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 Repentance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Repentance. Show all posts
Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Are you Sacrifing Your Children?
Leviticus 20:1-7 (Click on reference to read text)
My children have decided they want to share a room. That means I spent the past few days turning my daughter's girly room into a gender neutral room. In the midst of moving furniture, I am having to patch holes and paint. It seemed I couldn't get three consecutive minutes to work without interruption. Didn't they know I was doing all that work for them? The icing on the cake came when my daughter brought me a broken pencil sharpener. In exasperation I asked her why she didn't ask me for help. She replied, "I didn't want to make you upset by asking you a question." In shame, I put the roller down and immediately dropped to my knees. I wrapped her in a big hug, told her I was wrong and asked for her forgiveness. You see... I had placed her upon the altar of a false god, and I needed to take her off!
The Ammonites worshipped a god named Molech and served him by sacrificing their children upon an altar built for him (Lev 18:21). Although this seems utterly appalling, I would be so bold to say that in some form we all do that, if not on a daily, at least a weekly basis. I have sacrificed my children to the god of personal time, a well decorated house, and exercise. I have given dirty looks and talked in ugly tones to my children for the sake of these "gods." My most precious blessings have been sacrificed for things I have convinced myself I needed more than their well-being. Even worse, I have taught them the opposite of the Gospel. Are my actions teaching them that God delights in them (Zeph 3:17), that God will always answer when they call (Jeremiah 33:3), and that nothing can separate them from the love of God (Romans 8:38)? No, I was teaching them the antithesis of every reason that God sent Jesus to die for them.
Praise the Lord that God loves me enough to kick me in the tail and not allow me to continue on a path of destruction. As I often say, "He loves me to much to leave me where I am." The Bible tells me that I should be the one on the altar, offering myself as a "living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - This is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:1-2). The world tells me that I deserve personal time, and to spend as much time as necessary to make my house and body look good... no matter the cost. The only way to "not conform to the patter of this world" is to renew my mind in His Word every day. To take my family off the altar of false gods and put myself on the altar of the one true God. That is where true life, resurrected new life, begins!
We may not be placing our children on a burnt offering, but we may be sacrificing their hearts and skewing their understanding of the Gospel for gods that need to be destroyed. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 tells us that though we walk by the flesh, we do not wage war in the flesh. We have divine power to demolish strongholds. Time to take our kids off the altar and put ourselves there. That is a picture of the Gospel they can understand.
For further reading, PLEASE read: http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/motherhood-is-a-calling-and-where-your-children-rank
My children have decided they want to share a room. That means I spent the past few days turning my daughter's girly room into a gender neutral room. In the midst of moving furniture, I am having to patch holes and paint. It seemed I couldn't get three consecutive minutes to work without interruption. Didn't they know I was doing all that work for them? The icing on the cake came when my daughter brought me a broken pencil sharpener. In exasperation I asked her why she didn't ask me for help. She replied, "I didn't want to make you upset by asking you a question." In shame, I put the roller down and immediately dropped to my knees. I wrapped her in a big hug, told her I was wrong and asked for her forgiveness. You see... I had placed her upon the altar of a false god, and I needed to take her off!
The Ammonites worshipped a god named Molech and served him by sacrificing their children upon an altar built for him (Lev 18:21). Although this seems utterly appalling, I would be so bold to say that in some form we all do that, if not on a daily, at least a weekly basis. I have sacrificed my children to the god of personal time, a well decorated house, and exercise. I have given dirty looks and talked in ugly tones to my children for the sake of these "gods." My most precious blessings have been sacrificed for things I have convinced myself I needed more than their well-being. Even worse, I have taught them the opposite of the Gospel. Are my actions teaching them that God delights in them (Zeph 3:17), that God will always answer when they call (Jeremiah 33:3), and that nothing can separate them from the love of God (Romans 8:38)? No, I was teaching them the antithesis of every reason that God sent Jesus to die for them.
Praise the Lord that God loves me enough to kick me in the tail and not allow me to continue on a path of destruction. As I often say, "He loves me to much to leave me where I am." The Bible tells me that I should be the one on the altar, offering myself as a "living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - This is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:1-2). The world tells me that I deserve personal time, and to spend as much time as necessary to make my house and body look good... no matter the cost. The only way to "not conform to the patter of this world" is to renew my mind in His Word every day. To take my family off the altar of false gods and put myself on the altar of the one true God. That is where true life, resurrected new life, begins!
