Today I saw two beautiful word pictures of marriage, one in the Old Testament and one in the New. It blessed me, so I thought I'd share them with you.
In the Old Testament, I saw a picture of the Bride and Groom at the moment of their wedding vows: "Today you have proclaimed the LORD to be your God, and that you will walk in His ways and keep His statutes, His commandments, and His judgments, and that you will obey His voice. Also today the LORD has proclaimed you to be His special people, just as He promised you, that you should keep all His commandments, and that He will set you high above all nations which He has made, in praise, in name, and in honor, and that you may be a holy people to the LORD your God, just as He has spoken.” Deuteronomy 26: 16-19
We have an understanding that the Church is the Bride of Christ, but I don't think that takes away from Israel's special place in the Kingdom of God. At this moment though, I'm seeing a prophetic picture of Christ and His Bride, which I believe will include all those Jews who receive Him as Lord and Savior.
There was something so majestic and sweet about this picture, so full of love and expectation~ the beginning of a new life together. It shows Christ as the Head, honoring His Bride, and His Bride honoring Him as the Head. This mutual commitment encompasses the Promised Land and all its blessings.
In the New Testament, I saw a more intimate look at the Bride and Groom. This picture is applicable in the natural realm as well as in the spiritual realm. It also reminds us that the Bride is not just one person, but a whole group of people set apart to Him to be His own. I noticed two types of relating here: one so task oriented that intimacy is temporarily lost, and the other, so focused on intimacy that tasks at hand are temporarily forgotten. These are issues often dealt with in earthly marriages, as well as in our relationship with the Lord. Jesus didn't rebuke Martha for doing the tasks, just implied she'd be better off if she followed Mary's example and put intimacy first. It's not only a female problem, of course, as men can often be too task oriented as well. It is also more effective to pursue tasks when we have communed with the heart of God.
In human relationships, some people more easily show love by "doing things" for their beloved, and this is often greatly appreciated, as it should be. Jesus seemed to be more concerned about a fretful attitude, some resentment towards those not working, and maybe a feeling of not being appreciated. All these attitudes can accompany the service that people give to the Lord and to others. Unfortunately, these attitudes detract from the service given and show some selfish motivations for the serving. From this passage, and from my personal experience, it seems Jesus puts communication and intimacy above deeds of service. The person with a "helps" gift is in just as much need of intimacy with the Lord, and is just as desired by the Lord, as a person with a "prophetic" gift. It should be all about knowing Him and growing to be more like Him because we love Him. Jesus certainly worked hard while He was on earth, but it all came from what He saw and heard from His Father. And those of us who would rather just "be" with Him than do anything, will be empowered and motivated to work the works of God, His way, after soaking in His presence.
Men and women alike can, and must, learn to relate to Jesus according to His preferences. When we do, we will be more able to set aside our natural preferences, so we do things in a manner and priority that please the Lord and greatly benefit our earthly spouse, as well as the Kingdom of God. Not only will we grow in grace and gain preparation for the coming Marriage of the Lamb, we will be a blessing and a testimony of Christ in our earthly relationships.
Showing posts with label relationships. Show all posts
Showing posts with label relationships. Show all posts
Monday, April 4, 2011
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
August 11, 2010 The Secret Pavilion
I will share something about the book of Nehemiah that will revolutionize it for you, in case you've never seen it before. I learned it while doing my degree work in Christian Biblical Psychology. It's all about restoration, and it is pertinent to the rebuilding of a broken person, as well as the entire Church. As are all the histories of the Jewish people, they are all written for our instruction.
Today I saw something a little different that I hadn't noticed (maybe I was taught it before, but I don't remember). All the different people who worked on the wall are like all the different people we come in contact with when we are "under construction." The Lord will use various people to be His hands in our life when we need help. A great many people have been devastated emotionally and spiritually, and even physically (often as a result of those) and are in need of being healed and put back together. God doesn't use any one person (such as a counselor or pastor) to "fix" someone; otherwise I think we would take credit for "building" someone or for making them who they are to become. God uses teams, and He gets all the glory for it. The teams are organized by the Holy Spirit, and not necessarily in a way we can see. I can testify that while I was going through the greatest part of my restoration, that many people had a part to play in different areas in my life. Sometimes they didn't even realize that God was working through them for the purpose of healing and restoration. Others didn't realize they were getting in the way.
