Today the Lord reminded me of some things I'd learned, and clarified them for me. I thought they might be relevant to you as they are to me. They have to do with our interactions with people in the world, and with fellow Christians.
First, it is most important that we do what we say. The issue of living what we preach came up first; often that's going to take crying out to God for help in order to do so. Without that kind of integrity, we lose our good witness and end up ashamed. God comes through with aid when we're committed to actually doing the Word, not just reading it and talking about it.
The issues of "intermarrying with pagans" and "sexual immorality" got a lot of attention: these are obviously really important to the Lord. With the Old and New Testament passages juxtaposed like this, I got a clearer understanding of what the Lord is trying to say, at least to me right now. I think as Christians, we mostly know we're not to marry outside of Christ, or have sex outside of marriage. But I think we can apply this to ourselves in a deeper understanding of intimacy and partnership. We shouldn't be birthing anything of mixed spiritual seed (children of the devil birthing something together with children of God; birthing something that's partly of the devil and partly of God). We shouldn't even take the risk of that kind of illegitimate relationship -- it creates all sorts of trouble.
On the other hand, the Apostle Paul made it clear that the Lord wasn't telling us to go around judging the world for its idolatrous and sexually immoral behavior, or for all the rest of the things he listed (and there is so much more)! God's got it covered. He said he wasn't even telling us to avoid contact with the people in the world, "since then you would need to go out of the world." How could we be a witness in the world if we're not allowed to hang around with people in the world?
If you'll think about it for a minute, Jesus came down out of a holy heaven and entered into a very sinful world, in human form, to hang out with us sinful people. It wasn't because He loved the sin! Obviously He doesn't! He came because He loves people, and He wanted to share God's good news with them. He wanted to give them a way out of the sin, and a way to escape the corruption in the world and the judgement of the world that is to come. He is the Way, and He made it possible for us to see that.
Now it's up to us to do the same. He never engaged in the sinful behavior, however. He was always Himself, yet He made Himself accessible. He was engaging without compromise. Jesus is the best example of how to do godly social networking. Not only that, He's given us His Spirit to help us do it right.
Paul brought up a major issue about how to deal with people who call themselves Christians and don't live like it (and it seems to me that he is talking about habitual lifestyle, not just mistakes, since he called them "evil people"!). As I said before, we should not be one of those. But here we see that we shouldn't even hang around with one of those! Does this seem contradictory? Hang out with the sinners in the world, but don't hang out with the sinners in the Church.
Well, think about it. First, there's the possibility that it might be an imposter (poser, infiltrator), possibly a wolf. Or it could be a person under the influence of a Jezebel spirit. Any of these types are stalking around looking to lead people astray and devour them. Someone doing immoral things within the body of Christ ends up leading others to do the same, usually the lambs. It despoils the testimony of the Church, and it grieves the Spirit of God. The Church is about oneness with God and each other. God will not be one with evil! There may be other reasons besides these. Whatever the reasons for God saying it's a big deal, Paul makes it clear that it's dangerous and that we are to take action. Yes, we are to judge it. We are to disengage from fellowship with them, and we are not to associate. [If you have read further in the letters of Paul, you will see that this choice is to be redemptive always].
As you can see, the things we read in Scripture are very relevant and applicable to our daily lives. I received some clear instruction today, and some things on which to seek God further. I hope you did too.
Questions to ponder:
How committed are you to obeying what the Word of God teaches?
What do you do when you are up against a compromising situation?
Have you ever gotten too involved with an unbeliever? How did that turn out?
How much say does God have in your own social networking practices?
How does God's Word affect how you relate to people in the world? people in the church? Is He calling for any change in these areas?
Have you ever had to give up a Christian friend because they were living a sinful lifestyle? What would tell someone facing that type of choice?