We may not be placing our children on a burnt offering, but we may be sacrificing their hearts and skewing their understanding of the Gospel for gods that need to be destroyed. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 tells us that though we walk by the flesh, we do not wage war in the flesh. We have divine power to demolish strongholds. Time to take our kids off the altar and put ourselves there. That is a picture of the Gospel they can understand.
For further reading, PLEASE read: http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/motherhood-is-a-calling-and-where-your-children-rank
Thursday, April 5, 2012
"But I said I was sorry..."
Numbers 21:4-9 (click on reference to read text)
Honesty time... how many times have we said we were sorry, repented for our sins, and then were frustrated when God didn't take away the situation we found ourselves in? I mean, we said we were sorry, right?! When this happens we often begin to go on an entirely new line of questions... Does that mean that God didn't truly accept my repentance? Is He not sovereign enough to pull me out of this mess? I think today, the Lord gave me an answer!
In this passage we once again find the Israelites grumbling. They become impatient with the long journey and complain, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food" (vs. 5). God just one chapter earlier brought water from a rock! Clearly He is taking care of them, and the only reason they are still in the wilderness in the first place is because they refused to go in and capture the Promised Land like He asked (Numbers 13-14). So what does God do? He sends poisoness snakes among the camp, and the people who were bit died.
They were not stupid, and neither are we when bad stuff starts to happen as a result of our sin. We realize what we have done and we repent. God honored their repentance and he gave a plan of action: "Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live"(vs.8). However, there is a key point: notice God did not REMOVE the snakes. He just provided away out from death.
There will be times when our sin will wreak havoc in our lives. There will be consequences, and most likely, they will be unpleasant. However, just as God provided a means from death for the Israelites, He provided a means for us from Eternal Damnation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His forgiveness of our sins will always provide away from "death", but it may not always remove the consequences. We must always remember that God's sovereignty is not dependent or affected by our present circumstances!
So... find yourself in a mess? Need a way out? Choose Jesus and remember, "For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him" (Psalm 103:11-13).
Honesty time... how many times have we said we were sorry, repented for our sins, and then were frustrated when God didn't take away the situation we found ourselves in? I mean, we said we were sorry, right?! When this happens we often begin to go on an entirely new line of questions... Does that mean that God didn't truly accept my repentance? Is He not sovereign enough to pull me out of this mess? I think today, the Lord gave me an answer!
In this passage we once again find the Israelites grumbling. They become impatient with the long journey and complain, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food" (vs. 5). God just one chapter earlier brought water from a rock! Clearly He is taking care of them, and the only reason they are still in the wilderness in the first place is because they refused to go in and capture the Promised Land like He asked (Numbers 13-14). So what does God do? He sends poisoness snakes among the camp, and the people who were bit died.
They were not stupid, and neither are we when bad stuff starts to happen as a result of our sin. We realize what we have done and we repent. God honored their repentance and he gave a plan of action: "Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live"(vs.8). However, there is a key point: notice God did not REMOVE the snakes. He just provided away out from death.
There will be times when our sin will wreak havoc in our lives. There will be consequences, and most likely, they will be unpleasant. However, just as God provided a means from death for the Israelites, He provided a means for us from Eternal Damnation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His forgiveness of our sins will always provide away from "death", but it may not always remove the consequences. We must always remember that God's sovereignty is not dependent or affected by our present circumstances!
So... find yourself in a mess? Need a way out? Choose Jesus and remember, "For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him" (Psalm 103:11-13).
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Throw Off Everything that Hinders...
Hebrews 12:1-3
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. "
The text is too important to skip over. Sorry for my absence. I have found myself entangled for the past month, and it wasn't until this morning that I have broken Gloriously free. This time of year is hard for me. Very hard. Two years ago this Christmas Eve my Daddy passed away suddenly, doing what He loved the most... he had just finished writing his first sermon for Zion Baptist Church. My heart has been weighted down with grief since his birthday in October. I have faked being okay well, except probably for the people who walk daily with me through life. Yet I have handled my emotional drain completely the wrong way.
I have spent the past two months being busy with anything and everything I can imagine. My feet ran from the second they hit the floor to the time I collapsed exhausted into bed at night. Most have been good things, things for the church and my family. A few not great things (let's just say for a girl who hates shopping, I shopped a little too much last month). I had created an impossible to do list, and I was actually accomplishing it. I looked pretty good on the outside. But I was wrong.