Notice that first Nehemiah assessed the damage, and then they began to work on the wall. Most people who have been through life traumas don't have anything in the way of proper defenses. This might be noticed in the lack of good boundaries, in behavior lacking in any kind of normal sense about what is healthy, and in the tendency to be overrun by harmful agents. The picture of a war-ravaged city, burned down and with the walls in ruins, is a powerful image to help us understand how damaged people can be. If you haven't been there yourself, I guarantee you know someone who is. Likely, you are one of the people who is working on your little section of the wall. When everyone does their part, a person is able to be restored to functioning more quickly. The deeper issues of healing then, are dealt with in a safer environment.
While all this work is going on, God nurtures us in the Secret Pavilion. It's the secret place of His presence, and it's there for all who fear God and trust Him. It's for the workers and well as those "under construction." Sometimes it takes a person a while to learn to trust God, as well as have the right kind of reverent awe of the Lord. When those around them are living in this place, it's a lot easier for them to be led to into it. No matter who's trying to do you in, or who's speaking evil against you, you're hidden from it in the Secret Pavilion. Even plaguing inner voices are shut down in this tent of peace, where the love of God surrounds you and protects you.
In the Secret Pavilion, you can also receive a vision of the Heavenly City, the New Jerusalem. "Blessed be the LORD, for He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city!" Psalm 31:21 This vision of the wholeness, holiness, and oneness of the finished product of God's people-- what Jesus is working on and will finish-- is what gives the workers and the people being restored, hope enough to continue. It's what gives us courage, strengthening our hearts. And Satan will be just as surprised about the results as he was when Jesus was resurrected!
Questions to ponder:
Have you ever noticed how many loud and opposing voices there are all around you all the time? Have you ever experienced the peace and quiet of God's secret pavilion?
Who do you know that is in a broken and ruined condition? How is God moving through you to help rebuild the wall?
What was your impression of how Nehemiah communicated with the king? What kind of instruction does this give you for your own life?
Today I saw something a little different that I hadn't noticed (maybe I was taught it before, but I don't remember). All the different people who worked on the wall are like all the different people we come in contact with when we are "under construction." The Lord will use various people to be His hands in our life when we need help. A great many people have been devastated emotionally and spiritually, and even physically (often as a result of those) and are in need of being healed and put back together. God doesn't use any one person (such as a counselor or pastor) to "fix" someone; otherwise I think we would take credit for "building" someone or for making them who they are to become. God uses teams, and He gets all the glory for it. The teams are organized by the Holy Spirit, and not necessarily in a way we can see. I can testify that while I was going through the greatest part of my restoration, that many people had a part to play in different areas in my life. Sometimes they didn't even realize that God was working through them for the purpose of healing and restoration. Others didn't realize they were getting in the way.
Notice that first Nehemiah assessed the damage, and then they began to work on the wall. Most people who have been through life traumas don't have anything in the way of proper defenses. This might be noticed in the lack of good boundaries, in behavior lacking in any kind of normal sense about what is healthy, and in the tendency to be overrun by harmful agents. The picture of a war-ravaged city, burned down and with the walls in ruins, is a powerful image to help us understand how damaged people can be. If you haven't been there yourself, I guarantee you know someone who is. Likely, you are one of the people who is working on your little section of the wall. When everyone does their part, a person is able to be restored to functioning more quickly. The deeper issues of healing then, are dealt with in a safer environment.
While all this work is going on, God nurtures us in the Secret Pavilion. It's the secret place of His presence, and it's there for all who fear God and trust Him. It's for the workers and well as those "under construction." Sometimes it takes a person a while to learn to trust God, as well as have the right kind of reverent awe of the Lord. When those around them are living in this place, it's a lot easier for them to be led to into it. No matter who's trying to do you in, or who's speaking evil against you, you're hidden from it in the Secret Pavilion. Even plaguing inner voices are shut down in this tent of peace, where the love of God surrounds you and protects you.
In the Secret Pavilion, you can also receive a vision of the Heavenly City, the New Jerusalem. "Blessed be the LORD, for He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city!" Psalm 31:21 This vision of the wholeness, holiness, and oneness of the finished product of God's people-- what Jesus is working on and will finish-- is what gives the workers and the people being restored, hope enough to continue. It's what gives us courage, strengthening our hearts. And Satan will be just as surprised about the results as he was when Jesus was resurrected!
