A verse really grabbed my attention today: the apostle Paul saying "do not grow weary in doing good." Since I tend to do that on a somewhat regular basis, I wondered if there were any readily available answers as to how to avoid that. This is what I saw, just in the passages for today:
From Jeremiah:
Do and say what God tells you, no matter how strange and unexpected, and don't follow the crowd. For one thing, this is not boring enough to get weary of, and for another, He strengthens and protects those who obey Him.
From Paul's letter to the Thessalonians:
The Word of God runs swiftly, so if we let it live in us, it will empower us. We tend to get weary when we get opposition from those without faith, but here we are again assured that God will protect us and deliver us, because He is faithful. We're warned not to hang around lazy leeches (I suppose that doesn't mean don't minister to such). This was partly to be a warning to the "disorderly" people, but I think it's also an intelligent precaution on our own part, so it doesn't rub off on us. If we hang around God, and His people who allow Him to move through them, we'll get motivated by Him. Although His atmosphere and attitude is established and peaceful, His glory is not idle.
From the Psalms:
Since we all do get weary sometimes (and even burned-out), we can turn to the Lord for help. He will forgive us, restore us, and revive us. His peace is an important factor in maintaining a steady and faithful lifestyle of service. Over-stress, worry, and improper burden-bearing wear us down and steal our health and our joy, eventually leading us into sinful coping behaviors.
I especially love verses 10-13 of Psalm 85, It is such a great picture!
"Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ." 2 Thessalonians 3:5 NKJV
Showing posts with label faithfulness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faithfulness. Show all posts
Friday, October 15, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
July 6, 2010 Reaching Your Highest Platform
Thinking about Paul today, pondering the events that led up to where he is now in our readings, made me think about how a person gains "a platform," or influence with a certain audience. The Proverb passage was, again, wonderfully relevant and light-shedding.
"A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men." Proverbs 18:16 NKJV This seems like a top-tier platform of influence, and the Apostle Paul certainly reached it. He had a gift for explaining God's message in a way that was life-changing and relevant to the people he was speaking to. He obviously had a calling from God to reach many people in many nations, and even powerful men in government.
Paul had to put his faith in action, however, or he never would have reached this platform. Not only did he have to work up to the envisioned platform, he had to take great risks to get there. He was willing to accept imprisonment and even death in order to reach the people he had seen himself speaking to. God gave him the vision, but he had to do what it took to reach it. He did it God's way, and not the world's way, and we're told of many instances of God's direct leading.
We are not all called to stand and speak to the president, or to sing and dance before a multitude. But I think we could interpret the above proverb to mean "a person's gift will make room for him or her and take them where they are meant to go." My understanding is that each of us has God-given gifts (spiritual and natural), that have a potential built into them that matches our God-given capacity to represent Him on a platform that is optimized for us.
We each have an area of influence of some kind. People are interdependent; we cannot help affecting or influencing someone at some time, even when we're children. Relationship and influence are part of God's nature and character, and He is growing us up to be influential in our world. What we do with our influence is, of course, greatly related to our growth and development. Influence and an actual "platform" are two different things, even though they are related.
We are prepared throughout life to use our influence on a platform of wider influence, when we are ready. I'll use myself as an example: as a child, I was practicing all the things I do now that have become platforms of a somewhat wider influence. I drew pictures, wrote poems, made up stories for my sisters and I to play (make-believe), and made up songs on the piano. I do the same things now, just with more skill and with more to "show and tell." There were training platforms, such as talent shows and school leadership, that taught me the need to rely on God's strength instead of my own (this is an ongoing lesson!). I've learned, over the years, that God moves through my spiritual gifts and shines through my natural ones.