I was running a race that was not marked out for me. My eyes were not fixed on Jesus, but on my to do list and whatever I could do to make my church and family happy. Hebrews said that Jesus endured the cross for me and I was giving him my time, but NOT what He wants most of all... my heart. You see, I didn't have time to "Cease Striving and Know that He is God" (Psalm 46:10)
Galatians 3:1-3 contains a harsh rebuke for the church. Paul is blasting them for believing that they must win over Christ's love and salvation through works. He asked them, "Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" We don't please God through our many works, we please Him through our faith in Jesus Christ. He is most happy when we obey the greatest of all commandments, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matthews 22:35-37).
Paul clarifies the relationship between faith that is pleasing to God and works we are to do for Him in Ephesians: "We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them" (2:10). We are to "do" things for Him, but ONLY what He has prepared for us before the foundation of the world. When you are seeking Him, you don't have to take on everything, but just what HE tells you to do.
Do you feel burdened by life? Are you exhausted? Have you "grown weary and lost heart"? Maybe you are doing things that the Lord had not set out for you to do. He doesn't want tired bodies, but sold out hearts. Join with me in praying every morning, "Lord, I just want to do what you have prepared for me in advance today. I don't want to add anything more or do anything less. Please give me discernment to walk in You path for me, grant me courage to obey the leading of your voice, may you be glorified in everything I say do and speak. My time is yours. My family is yours. My heart is yours. In Jesus's Name I pray, Amen."
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. "
The text is too important to skip over. Sorry for my absence. I have found myself entangled for the past month, and it wasn't until this morning that I have broken Gloriously free. This time of year is hard for me. Very hard. Two years ago this Christmas Eve my Daddy passed away suddenly, doing what He loved the most... he had just finished writing his first sermon for Zion Baptist Church. My heart has been weighted down with grief since his birthday in October. I have faked being okay well, except probably for the people who walk daily with me through life. Yet I have handled my emotional drain completely the wrong way.
I have spent the past two months being busy with anything and everything I can imagine. My feet ran from the second they hit the floor to the time I collapsed exhausted into bed at night. Most have been good things, things for the church and my family. A few not great things (let's just say for a girl who hates shopping, I shopped a little too much last month). I had created an impossible to do list, and I was actually accomplishing it. I looked pretty good on the outside. But I was wrong.
I was running a race that was not marked out for me. My eyes were not fixed on Jesus, but on my to do list and whatever I could do to make my church and family happy. Hebrews said that Jesus endured the cross for me and I was giving him my time, but NOT what He wants most of all... my heart. You see, I didn't have time to "Cease Striving and Know that He is God" (Psalm 46:10)
Galatians 3:1-3 contains a harsh rebuke for the church. Paul is blasting them for believing that they must win over Christ's love and salvation through works. He asked them, "Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" We don't please God through our many works, we please Him through our faith in Jesus Christ. He is most happy when we obey the greatest of all commandments, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matthews 22:35-37).
Paul clarifies the relationship between faith that is pleasing to God and works we are to do for Him in Ephesians: "We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them" (2:10). We are to "do" things for Him, but ONLY what He has prepared for us before the foundation of the world. When you are seeking Him, you don't have to take on everything, but just what HE tells you to do.
Do you feel burdened by life? Are you exhausted? Have you "grown weary and lost heart"? Maybe you are doing things that the Lord had not set out for you to do. He doesn't want tired bodies, but sold out hearts. Join with me in praying every morning, "Lord, I just want to do what you have prepared for me in advance today. I don't want to add anything more or do anything less. Please give me discernment to walk in You path for me, grant me courage to obey the leading of your voice, may you be glorified in everything I say do and speak. My time is yours. My family is yours. My heart is yours. In Jesus's Name I pray, Amen."
Friday, June 17, 2011
Human Sacrifice...
2 Kings 3:24-27 (Click on reference to read text)
I read this passage this morning and it literally made me nauseous. How could a grown man ever hang their child on a wall and offer them as a burnt sacrifice to a false god? And even if by doing such an act could induce this god to come to his aid, why would you ever serve a god that requires such cruel and grotesque means of worship? Yet, as always happens, in my moment of greatest judgment and self-righteousness, the Holy Spirit began to whisper to my heart. Nausea was replaced by tears as I realized, how can I so quickly offer my children as a sacrifice to my own desires and ambitions?
