Luke 22:59-62, John 20:1-4
Peter messed up... big time! The Lord told Peter that he was going to deny him three times before dawn. Peter vehemently denied it. However, Jesus was right. Peter did deny him and on the third time the Gospel of Luke tells us they made eye contact. He went away weeping, overwhelmed with grief.
Fast forward to three days later. Mary Magdalene comes and tells the disciples that Jesus' body was no longer in the tomb. Peter and John run to the tomb. Did you catch that? Peter ran to Jesus.
Peter understood the character of His Lord. Peter understood forgiveness. I am not sure if I would have run to the tomb that day. Unfortunately, too many times in my life I allow feelings of guilt and failure to keep me from running back to Jesus. I forget that the Bible tells me that when I confess my sins He is faithful and just to forgive me of my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). I forget that as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed transgression from me (Psalm 103:12). I forget that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Instead I allow Satan to beat me up with my sin over and over. Guilt washes over me and keeps me from the One who died to set me free from sin and death (Romans 8:2)!
Salvation is a free gift. There is nothing we can do to earn it, we just have to accept it and believe it (Romans 6:23 / Romans 10:9). Forgiveness works the same way. We don't earn it, but Jesus's death on the cross freely brings it! We have to accept his forgiveness, believe we have it, and then MOVE ON! What if Peter never accepted Christ's forgiveness and moved on to become the rock of the early church? What if David never accepted God's forgiveness for his sin of murder and adultery and never moved on to be a King that honored God and ruled Israel? What if Moses never accepted God's forgiveness for his sin of murder and never went to lead God's people out of Israel? What if Paul never accepted God's forgiveness for terrorizing and martyring the early church and never became one of the greatest missionaries of all time?
What if you never accept God's forgiveness and move on? What will you never see HIM accomplish through your life? Satan doesn't win when the war over your life when we sin. However, we let him win when we wallow in guilt and become ineffective for the Kingdom of God! Don't you know Jesus has the power to take your sin and turn it around for something good and for His glory? (Romans 8:28).
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1
Run like Peter! God is waiting with open arms!
Showing posts with label Failure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Failure. Show all posts
Friday, May 31, 2013
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Whose Applause are You Listening For?
Acts 8 (Click on reference to read text - I know it is a long one today, but it was important to have proper context!)
Philip obeyed the Lord. He faithfully fed the widows and served in a seemingly menial task (Acts 6:1-6). When persecution in Jerusalem came, he went to Samaria to preach the good news. He saw great revival spring up and even the town's "sorcerer" believed and was baptized. Then Peter and John came down from Jerusalem. Although they confirmed his ministry and witnessed the many added to the church, they also discovered that "Simon the sorcerer" probably wasn't a believer after all. Philip could have become embarrassed, he could have felt like a failure and ceased spreading the good news, he could have given up, but he didn't. He was not concerned about the applause of men. He was only living for the applause of God.
There are times, at least in my own life, that when disappointments happen, we take it personally. We become embarrassed by the behavior of others under our leadership and view it as a reflection upon us and our leadership abilities. We begin to believe that there must be something inherently wrong with us. However, even Jesus, the greatest leader of all time, watched someone close to him (Judas) choose sin instead of eternal life.
Philip realized an important truth: we are responsible to be obedient to what God has called us to do, and then we must leave the rest up to God. We are not responsible for the actions or disbelief of others under our lead (although we do have a responsibility before God to point it out and give them a choice to repent and follow God - Matt 18:15-17). Instead of being bogged down by the disbelief and wrong motives of Simon the Sorcerer, Philip listened to the promptings of God and immediately followed God's next assignment (Acts 8:26-30).
We too can learn a valuable lesson from this humble Christ follower. Philip didn't let his "failures" or the failures of others hinder his effectiveness for God. He listened for what God was calling him to do and he simply obeyed. People under you will not always make the right choice. They may turn their back on God, preferring sin to eternal life. Follow Philip's lead and remember, that your responsibility is you... are you obeying the voice of the Lord? They keep at it and leave the rest to Him!
Philip obeyed the Lord. He faithfully fed the widows and served in a seemingly menial task (Acts 6:1-6). When persecution in Jerusalem came, he went to Samaria to preach the good news. He saw great revival spring up and even the town's "sorcerer" believed and was baptized. Then Peter and John came down from Jerusalem. Although they confirmed his ministry and witnessed the many added to the church, they also discovered that "Simon the sorcerer" probably wasn't a believer after all. Philip could have become embarrassed, he could have felt like a failure and ceased spreading the good news, he could have given up, but he didn't. He was not concerned about the applause of men. He was only living for the applause of God.