Whatever I do now is also practice for the future. Only God knows completely what my potential and capacity really are, and to what platforms He is leading me to in the future. I can only be faithful on the platform He has given me now, and take the next steps towards the future vision He has given. What I see in the future motivates me to keep growing. He knows how much I need to see right now, and He gives me that and no more. He always seems to give me things to do that are right on the edge of what I am capable of at present. I enjoy the things I do, as long as I am leaning on Him and relating to Him constantly as I do them. Allowing Him to move and shine through my gifts, on the platforms He gives me, gives me a sense of purpose and a feeling of satisfaction in my daily life.
Think about your own life and see how you've developed into a person with greater influence. Do you feel satisfaction as well as a desire to grow into the next phase? Or do you feel disappointed at the loss of your dreams? Are you doing the things you are gifted in, or are you stuck doing things you dislike just to make ends meet?
I have been, more than once, stuck and disappointed with my life. But God has always been there for me and redeemed my darkest hours. He is faithful, and He has a plan to get you into a more hopeful, creative, fulfilling place in life. He is greater than any of your circumstances or problems, even ones you've created yourself. If you're lost, He's already found you. If you're floundering, He's already made a way. Call out to Him and listen for His reply. If you come to Him in humility, and you are willing to take risks at His direction, you will eventually find yourself in a place of joy and wider influence. Maybe you will even reach your greatest potential and your highest platform.
"A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men." Proverbs 18:16 NKJV This seems like a top-tier platform of influence, and the Apostle Paul certainly reached it. He had a gift for explaining God's message in a way that was life-changing and relevant to the people he was speaking to. He obviously had a calling from God to reach many people in many nations, and even powerful men in government.
Paul had to put his faith in action, however, or he never would have reached this platform. Not only did he have to work up to the envisioned platform, he had to take great risks to get there. He was willing to accept imprisonment and even death in order to reach the people he had seen himself speaking to. God gave him the vision, but he had to do what it took to reach it. He did it God's way, and not the world's way, and we're told of many instances of God's direct leading.
We are not all called to stand and speak to the president, or to sing and dance before a multitude. But I think we could interpret the above proverb to mean "a person's gift will make room for him or her and take them where they are meant to go." My understanding is that each of us has God-given gifts (spiritual and natural), that have a potential built into them that matches our God-given capacity to represent Him on a platform that is optimized for us.
We each have an area of influence of some kind. People are interdependent; we cannot help affecting or influencing someone at some time, even when we're children. Relationship and influence are part of God's nature and character, and He is growing us up to be influential in our world. What we do with our influence is, of course, greatly related to our growth and development. Influence and an actual "platform" are two different things, even though they are related.
We are prepared throughout life to use our influence on a platform of wider influence, when we are ready. I'll use myself as an example: as a child, I was practicing all the things I do now that have become platforms of a somewhat wider influence. I drew pictures, wrote poems, made up stories for my sisters and I to play (make-believe), and made up songs on the piano. I do the same things now, just with more skill and with more to "show and tell." There were training platforms, such as talent shows and school leadership, that taught me the need to rely on God's strength instead of my own (this is an ongoing lesson!). I've learned, over the years, that God moves through my spiritual gifts and shines through my natural ones.
Whatever I do now is also practice for the future. Only God knows completely what my potential and capacity really are, and to what platforms He is leading me to in the future. I can only be faithful on the platform He has given me now, and take the next steps towards the future vision He has given. What I see in the future motivates me to keep growing. He knows how much I need to see right now, and He gives me that and no more. He always seems to give me things to do that are right on the edge of what I am capable of at present. I enjoy the things I do, as long as I am leaning on Him and relating to Him constantly as I do them. Allowing Him to move and shine through my gifts, on the platforms He gives me, gives me a sense of purpose and a feeling of satisfaction in my daily life.
Think about your own life and see how you've developed into a person with greater influence. Do you feel satisfaction as well as a desire to grow into the next phase? Or do you feel disappointed at the loss of your dreams? Are you doing the things you are gifted in, or are you stuck doing things you dislike just to make ends meet?