Showing posts with label Body of Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Body of Christ. Show all posts
Monday, August 9, 2010
Saturday, July 31, 2010
July 31, 2010 Suddenly
One of the reasons we're told not to judge others on "doubtful matters"-- things that aren't stated outright in Scripture-- is that we don't know what God is working on with someone else. We don't even know that about ourselves so often. Because Christ is the Author and Finisher of our faith, it is His job to decide what needs to be changed when. Our job is receive one another, accept one another, and live according to the law of love in order not to trouble others with our mode of life. That is hard enough without trying to fix others.
If any correction needs to happen, let it be done by those with the authority to do so, and let it be on the clear doctrines of Christ, such as fornication.
When King Hezekiah-- grieved by the spiritual adulteries perpetrated by his predecessor-- desired to bring the nation back to a right relationship with God and reinstate the temple worship, he didn't seem to dictate exactly how that was to be done. He exhorted the priests and Levites to consecrate themselves and to cleanse out the temple. He told them to take out the rubbish, but he left it to them to do the work. Since we each are a temple of the Holy Spirit, and each of us kings and priests unto the Lord, it is the Holy Spirit's task to lead each one of us as to how to cleanse ourselves from dead works. Some of the rubbish in our souls might be obvious to others, but some of it might look OK to someone else, but the Lord reveals to us that it's not OK for us. "Whatever is not of faith is sin." This is a basic key to walking in holiness (wholeness), but it really comes down to the individual working out their salvation with Christ's leading. We are all in different stages of our growth and development.
The mysterious thing is how the Spirit works in each of us, deep inside our hearts, to prepare us for the next stage. Sometimes we observe a brother or sister who seems to be wandering around in darkness, and then, voila! All of a sudden they seem to have snapped out of it, moving forward in a level of glory that might even pass us by temporarily. We should rejoice when that happens. It gives me hope to know that if I'm struggling in life, God's got it under control, and He's leading me step by step out of the maze of confusion and darkness that I might be in.
I think we can anticipate a sudden "coming round the bend" for the Church in general. God is doing a work in His people, much of it unseen. Christ is still the head of His body. He is still in charge of each individual's salvation process, and of the building of His Kingdom, living stone by living stone. Maybe at this moment some of the trash is being taken out of the temple in one person's life, and another is getting their instrument of praise polished up and ready to go. At the proper time, all will be in order and the glory of God will be seen in a unity, joy and love that is greater than has ever been seen before. This verse will again be very relevant: "All the people rejoiced that God had prepared the people, since the events took place so suddenly."
2 Chronicles 29:36
If any correction needs to happen, let it be done by those with the authority to do so, and let it be on the clear doctrines of Christ, such as fornication.
When King Hezekiah-- grieved by the spiritual adulteries perpetrated by his predecessor-- desired to bring the nation back to a right relationship with God and reinstate the temple worship, he didn't seem to dictate exactly how that was to be done. He exhorted the priests and Levites to consecrate themselves and to cleanse out the temple. He told them to take out the rubbish, but he left it to them to do the work. Since we each are a temple of the Holy Spirit, and each of us kings and priests unto the Lord, it is the Holy Spirit's task to lead each one of us as to how to cleanse ourselves from dead works. Some of the rubbish in our souls might be obvious to others, but some of it might look OK to someone else, but the Lord reveals to us that it's not OK for us. "Whatever is not of faith is sin." This is a basic key to walking in holiness (wholeness), but it really comes down to the individual working out their salvation with Christ's leading. We are all in different stages of our growth and development.
The mysterious thing is how the Spirit works in each of us, deep inside our hearts, to prepare us for the next stage. Sometimes we observe a brother or sister who seems to be wandering around in darkness, and then, voila! All of a sudden they seem to have snapped out of it, moving forward in a level of glory that might even pass us by temporarily. We should rejoice when that happens. It gives me hope to know that if I'm struggling in life, God's got it under control, and He's leading me step by step out of the maze of confusion and darkness that I might be in.