There are times, at least in my own life, that when disappointments happen, we take it personally. We become embarrassed by the behavior of others under our leadership and view it as a reflection upon us and our leadership abilities. We begin to believe that there must be something inherently wrong with us. However, even Jesus, the greatest leader of all time, watched someone close to him (Judas) choose sin instead of eternal life.
Philip realized an important truth: we are responsible to be obedient to what God has called us to do, and then we must leave the rest up to God. We are not responsible for the actions or disbelief of others under our lead (although we do have a responsibility before God to point it out and give them a choice to repent and follow God - Matt 18:15-17). Instead of being bogged down by the disbelief and wrong motives of Simon the Sorcerer, Philip listened to the promptings of God and immediately followed God's next assignment (Acts 8:26-30).
We too can learn a valuable lesson from this humble Christ follower. Philip didn't let his "failures" or the failures of others hinder his effectiveness for God. He listened for what God was calling him to do and he simply obeyed. People under you will not always make the right choice. They may turn their back on God, preferring sin to eternal life. Follow Philip's lead and remember, that your responsibility is you... are you obeying the voice of the Lord? They keep at it and leave the rest to Him!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
It Takes a Little Time Sometimes...
Exodus 34:1-7 (Click on reference to read text)
We are a people of quick fixes and immediate results, but repentance takes work. Moses was initially handed the two stone tablets straight from the hand of God (Ex 31:18). Yet after He broke them on a rock (Ex 32:15-19), he begged God for a second chance. God, who is compassionate and full of grace, was willing to give Moses a second chance, but first He commanded Moses to "cut for yourself two stone tablets like the former ones, and I will write on the tablets the words that were on the former tablets which you shattered" (vs. 1). Moses wasn't just given a second set. He had to work for them. He had to cut another set out of stone first.
How many times have we found ourselves in a mess and knew it was going to take the hand of the Lord to deliver us? We may cry out to the Lord, ask forgiveness and believe the Scriptures: That the Lord is compasionate, slow to anger and abounding in love (Ex 34:6), that "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness," (1 John 1:9 ) and "as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." (Ps 103:12)
However, we get frustrated when things don't immediately iron out, our troubles don't disappear, and things seem just as messy as before we cried out to God. God is a God of second chances, but there are going to be consequences for our actions. Sometimes the road of repentance is long and hard. God is not the Navy Seals who will simply come in and rescue you. His purpose for you goes beyond a "rescue operation." His purpose is to make you more like Him and sometimes He does that through the long road of recovery from the bad choices we make. Just know that "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Ps 34:18). Rest in the truth "For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning" (Ps 30:5).
When you relinquish control of your life to Him, He may require you to take the first step. That is okay. Start rebuilding and all the while know, you are not walking alone, you are forgiven, and eventually you will see how God will take your mess ups and turn them around for your good and His glory (Ro 8:28)."
Remember Isaiah's prophesy about our Lord... Jesus will "comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor."(Isaiah 61:2-3)
Friday, March 25, 2011
The Sweetest Sound I know...
Leviticus 16 (Click on reference to read text)
"...and behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split." Matthew 27:51
You probably do not describe the sound of cloth ripping as beautiful... especially if you are a mother of small children! However, the sound of the veil being torn in two was the most beautiful sound of all time.
Leviticus 16 is a great reminder of the gift we have been given as we celebrate the Easter season. Before Christ and His sacrifice on the cross, we were not able to access the Father anytime we wanted (vs. 1-2), we could not come to God empty handed (vs. 3), we had to go through great ceremony before we could even enter His presence (vs. 4). Then, after all of this, only the high priest could enter the presence of God. In order to receive forgiveness of sins, a blood sacrifice of an animal, performed in a certain way and (vs. 11-28) at a certain time (vs. 29-31) had to be made.
Christ ripped open the veil. After His death on the cross, the Holy of Holies (symbolizing the presence of God) was available to everyone who called Jesus Lord. He became our high priest so that we could approach the throne of grace in confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Heb 4:16). In Christ's death on the cross, we find forgiveness of sins (Col 1:13-22), and no longer condemnation (Ro 8:1). Christ calls us to come, just as we are and He promises to give us rest (Matt 11:28).
Are you going through great ceremony to approach God? Are you hoping that you are doing things the right way in order to win his favor? Are you afraid to approach God whenever you want or need? Do you know rest? If not, you need to know Christ! He is the answer. We can offer Him nothing, yet He offers us everything (John 3:16, 2 Cor 5:21, Rom 5:8-9, Ro 10:9-10). You are imperfect (Ro 3:23) but Christ, in His perfect love, made the way for our salvation (John 14:6).
I am sure this is not new truth for you. It is not for me. However, in this time of year, as we are surrounded with bunnies, eggs and candy, let's remember the sound of cloth ripping. The sound of freedom. The sound of redemption. The veil was torn so that I can approach my Father, just as I am, and live in His presence.