Questions to ponder:
Have you ever noticed how many loud and opposing voices there are all around you all the time? Have you ever experienced the peace and quiet of God's secret pavilion?
Who do you know that is in a broken and ruined condition? How is God moving through you to help rebuild the wall?
What was your impression of how Nehemiah communicated with the king? What kind of instruction does this give you for your own life?
Monday, August 9, 2010
August 9, 2010 God's Clear Guidelines For Social Networking
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?
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?
Friday, July 9, 2010
July 9, 2010 Trusting God In Someone Else's Ship
Have you ever felt frustrated when you feel the person in charge is making a serious mistake? I have. I've been a "voyager in someone else's ship" most of my life-- as a child dependent on parents in a troubled marriage, as a teenager in a ultra-restrictive boarding school, as a college student on scholarships trying to please a demanding professor, as a young new-Christian wife struggling to submit to her less-than-wise husband, as an employee attempting to do good work under a corrupt boss, and even as a church member trying her best to follow a confused pastor. I'm sure there are as many tales like this as there are people. The challenge is to stay true to our faith and keep our trust in the Lord.
Once we come of age, we often have choices about what we will do about a "captain" who is sailing off into a seemingly life-threatening storm. I've had to make some difficult decisions, but the Lord was always with me through it all. The Apostle Paul had a word from God to keep him staying on with a ship that was sure to sink. That takes some strong faith! Sometimes marriage feels like a sinking ship, and if you're a wife, you may feel like jumping! (Fortunately, we're not prisoners as Paul was, although it may feel like it sometimes. Reminding ourselves of our desire to make the commitment can help us weather the storm.) Guys have a different problem: they are the ones who have to decide where to take that ship. I'm glad I don't have to take the helm! However, sometimes we have to say what we see, whether it's believed or not. Paul did. Then he just had to hold on to his vision and trust in God for the outcome. I have to wonder what was going on in Dr. Luke's mind during all this, since he was on the ship too!
Prayer is always the first action we should take-- it should be automatic. That's when we get our directions, and peace. So often, things just seem to straighten themselves out when we pray. Staying in the Word, too, keeps our eyes focused on the Lord: isn't He really the Captain of our life anyway? He knows exactly what's going on, and He's committed to our well-being. He is the manager of our trials. Even though being under the leadership of, or even being dependent on, another human being is probably one of the most difficult trials we undergo, we can be assured that the Lord is still watching over us for our benefit-- and for the other person's as well.
There are times we feel we must confront. Emotional pleas just do not work! I've tried it many times, and I simply give up. My overwrought emotional state doesn't convince anyone of my ability to think clearly! I will not be listened to, no matter how right I am. Getting my focus on the Lord and seeking Him for peace is top priority. Then, I may be heard by the "captain" if I present the information I have with calm and clarity. It's up to him, then, to decide what to do with my intelligence (it's called intelligence for a reason-- you'd better know what you're talking about if you want to be listened to). I must maintain in faith.
Even if you end up having to go through a shipwreck, know this: God is able to preserve you. His ways are always redemptive, never forget. He may be working with the "captain" of the ship you're in, to bring some level of change or repentance or growth; but even if it's mostly about them, guess what? God's going to bring you to another level of faith, trust, backbone, maturity-- whatever it is you need to grow in. He uses all things for our good, even shipwrecks.
Once we come of age, we often have choices about what we will do about a "captain" who is sailing off into a seemingly life-threatening storm. I've had to make some difficult decisions, but the Lord was always with me through it all. The Apostle Paul had a word from God to keep him staying on with a ship that was sure to sink. That takes some strong faith! Sometimes marriage feels like a sinking ship, and if you're a wife, you may feel like jumping! (Fortunately, we're not prisoners as Paul was, although it may feel like it sometimes. Reminding ourselves of our desire to make the commitment can help us weather the storm.) Guys have a different problem: they are the ones who have to decide where to take that ship. I'm glad I don't have to take the helm! However, sometimes we have to say what we see, whether it's believed or not. Paul did. Then he just had to hold on to his vision and trust in God for the outcome. I have to wonder what was going on in Dr. Luke's mind during all this, since he was on the ship too!