I have been, more than once, stuck and disappointed with my life. But God has always been there for me and redeemed my darkest hours. He is faithful, and He has a plan to get you into a more hopeful, creative, fulfilling place in life. He is greater than any of your circumstances or problems, even ones you've created yourself. If you're lost, He's already found you. If you're floundering, He's already made a way. Call out to Him and listen for His reply. If you come to Him in humility, and you are willing to take risks at His direction, you will eventually find yourself in a place of joy and wider influence. Maybe you will even reach your greatest potential and your highest platform.
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!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
April 20, 2010
How great is the faithfulness of our God! When I read this verse, "Not a word failed of any good thing which the LORD had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass." Joshua 21:45, my spirit sighs a sigh of contentment. I am proud to have a God like that. He promises wonderful things to His children, and He keeps His promises without fail. I want to be like that.
Our God is also faithful to stand up for us and defend us when He has authorized us to do something. No matter what anyone says, if you're obeying the Word of the Lord, stand your ground. Jesus always had the ultimate answer for any of His detractors, the statement that made His enemies close their mouths. I want to be like that.
Ethan the Ezrahite, the writer of Psalm 89, extolled the Lord and His faithfulness in this beautiful song. I want to be like that too.
God is faithful! As I meditate on His intrinsic faithfulness, thanking and worshipping Him, His nature and His character will be imparted to me. As I practice walking in godly faithfulness (something I have far to go on), He will strengthen and uphold me.
As we grow in faithful obedience to God's Word, we grow in authority. As we demonstrate His characteristic faithfulness, people will be drawn to the Lord, because it is a very winsome quality indeed!
Our God is also faithful to stand up for us and defend us when He has authorized us to do something. No matter what anyone says, if you're obeying the Word of the Lord, stand your ground. Jesus always had the ultimate answer for any of His detractors, the statement that made His enemies close their mouths. I want to be like that.
Ethan the Ezrahite, the writer of Psalm 89, extolled the Lord and His faithfulness in this beautiful song. I want to be like that too.
God is faithful! As I meditate on His intrinsic faithfulness, thanking and worshipping Him, His nature and His character will be imparted to me. As I practice walking in godly faithfulness (something I have far to go on), He will strengthen and uphold me.
As we grow in faithful obedience to God's Word, we grow in authority. As we demonstrate His characteristic faithfulness, people will be drawn to the Lord, because it is a very winsome quality indeed!
Friday, April 16, 2010
April 16, 2010
I woke up today feeling kind of old, wondering how I was going to ever be able to do all the things the Lord had put before me to do. I was wishing I had done them when I was young, thinner and much more energetic. I'm so glad I read the Scriptures today, for they really spoke to me about all this.
Even though I heard my call when I was 14, in an unmistakeable way (not an audible voice, but one that couldn't be missed), I wasn't in the place to walk it out. In fact, I outright rejected it, more intent on my own way of doing things than worrying about what God wanted. The next seven years was pitiful indeed! Since then, every seven years has brought a new fresh call, a renewal of the very first call, with an increase. God has never given up on His vision for my life. He has never given up on His vision for yours, either.
I was so impressed with Caleb, who went to Joshua and asked for the inheritance that the Lord had promised him. "I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land, and I brought back word to him as it was in my heart. 8 Nevertheless my brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt, but I wholly followed the LORD my God. 9 So Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land where your foot has trodden shall be your inheritance and your children’s forever, because you have wholly followed the LORD my God.’ 10 And now, behold, the LORD has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the LORD spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old. 11 As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in. 12 Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the LORD said.” 13 And Joshua blessed him, and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as an inheritance. Joshua 14: 6b-13
At first, I was reading that thinking, "That sure doesn't fit me!" But the Lord showed me otherwise, for two reasons. One, I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me-- it's Christ's righteousness and work in me, not my own, that makes me worthy and gives me the ability to carry out God's will. Only faith and obedience is necessary. That is all. I haven't always been so great on the obedience part, and that's the only reason I am still struggling to take my inheritance. But I see now that the faith part has always been there, although many times as good as dead from lack of corresponding action. But I am still believeing. In my spirit, I am more vigorous than ever, and because I know my God more than I did when I was 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 50, and 57 (everything gets refreshed at the 50th year, the Jubilee), I think I am able to say: Now, then, give me this mountain!