"...and behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split." Matthew 27:51
You probably do not describe the sound of cloth ripping as beautiful... especially if you are a mother of small children! However, the sound of the veil being torn in two was the most beautiful sound of all time.
Leviticus 16 is a great reminder of the gift we have been given as we celebrate the Easter season. Before Christ and His sacrifice on the cross, we were not able to access the Father anytime we wanted (vs. 1-2), we could not come to God empty handed (vs. 3), we had to go through great ceremony before we could even enter His presence (vs. 4). Then, after all of this, only the high priest could enter the presence of God. In order to receive forgiveness of sins, a blood sacrifice of an animal, performed in a certain way and (vs. 11-28) at a certain time (vs. 29-31) had to be made.
Christ ripped open the veil. After His death on the cross, the Holy of Holies (symbolizing the presence of God) was available to everyone who called Jesus Lord. He became our high priest so that we could approach the throne of grace in confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Heb 4:16). In Christ's death on the cross, we find forgiveness of sins (Col 1:13-22), and no longer condemnation (Ro 8:1). Christ calls us to come, just as we are and He promises to give us rest (Matt 11:28).
Are you going through great ceremony to approach God? Are you hoping that you are doing things the right way in order to win his favor? Are you afraid to approach God whenever you want or need? Do you know rest? If not, you need to know Christ! He is the answer. We can offer Him nothing, yet He offers us everything (John 3:16, 2 Cor 5:21, Rom 5:8-9, Ro 10:9-10). You are imperfect (Ro 3:23) but Christ, in His perfect love, made the way for our salvation (John 14:6).
I am sure this is not new truth for you. It is not for me. However, in this time of year, as we are surrounded with bunnies, eggs and candy, let's remember the sound of cloth ripping. The sound of freedom. The sound of redemption. The veil was torn so that I can approach my Father, just as I am, and live in His presence.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
God Really Does Equip the Called...
Matthew 28:16-20 (click on reference to read text)
If you would have peeked inside my living room window on Thursday afternoon, you would have thought I had lost it. I was lying on the floor, face down and in tears. I had a rough couple of weeks and was slowly reaching a breaking point. God had called me to something and I was failing miserably. I was confident in the call, but not in the called (myself)! Then I read Matthew 28. Guess what? I was reminded it is not all up to me!
The calling the Lord had given the disciples was enormous. Big enough that without God it would have failed within the first year! They were to go and make disciples of all nations! However, the key lies in verse 19. "Baptize them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit." It was not up to the disciples, they just had to be obedient. The success of the work was all up to God!
The work that God has called you to is not riding on your shoulders either. He has given us specific promises in His Word regarding this truth. First, that God's power will bring to fruition what He has called us to (2 Thes 1:11-12). Second, He will give us the strength to carry out His will and the words to say (1 Peter 4:11). Third, He has given us everything we need for a godly life (2 Peter 1:3)!
It does not matter if your calling is being a missionary to an unreached people group, a minister, a business owner or a mother. Whatever He has called you to, He will equip you. After seeking my Father's face and listening to His Word, I got up from my living room floor and knew that I was no longer walking alone. I had the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit on my side, and they were going to be victorious!
If you would have peeked inside my living room window on Thursday afternoon, you would have thought I had lost it. I was lying on the floor, face down and in tears. I had a rough couple of weeks and was slowly reaching a breaking point. God had called me to something and I was failing miserably. I was confident in the call, but not in the called (myself)! Then I read Matthew 28. Guess what? I was reminded it is not all up to me!
The calling the Lord had given the disciples was enormous. Big enough that without God it would have failed within the first year! They were to go and make disciples of all nations! However, the key lies in verse 19. "Baptize them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit." It was not up to the disciples, they just had to be obedient. The success of the work was all up to God!
The work that God has called you to is not riding on your shoulders either. He has given us specific promises in His Word regarding this truth. First, that God's power will bring to fruition what He has called us to (2 Thes 1:11-12). Second, He will give us the strength to carry out His will and the words to say (1 Peter 4:11). Third, He has given us everything we need for a godly life (2 Peter 1:3)!
It does not matter if your calling is being a missionary to an unreached people group, a minister, a business owner or a mother. Whatever He has called you to, He will equip you. After seeking my Father's face and listening to His Word, I got up from my living room floor and knew that I was no longer walking alone. I had the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit on my side, and they were going to be victorious!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Allowing Me to Fall...
Luke 15:11-24 (Click on reference to read text)
My daughter was on the patio of my husband's store when all of a sudden, she started running straight towards the parking lot and a moving car. I yelled for her to freeze, but she kept running, completely oblivious to the danger. As I took off after her, I watched as she tripped and fell flat on her face a few feet from the road. She was hurt, but she was alive. I was never so glad to watch my daughter fall. I explained to her, "Jesus loves you so much, He let you fall. You were running straight into danger, and although it hurt to fall, it hurt a lot less than running into a car. We need to thank Jesus for your fall." As I prayed with my little girl, I too began to thank Jesus for the times in my life He let me fall to save me from even greater danger.