Prayer is always the first action we should take-- it should be automatic. That's when we get our directions, and peace. So often, things just seem to straighten themselves out when we pray. Staying in the Word, too, keeps our eyes focused on the Lord: isn't He really the Captain of our life anyway? He knows exactly what's going on, and He's committed to our well-being. He is the manager of our trials. Even though being under the leadership of, or even being dependent on, another human being is probably one of the most difficult trials we undergo, we can be assured that the Lord is still watching over us for our benefit-- and for the other person's as well.
There are times we feel we must confront. Emotional pleas just do not work! I've tried it many times, and I simply give up. My overwrought emotional state doesn't convince anyone of my ability to think clearly! I will not be listened to, no matter how right I am. Getting my focus on the Lord and seeking Him for peace is top priority. Then, I may be heard by the "captain" if I present the information I have with calm and clarity. It's up to him, then, to decide what to do with my intelligence (it's called intelligence for a reason-- you'd better know what you're talking about if you want to be listened to). I must maintain in faith.
Even if you end up having to go through a shipwreck, know this: God is able to preserve you. His ways are always redemptive, never forget. He may be working with the "captain" of the ship you're in, to bring some level of change or repentance or growth; but even if it's mostly about them, guess what? God's going to bring you to another level of faith, trust, backbone, maturity-- whatever it is you need to grow in. He uses all things for our good, even shipwrecks.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
May 26, 2010 The Prayer Jesus Vouches For
We've talked a little bit about getting our prayers answered, and today there's more. I think that this might be something important to Jesus-- that we pray and receive a "yes" to our prayer! I've come to realize, though, that every prayer is not answered. And that's because every prayer doesn't fit His criteria.
Since I'm not doing a comprehensive study here, we'll just have to go with what we've got so far. On the 24th, we saw that one of the requirements for answered prayer is that it is "in My name." That's a big topic in itself. Let's just say, would Jesus sign on this one? Since prayer is asking God to do something beyond what we can do, wouldn't it be reasonable to ask Him to do something He would actually do? That takes knowing Him and what He has done: does this request fit His character? does it fit Who He is actually is? The only way to know this is to know Him.
I'm grateful that He knows us completely, and takes into consideration our small viewpoint! The Holy Spirit is here to guide us into all truth, so if we need a little guidance in our prayer, He's there to help. He hears us at all levels of our maturity and understanding. But the more mature we are, and the more of the knowledge of God we have, the more effective our prayers are going to be. And the older ones should be teaching the younger ones to pray.
Yesterday, Jesus was saying He wants to dwell in us. Now He's saying He wants us to dwell in Him. When you actually live with people, you really get to know them! We find out who snores and who doesn't close up the cracker box right. We find out who actually walks in love. If you've ever had people in your house for an extended stay, you know you know them better than you did before. And they know you. Jesus is all about knowing each other.
So, if you got up in the morning, got some orange juice and toast, and sat down at the table with Jesus (and of course, the Holy Spirit and the Father are there, too), and you got into this great conversation about something in the Word, I guess you'd have a little better knowledge of Him. That Word would start to really be real. It would start to live in your heart. You would feel pretty confident about asking Him to do that thing He just pointed out in the passage you read together. Plus, you got to see how He acted when little dipsy-doodle two-year-old pee'd on the floor right next to His sandals!
I think we'd get to know Jesus a little more if we realized He's there all the time with us. Holy Spirit is giving us this insider-knowledge of just how Jesus is acting all the time. The ultimate Twitter!
When we really know Him, we ask things we know He'll vouch for. That's when we get our prayers answered with a big, resounding "yes!" And that, my friends, is God's will. It makes us really fruitful. It glorifies Him and pleases Him at least as much as it blesses us.
Since I'm not doing a comprehensive study here, we'll just have to go with what we've got so far. On the 24th, we saw that one of the requirements for answered prayer is that it is "in My name." That's a big topic in itself. Let's just say, would Jesus sign on this one? Since prayer is asking God to do something beyond what we can do, wouldn't it be reasonable to ask Him to do something He would actually do? That takes knowing Him and what He has done: does this request fit His character? does it fit Who He is actually is? The only way to know this is to know Him.
I'm grateful that He knows us completely, and takes into consideration our small viewpoint! The Holy Spirit is here to guide us into all truth, so if we need a little guidance in our prayer, He's there to help. He hears us at all levels of our maturity and understanding. But the more mature we are, and the more of the knowledge of God we have, the more effective our prayers are going to be. And the older ones should be teaching the younger ones to pray.