We saw Jesus teaching that men ought to pray and not give up. Yet, He wanted to know if, when He showed up, would He find enough faith so that we could receive the answer to our prayer.
Jesus has shown up over and over again to answer my prayers, and yet, I was still not ready enough to keep exercising my faith in His promises to stand firm when the giants came to try and steal it. I am determined to see it though this time, with His help. He's not going to do my life for me, or without me. But when I take my Sword up and my shield of faith, He's going to be right there strengthening me, and fighting for me. I think I even have enough faith in His creative power to get back my youthful vigor!
What about you? What's He promised you? What's your inheritance in Him? Are you just going to stand there and wait another 7 years? I don't think so! It's time to act out our faith and say: NOW, THEN, GIVE ME THIS MOUNTAIN!
Even though I heard my call when I was 14, in an unmistakeable way (not an audible voice, but one that couldn't be missed), I wasn't in the place to walk it out. In fact, I outright rejected it, more intent on my own way of doing things than worrying about what God wanted. The next seven years was pitiful indeed! Since then, every seven years has brought a new fresh call, a renewal of the very first call, with an increase. God has never given up on His vision for my life. He has never given up on His vision for yours, either.
I was so impressed with Caleb, who went to Joshua and asked for the inheritance that the Lord had promised him. "I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land, and I brought back word to him as it was in my heart. 8 Nevertheless my brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt, but I wholly followed the LORD my God. 9 So Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land where your foot has trodden shall be your inheritance and your children’s forever, because you have wholly followed the LORD my God.’ 10 And now, behold, the LORD has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the LORD spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old. 11 As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in. 12 Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the LORD said.” 13 And Joshua blessed him, and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as an inheritance. Joshua 14: 6b-13
At first, I was reading that thinking, "That sure doesn't fit me!" But the Lord showed me otherwise, for two reasons. One, I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me-- it's Christ's righteousness and work in me, not my own, that makes me worthy and gives me the ability to carry out God's will. Only faith and obedience is necessary. That is all. I haven't always been so great on the obedience part, and that's the only reason I am still struggling to take my inheritance. But I see now that the faith part has always been there, although many times as good as dead from lack of corresponding action. But I am still believeing. In my spirit, I am more vigorous than ever, and because I know my God more than I did when I was 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 50, and 57 (everything gets refreshed at the 50th year, the Jubilee), I think I am able to say: Now, then, give me this mountain!
We saw Jesus teaching that men ought to pray and not give up. Yet, He wanted to know if, when He showed up, would He find enough faith so that we could receive the answer to our prayer.
Jesus has shown up over and over again to answer my prayers, and yet, I was still not ready enough to keep exercising my faith in His promises to stand firm when the giants came to try and steal it. I am determined to see it though this time, with His help. He's not going to do my life for me, or without me. But when I take my Sword up and my shield of faith, He's going to be right there strengthening me, and fighting for me. I think I even have enough faith in His creative power to get back my youthful vigor!
What about you? What's He promised you? What's your inheritance in Him? Are you just going to stand there and wait another 7 years? I don't think so! It's time to act out our faith and say: NOW, THEN, GIVE ME THIS MOUNTAIN!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
April 11, 2010
I think it would be wonderful to make a "scrapbook" or "memory book" of the things God has done in our life. Don't you? We take photos of our kids growing up, and the major events in our life, like weddings and birthdays, and we document our vacations and our mission trips. We collect memorabilia from our various activities and event we want to remember. Then we look at them occasionally, and these scrapbooks bring back the memories or our best times, strengthening them every time we do. We talk to our kids about our life before they were born: "Look, there's mommy and daddy with really funny hairdo's and clothes!" or the funny things they did when they were little: "There you are at one year old, with a pie pan on your head!" It's easy to laugh and share with our kids with something to look at that's organized and picturesque.