The prodigal son is a story we are all familiar with, yet it is also something that each of us can relate to. How many of us have wanted to go our own way and do what we want to do? We may have been more subtle in our rebellion, but we have all chosen to do life in our own way. Our rebellion could be a calendar out of control and being too busy, making work your number one priority, or trusting in a relationship and not in the Lord. He may yell for us to freeze. Send us warning signs, but sometimes He must make us fall. It could be health problems that force us to slow down, job loss, or the end of a relationship. It may hurt at the time. Your heart may be broken, you may be confused, or you may feel abandoned. However, if you really take a close look, you may just see the Lord directing your steps to much better, and safer, places.
The most amazing thing about our Heavenly Father is that when we fall, we can run back to Him. Just like the father of the prodigal son, He is watching and as soon as I turn towards home, He runs to me and and embraces me. He is ready to run to you too. In what ways are you being rebellious and doing life your own way? Stop justifying your actions, and run home. He is waiting with arms open wide!
For further reading: Psalm 103:12, 1 John 1:9, 1 John 3:1, Proverbs 15:16, Proverbs 16:9, Proverbs 3:1-26
My daughter was on the patio of my husband's store when all of a sudden, she started running straight towards the parking lot and a moving car. I yelled for her to freeze, but she kept running, completely oblivious to the danger. As I took off after her, I watched as she tripped and fell flat on her face a few feet from the road. She was hurt, but she was alive. I was never so glad to watch my daughter fall. I explained to her, "Jesus loves you so much, He let you fall. You were running straight into danger, and although it hurt to fall, it hurt a lot less than running into a car. We need to thank Jesus for your fall." As I prayed with my little girl, I too began to thank Jesus for the times in my life He let me fall to save me from even greater danger.
The prodigal son is a story we are all familiar with, yet it is also something that each of us can relate to. How many of us have wanted to go our own way and do what we want to do? We may have been more subtle in our rebellion, but we have all chosen to do life in our own way. Our rebellion could be a calendar out of control and being too busy, making work your number one priority, or trusting in a relationship and not in the Lord. He may yell for us to freeze. Send us warning signs, but sometimes He must make us fall. It could be health problems that force us to slow down, job loss, or the end of a relationship. It may hurt at the time. Your heart may be broken, you may be confused, or you may feel abandoned. However, if you really take a close look, you may just see the Lord directing your steps to much better, and safer, places.
The most amazing thing about our Heavenly Father is that when we fall, we can run back to Him. Just like the father of the prodigal son, He is watching and as soon as I turn towards home, He runs to me and and embraces me. He is ready to run to you too. In what ways are you being rebellious and doing life your own way? Stop justifying your actions, and run home. He is waiting with arms open wide!
For further reading: Psalm 103:12, 1 John 1:9, 1 John 3:1, Proverbs 15:16, Proverbs 16:9, Proverbs 3:1-26
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Run Home!!!
Acts 3:19 - "Therefore, repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."
Satan is a great liar and when you sin, inevitably his attack begins. First of all he loves to make you feel guilty, because guilt drives you away from the Father. Guilt causes you to stop and dwell. You listen to the lies that you are not good enough, you are a failure, you have gone too far away from God's love, you could never return... etc. Whatever Satan can do to keep you from the Father, he will lay it on.
However, in this Scripture we see the most beautiful picture of God's operation with Christians when they sin. His Holy Spirit begins to convict the heart of God's child. Unlike guilt, conviction causes you to run to the Father and repent. Christ is calling us to run away from our sin and return to Him. He longs to wipe away our sin and refresh us with His presence. That amazes me! In this Scripture He does not just promise forgiveness, He promises us His refreshing presence.
Where are you at right now? Is there a sin in your life that is keeping you from your Father's refreshing presence? Are you buried in guilt? Quit listening to the lies of Satan and start listening to the Father's own words... RETURN and He WILL wipe away your sins and refresh you with His presence. He is waiting with arms open wide.
It is time. Put on your shoes and run home.
Satan is a great liar and when you sin, inevitably his attack begins. First of all he loves to make you feel guilty, because guilt drives you away from the Father. Guilt causes you to stop and dwell. You listen to the lies that you are not good enough, you are a failure, you have gone too far away from God's love, you could never return... etc. Whatever Satan can do to keep you from the Father, he will lay it on.
However, in this Scripture we see the most beautiful picture of God's operation with Christians when they sin. His Holy Spirit begins to convict the heart of God's child. Unlike guilt, conviction causes you to run to the Father and repent. Christ is calling us to run away from our sin and return to Him. He longs to wipe away our sin and refresh us with His presence. That amazes me! In this Scripture He does not just promise forgiveness, He promises us His refreshing presence.
