1 Peter 1:9 But you are chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Blackaby uses this verse to remind believers that we are priests and enumerates some of the duties/responsibilities/privileges that accompany priesthood.
1. As a priest, we do not need an intermediary in order to enter God's presence. Whether it is for supplication, confession or consolation, each Christian is blessed with immediate, 24-7 access to God the Father.
2. Priests also function within a priesthood. (Leviticus 9:1) Our position as priests comes with the duty to act in concert with other "priests" to accomplish God's purposes here on earth. (Side thought- Does God have purposes, or just one purpose?)
3. A priest is responsible for taking the cares/concerns/burdens of others to God. Am I faithful in praying for those needs on the Faith Family prayer list? When I tell someone at work, "I'll be praying for you/your family/your health/etc.", do I follow through?
In addition to the priestly duties outlined by Blackaby, two words in today's reading jumped out at me--"his possession". I have heard preached time and again that all I own is God's. My time, talent and money all belong to him. But this is the first time I have really realized that not only is all my "stuff" his, but he also owns me. I have no "rights" under God. There is no room for me to demand that God do this or that. He owns me. I am his possession. He has the right to do with me what he wills, when he wills and how he wills it be done. I am not sure yet what this realization means to me or how it will play out in my life, but I needed to record the epiphany before I let the cares of today wipe it from my memory.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
November 26, 2011
Colossians 1:27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of his glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
In today's reading Blackaby uses the verse from Colossians to remind believers that the Christian life is much more than doing Christian stuff. He writes, "it (discipleship) is learning to give Jesus Christ total access to your life so He will live His life through you."
Through you, not just in you. I had to stop and think this about this a while. They a light started to creep in around the edges of my ol' brain. If all I do is think of Christ as living in me, then my focus becomes internal. However, if I regard Christ as living through me, Christian living takes on a whole other dimension.
Many times I have heard the statement made of parents who are pushing their child to succeed at an unreasonable level, that the parent is "living his/her life through the child". The parent is unable to be the beauty queen or stellar quarterback, so the parent gets his/her fulfillment through the child's success.
In the human sense, living one's life through a child is negative and frowned upon. But for believers, it should be the model for Christian living. For 33 years, as Jesus, God walked on the earth. He modeled love, compassion, righteous anger, purposeful living and obedience to the Heavenly Father (the list could go on). Since His ascension to heaven after his crucifixion, He has not been that physical model for all that is good and right. Therefore, He must "live his life through us". We must be the Jesuses on earth. We must be the models of love, compassion, righteous anger, purposeful living and obedience to the Heavenly Father (the list should go on).
"That's impossible!" you say. Quite right, mon frere. If we try to be Christ's earthly conduit on our own power, we will fail miserably. I can attest to that time and time again. It is only by recognizing and embracing the Christ in us can we be a worthy Christ model. He lives IN me so He can work THROUGH me. My biggest challenge is to allow my relationship with God to eclipse in importance my activities for God.
In today's reading Blackaby uses the verse from Colossians to remind believers that the Christian life is much more than doing Christian stuff. He writes, "it (discipleship) is learning to give Jesus Christ total access to your life so He will live His life through you."
Through you, not just in you. I had to stop and think this about this a while. They a light started to creep in around the edges of my ol' brain. If all I do is think of Christ as living in me, then my focus becomes internal. However, if I regard Christ as living through me, Christian living takes on a whole other dimension.
Many times I have heard the statement made of parents who are pushing their child to succeed at an unreasonable level, that the parent is "living his/her life through the child". The parent is unable to be the beauty queen or stellar quarterback, so the parent gets his/her fulfillment through the child's success.
In the human sense, living one's life through a child is negative and frowned upon. But for believers, it should be the model for Christian living. For 33 years, as Jesus, God walked on the earth. He modeled love, compassion, righteous anger, purposeful living and obedience to the Heavenly Father (the list could go on). Since His ascension to heaven after his crucifixion, He has not been that physical model for all that is good and right. Therefore, He must "live his life through us". We must be the Jesuses on earth. We must be the models of love, compassion, righteous anger, purposeful living and obedience to the Heavenly Father (the list should go on).