God did similar things with Israel it seems, only they didn't have iphones! When Joshua led them across the flooded Jordan, heaping up the water, the Lord instructed them to take twelve stones out from the Jordan and pile them up in the Promised Land as a memorial for what He had done for them. "Then he spoke to the children of Israel, saying: “When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, ‘What are these stones?’ then you shall let your children know, saying, ‘Israel crossed over this Jordan on dry land’; for the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over, that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever.” Joshua 4: 21-24
If we are to accomplish the things that God gives us to do, it is imperative that we bring to remembrance the times that He has worked in our life, the times He has empowered us and brought us through. Otherwise we tend to lose faith in the midst of difficulty. This has been one of my largest shortcomings throughout my Christian walk. I'm a great starter, but carrying through is not so easy, and finishing something has always loomed before me like an impossible task.
I very much related to this Scripture verse today: "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? Luke 14: 28-30 The thing is, when I start something by the inspiration of the Spirit and the word of the Lord, I know the Lord can do it through me, because I know His power and ability. But do I really count the cost?
Jesus knew the kinds of trials, struggles, temptations and oppositions we would face as we walked through life as His disciples. He gave us the perfect antedote to failure: "pick up your cross and follow me," and "whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple." The cost of fulfilling God's will and following Christ to the end, the finish line, is EVERYTHING. You just don't quit! And you let nothing stop you from obeying Him, not even yourself.
A scrapbook of remembrance, in lieu of stone monuments, might help us remember not only God's faithfulness to us and to our ancestors; but it might also remind us of the times we chose, yet again, to commitment ourselves to faithful discipleship. We need reminders that we were once willing to pick up our cross and give up everything, so that we will continue in that choice when we feel ready to quit.
I like how so many of the verses tied together today, and I like how Proverbs sums up the concept of follow-through:
The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, But diligence is man’s precious possession. In the way of righteousness is life, And in its pathway there is no death. Proverbs 12: 27-28
There is only one righteous path, and that is Jesus Christ. If we stop following Him, we fail, but if we continue to follow Him, enduring until the end, we succeed, because there is no death or failure in Him.
God did similar things with Israel it seems, only they didn't have iphones! When Joshua led them across the flooded Jordan, heaping up the water, the Lord instructed them to take twelve stones out from the Jordan and pile them up in the Promised Land as a memorial for what He had done for them. "Then he spoke to the children of Israel, saying: “When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, ‘What are these stones?’ then you shall let your children know, saying, ‘Israel crossed over this Jordan on dry land’; for the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over, that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever.” Joshua 4: 21-24
If we are to accomplish the things that God gives us to do, it is imperative that we bring to remembrance the times that He has worked in our life, the times He has empowered us and brought us through. Otherwise we tend to lose faith in the midst of difficulty. This has been one of my largest shortcomings throughout my Christian walk. I'm a great starter, but carrying through is not so easy, and finishing something has always loomed before me like an impossible task.
I very much related to this Scripture verse today: "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? Luke 14: 28-30 The thing is, when I start something by the inspiration of the Spirit and the word of the Lord, I know the Lord can do it through me, because I know His power and ability. But do I really count the cost?
Jesus knew the kinds of trials, struggles, temptations and oppositions we would face as we walked through life as His disciples. He gave us the perfect antedote to failure: "pick up your cross and follow me," and "whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple." The cost of fulfilling God's will and following Christ to the end, the finish line, is EVERYTHING. You just don't quit! And you let nothing stop you from obeying Him, not even yourself.