Where are you at right now? Is there a sin in your life that is keeping you from your Father's refreshing presence? Are you buried in guilt? Quit listening to the lies of Satan and start listening to the Father's own words... RETURN and He WILL wipe away your sins and refresh you with His presence. He is waiting with arms open wide.
It is time. Put on your shoes and run home.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Accept it and Move On!
Luke 22:54-62 (Click on reference to read text)
This past Sunday, about 10 minutes or so into the service, a woman came and sat down next to me. As soon as she took her seat, the Holy Spirit started nudging me. Pretty soon I knew what I was supposed to do. I knew, just as plain as if God had audible spoken the words to me, I was to tell her that she looked beautiful. Part of me thought, well that is an easy thing to obey, what woman doesn't like to be told she is beautiful? This is a pretty receptive message. However, the other part of me thought, who will she think I am? Some strange woman she has never met turning to tell her she is beautiful? I waited for the "greet your neighbor part of the service" to obey, but it never came. So as I wrestled with how and when to do it, the service ended before I knew it. I turned to her and said, "Have a Happy Easter," and went about my way picking up my kids from Sunday School.
I failed. I actually was lying in bed this morning thinking about this after being wakened by the myriads of birds singing outside of my window at 5am. I have confessed my shortcoming to the Lord, many times, and I know he has forgiven me. Now I have to work on forgiving myself.
Peter too failed the Lord and was very aware of it. Often times he gets a bad rap for denying Christ, but in one sense he was doing better than the other disciples. When all the other disciples ran away, he followed Christ. However, in a moment of weakness, fear, worry and shame he denied the Lord - 3 times. It broke his heart... but that is not the end of the story. One of the most beautiful verses in all the Bible details the angel's words to the women standing at the empty tomb just three days later. The angel tells them, "go, tell His disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see Him'"(Mark 16:7).
You see, one of the greatest things about being a child of God is that we are not labeled by our past, and never will be. In a world that tells you that your past will completely dictate your future, stand firm knowing that Christ has set you free (Galatians 5:1) and that there is no condemnation for those who believe on His name (Romans 8:1). Your past does not label you, your family history does not label you, your failures don't label you. God's ultimate sacrifice on the cross is what labels you.
One of the biggest and most successful lies of Satan is making us doubt our freedom and forgiveness that we have in Christ. You are free. Stop fighting and keeping yourself in the quagmire of your guilt and sin, and give it to God. Remember, Jesus called Peter by name! He singled him out to make sure Peter knew he still had a place in Jesus' company and plan. But that gave Peter a choice.
Peter could have chosen to wallow in his sin and failures for the rest of his life. Believe the lies that Satan was probably hitting him with about what a huge failure he was, embarrassment for not living up to the prideful statements he said about Christ (Mark 14:29-31), thinking that there was no way that God could use such a weak and sinful man. Peter could have chosen that path, but he didn't. Instead he walked in Christ's forgiveness, stood up on the day of Pentecost and began to preach, and 3,000 accepted Christ as Savior in one day (Acts 2:14-41). If you keep reading, the New Testament is full of true stories about the marvelous things that Peter did for the Lord and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
So you and I have a choice. We can continue to wallow in our sin and failure. We can refuse to be effective for Christ and believe the lies of Satan, or we can be a Peter. A man of great failure and great effectiveness for Christ. Who spoke words of betrayal, but repented and spoke words of great power. He moved on, he did not continue in his sin, he accepted Christ's forgiveness and the next time, he obeyed. I pray that the next time, I too will obey. May my heart cry with Isaiah, "Here I am Lord, send me!" (Is 6:8).
(Written on Monday, April 12th: As only our gracious and compassionate Lord can, the same lady sat directly behind me in church yesterday, coming in just after the service started. I knew instantly that the Lord was giving me a second chance at obedience. This time, as soon as the service ended, I immediately turned around and told her how beautiful I thought she looked last week. We continued to talk for a brief moment. I laughed in the car while telling my husband. You see, when I obeyed, nothing happened, at least not on the surface. The clouds did not part with the Hallelujah chorus being sung, she did not break down in tears saying that she was at a breaking point and these words will carry her through. No, none of these things. The only thing that happened was that she told me she loves the color green. I learned that God wants us to obey, just for the sake of obedience. We may never know why, but we need to leave that to Him. Is He giving you a second chance, take it! Even though you may never ever know why! Maybe you are group two: you have been disobedient and have not been given a second chance to obey. Be a Peter! Repent, move on and allow God to use you the next time. Resolve in your heart, as Daniel and his friends did (Daniel 1:8), go ahead and make the decision in your head and heart, that next time you will obey! Maybe you are group three... right now as you read this the Lord is nudging you to do something. Maybe it is calling your parents and apologizing for something little, maybe it is thanking your husband for going to work everyday for you all even though you don't feel like being thankful, maybe it is to tell your kids how proud you are of them because all you have been doing is yelling. Maybe it is to invite your neighbor over and just talk to her. I don't know what God is asking of you, but you do. Stand up and obey, who knows what might happen. You may never know, but God does and He will be glorified!)