"That's impossible!" you say. Quite right, mon frere. If we try to be Christ's earthly conduit on our own power, we will fail miserably. I can attest to that time and time again. It is only by recognizing and embracing the Christ in us can we be a worthy Christ model. He lives IN me so He can work THROUGH me. My biggest challenge is to allow my relationship with God to eclipse in importance my activities for God.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
November 23, 2011
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
"The old is gone, the new is here!" I am not a Bibleologist, but I don't remember the exclamation point being used a lot in scripture. But it is certainly the appropriate punctuation mark for today's verse.
Old habits- gone!
Old thought patterns- gone!
Destructive behaviors- gone!
Or are they? I know as a Christian, salvation does not mean perfection. Even Paul bemoaned the fact that "I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do, this I keep on doing." Romans 7:19 Even the great apostle Paul continued to sin. So what hope is there for us "normal" Christians?
Here is one part of an answer to that question- Fervently claim 2 Corinthians 5:17. In God's eyes, the old is truly gone. It is no longer a part of the believer. However, I all too often abuse the fact that as a believer ALL my sin is forgiven- past, present and future. It is easier to be mad than ask for forgiveness. Sometimes I don't want to not tell that piece of gossip I overheard. Perhaps if I used today's verse and similar verses to remind myself I am new creation in Christ and that the old me is gone, I would not have to rely on the forgiveness portion of my salvation quite so often.
I see 2 Corinthians 5:17 as a strengthening verse. A satan rebuker. An encourager when tempted.
I ask the Lord's help today to help me claim that I am a new being in Him, and the old does not have any control in my life unless I yield to the carnal self.
"The old is gone, the new is here!" I am not a Bibleologist, but I don't remember the exclamation point being used a lot in scripture. But it is certainly the appropriate punctuation mark for today's verse.
Old habits- gone!
Old thought patterns- gone!
Destructive behaviors- gone!
Or are they? I know as a Christian, salvation does not mean perfection. Even Paul bemoaned the fact that "I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do, this I keep on doing." Romans 7:19 Even the great apostle Paul continued to sin. So what hope is there for us "normal" Christians?
Here is one part of an answer to that question- Fervently claim 2 Corinthians 5:17. In God's eyes, the old is truly gone. It is no longer a part of the believer. However, I all too often abuse the fact that as a believer ALL my sin is forgiven- past, present and future. It is easier to be mad than ask for forgiveness. Sometimes I don't want to not tell that piece of gossip I overheard. Perhaps if I used today's verse and similar verses to remind myself I am new creation in Christ and that the old me is gone, I would not have to rely on the forgiveness portion of my salvation quite so often.
I see 2 Corinthians 5:17 as a strengthening verse. A satan rebuker. An encourager when tempted.
I ask the Lord's help today to help me claim that I am a new being in Him, and the old does not have any control in my life unless I yield to the carnal self.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
November 22, 2011
Matthew 5:23-24 23 "Therefore if you are offering your gift at the alter and there remember that a brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the alter. First go and be reconciled to them, then come and offer your gift."
Relationships BEFORE religion.
Harmony BEFORE hymns.
Peace BEFORE preaching.
Accord BEFORE alters.
Note: The verse is not "do I have something against a brother", but does that brother have something against me. Even if I have not warranted the ill will, I am still required to make things right with him. (In reality, most of the time, I will have played a part in the ill will.) The onus of action is on the offending party here, not the offended. AND it doesn't matter if we were right or wrong in the disagreement. If a someone has something against us- justified or not- we are to actively attempt reconciliation.
BE reconciled, not TRY to be reconciled. Perhaps that means more than just a "Hey, bud, sorry I made you mad." The reconciliation may take time and more than one attempt. That brings the question to mind, if time is required, am I to stay away from church until the reconciliation takes place? I think common sense would say that is not the intent of Jesus' teaching here. But, I am not released from the reconciliation requirement until the relationship is restored.
CAUTION: Do NOT attempt this alone. Prayer and the Holy Spirit's guidance are integral to this process.
