us the written Word to follow, and He provides His anointing to raise us above and beyond our ordinary abilities. (Okay, I admit I just oversimplified all of that for the sake of the length of this post).
The times in my life when things get muddy and complicated are when I let these basic truths get lost in the fog of everyday situations. Granted the situations can vary by degrees in drama and importance or even sometimes in emergency. Honestly, though, every single day and all that each day brings, in whatever season of life I am in, the truth of what God’s part is and what my part is never changes. I have only to respond to His love with my heart of faith (believing) and allow Him to demonstrate His love to me. As I do this daily, it becomes as simple as breathing. I grow in believing in His love, and all He asks from me is to return His love. This is the part that is difficult to explain…somehow this process of devotion and affection from a right heart of worship for all He is makes the rest of life pretty simple. I was made to love and be loved by Him. He’s waiting for us every moment of every day with open arms.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Live What You Believe
We hear the word used all the time in all sorts of ways: Faith.
The Christian faith.
Walk by faith.
Living by faith.
Faith is the substance of things hoped for.
Keep the switch of faith turned on.
Have faith. Build your faith. Use your faith.
Your faith will see you through.
Since faith is central to Christianity (we're saved by grace through faith), then we ought to know how to clearly define it, obtain it, and use it. According to the Greek language (which the New Testament was written in thousands of years ago), "faith" is a fancy word for a firm persuasion or a conviction based upon hearing. Simply put, faith is what you believe.
Everyone has faith. Everyone believes something. The question is not, "Do you have faith?" The questions we need to ask ourselves (and then answer) are these:
1) What do I believe?
2) Am I allowing my beliefs to govern what I think, say, and do?
If we are truly Christian, then we are followers of Jesus Christ. And if we are truly Christian, we must form our beliefs solely based on God's Word. Then we must take the vital extra step and allow our beliefs to govern our life.
This is the step many Christians omit. It's easier to do whatever we feel like doing. It's less painful to simply go along with the cultural tide of our society. It's easier to think on whatever enters our mind and to say whatever we feel like saying. Basically, it's easier to live according to our feelings and carnal desires than to live by what our heart believes. But until we allow our Christian beliefs to govern what we think, say, and do, our Bible-based beliefs lie dormant and do us little good. Which in turn means that there will be little difference between our thoughts, words, and actions and those of non-Christians.
And that would be a crying shame.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)