This past Sunday, about 10 minutes or so into the service, a woman came and sat down next to me. As soon as she took her seat, the Holy Spirit started nudging me. Pretty soon I knew what I was supposed to do. I knew, just as plain as if God had audible spoken the words to me, I was to tell her that she looked beautiful. Part of me thought, well that is an easy thing to obey, what woman doesn't like to be told she is beautiful? This is a pretty receptive message. However, the other part of me thought, who will she think I am? Some strange woman she has never met turning to tell her she is beautiful? I waited for the "greet your neighbor part of the service" to obey, but it never came. So as I wrestled with how and when to do it, the service ended before I knew it. I turned to her and said, "Have a Happy Easter," and went about my way picking up my kids from Sunday School.
I failed. I actually was lying in bed this morning thinking about this after being wakened by the myriads of birds singing outside of my window at 5am. I have confessed my shortcoming to the Lord, many times, and I know he has forgiven me. Now I have to work on forgiving myself.
Peter too failed the Lord and was very aware of it. Often times he gets a bad rap for denying Christ, but in one sense he was doing better than the other disciples. When all the other disciples ran away, he followed Christ. However, in a moment of weakness, fear, worry and shame he denied the Lord - 3 times. It broke his heart... but that is not the end of the story. One of the most beautiful verses in all the Bible details the angel's words to the women standing at the empty tomb just three days later. The angel tells them, "go, tell His disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see Him'"(Mark 16:7).
You see, one of the greatest things about being a child of God is that we are not labeled by our past, and never will be. In a world that tells you that your past will completely dictate your future, stand firm knowing that Christ has set you free (Galatians 5:1) and that there is no condemnation for those who believe on His name (Romans 8:1). Your past does not label you, your family history does not label you, your failures don't label you. God's ultimate sacrifice on the cross is what labels you.
One of the biggest and most successful lies of Satan is making us doubt our freedom and forgiveness that we have in Christ. You are free. Stop fighting and keeping yourself in the quagmire of your guilt and sin, and give it to God. Remember, Jesus called Peter by name! He singled him out to make sure Peter knew he still had a place in Jesus' company and plan. But that gave Peter a choice.
Peter could have chosen to wallow in his sin and failures for the rest of his life. Believe the lies that Satan was probably hitting him with about what a huge failure he was, embarrassment for not living up to the prideful statements he said about Christ (Mark 14:29-31), thinking that there was no way that God could use such a weak and sinful man. Peter could have chosen that path, but he didn't. Instead he walked in Christ's forgiveness, stood up on the day of Pentecost and began to preach, and 3,000 accepted Christ as Savior in one day (Acts 2:14-41). If you keep reading, the New Testament is full of true stories about the marvelous things that Peter did for the Lord and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
So you and I have a choice. We can continue to wallow in our sin and failure. We can refuse to be effective for Christ and believe the lies of Satan, or we can be a Peter. A man of great failure and great effectiveness for Christ. Who spoke words of betrayal, but repented and spoke words of great power. He moved on, he did not continue in his sin, he accepted Christ's forgiveness and the next time, he obeyed. I pray that the next time, I too will obey. May my heart cry with Isaiah, "Here I am Lord, send me!" (Is 6:8).
(Written on Monday, April 12th: As only our gracious and compassionate Lord can, the same lady sat directly behind me in church yesterday, coming in just after the service started. I knew instantly that the Lord was giving me a second chance at obedience. This time, as soon as the service ended, I immediately turned around and told her how beautiful I thought she looked last week. We continued to talk for a brief moment. I laughed in the car while telling my husband. You see, when I obeyed, nothing happened, at least not on the surface. The clouds did not part with the Hallelujah chorus being sung, she did not break down in tears saying that she was at a breaking point and these words will carry her through. No, none of these things. The only thing that happened was that she told me she loves the color green. I learned that God wants us to obey, just for the sake of obedience. We may never know why, but we need to leave that to Him. Is He giving you a second chance, take it! Even though you may never ever know why! Maybe you are group two: you have been disobedient and have not been given a second chance to obey. Be a Peter! Repent, move on and allow God to use you the next time. Resolve in your heart, as Daniel and his friends did (Daniel 1:8), go ahead and make the decision in your head and heart, that next time you will obey! Maybe you are group three... right now as you read this the Lord is nudging you to do something. Maybe it is calling your parents and apologizing for something little, maybe it is thanking your husband for going to work everyday for you all even though you don't feel like being thankful, maybe it is to tell your kids how proud you are of them because all you have been doing is yelling. Maybe it is to invite your neighbor over and just talk to her. I don't know what God is asking of you, but you do. Stand up and obey, who knows what might happen. You may never know, but God does and He will be glorified!)