I think we can anticipate a sudden "coming round the bend" for the Church in general. God is doing a work in His people, much of it unseen. Christ is still the head of His body. He is still in charge of each individual's salvation process, and of the building of His Kingdom, living stone by living stone. Maybe at this moment some of the trash is being taken out of the temple in one person's life, and another is getting their instrument of praise polished up and ready to go. At the proper time, all will be in order and the glory of God will be seen in a unity, joy and love that is greater than has ever been seen before. This verse will again be very relevant: "All the people rejoiced that God had prepared the people, since the events took place so suddenly."
2 Chronicles 29:36
Thursday, July 29, 2010
July 29, 2010 The Rechargeable Sacrifice
Reading Paul's exhortations today was like getting a Christian checklist; on the top of the list to me was "get recharged." If we're to be effective witnesses in the world-- who overcome evil with good and don't conform to the world-- we have to function first as members of Christ's body. We won't be living sacrifices for long if we don't get recharged! This checklist is all about staying in proper connection with the body of Christ. Giving and receiving of all things in the Lord is what recharges us. A loner in the Kingdom won't make it for long. It's a joy to be a living sacrifice, as long as we are full of life, and that takes replenishment. Just as a cell phone will only be useful so long without getting plugged into its base, a Christian will only be an effective witness if he or she gets plugged into the body for recharge. We're made that way.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
July 10, 2010 A Little Lower Than God
A big difference, you'll notice, between godly people and the ungodly, is the people of God honor people; the ungodly do not. Although people who don't fear God will idolize others, they'll just as soon tear them down with ridicule. God's people will honor others, whether they deserve it or not, even after they're dead. A key reason for this is that people were made by God in His image, and are His property. If we dishonor others, we dishonor God.
Psalm 8 is one of the most "incredibly" edifying Scripture passages I know. It really does seem incredible to us to think that God would think of us at all, much less visit us, speak to us, and crown us with honor and glory. It is so difficult for fallen humans to accept that He made us "a little lower than God," that the word elohim is often translated here as "angels," even though it's the same Hebrew word used in Genesis 1:1-- God created the heavens and the earth. Yes, we had fallen below the angels, but Jesus Christ has been raised up above all, and we are part of His body, even if we are only His feet.
God has always given honor to even the lowliest of positions in service to Him. I hadn't really taken notice of this verse before: "Mattithiah of the Levites, the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the trusted office over the things that were baked in the pans." 1 Chronicles 9:31 NKJV Whatever we do, God sees and rewards faithfulness when we're doing it as unto the Lord. Giving others appreciation and affirmation is a way of thanking and praising the Lord. When we consider that each of His children are part of His body, it is easier to honor and affirm them.
Even the ungodly carry the image of God in them, no matter how sullied and twisted, and they might still become part of God's kingdom. It is extremely unbecoming of God's people to put others down in a disgusted fashion, but I see this happening so much in the name of "righteousness." How are we ever to win the lost to Christ if we do not treat people with respect, even if they are sinners? Hating sin is not the same as despising people. God so loved the world. . .
The Apostle Paul was a faithful watcher, even on a tempest-tossed ship. He apparently interceded for everyone, not only to save his own skin. He was visited by an angel to bring the answer to his request-- everyone's life would be spared. There were sailors, soldiers, prisoners, a Roman centurion-- 276 people in all. Many of these must have given their lives to the Lord after that. To me, now, this number will always signify that God values life, even the life of unbelievers.
It is up to us, His people, to watch and pray. The world system is a sinking ship: but God already has a plan in place to save as many souls as will cling to His saving grace.
Psalm 8 is one of the most "incredibly" edifying Scripture passages I know. It really does seem incredible to us to think that God would think of us at all, much less visit us, speak to us, and crown us with honor and glory. It is so difficult for fallen humans to accept that He made us "a little lower than God," that the word elohim is often translated here as "angels," even though it's the same Hebrew word used in Genesis 1:1-- God created the heavens and the earth. Yes, we had fallen below the angels, but Jesus Christ has been raised up above all, and we are part of His body, even if we are only His feet.