Although you would never see any children in a American being burned as an offering, there are families and children all across this country who live the lives of sacrifice to their parent's false gods. Children are forgotten or pushed off to various camps and day cares so that parents can get ahead, work longer, and not have to do the day to day rearing and training. TV has become the cheapest babysitter our generation has ever known. Quality family time has been replaced by busy schedules and pushing children to be great at sports, academics, and music pursuits at increasingly younger ages.
Each of these things in small increments can actually be beneficial. It is wonderful for our children to have the joy of sports, learn to play a musicual instruments, or for us as parents to work hard and provide for our family. However, we must make sure we are living a life of balance that is pleasing to the Lord. We must make sure we are living our lives in priority to His standards. I have been increasingly convicted of my schedule and what I allow to drive my day. As we pray about Christian ministry and what the Lord would have us do for Him, as a parent, those questions become painfully obvious. If you have children, the Lord has entrusted them to you, raise them in a way pleasing to Him! They must always be our first "ministry."
I am preaching to myself. Just today I was thinking about how I really "needed" time to myself, so I was all set to allow them to have a day of watching hours of television or whatever necessary so that I could appease the god of "me time." How quickly I justify my actions by cultural acceptablity and not my Heavenly Father's viewpoint. I pray that I will never sacrifice my children to gods that do not satisfy, that cannot truly bring peace and lasting reward, and that simply destroys my family and my children in the long run. Instead "in view of God’s mercy, may I offer my body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God for this is my true and proper worship. May I not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of my mind. Then I will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. " (Romans 12:1-2).
I read this passage this morning and it literally made me nauseous. How could a grown man ever hang their child on a wall and offer them as a burnt sacrifice to a false god? And even if by doing such an act could induce this god to come to his aid, why would you ever serve a god that requires such cruel and grotesque means of worship? Yet, as always happens, in my moment of greatest judgment and self-righteousness, the Holy Spirit began to whisper to my heart. Nausea was replaced by tears as I realized, how can I so quickly offer my children as a sacrifice to my own desires and ambitions?
Although you would never see any children in a American being burned as an offering, there are families and children all across this country who live the lives of sacrifice to their parent's false gods. Children are forgotten or pushed off to various camps and day cares so that parents can get ahead, work longer, and not have to do the day to day rearing and training. TV has become the cheapest babysitter our generation has ever known. Quality family time has been replaced by busy schedules and pushing children to be great at sports, academics, and music pursuits at increasingly younger ages.
Each of these things in small increments can actually be beneficial. It is wonderful for our children to have the joy of sports, learn to play a musicual instruments, or for us as parents to work hard and provide for our family. However, we must make sure we are living a life of balance that is pleasing to the Lord. We must make sure we are living our lives in priority to His standards. I have been increasingly convicted of my schedule and what I allow to drive my day. As we pray about Christian ministry and what the Lord would have us do for Him, as a parent, those questions become painfully obvious. If you have children, the Lord has entrusted them to you, raise them in a way pleasing to Him! They must always be our first "ministry."
I am preaching to myself. Just today I was thinking about how I really "needed" time to myself, so I was all set to allow them to have a day of watching hours of television or whatever necessary so that I could appease the god of "me time." How quickly I justify my actions by cultural acceptablity and not my Heavenly Father's viewpoint. I pray that I will never sacrifice my children to gods that do not satisfy, that cannot truly bring peace and lasting reward, and that simply destroys my family and my children in the long run. Instead "in view of God’s mercy, may I offer my body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God for this is my true and proper worship. May I not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of my mind. Then I will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. " (Romans 12:1-2).
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, 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, September 22, 2010
Life Giving Water...
John 4:7-27 (Click on reference to read the text)
The Lord overflows into our life His presence, grace, compassion, and mercy not based upon our own merit, but based upon our own need.
Jesus is our living water and He is our unfailing stream. Everything else will dry up eventually, everything else will stop satisfying our souls, but Jesus is seeking you out just like we see Him seeking out a lost woman in order to offer her something she cannot refuse: Himself!
