Psalm 37:4
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
This verse has always intrigued me because it can be interpreted two ways and both are correct.
The most accepted interpretation of this verse is that God will give us what our heart desires. I believe that with one very important qualification. He will only give us or allow us to have those things which will ultimately further His plan for our lives. I do not believe that our desires will cause God to give us something that is outside His will.
"He will give you the desires of your heart" could also mean that God will place the desires into our hearts. While not a common interpretation of Psalm 37:4, I think it is an important link to praying and receiving. If we allow God to fill our heart with the desires he wishes to place there, then when we pray for the desires of our heart He will give us those desires because He placed them there in the first place. That "giving" might not be a next day happening, or even a next month. But if God has placed desires in our hearts, He will ultimately fulfill those desires.
I believe that Psalm 37:4 is only a reality if we first ask God to fill our hearts with godly desires. If our desires are in-line with God's will for our lives, then today's verse will become real in our lives.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
July 26, 2012
Psalm 4:3 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself;
The Lord hears when I call to Him. (NASB)
This is one of the many verses that takes on a different slant when the readers remembers it was is Old Testament verse. The verse refers to a "godly man". In OT times a person could still be an Israelite and not be godly. Much like today when a person can be a Christian, yet not be a godly person. This refers not to the positional relationship with God, but the daily walk with Him.
For me this distinction is important because it highlights the importance of living a godly life even after the salvation experience. While many argue that a person cannot lose his or her salvation, in order for our prayers to be heard by God, our lives on earth must be an example of who we serve. I would even go so far as to say after reading this verse that if our lives are characterized by disobedience, we lose most, if not all, of our effectiveness for God. At the very least it is severely diminished.
If you thirst for God's peace, be a godly man. If you desire protection direction, be a godly man. If you seek God's guidance, be a godly man. If you thirst for God's joy, be a godly man. If you long to be a prayer warrior, be a godly man.
Our salvation is not based on anything we can do or not do, but the closeness of our relationship with Jehovah is most certainly based on what we chose to do and say. Perfection is not required, but confession, repentance and earnestness are. If we are sincerely, consistently trying to be a godly man, God will honor that and be our constant companion.
This is one of the many verses that takes on a different slant when the readers remembers it was is Old Testament verse. The verse refers to a "godly man". In OT times a person could still be an Israelite and not be godly. Much like today when a person can be a Christian, yet not be a godly person. This refers not to the positional relationship with God, but the daily walk with Him.
For me this distinction is important because it highlights the importance of living a godly life even after the salvation experience. While many argue that a person cannot lose his or her salvation, in order for our prayers to be heard by God, our lives on earth must be an example of who we serve. I would even go so far as to say after reading this verse that if our lives are characterized by disobedience, we lose most, if not all, of our effectiveness for God. At the very least it is severely diminished.
If you thirst for God's peace, be a godly man. If you desire protection direction, be a godly man. If you seek God's guidance, be a godly man. If you thirst for God's joy, be a godly man. If you long to be a prayer warrior, be a godly man.
Our salvation is not based on anything we can do or not do, but the closeness of our relationship with Jehovah is most certainly based on what we chose to do and say. Perfection is not required, but confession, repentance and earnestness are. If we are sincerely, consistently trying to be a godly man, God will honor that and be our constant companion.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
July 25, 2012
1 Samuel 2:30 Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained.
What an apropos verse as I start the new school year. This summer has been spent with Kristi, friends, family and church members. Not a real tough crowd as far as being able to honor God. But for the next nine months I will be with colleagues, parents, and others in the district that might not share my same world view. There will be days I will be tired, irritable and distracted. It is in these situations where honoring God with actions, thoughts and words will become more of a challenge.
I am not in a work environment where "sin" is rampant. Racist jokes, swearing, dishonesty, etc. are not a part of the workplace. The people with which I work are kind, honest, upright people. But the expectations and demands of my job increase a hundredfold as of today. There will be countless questions asked, decisions required and expectations expressed. My challenge is to remain consistent, calm and Christian.