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Are you being held captive by a "minor" sin?
Joshua 7:1-13 (Click on reference to read text)
Joshua and Israel just came off a spiritual high. God brought down their enemies at Jericho and all they had to do was march. They saw the mighty hand of God act on their behalf. Then they go to conquer this little city and get demolished. What happened?
First, we find that they let sin into the camp. This happens so often in our lives and has the same result… defeat, enslavement, and devastation. God commanded the Israelites to gather all the gold, silver, bronze and iron from Jericho and place it into the treasury of the house of the Lord. A man named Achan saw something beautiful that he desired, took it and hid it in his tent (vs. 21). Did he believe that this one action would cause the downfall of his nation… no! Yet, it almost did. Sin breaks fellowship with God. When we allow sin into the camp, we are incapable of standing in victory over our enemies (vs. 12). What sin are you holding on to? What sin seems beautiful to you and you just can't let go? Bitterness because of crushed dreams? Anger and resentment against someone who has wronged you in the past? Busyness? Walking in your own strength? It is so easy to cling to these things because we feel like we deserve them... yet they are not of God and are ultimately leading to our own downfall.
Second, we find Israel following what they think is best and not looking for God’s strategy. They just marched around a city and conquered Jericho with hardly a fight. That was clearly a God thing. Yet, not learning from this mighty victory, they forge ahead in their own strength and face defeat. Yes, God called them to conquer the Promised Land and claim it for Israel, yet they went about it in their own strength, in the way that seemed best for them. We can so quickly fall into this trap. Not all good things are God’s way and plan for our life. We can only see true success when we use God’s plan and not our own.
Finally, we see Joshua became so worried about his present situation, that he actually tells God, "why did you bring this people over the Jordan... if only we had been willing to dwell beyond the Jordon" (vs. 7). Joshua became consumed with the defeat and started doubting God's call and purpose that God so obviously established for Israel. Have you been there? Wondering, maybe if I would have just been content and not followed the leading of the Holy Spirit, maybe this wouldn't be happening? We must not doubt God's calling, but examine our life.
Unfortunately, victory and defeat in our life is not a one time battle we will face, and once we pass the test we are through. We must constantly examine our life, remain "caught up" on repenting of our sins, seek God's plan and strategy for our life. We are not promised daisies and roses in this world. Actually Christ promises that we will have trouble (John 16:33), but we are overcomers and victorious through Him! Remember what God promises the overcomer: "that He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away... I will give the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be my son" (Rev. 21:4-7).
Live in the abundant life that Christ came to give (John 10:10). Get out from under the cloud of sin and Christ promises us you will find freedom.
Joshua and Israel just came off a spiritual high. God brought down their enemies at Jericho and all they had to do was march. They saw the mighty hand of God act on their behalf. Then they go to conquer this little city and get demolished. What happened?
First, we find that they let sin into the camp. This happens so often in our lives and has the same result… defeat, enslavement, and devastation. God commanded the Israelites to gather all the gold, silver, bronze and iron from Jericho and place it into the treasury of the house of the Lord. A man named Achan saw something beautiful that he desired, took it and hid it in his tent (vs. 21). Did he believe that this one action would cause the downfall of his nation… no! Yet, it almost did. Sin breaks fellowship with God. When we allow sin into the camp, we are incapable of standing in victory over our enemies (vs. 12). What sin are you holding on to? What sin seems beautiful to you and you just can't let go? Bitterness because of crushed dreams? Anger and resentment against someone who has wronged you in the past? Busyness? Walking in your own strength? It is so easy to cling to these things because we feel like we deserve them... yet they are not of God and are ultimately leading to our own downfall.
Second, we find Israel following what they think is best and not looking for God’s strategy. They just marched around a city and conquered Jericho with hardly a fight. That was clearly a God thing. Yet, not learning from this mighty victory, they forge ahead in their own strength and face defeat. Yes, God called them to conquer the Promised Land and claim it for Israel, yet they went about it in their own strength, in the way that seemed best for them. We can so quickly fall into this trap. Not all good things are God’s way and plan for our life. We can only see true success when we use God’s plan and not our own.
Finally, we see Joshua became so worried about his present situation, that he actually tells God, "why did you bring this people over the Jordan... if only we had been willing to dwell beyond the Jordon" (vs. 7). Joshua became consumed with the defeat and started doubting God's call and purpose that God so obviously established for Israel. Have you been there? Wondering, maybe if I would have just been content and not followed the leading of the Holy Spirit, maybe this wouldn't be happening? We must not doubt God's calling, but examine our life.