Practical application thought. . . Just how far back and what past hurts should be dug up? Does a party in a bitter divorce call up an ex after 10 years? Should a mistreated former employee call the department manager who fired him after a lot of time has passed? Is there a risk of damaging current relationships by dredging up past mistakes? (Or am I making a justification to avoid an uncomfortable Biblical mandate?)
Commentary link.
Relationships BEFORE religion.
Harmony BEFORE hymns.
Peace BEFORE preaching.
Accord BEFORE alters.
Note: The verse is not "do I have something against a brother", but does that brother have something against me. Even if I have not warranted the ill will, I am still required to make things right with him. (In reality, most of the time, I will have played a part in the ill will.) The onus of action is on the offending party here, not the offended. AND it doesn't matter if we were right or wrong in the disagreement. If a someone has something against us- justified or not- we are to actively attempt reconciliation.
BE reconciled, not TRY to be reconciled. Perhaps that means more than just a "Hey, bud, sorry I made you mad." The reconciliation may take time and more than one attempt. That brings the question to mind, if time is required, am I to stay away from church until the reconciliation takes place? I think common sense would say that is not the intent of Jesus' teaching here. But, I am not released from the reconciliation requirement until the relationship is restored.
CAUTION: Do NOT attempt this alone. Prayer and the Holy Spirit's guidance are integral to this process.
Practical application thought. . . Just how far back and what past hurts should be dug up? Does a party in a bitter divorce call up an ex after 10 years? Should a mistreated former employee call the department manager who fired him after a lot of time has passed? Is there a risk of damaging current relationships by dredging up past mistakes? (Or am I making a justification to avoid an uncomfortable Biblical mandate?)
Commentary link.
Friday, November 18, 2011
November 18, 2011
Genesis 12:2- "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing."
This verse starts the saga of the beginnings of the Jewish nation. So preachers and commentators focus on Abraham's obedience and the God's miracle of allowing Abraham and Sarah to conceive their first child when well advanced in years. Certainly these are two aspect of the story that are deserving of lessons and sermons. BUT Blackaby, brings out another aspect of the story.
What Blackaby highlights is the fact that from Genesis 12 until the birth of Isaac, twenty-five years passed. God's plans for Abraham did not change during that quarter of a century, but Abraham surely did. When God made the promise to Abraham, God knew that Abraham was not ready for the fulfillment of the blessing. Much more character shaping was required before the nation building could begin.
Over the past several years, there have been times I have felt led to become more involved in the church and Christian service, but those doors of opportunities remained closed. It was only after I allowed God to shape my character, increase my knowledge and focus my spirit did service opportunities present themselves.
If you are feeling underutilized when it comes to Kingdom service, perhaps God is still doing some character shaping to help prepare you for that service. Maybe God needs to work in you before you can work for Him.
This verse starts the saga of the beginnings of the Jewish nation. So preachers and commentators focus on Abraham's obedience and the God's miracle of allowing Abraham and Sarah to conceive their first child when well advanced in years. Certainly these are two aspect of the story that are deserving of lessons and sermons. BUT Blackaby, brings out another aspect of the story.
What Blackaby highlights is the fact that from Genesis 12 until the birth of Isaac, twenty-five years passed. God's plans for Abraham did not change during that quarter of a century, but Abraham surely did. When God made the promise to Abraham, God knew that Abraham was not ready for the fulfillment of the blessing. Much more character shaping was required before the nation building could begin.
Over the past several years, there have been times I have felt led to become more involved in the church and Christian service, but those doors of opportunities remained closed. It was only after I allowed God to shape my character, increase my knowledge and focus my spirit did service opportunities present themselves.
If you are feeling underutilized when it comes to Kingdom service, perhaps God is still doing some character shaping to help prepare you for that service. Maybe God needs to work in you before you can work for Him.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
November 16, 2011
Hebrews 12:6 ". . . because the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son."
I could really connect with today's reading. I have met Christians who feel most of the hardships in their lives are caused by Satan's attacks and almost see difficult times as a badge of honor. Blackaby points out that many of life's hardships are brought on by our own poor decisions. Decisions that we made: A) without consulting God. B) consulted God then ignored his leading. C) knew without needing to consult God, but did it anyway. Perhaps we ignored God and got involved in a bad relationship. Maybe someone was not diligent in his job and received a reprimand or missed a promotion. A person who is foolish with her money can expect to have financial distress.