God has always given honor to even the lowliest of positions in service to Him. I hadn't really taken notice of this verse before: "Mattithiah of the Levites, the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the trusted office over the things that were baked in the pans." 1 Chronicles 9:31 NKJV Whatever we do, God sees and rewards faithfulness when we're doing it as unto the Lord. Giving others appreciation and affirmation is a way of thanking and praising the Lord. When we consider that each of His children are part of His body, it is easier to honor and affirm them.
Even the ungodly carry the image of God in them, no matter how sullied and twisted, and they might still become part of God's kingdom. It is extremely unbecoming of God's people to put others down in a disgusted fashion, but I see this happening so much in the name of "righteousness." How are we ever to win the lost to Christ if we do not treat people with respect, even if they are sinners? Hating sin is not the same as despising people. God so loved the world. . .
The Apostle Paul was a faithful watcher, even on a tempest-tossed ship. He apparently interceded for everyone, not only to save his own skin. He was visited by an angel to bring the answer to his request-- everyone's life would be spared. There were sailors, soldiers, prisoners, a Roman centurion-- 276 people in all. Many of these must have given their lives to the Lord after that. To me, now, this number will always signify that God values life, even the life of unbelievers.
It is up to us, His people, to watch and pray. The world system is a sinking ship: but God already has a plan in place to save as many souls as will cling to His saving grace.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
June 9, 2010 The Spirit of Excellence
Being an artist, I always love reading the descriptions of the temple, in all of its stages throughout the Bible. They've become more vivid to me as I've practiced imagining the details in my mind's eye. The varied way that the Spirit of Wisdom worked in Solomon-- either in the practicalities of business, or in the beautiful details of an artistic vision-- is a vivid picture of how God's wisdom is a priceless endowment in every area of life. Christ is now building His temple, the Church, as a habitation for God's name, and the glory that permeates His workmanship, through the Spirit of Wisdom, is what sets the Church apart and makes her great in every area of influence.
The same Spirit of Wisdom works through the members of Christ's Body today. No matter what our endeavors and areas of gifting are, the Spirit of Wisdom, when allowed to guide and empower, will enable us to glorify God by helping us to achieve a level of excellence that shines. I am reminded that when people began to notice Jesus, they commented that He did "all things well." The fact that Solomon did "all things well" clues us in to the concept that he is a "type and shadow" of Christ. Think how glorious His reign will be! Do you ever let yourself imagine what that time will be like? I certainly do!
Nobody that I know does "all things well"! I'm good at several things, but I'm terrible with numbers! Lucky for me, my husband Bob is a whiz! He, on the other hand, has some holes in his abilities that I can fill nicely. We're a good team! And this is the glory of oneness: not only in marriage, but in the Body of Christ, the Church! As we each do our part by the Spirit of Wisdom and Excellence, we participate in building a living temple for the glory of God's name. "O LORD, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth!" Psalm 8:9
We should never look down on someone because their part doesn't look spiritual to us. Everyone has a duty, whether they are prophets or plumbers, to walk in the Spirit, and thus shine with God's wisdom and excellence, which is part of His glory. As for the saints who are on the earth, "They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight." Psalm 16:3 Being excellent in all we do is not about getting glory for ourselves (which is worldliness), but is all about showing forth the glory of God.
Sadly, a religious spirit of false humility has, over the decades, tended to tarnish the Church's ability to shine forth the glory, promoting, in many individuals, a need to diminish the light of Christ in themselves. If we are truly walking in the Spirit, we will do whatever it is we do, whether small or great, in an attitude of worship, which will allow God's excellence to be seen.
Even when something is unnoticed by people, excellence glorifies God! One of the marks of quality-- for example, of a piece of designer clothing-- is that even the hidden seams are marked with excellence of workmanship. Never think that what you do doesn't matter-- it's all part of the Church's reason for existence: to glorify God's name.