A scrapbook of remembrance, in lieu of stone monuments, might help us remember not only God's faithfulness to us and to our ancestors; but it might also remind us of the times we chose, yet again, to commitment ourselves to faithful discipleship. We need reminders that we were once willing to pick up our cross and give up everything, so that we will continue in that choice when we feel ready to quit.
I like how so many of the verses tied together today, and I like how Proverbs sums up the concept of follow-through:
The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, But diligence is man’s precious possession. In the way of righteousness is life, And in its pathway there is no death. Proverbs 12: 27-28
There is only one righteous path, and that is Jesus Christ. If we stop following Him, we fail, but if we continue to follow Him, enduring until the end, we succeed, because there is no death or failure in Him.
Monday, March 8, 2010
March 8, 2010
It seems I have to be reminded on a regular basis not to grumble and complain! How many times have I read these scriptures and still forget? It is so easy to get disgruntled when what I see for the future doesn't match up to what seems to be taking place in the present. I tire of the suffering, or just the long waiting, and forget that through these things, Christ is preparing me for what is to come.
The Israelites grumbled at the Lord in the wilderness, lacking in faith. Even Moses doubted God's ability to provide meat for more than 600,000 people! God's answer: "Is the Lord's hand too short? (Is His power limited?)." God proved again that it was not, even though He had proven Himself many times over.
I learned from the lesson in Mark that Jesus already has a plan of provision for us-- even if we are only in the preparation stage-- and He will give us detailed intructions, if we will listen. Wouldn't you agree that following His instructions would be good preparation? "So the disciples set out and went to the city, and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal." Mark 14:16 He prepared them for preparation of a meal that would prepare them further for more preparation!
Sometimes I get lost in the preparations, forgetting that there is a destination. Or I get tired of the preparations and quit, despairing of ever getting to my goal. If we quit, we'll never get there! But if we'll remember that He Himself is our true destination, we will keep our eyes on Him and abide in Him. Thus we are already there and getting there all at once!
I believe that Mark also shows us a key for continuing in perseverance with faith, hope and love, instead of grumbling and complaining: worship! The woman with the alabaster jar of ointment is a wonderful example of what to do in a confusing time of preparation. She obviously had an understanding of who Jesus was and what was going to happen. She knew they were all going to go through an extremely trying time, and yet she gave sacrificially in an extravagant expression of heartfelt devotion, thanksgiving and trust for the future. Jesus commended her for it with great enthusiasm, for it obviously pleased Him.
If the Israelites had remembered God's former deliverances and provisions rather than call to mind their former life and complain about the present, and if they had kept their eyes on "the prize"-- the Promised Land and the Giver of the Promise-- they would have remained in a place of thanksgiving and worship, trusting in the Lord and His goodness. We have the same choices everyday, do we not? I am reminded again to choose the attitudes and behaviors that please Him.
The Israelites grumbled at the Lord in the wilderness, lacking in faith. Even Moses doubted God's ability to provide meat for more than 600,000 people! God's answer: "Is the Lord's hand too short? (Is His power limited?)." God proved again that it was not, even though He had proven Himself many times over.
I learned from the lesson in Mark that Jesus already has a plan of provision for us-- even if we are only in the preparation stage-- and He will give us detailed intructions, if we will listen. Wouldn't you agree that following His instructions would be good preparation? "So the disciples set out and went to the city, and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal." Mark 14:16 He prepared them for preparation of a meal that would prepare them further for more preparation!
Sometimes I get lost in the preparations, forgetting that there is a destination. Or I get tired of the preparations and quit, despairing of ever getting to my goal. If we quit, we'll never get there! But if we'll remember that He Himself is our true destination, we will keep our eyes on Him and abide in Him. Thus we are already there and getting there all at once!