God will forgive us our sins. He promises that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 We can be assured that if we confess, repent and realign our decisions with His will and guidance, He will take care of us and ultimately good can come from our bad. BUT there is no scripture that guarantees He will remove the consequences of our sin.
So before a believer elevates life's troubles to a spiritual warfare badge of honor, he should take a long, honest look at his choices and determine if perhaps, just maybe, the mess he is in was created by his own actions.
One other quick point. Today's passage from Hebrews states that God chastens EVERYONE he accepts as his son. Not some, many or most, but EVERYONE. If you are not being disciplined and redirected by God, perhaps you have never truly accepted him as your Lord and Savior.
I could really connect with today's reading. I have met Christians who feel most of the hardships in their lives are caused by Satan's attacks and almost see difficult times as a badge of honor. Blackaby points out that many of life's hardships are brought on by our own poor decisions. Decisions that we made: A) without consulting God. B) consulted God then ignored his leading. C) knew without needing to consult God, but did it anyway. Perhaps we ignored God and got involved in a bad relationship. Maybe someone was not diligent in his job and received a reprimand or missed a promotion. A person who is foolish with her money can expect to have financial distress.
God will forgive us our sins. He promises that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 We can be assured that if we confess, repent and realign our decisions with His will and guidance, He will take care of us and ultimately good can come from our bad. BUT there is no scripture that guarantees He will remove the consequences of our sin.
So before a believer elevates life's troubles to a spiritual warfare badge of honor, he should take a long, honest look at his choices and determine if perhaps, just maybe, the mess he is in was created by his own actions.
One other quick point. Today's passage from Hebrews states that God chastens EVERYONE he accepts as his son. Not some, many or most, but EVERYONE. If you are not being disciplined and redirected by God, perhaps you have never truly accepted him as your Lord and Savior.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
November 15, 2011
Hebrews 4:12- For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Under Christ's blood, I am declared innocent of all sin- past, present and future, so feelings of guilt are not from God. However, the Holy Spirit can and will convict me of areas of sin in my life. Whether it is during my prayer time, through a scripture or sermon, or by the example of a fellow Christian's life, spiritual conviction is the way God keeps me on track in my life.
This conviction is seldom what I want to "hear" from God, yet without it, I would continue down nonproductive and destructive paths. I think that is why at times in my life, I have avoided Bible study, prayer and church attendance. When I am engaged in those things, the conviction of the Holy Spirit is much clearer and harder to ignore.
I have also learned time and again, that when I am close to God, responsive to the Holy Spirit's leading and conviction, decisions I make are wiser, sleep is deeper and contentment is more a constant companion.
It is interesting that most people get to a dentist as soon as possible when they have a toothache. Even though they know their time in the chair might cause some temporary pain, after the procedure long-term relief awaits. Yet in things spiritual, many (including me) try to avoid that temporary discomfort/pain of conviction by avoiding those activities that allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us in that still small voice.
Dear God, I invite and plead with You to shine Your light of conviction onto any areas of my life that are out of alignment with Your will for my life. I than ask for the wisdom and strength to make the changes You require of me.
Under Christ's blood, I am declared innocent of all sin- past, present and future, so feelings of guilt are not from God. However, the Holy Spirit can and will convict me of areas of sin in my life. Whether it is during my prayer time, through a scripture or sermon, or by the example of a fellow Christian's life, spiritual conviction is the way God keeps me on track in my life.
This conviction is seldom what I want to "hear" from God, yet without it, I would continue down nonproductive and destructive paths. I think that is why at times in my life, I have avoided Bible study, prayer and church attendance. When I am engaged in those things, the conviction of the Holy Spirit is much clearer and harder to ignore.
I have also learned time and again, that when I am close to God, responsive to the Holy Spirit's leading and conviction, decisions I make are wiser, sleep is deeper and contentment is more a constant companion.