Yesterday, Jesus was saying He wants to dwell in us. Now He's saying He wants us to dwell in Him. When you actually live with people, you really get to know them! We find out who snores and who doesn't close up the cracker box right. We find out who actually walks in love. If you've ever had people in your house for an extended stay, you know you know them better than you did before. And they know you. Jesus is all about knowing each other.
So, if you got up in the morning, got some orange juice and toast, and sat down at the table with Jesus (and of course, the Holy Spirit and the Father are there, too), and you got into this great conversation about something in the Word, I guess you'd have a little better knowledge of Him. That Word would start to really be real. It would start to live in your heart. You would feel pretty confident about asking Him to do that thing He just pointed out in the passage you read together. Plus, you got to see how He acted when little dipsy-doodle two-year-old pee'd on the floor right next to His sandals!
I think we'd get to know Jesus a little more if we realized He's there all the time with us. Holy Spirit is giving us this insider-knowledge of just how Jesus is acting all the time. The ultimate Twitter!
When we really know Him, we ask things we know He'll vouch for. That's when we get our prayers answered with a big, resounding "yes!" And that, my friends, is God's will. It makes us really fruitful. It glorifies Him and pleases Him at least as much as it blesses us.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
April 14, 2010
The Luke passage again reminded me of the problem of offenses (remember the walled city). What He says shows us how very serious offenses are. Here, Jesus is teaching us about what we need to do to avoid offenses. Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.” Luke 17: 1-4
Notice that everybody's talking in the last scenario. Offenses come when we don't talk to our brothers and sisters. He's speaking about our family in the faith-- people in a Family whose whole foundation is God's total forgiveness. He instructs us to tell them what they did wrong, that is, when they do something to us that is sinful (He doesn't mean go around and correct everybody for everything! This is personal). And He doesn't say, go point out the person's repeat errors. He says if they do it again and come and repent to you, let them know you forgive them, over and over. This is a great way for us to get trained in a righteous behavior, by practicing accountability. Notice that this brother is not offended, since he keeps asking for forgiveness. And we are walking in forgiveness, which means we've released it to the Lord.
Pay attention, though: Jesus said "Take heed to yourselves." We're being careful here not to create an offense. And not to take offense ourself. We all sin on a regular basis. We get offended when we don't get things aired out. If I let someone sin against me over and over, and I don't point it out to them, it is too easy to become hard of heart, bitter and unforgiving. Soon my fellowship with God and others is ruined. This is offense. Jesus didn't say, "If your brother offends you." We choose to be offended. If we do as Jesus said, we keep ouselves clear. Guarding against offense means we must act against it before it comes, because once we're offended, we're probably going to need to be rescued (delivered).
We must understand how we could possibly create an offense, so we can be careful not to do so. We help create an offense by not speaking correction at the proper time. Consider this: what if, later on, the person realizes they've been sinning all this time, and you didn't tell them. What if they reaped all sorts of bad consequences for their sin that could have been avoided by honesty.
We also create a situation for offense when we wound someone and do not admit it and ask them to forgive us for our sin. It's not enough to repent privately to God and know we're forgiven. If someone is harboring something against us (we used to call it "an ought" from the King James, and all that means is "something"), then things are not healthy, and we are all hindered. The Kingdom of God is a lot about right relationship. These things can contribute to people taking offense-- not only against you, but against the whole church, and eventually God. They create opportunities for the devil to steal, kill and destroy.
The direst circumstance of creating offense is against "one of these little ones." I see this as little either in the natural, as a young child, or young in the family of God. I think a "little one" can be anyone you are have authority over. When a person in authority-- such as a parent, or a spiritual leader-- sins against those in their protection-- those who trust and follow them-- they create a situation where the rebuke-repent-forgive scenario (open communication) cannot usually take place.
"Little ones" will usually be too afraid to approach the authority to confront them about a sin. If they do attempt it, most of the time, they are repelled, and will never attempt it again. The young, untrained, and immature have the ability to forgive a parent or leader's sin without speaking about it to them (and most of the time to no one but God), but if the sin is very heinous or repeated, and it is not humbly confessed, this places a burden on these little ones that, too many times, cannot be overcome without help.