Don't get discouraged if you feel like you're not doing excellently! Jesus is still the Author and Finisher! It's our job to take His yoke upon us and learn of Him, not stress and strive in a perfectionistic way. (see how today's Psalm addresses this: Psalm 127:1-2). He will teach and guide, and if we just keep on being faithful, we will eventually do excellently without even trying.
Jesus Christ is excellent. If you're born of God, and if the Spirit of God lives in you, you are made of excellent material! As Christ is formed in you, you will become-- you are becoming-- more and more excellent, just like Him!
The same Spirit of Wisdom works through the members of Christ's Body today. No matter what our endeavors and areas of gifting are, the Spirit of Wisdom, when allowed to guide and empower, will enable us to glorify God by helping us to achieve a level of excellence that shines. I am reminded that when people began to notice Jesus, they commented that He did "all things well." The fact that Solomon did "all things well" clues us in to the concept that he is a "type and shadow" of Christ. Think how glorious His reign will be! Do you ever let yourself imagine what that time will be like? I certainly do!
Nobody that I know does "all things well"! I'm good at several things, but I'm terrible with numbers! Lucky for me, my husband Bob is a whiz! He, on the other hand, has some holes in his abilities that I can fill nicely. We're a good team! And this is the glory of oneness: not only in marriage, but in the Body of Christ, the Church! As we each do our part by the Spirit of Wisdom and Excellence, we participate in building a living temple for the glory of God's name. "O LORD, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth!" Psalm 8:9
We should never look down on someone because their part doesn't look spiritual to us. Everyone has a duty, whether they are prophets or plumbers, to walk in the Spirit, and thus shine with God's wisdom and excellence, which is part of His glory. As for the saints who are on the earth, "They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight." Psalm 16:3 Being excellent in all we do is not about getting glory for ourselves (which is worldliness), but is all about showing forth the glory of God.
Sadly, a religious spirit of false humility has, over the decades, tended to tarnish the Church's ability to shine forth the glory, promoting, in many individuals, a need to diminish the light of Christ in themselves. If we are truly walking in the Spirit, we will do whatever it is we do, whether small or great, in an attitude of worship, which will allow God's excellence to be seen.
Even when something is unnoticed by people, excellence glorifies God! One of the marks of quality-- for example, of a piece of designer clothing-- is that even the hidden seams are marked with excellence of workmanship. Never think that what you do doesn't matter-- it's all part of the Church's reason for existence: to glorify God's name.
Don't get discouraged if you feel like you're not doing excellently! Jesus is still the Author and Finisher! It's our job to take His yoke upon us and learn of Him, not stress and strive in a perfectionistic way. (see how today's Psalm addresses this: Psalm 127:1-2). He will teach and guide, and if we just keep on being faithful, we will eventually do excellently without even trying.
Jesus Christ is excellent. If you're born of God, and if the Spirit of God lives in you, you are made of excellent material! As Christ is formed in you, you will become-- you are becoming-- more and more excellent, just like Him!
Friday, May 28, 2010
May 28, 2010 The Perfect Prayer
I feel so enveloped in love whenever I read John 17 -- it is one of my very favorite Scriptures! This is a prayer that is being, and will be, completely fulfilled. You can't go wrong agreeing with this prayer, as the Father's absolute "YES" comes with it. One of the greatest things on God's heart is His people living in Oneness with Himself and each other. This is a miracle beyond our earthly comprehension, but an absolute promise. No human effort could ever achieve this, what Jesus called glory. The only way to accomplish this is for each believer to be fully filled with Him and to be fully "in Him." The Holy Spirit is powerfully working in and around each one of us, to reveal the glory of the eternal Word, Jesus. Our job is to believe.
"Forever, O LORD,
Your word is settled in heaven."
Psalm 119:89
"Forever, O LORD,
Your word is settled in heaven."