It is interesting that most people get to a dentist as soon as possible when they have a toothache. Even though they know their time in the chair might cause some temporary pain, after the procedure long-term relief awaits. Yet in things spiritual, many (including me) try to avoid that temporary discomfort/pain of conviction by avoiding those activities that allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us in that still small voice.
Dear God, I invite and plead with You to shine Your light of conviction onto any areas of my life that are out of alignment with Your will for my life. I than ask for the wisdom and strength to make the changes You require of me.
Monday, November 14, 2011
November 14, 2011
First blog entry from new address. I would like to report that even though my blog entries have been on hiatus, my spiritual growth has continued, but sadly that is not the case. The move into our new home has been an excuse to fall away from morning quiet times, private Bible study and daily prayer. Time to recommit my time and heart to these things.
I am going old school for my next series of posts. During the move, I came across my copy of Experiencing God, Day-by-Day, The Daily Devotional and Journal. Written back in the late 90's, Experiencing God took many churches by storm. Sermon series were preached, Sunday School lessons taught and small group curriculum written around the book. Back in January 2000, I had made a few entries in the journal, but alas, did not stick with it. So with a renewed sense of commitment and a stubbornness borne our my me German roots, I reopen the pages of Experiencing God, Day-by-Day.
Proverbs 29:18- "Where there is no wisdom, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who needs wisdom's instruction."- God's people live by revelation, not by human vision. The writer cautions Christians from making their own plans then having the "audacity to pray and ask God to bless their efforts!" If medals were given for such behavior, I would most certainly receive at least a bronze medal, if not silver or gold. Whether it is cars, houses or relationships, I have a history of acting first, praying later. During my years as a carnal Christian (some people say there is no such thing, I disagree), I understand that sort of decision making, but what baffles me is that even since I have become a more intentional, Spirit-led believer, I still act, then pray.
What is absolutely amazing is that through it all, God has still orchestrated my life and caused those thousands of David-directed decisions to work for good. Now I am sure I have missed blessings, set myself back financially and disappointed my Father, but He has never thrown up His hands and walked away. He continues to bless, love and rescue me. What an AMAZING God we serve!
So, what ya' gonna' do about it, Dave?
1. Pray each day for a attentiveness and responsiveness to the Holy Spirit's leading.
2. During quiet time, reflect on those times the previous day the Holy Spirit's leading has helped me make the best decision.
3. Refuse to make a decision (especially on those big things) until I am sure the Holy Spirit has given direction.
4. Ask those who read this blog to pray for me in this endeavor.
I am going old school for my next series of posts. During the move, I came across my copy of Experiencing God, Day-by-Day, The Daily Devotional and Journal. Written back in the late 90's, Experiencing God took many churches by storm. Sermon series were preached, Sunday School lessons taught and small group curriculum written around the book. Back in January 2000, I had made a few entries in the journal, but alas, did not stick with it. So with a renewed sense of commitment and a stubbornness borne our my me German roots, I reopen the pages of Experiencing God, Day-by-Day.
Proverbs 29:18- "Where there is no wisdom, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who needs wisdom's instruction."- God's people live by revelation, not by human vision. The writer cautions Christians from making their own plans then having the "audacity to pray and ask God to bless their efforts!" If medals were given for such behavior, I would most certainly receive at least a bronze medal, if not silver or gold. Whether it is cars, houses or relationships, I have a history of acting first, praying later. During my years as a carnal Christian (some people say there is no such thing, I disagree), I understand that sort of decision making, but what baffles me is that even since I have become a more intentional, Spirit-led believer, I still act, then pray.
What is absolutely amazing is that through it all, God has still orchestrated my life and caused those thousands of David-directed decisions to work for good. Now I am sure I have missed blessings, set myself back financially and disappointed my Father, but He has never thrown up His hands and walked away. He continues to bless, love and rescue me. What an AMAZING God we serve!
So, what ya' gonna' do about it, Dave?
1. Pray each day for a attentiveness and responsiveness to the Holy Spirit's leading.
2. During quiet time, reflect on those times the previous day the Holy Spirit's leading has helped me make the best decision.
3. Refuse to make a decision (especially on those big things) until I am sure the Holy Spirit has given direction.
4. Ask those who read this blog to pray for me in this endeavor.
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