Parents are mistaken if they think they should never admit wrong to their children. [In order to keep from defiling them unnecessarily, we confess only what the child already knows about]. Humble repentance is always in good order. Children respond very gracefully to it, are very forgiving (unless they are already offended), and learn by the example.
Our responsibility as Christians, especially if we are in a place of maturity and leadership, is to do everything we can to guard against offense. Offense causes people to build terrible walls around their heart and life. These walls become fortresses that keep people from loving and receiving love, and often make people lash out angrily. If we realize we have helped create an offense, we must get on our face and repent before God, seeking Him as to how to restore the person or people. It will not be easy, but nothing is impossible with God.
Having been in the place of offense myself, on both sides, I can testify that the feeling is much like Jesus described: a millstone tied around one's neck and drowning in the sea. Until we realize how horrible it is to treat people in this way, and how unbearable it is to be in this place, we will not be diligent enough.
I have not discussed sinning against, and causing offense, in unbelievers. How has the world been affected by the professing Christian who does not walk in love or obey Christ's commands? What must we do to deliver the world from offense?
Notice that everybody's talking in the last scenario. Offenses come when we don't talk to our brothers and sisters. He's speaking about our family in the faith-- people in a Family whose whole foundation is God's total forgiveness. He instructs us to tell them what they did wrong, that is, when they do something to us that is sinful (He doesn't mean go around and correct everybody for everything! This is personal). And He doesn't say, go point out the person's repeat errors. He says if they do it again and come and repent to you, let them know you forgive them, over and over. This is a great way for us to get trained in a righteous behavior, by practicing accountability. Notice that this brother is not offended, since he keeps asking for forgiveness. And we are walking in forgiveness, which means we've released it to the Lord.
Pay attention, though: Jesus said "Take heed to yourselves." We're being careful here not to create an offense. And not to take offense ourself. We all sin on a regular basis. We get offended when we don't get things aired out. If I let someone sin against me over and over, and I don't point it out to them, it is too easy to become hard of heart, bitter and unforgiving. Soon my fellowship with God and others is ruined. This is offense. Jesus didn't say, "If your brother offends you." We choose to be offended. If we do as Jesus said, we keep ouselves clear. Guarding against offense means we must act against it before it comes, because once we're offended, we're probably going to need to be rescued (delivered).
We must understand how we could possibly create an offense, so we can be careful not to do so. We help create an offense by not speaking correction at the proper time. Consider this: what if, later on, the person realizes they've been sinning all this time, and you didn't tell them. What if they reaped all sorts of bad consequences for their sin that could have been avoided by honesty.
We also create a situation for offense when we wound someone and do not admit it and ask them to forgive us for our sin. It's not enough to repent privately to God and know we're forgiven. If someone is harboring something against us (we used to call it "an ought" from the King James, and all that means is "something"), then things are not healthy, and we are all hindered. The Kingdom of God is a lot about right relationship. These things can contribute to people taking offense-- not only against you, but against the whole church, and eventually God. They create opportunities for the devil to steal, kill and destroy.
The direst circumstance of creating offense is against "one of these little ones." I see this as little either in the natural, as a young child, or young in the family of God. I think a "little one" can be anyone you are have authority over. When a person in authority-- such as a parent, or a spiritual leader-- sins against those in their protection-- those who trust and follow them-- they create a situation where the rebuke-repent-forgive scenario (open communication) cannot usually take place.
"Little ones" will usually be too afraid to approach the authority to confront them about a sin. If they do attempt it, most of the time, they are repelled, and will never attempt it again. The young, untrained, and immature have the ability to forgive a parent or leader's sin without speaking about it to them (and most of the time to no one but God), but if the sin is very heinous or repeated, and it is not humbly confessed, this places a burden on these little ones that, too many times, cannot be overcome without help.
Parents are mistaken if they think they should never admit wrong to their children. [In order to keep from defiling them unnecessarily, we confess only what the child already knows about]. Humble repentance is always in good order. Children respond very gracefully to it, are very forgiving (unless they are already offended), and learn by the example.
Our responsibility as Christians, especially if we are in a place of maturity and leadership, is to do everything we can to guard against offense. Offense causes people to build terrible walls around their heart and life. These walls become fortresses that keep people from loving and receiving love, and often make people lash out angrily. If we realize we have helped create an offense, we must get on our face and repent before God, seeking Him as to how to restore the person or people. It will not be easy, but nothing is impossible with God.