The First thing we see is that Jesus seeks out those that need Him the most. This woman was not a woman that we would have found in the temple worshipping God. She was from an area that people avoided and she was living in sin. In verse 9 the woman is clearly confused that Jesus, whom we know to be the Mesiah, is even speaking with her: "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman? For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans." You see, Jesus forgave when everyone around Him would have called Him crazy. He showed grace to everyone, regardless of their situation, nationality, or sin. He knew the woman's situation and the grievious sins she had committed against Him before He ever uttered a word. Yet Jesus chose to go against cultural norms to bring about the reconcilation of this girl and her family. Which leads me to ask...do I go to this trouble? Do I seek out the one that is lost?
Second we see that Jesus asks us for what He doesn't need so that our greatest need can be fulfilled in Him (vs. 7-9). He is God. He could have made it rain, he could have called down the angels to supply Him with water...but He didn't. He chose to ask this woman so that her life would forever be changed. The only thing she had to offer Him was a drink of water that would eventually no longer satisfy His thirst. Yet He could offer a living water that would satisfy the deepest needs of her, and your, soul for all time. All God needs from us is a receptive Spirit (vs. 11). We must come to Him with nothing. We can't tap into His overflowing Spirit with any talent or possession. He must do all the work.
Finally in verse 13-18 we see what life is like for those that try to get an overflowing satisfaction in their life apart from Christ. Her life is a story of broken and failed relationships, abandonment, and instability because everything apart from His grace and salvation is bondage. Ray Stedman writes, "Jesus breaks the shackles of evil habits in our lives. He sets us free from the dependencies that we have allowed to harrass us, to shackle us, and limit us... We are all sinfully dependent people. We have all been shackled by evil of some sort or another." Sin does not offer you freedom. Sin offers you an illusion of freedom. Sin always always creates dependency. You will always crave more (i.e. drugs always make you crave more drugs, an idol of a relationship always leaves you craving for more attention or affection, a Starbucks Latte will always leave you wanting more, etc. Sorry, that last one was a little too personal!) Ask yourself this, is there anything in my life that I am dependent upon in order to "make it through the day" or in order to make me"happy?" If the answer is anything but Christ then that is a clear indication of a sin or idol in your life!
No matter where you find yourself, know this... The Lord will overflow into your life His presence, grace, compassion and mercy not based upon your own merit, but based upon your own need. Galatians 5:1 states, "It is for freedom that Christ set you free. Stand firm then and do not be burdened again by the yoke of slavery." Just allow Him to set you free. You have nothing to offer Him, but everything to gain.
The Lord overflows into our life His presence, grace, compassion, and mercy not based upon our own merit, but based upon our own need.
Jesus is our living water and He is our unfailing stream. Everything else will dry up eventually, everything else will stop satisfying our souls, but Jesus is seeking you out just like we see Him seeking out a lost woman in order to offer her something she cannot refuse: Himself!
The First thing we see is that Jesus seeks out those that need Him the most. This woman was not a woman that we would have found in the temple worshipping God. She was from an area that people avoided and she was living in sin. In verse 9 the woman is clearly confused that Jesus, whom we know to be the Mesiah, is even speaking with her: "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman? For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans." You see, Jesus forgave when everyone around Him would have called Him crazy. He showed grace to everyone, regardless of their situation, nationality, or sin. He knew the woman's situation and the grievious sins she had committed against Him before He ever uttered a word. Yet Jesus chose to go against cultural norms to bring about the reconcilation of this girl and her family. Which leads me to ask...do I go to this trouble? Do I seek out the one that is lost?
Second we see that Jesus asks us for what He doesn't need so that our greatest need can be fulfilled in Him (vs. 7-9). He is God. He could have made it rain, he could have called down the angels to supply Him with water...but He didn't. He chose to ask this woman so that her life would forever be changed. The only thing she had to offer Him was a drink of water that would eventually no longer satisfy His thirst. Yet He could offer a living water that would satisfy the deepest needs of her, and your, soul for all time. All God needs from us is a receptive Spirit (vs. 11). We must come to Him with nothing. We can't tap into His overflowing Spirit with any talent or possession. He must do all the work.