Unfortunately, victory and defeat in our life is not a one time battle we will face, and once we pass the test we are through. We must constantly examine our life, remain "caught up" on repenting of our sins, seek God's plan and strategy for our life. We are not promised daisies and roses in this world. Actually Christ promises that we will have trouble (John 16:33), but we are overcomers and victorious through Him! Remember what God promises the overcomer: "that He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away... I will give the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be my son" (Rev. 21:4-7).
Live in the abundant life that Christ came to give (John 10:10). Get out from under the cloud of sin and Christ promises us you will find freedom.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Why Do I Fail? (Part 1 of Being a Conqueror in Christ)
1 Samuel 17:1-50 (Click on reference to read text)
Satan loves to put Goliath sized images and problems before us. Satan likes making us feel like we are trapped by a warrior that is fully armed, and ready to bring total destruction and slavery. How quickly we forget that if we have a personal relationship with God's son, Jesus Christ, although we are small, we have the power of God and the Host of Heaven on our side. This is exactly what happened to Israel.
God had promised Israel land that they would dwell in safely. In this point of history, the Philistines were trying to remove Israel from the promised land, and they almost succeeded. So often we reach the point that Israel was at, running in fear, but how do we get there?
First we forget who we are (vs.8). Goliath called the Israelites servants of Saul, and no one seemed to even notice. This was their first mistake. They were chosen by God, His children, called by His name. When we forget who we are, we also fall susceptible to attack. It is so easy to stop believing in the faithfulness of our Father when we stop putting our identity in Him! It is not until verse 26 that God is even mentioned in this story... we must keep Him in the forefront of our minds and lives!
Second we begin to focus on the problem and not on God (vs. 11 and 21-24). Yes, they had a big problem... a nine foot tall problem. Their problem seemed huge, but God is so much bigger! When we lose sight of God, our faith hides behind our fear. Remember the story of Elisha when he told Gehazi "don't worry, those who are with us are more than those who are with them" (2 Kings 6:8-23).
Finally, we often live in captivity to fear and failure because we follow false advice (vs. 28). People will provide opposition to you and sometimes encourage you to stay in fear and bondage, BUT GOD BRINGS FREEDOM (Gal 5:1). This verse clearly states, "do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." It is a choice that we make! Don't listen to people that encourage you to live in bondage. There truly is freedom in Christ!
We must remember that we "are MORE than conquerors in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:37). We all allow things to keep us from being a conqueror. What or Who is your Goliath? What are you battling for your promised land right now. Remember, God is bigger and with God all things are possible (Matt 19:26).
(This week we learn what not to do. Tune in next week as we focus on how to become a conqueror!)
Satan loves to put Goliath sized images and problems before us. Satan likes making us feel like we are trapped by a warrior that is fully armed, and ready to bring total destruction and slavery. How quickly we forget that if we have a personal relationship with God's son, Jesus Christ, although we are small, we have the power of God and the Host of Heaven on our side. This is exactly what happened to Israel.
God had promised Israel land that they would dwell in safely. In this point of history, the Philistines were trying to remove Israel from the promised land, and they almost succeeded. So often we reach the point that Israel was at, running in fear, but how do we get there?
First we forget who we are (vs.8). Goliath called the Israelites servants of Saul, and no one seemed to even notice. This was their first mistake. They were chosen by God, His children, called by His name. When we forget who we are, we also fall susceptible to attack. It is so easy to stop believing in the faithfulness of our Father when we stop putting our identity in Him! It is not until verse 26 that God is even mentioned in this story... we must keep Him in the forefront of our minds and lives!
Second we begin to focus on the problem and not on God (vs. 11 and 21-24). Yes, they had a big problem... a nine foot tall problem. Their problem seemed huge, but God is so much bigger! When we lose sight of God, our faith hides behind our fear. Remember the story of Elisha when he told Gehazi "don't worry, those who are with us are more than those who are with them" (2 Kings 6:8-23).
Finally, we often live in captivity to fear and failure because we follow false advice (vs. 28). People will provide opposition to you and sometimes encourage you to stay in fear and bondage, BUT GOD BRINGS FREEDOM (Gal 5:1). This verse clearly states, "do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." It is a choice that we make! Don't listen to people that encourage you to live in bondage. There truly is freedom in Christ!
We must remember that we "are MORE than conquerors in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:37). We all allow things to keep us from being a conqueror. What or Who is your Goliath? What are you battling for your promised land right now. Remember, God is bigger and with God all things are possible (Matt 19:26).
(This week we learn what not to do. Tune in next week as we focus on how to become a conqueror!)
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