Having been in the place of offense myself, on both sides, I can testify that the feeling is much like Jesus described: a millstone tied around one's neck and drowning in the sea. Until we realize how horrible it is to treat people in this way, and how unbearable it is to be in this place, we will not be diligent enough.
I have not discussed sinning against, and causing offense, in unbelievers. How has the world been affected by the professing Christian who does not walk in love or obey Christ's commands? What must we do to deliver the world from offense?
Thursday, January 21, 2010
January 21, 2010
I see a deep resonance between the story of Joseph and the story of Jesus. I realize this is not a new revelation, but I'm seeing it a different way than I have before. This might help you if you've been rejected by your family and close relations because of your testimony of Christ.
Joseph was rejected and sold into slavery-- by his brothers. Jesus could not do many deeds of power in his own home town because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:58 His own people ended up killing him. But Joseph and Jesus were both raised up to be the savior of their people, and beyond.
Rejection could be the platform from which you are raised up to bring salvation to many. Forgiveness is a deed of power that overcomes.
Joseph was rejected and sold into slavery-- by his brothers. Jesus could not do many deeds of power in his own home town because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:58 His own people ended up killing him. But Joseph and Jesus were both raised up to be the savior of their people, and beyond.
Rejection could be the platform from which you are raised up to bring salvation to many. Forgiveness is a deed of power that overcomes.
Friday, January 15, 2010
January 15, 2010
This reading seems to hold a great paradox! But as we know there are no real contradictions in Scripture, only apparent ones. Proverbs 3:17 says of wisdom: "Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace."
One of the big issues in the world today is "how can we have peace and stop all the fighting?" We will have to bring heaven to earth.
Jacob's less-than-peaceful situations seem to be related all to family members giving him trouble. David's complaints in the Psalms had to do with enemies causing him sorrow and pain. I think we can safely say that most of our grief is centered in our relationships with other people, often family.
Jesus said, "I have not come to bring peace, but a sword." Matthew 10:34. The whole section has to do with how we respond to others. The sword of truth is cutting us off from the earthly way of relating. Jesus says:
1. Don't be surprised when you're criticized or rejected because of Christ.
2. Don't fear people; fear God.
3. Have your worth in God and you won't worry about people accepting you (which leads to compromise).
4. Don't hold back your testimony: say what He tells you to.
5. If you love Him more than anyone else, you will have life.
6. If you live Him, speak Him, demonstrate Him, others will see Him; if they respond to Him, then they will come into right relationship with Him and with you.
Jacob obeyed God's word and his enemies were compelled to make peace with Him. David trusted in God and prevailed. They were both rooted in the reality of the Kingdom and promises of God rather than in the earthly realm.
The tree of life is rooted in the heavenlies. If we choose that tree, rather than the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, which is rooted in the earthly realm (the Word is cutting us off from that), we will have life and peace regardless of our earthly situation.
One of the big issues in the world today is "how can we have peace and stop all the fighting?" We will have to bring heaven to earth.
Jacob's less-than-peaceful situations seem to be related all to family members giving him trouble. David's complaints in the Psalms had to do with enemies causing him sorrow and pain. I think we can safely say that most of our grief is centered in our relationships with other people, often family.
Jesus said, "I have not come to bring peace, but a sword." Matthew 10:34. The whole section has to do with how we respond to others. The sword of truth is cutting us off from the earthly way of relating. Jesus says:
1. Don't be surprised when you're criticized or rejected because of Christ.
2. Don't fear people; fear God.
3. Have your worth in God and you won't worry about people accepting you (which leads to compromise).
4. Don't hold back your testimony: say what He tells you to.
5. If you love Him more than anyone else, you will have life.
6. If you live Him, speak Him, demonstrate Him, others will see Him; if they respond to Him, then they will come into right relationship with Him and with you.
Jacob obeyed God's word and his enemies were compelled to make peace with Him. David trusted in God and prevailed. They were both rooted in the reality of the Kingdom and promises of God rather than in the earthly realm.
The tree of life is rooted in the heavenlies. If we choose that tree, rather than the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, which is rooted in the earthly realm (the Word is cutting us off from that), we will have life and peace regardless of our earthly situation.
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