Finally in verse 13-18 we see what life is like for those that try to get an overflowing satisfaction in their life apart from Christ. Her life is a story of broken and failed relationships, abandonment, and instability because everything apart from His grace and salvation is bondage. Ray Stedman writes, "Jesus breaks the shackles of evil habits in our lives. He sets us free from the dependencies that we have allowed to harrass us, to shackle us, and limit us... We are all sinfully dependent people. We have all been shackled by evil of some sort or another." Sin does not offer you freedom. Sin offers you an illusion of freedom. Sin always always creates dependency. You will always crave more (i.e. drugs always make you crave more drugs, an idol of a relationship always leaves you craving for more attention or affection, a Starbucks Latte will always leave you wanting more, etc. Sorry, that last one was a little too personal!) Ask yourself this, is there anything in my life that I am dependent upon in order to "make it through the day" or in order to make me"happy?" If the answer is anything but Christ then that is a clear indication of a sin or idol in your life!
No matter where you find yourself, know this... The Lord will overflow into your life His presence, grace, compassion and mercy not based upon your own merit, but based upon your own need. Galatians 5:1 states, "It is for freedom that Christ set you free. Stand firm then and do not be burdened again by the yoke of slavery." Just allow Him to set you free. You have nothing to offer Him, but everything to gain.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Pull the Weeds!
Mathew 13:1-8, 24-32
I love gardening. I love the whole process, from the planting, to the tending, to the harvest. However, as I was putting in my vegetables this past week, if you could have seen me with God's eyes, you would have seen a storm cloud brewing overhead instead of happiness. I was stewing! As I feverishly turned the soil, pulled weeds and just struggled with the ground, I was listing the things in my head that I "deserved", the opportunities that were passing me by... for the love, I just wanted to go to the grocery store, sans kids, for triple coupon week! All I wanted to do is save my family money!
You get my point. We have all done it.
As I was fighting with the ground, the Holy Spirit whispered one sentence to me that literally stopped me in my tracks... "watch out for the weeds." I knew immediately what He meant.
The very nature of weeds is to destroy. To suck the life and nutrients out of the ground that needs to be sustaining plants that we want to keep. They are prevalent and they are a constant battle that you will never gain complete and lasting victory. Sound familiar? Sounds like sin.
Just as I plant tomato plants to bring forth tomatoes, so God plants us for a purpose. It is our purpose to bring forth a harvest for His kingdom and His renown. Satan desires to do nothing more than kill that harvest, and he often does it through little pieces, of sometimes overlooked, sin. Sin that if ignored will eventually suck the nutrients and life out of what we have.
For me that day, the weed of sin was my attitude of selfishness. I fell in to the trap of feeling like "I deserve ____". It is so easy to fall into. Was it too much to ask to be able to get away before 9pm to go to the grocery store by myself? Probably not. However, what was wrong was when I started to get angry at my husband, feeling like he was being selfish for working long hours, nursing feelings of neglect. Instead of feeling this way, I needed to be proud and appreciative that he was going to work to provide for our family (and I know he would so much rather be with us), I needed to be understanding and supportive during that crazy busy and stressful week. I needed to be thankful he came home to us as soon as the workday was over instead of wanting to run off and "do his own thing." I was wrong, and praise the Lord that He revealed it to me before I continued to let these feelings grow and kill the wonderful marriage the Lord has blessed me with. What are your little weeds - Things that seem insignificant, and you may be able to blame on hormones, but if you were completely honest you know it is a sin?
Sometimes we allow weeds to grow, because they seem appealing and even desirable at the time. I have lots of dirt splotches in my yard, and my original thought was green is better than dirt. However, because I left those weeds unattended over the last three years, weeds have spread all over my yard and is literally killing the grass I do have. This simple truth is a huge weapon in Satan's arsenal. In those areas of our life where we feel a void, it is so tempting to allow little things that are not healthy or best to fill that area of need. For example, maybe there is an unhealthy or unholy relationship in your life that is filling a need that you have. I don't know, but you and God do. Only the Lord can fill the voids that are in your life. It is better left alone than filled with sin that will eventually spread and kill whatever life you have.
Lastly, weeds draw nutrients and water away from the plants that they are near. God rains down upon our life blessings, talents and abilities to fulfill our purpose that He has created for us. He tells us in His Word that He will give us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Are there "weeds" in your life that are robbing your time, blessings, etc. and going against God's calling on your life. It is important to note that sometimes weeds are beautiful flowers, but they are still weeds. Sometimes things look good and even Godly, but are distracting us from where God has placed us (being a mom, being a help-mate for your husband, etc). We must closely evaluate anything that threatens the life of people/places we KNOW we are supposed to be serving to make sure that it is of the Lord.