Psalm 119:89
Friday, May 21, 2010
May 20, 2010 Death Is Defeated
When I don't post in the middle of the week, it's usually because I got in too deep. Yesterday, the 20th, after about three hours of writing, I still hadn't brought it to a satisfactory conclusion. So I guess this topic will have to be a book. I'll let you know when it's done.
I'm going to give you a clue in this day's OYB reading, so that you can go back and see what the Lord says to you about the battle between life and death. There is just too much foundation to be laid for me to go into it here.
Start with Jesus' statement: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11: 25-26
This is the key to a new mindset about life and death. The Old Testament passages and the rest of the verses in John all have revelation in them about this topic. I would love to hear what the Lord shows you about it. In the mean time, I'll be jotting down what I get, and in the Lord's timing, I'll put it out there for you. Shalom!
I'm going to give you a clue in this day's OYB reading, so that you can go back and see what the Lord says to you about the battle between life and death. There is just too much foundation to be laid for me to go into it here.
Start with Jesus' statement: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11: 25-26
This is the key to a new mindset about life and death. The Old Testament passages and the rest of the verses in John all have revelation in them about this topic. I would love to hear what the Lord shows you about it. In the mean time, I'll be jotting down what I get, and in the Lord's timing, I'll put it out there for you. Shalom!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
April 13, 2010
Strategy: that's the theme that came forward to me today. Joshua had God's strategy to defeat Ai. The strategy he used in that battle is also a strategy the devil uses to try and get us into a place he can attack us from behind. Good thing we have God's glory as our rear guard. He's covered me many a time when I was being stupid. And it's good to know our friends are covering our backs too!
I think Ai was being pretty stupid to leave the city undefended! We should never use past experience as a guide for creating a strategic plan! God changes His strategies often. In case you haven't noticed, Satan isn't that flexible. He keeps using the same tactics that worked before, until he suffers a major rout, and then he might change something. God may have given me an overall strategic plan for accomplishing something, but if I don't "inquire of the Lord" on a daily basis, I can miss His input that would have given me the advantage. The idea that a day ahead of us is just routine, and launching out on autopilot, is a good way to get tripped up on something, even a basically stupid something!
There are many different battlefields we deal with every day, such as "the world, the flesh and the devil." If we're not careful to uphold the victories we have already gained, we can fall down on something we've neglected while we're charging ahead after a "biggie". It's not always the battles we're focused on, but the ones we're not paying attention to, that creep up on us from behind, that take us out. Keep your guard up: that's different than building up walls of defensiveness.
As an example, I charged into this year with a strong desire to dig into the Word and proclaim the Lord in the areas of influence the Lord has given me. I knew that He wanted me to have an emphasis on relating more to others, and not just being studious or creative all by myself at home. That desire was from the Lord, and He's been with me. But I quickly found that all the interaction and outward focus was distracting me from prayer. I'm not going to continue being effective if my prayer life is extinct! In the past, the times I've been most caught up in alone time with the Lord, in prayer and worship, have been the times I neglected to reach out to others. So, God's strategy for me this year is to learn to keep a balance of intimate times with Him and connecting with others. I'm thankful that the Lord has brought some actively praying saints in my path to keep me reminded on that particular front!
Practicing the art of being led by the Spirit, moment to moment, has always been key for keeping me on the narrow way. That narrow way has always seemed like a balancing act to me, especially since I'm not naturally balanced. On each side of the way are ditches, to use Rick Joyner's phrase. For me, it's easy to tell if I'm off. One side is a ditch called anxiety, and the other side is a ditch called depression. I get anxious if I spend too much time focused outward, and depressed if I spend too much time alone. The narrow way is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, and that's Kingdom!
Not only are we walking, or not walking, on the narrow way, but each of us is in a spiritual war, like it or not. We might as well have our armor on, and have God's strategic plan and tactical directions so that we can daily experience the victory Christ has already won for us.
What other strategies did you see in the Scriptures today? I saw some in the Luke and in the Psalm, and didn't even get to those. Let us know what you find!