I believe that Mark also shows us a key for continuing in perseverance with faith, hope and love, instead of grumbling and complaining: worship! The woman with the alabaster jar of ointment is a wonderful example of what to do in a confusing time of preparation. She obviously had an understanding of who Jesus was and what was going to happen. She knew they were all going to go through an extremely trying time, and yet she gave sacrificially in an extravagant expression of heartfelt devotion, thanksgiving and trust for the future. Jesus commended her for it with great enthusiasm, for it obviously pleased Him.
If the Israelites had remembered God's former deliverances and provisions rather than call to mind their former life and complain about the present, and if they had kept their eyes on "the prize"-- the Promised Land and the Giver of the Promise-- they would have remained in a place of thanksgiving and worship, trusting in the Lord and His goodness. We have the same choices everyday, do we not? I am reminded again to choose the attitudes and behaviors that please Him.
Friday, February 19, 2010
February 19, 2010
I'm holding on to these promises: "For there is nothing hidden, except to be disclosed; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. Let anyone with ears to hear listen!" And he said to them, "Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. For to those who have, more will be given; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away." Mark4:22-25
One of the hardest things in life, for me, is to keep up with something on a daily basis. I am so right-brained! I get lost in my projects and lose track of time. Sometimes I don't even know what day it is. I don't often get out of touch with the Lord, I'm just not a very "habitual" person. And I can be very verbal, but sometimes, I'm really not. So disciplining myself to read the One Year Bible every day-- and then write something-- is not always an easy task. But I am determined to keep trying, and when I don't manage to write here (I'm being pretty good on the reading part), I will just jump in and try again. I don't always have something brilliant to say. Sometimes I just feel like saying, "I'm here, are you?"
What I got from the verses today was, that I will get out of my devotional times what I put into them, and more. Now that's a good deal if you ask me. Plus, when I come across mysteries in the Word, if I ask and listen, the Lord will speak, as He delights in revealing. It's easy to get in "task mode" and forget to listen. That's why I don't often write anything early in the day. Sometimes I just have to listen for a while. And sometimes what I hear is just too personal to write on a public blog! I'm sure you can relate.
I think if we have faith to receive something from the Lord in His Word-- and we have all been given a measure of faith-- then we will receive if we put in our part. But if we have no faith in Him, we end up losing whatever of the Word that we had once gotten, because we end up letting something steal it from us, like in the parable of the sower. I don't want that to happen to me, so I am determined not to let the "cares of this life," good or bad, choke out the Word so that it's not fruitful in me. I want to excercise my faith and be faithful. And since faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit, the more I abide in Him and His Word, the more faithful I will be.
One of the hardest things in life, for me, is to keep up with something on a daily basis. I am so right-brained! I get lost in my projects and lose track of time. Sometimes I don't even know what day it is. I don't often get out of touch with the Lord, I'm just not a very "habitual" person. And I can be very verbal, but sometimes, I'm really not. So disciplining myself to read the One Year Bible every day-- and then write something-- is not always an easy task. But I am determined to keep trying, and when I don't manage to write here (I'm being pretty good on the reading part), I will just jump in and try again. I don't always have something brilliant to say. Sometimes I just feel like saying, "I'm here, are you?"
What I got from the verses today was, that I will get out of my devotional times what I put into them, and more. Now that's a good deal if you ask me. Plus, when I come across mysteries in the Word, if I ask and listen, the Lord will speak, as He delights in revealing. It's easy to get in "task mode" and forget to listen. That's why I don't often write anything early in the day. Sometimes I just have to listen for a while. And sometimes what I hear is just too personal to write on a public blog! I'm sure you can relate.
I think if we have faith to receive something from the Lord in His Word-- and we have all been given a measure of faith-- then we will receive if we put in our part. But if we have no faith in Him, we end up losing whatever of the Word that we had once gotten, because we end up letting something steal it from us, like in the parable of the sower. I don't want that to happen to me, so I am determined not to let the "cares of this life," good or bad, choke out the Word so that it's not fruitful in me. I want to excercise my faith and be faithful. And since faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit, the more I abide in Him and His Word, the more faithful I will be.
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