Finally, we must be vigilant. I must pick weeds all summer long. Once picked, more will eventually come. It is a never ending battle, but I like the challenge! We must constantly evaluate our life, even in areas where we have repented, gained the victory and begun pursuing holiness. Satan is out to destroy our lives (1 Peter 5:8) and He won't stop until he succeeds or we either join the Lord in Heaven. Pray Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way." After praying, stop, be still, and listen. The Holy Spirit will let you know and you just pull the weeds!
I love gardening. I love the whole process, from the planting, to the tending, to the harvest. However, as I was putting in my vegetables this past week, if you could have seen me with God's eyes, you would have seen a storm cloud brewing overhead instead of happiness. I was stewing! As I feverishly turned the soil, pulled weeds and just struggled with the ground, I was listing the things in my head that I "deserved", the opportunities that were passing me by... for the love, I just wanted to go to the grocery store, sans kids, for triple coupon week! All I wanted to do is save my family money!
You get my point. We have all done it.
As I was fighting with the ground, the Holy Spirit whispered one sentence to me that literally stopped me in my tracks... "watch out for the weeds." I knew immediately what He meant.
The very nature of weeds is to destroy. To suck the life and nutrients out of the ground that needs to be sustaining plants that we want to keep. They are prevalent and they are a constant battle that you will never gain complete and lasting victory. Sound familiar? Sounds like sin.
Just as I plant tomato plants to bring forth tomatoes, so God plants us for a purpose. It is our purpose to bring forth a harvest for His kingdom and His renown. Satan desires to do nothing more than kill that harvest, and he often does it through little pieces, of sometimes overlooked, sin. Sin that if ignored will eventually suck the nutrients and life out of what we have.
For me that day, the weed of sin was my attitude of selfishness. I fell in to the trap of feeling like "I deserve ____". It is so easy to fall into. Was it too much to ask to be able to get away before 9pm to go to the grocery store by myself? Probably not. However, what was wrong was when I started to get angry at my husband, feeling like he was being selfish for working long hours, nursing feelings of neglect. Instead of feeling this way, I needed to be proud and appreciative that he was going to work to provide for our family (and I know he would so much rather be with us), I needed to be understanding and supportive during that crazy busy and stressful week. I needed to be thankful he came home to us as soon as the workday was over instead of wanting to run off and "do his own thing." I was wrong, and praise the Lord that He revealed it to me before I continued to let these feelings grow and kill the wonderful marriage the Lord has blessed me with. What are your little weeds - Things that seem insignificant, and you may be able to blame on hormones, but if you were completely honest you know it is a sin?
Sometimes we allow weeds to grow, because they seem appealing and even desirable at the time. I have lots of dirt splotches in my yard, and my original thought was green is better than dirt. However, because I left those weeds unattended over the last three years, weeds have spread all over my yard and is literally killing the grass I do have. This simple truth is a huge weapon in Satan's arsenal. In those areas of our life where we feel a void, it is so tempting to allow little things that are not healthy or best to fill that area of need. For example, maybe there is an unhealthy or unholy relationship in your life that is filling a need that you have. I don't know, but you and God do. Only the Lord can fill the voids that are in your life. It is better left alone than filled with sin that will eventually spread and kill whatever life you have.
Lastly, weeds draw nutrients and water away from the plants that they are near. God rains down upon our life blessings, talents and abilities to fulfill our purpose that He has created for us. He tells us in His Word that He will give us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Are there "weeds" in your life that are robbing your time, blessings, etc. and going against God's calling on your life. It is important to note that sometimes weeds are beautiful flowers, but they are still weeds. Sometimes things look good and even Godly, but are distracting us from where God has placed us (being a mom, being a help-mate for your husband, etc). We must closely evaluate anything that threatens the life of people/places we KNOW we are supposed to be serving to make sure that it is of the Lord.
Finally, we must be vigilant. I must pick weeds all summer long. Once picked, more will eventually come. It is a never ending battle, but I like the challenge! We must constantly evaluate our life, even in areas where we have repented, gained the victory and begun pursuing holiness. Satan is out to destroy our lives (1 Peter 5:8) and He won't stop until he succeeds or we either join the Lord in Heaven. Pray Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way." After praying, stop, be still, and listen. The Holy Spirit will let you know and you just pull the weeds!
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.
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