I think Ai was being pretty stupid to leave the city undefended! We should never use past experience as a guide for creating a strategic plan! God changes His strategies often. In case you haven't noticed, Satan isn't that flexible. He keeps using the same tactics that worked before, until he suffers a major rout, and then he might change something. God may have given me an overall strategic plan for accomplishing something, but if I don't "inquire of the Lord" on a daily basis, I can miss His input that would have given me the advantage. The idea that a day ahead of us is just routine, and launching out on autopilot, is a good way to get tripped up on something, even a basically stupid something!
There are many different battlefields we deal with every day, such as "the world, the flesh and the devil." If we're not careful to uphold the victories we have already gained, we can fall down on something we've neglected while we're charging ahead after a "biggie". It's not always the battles we're focused on, but the ones we're not paying attention to, that creep up on us from behind, that take us out. Keep your guard up: that's different than building up walls of defensiveness.
As an example, I charged into this year with a strong desire to dig into the Word and proclaim the Lord in the areas of influence the Lord has given me. I knew that He wanted me to have an emphasis on relating more to others, and not just being studious or creative all by myself at home. That desire was from the Lord, and He's been with me. But I quickly found that all the interaction and outward focus was distracting me from prayer. I'm not going to continue being effective if my prayer life is extinct! In the past, the times I've been most caught up in alone time with the Lord, in prayer and worship, have been the times I neglected to reach out to others. So, God's strategy for me this year is to learn to keep a balance of intimate times with Him and connecting with others. I'm thankful that the Lord has brought some actively praying saints in my path to keep me reminded on that particular front!
Practicing the art of being led by the Spirit, moment to moment, has always been key for keeping me on the narrow way. That narrow way has always seemed like a balancing act to me, especially since I'm not naturally balanced. On each side of the way are ditches, to use Rick Joyner's phrase. For me, it's easy to tell if I'm off. One side is a ditch called anxiety, and the other side is a ditch called depression. I get anxious if I spend too much time focused outward, and depressed if I spend too much time alone. The narrow way is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, and that's Kingdom!
Not only are we walking, or not walking, on the narrow way, but each of us is in a spiritual war, like it or not. We might as well have our armor on, and have God's strategic plan and tactical directions so that we can daily experience the victory Christ has already won for us.
What other strategies did you see in the Scriptures today? I saw some in the Luke and in the Psalm, and didn't even get to those. Let us know what you find!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
February 3, 2010
Wasn't it cool how the Scripture readings coordinated today? I love the contrast between Moses and the religious leaders of Jesus' day. Jesus said that "they sit on Moses' seat; therefore do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach." Matthew 22:2-3
Later in the chapter, he said more that described Moses: "The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted." vs. 11-12 Moses was serving the people so much that his wise father-in-law advised that he delegate some responsibility. Then he demonstrated humility and took the advice. Exodus 18:19-25 Jesus also was a great example of these principles.
There are times we have to recognize our God-given limits. Yes, we are to function in His power and strength, but as you can see, it is not given to us to do everything in the Kingdom as an individual. We need other people to help. If we could do everything ourselves, then there would be no need for the Body of Christ to function. Even Jesus, who is God and could certainly do everything Himself if He wanted to, has made us His Body, and He's delegated authority and expects us to carry out our functions faithfully.
Later in the chapter, he said more that described Moses: "The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted." vs. 11-12 Moses was serving the people so much that his wise father-in-law advised that he delegate some responsibility. Then he demonstrated humility and took the advice. Exodus 18:19-25 Jesus also was a great example of these principles.
There are times we have to recognize our God-given limits. Yes, we are to function in His power and strength, but as you can see, it is not given to us to do everything in the Kingdom as an individual. We need other people to help. If we could do everything ourselves, then there would be no need for the Body of Christ to function. Even Jesus, who is God and could certainly do everything Himself if He wanted to, has made us His Body, and He's delegated authority and expects us to carry out our functions faithfully.
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