My goal for this school year is to present a picture of Jesus Christ each and every day at Rountree. I do not have the strength to do this on my own. But, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:14 (NASB)
What an apropos verse as I start the new school year. This summer has been spent with Kristi, friends, family and church members. Not a real tough crowd as far as being able to honor God. But for the next nine months I will be with colleagues, parents, and others in the district that might not share my same world view. There will be days I will be tired, irritable and distracted. It is in these situations where honoring God with actions, thoughts and words will become more of a challenge.
I am not in a work environment where "sin" is rampant. Racist jokes, swearing, dishonesty, etc. are not a part of the workplace. The people with which I work are kind, honest, upright people. But the expectations and demands of my job increase a hundredfold as of today. There will be countless questions asked, decisions required and expectations expressed. My challenge is to remain consistent, calm and Christian.
My goal for this school year is to present a picture of Jesus Christ each and every day at Rountree. I do not have the strength to do this on my own. But, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:14 (NASB)
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
July 24, 2012
For me, this verse has two parts. I have included the pictures of Roger Federer to illustrate the first half. I have always been amazed with the concentration and focus of Roger Federer on the tennis court. Regardless of the score of the match, the noise of the crowd or the weather conditions, his focus is 100% on the ball. One of my biggest challenges in playing tennis is a lack of focus on the yellow fuzzy sphere. I look where I want to hit. I sneak a peek at my opponent. My mind is on the to-do list for the rest of the weekend. As a result many of my shots are long, wide or a set-up for my opponent.
As a Christian, my focus on God and His will for my life should equal Roger's concentration on the tennis ball. Knowing and doing God's will for my life should be all I look at as I go through life. Circumstances, other people, the economy will distract if I allow it to happen. When I take my eye off the Creator I make mistakes and errors.
Backaby points out an important historical aspect to this verse. He writes, "in biblical times, the right was the most distinguished position, reserved for one's chief adviser and supporter." Therefore when David wrote, "with him (God) at my right hand", he was acknowledging that God was the most important influence in his life. It was God he turned to when needing direction, reassurance or advice.
Allow God to be our focus, adviser and supporter. He is faithful, unchanging and "able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." (Eph 3:20)
Friday, July 20, 2012
June 20, 2012
Isaiah 49:15 Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget,
I will not forget you!
I recently had the honor of being asked to take a series of photographs of our closest friends' one-year old son. As I read today's verse I was reminded of just how attentive to his needs they were during the time in the park and of the other stories they have related about all they have done for Alexander over the past 12 months.
His every need has been addressed. Clothes, food, toys, shelter, companionship. His parents have made sure his needs were me and none of this was done begrudgingly. The look on Phil and Amanda's faces when they look at or talk about Xander is one of love and joy. They provide for him because they love him.
Isaiah reminds Christians that God's love for His children is even greater than that of a nursing mother for her child. While it may be possible for a mother to neglect or abandon her child, God assures us that He will not forget us. No matter the circumstances God remains intimately concerned with our welfare. During times of little and times of much, God's awareness of and involvement in our lives is constant and perfect.
What peace and assurance to know the depth of love and concern God has for His children!
and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget,
I will not forget you!
I recently had the honor of being asked to take a series of photographs of our closest friends' one-year old son. As I read today's verse I was reminded of just how attentive to his needs they were during the time in the park and of the other stories they have related about all they have done for Alexander over the past 12 months.
His every need has been addressed. Clothes, food, toys, shelter, companionship. His parents have made sure his needs were me and none of this was done begrudgingly. The look on Phil and Amanda's faces when they look at or talk about Xander is one of love and joy. They provide for him because they love him.
Isaiah reminds Christians that God's love for His children is even greater than that of a nursing mother for her child. While it may be possible for a mother to neglect or abandon her child, God assures us that He will not forget us. No matter the circumstances God remains intimately concerned with our welfare. During times of little and times of much, God's awareness of and involvement in our lives is constant and perfect.
What peace and assurance to know the depth of love and concern God has for His children!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Jul 19, 2012
2 Corinthians 7:10 Godly sorrow lead brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
Godly sorrow:
A. bring repentance- If we are truly sorry for something we have done wrong, it will cause us to turn away from that thought pattern or action. The conviction of the Holy Spirit is not to be ignored in this area. The difference is between just feeling bad about something and feeling sorrow. I see the relationship between feeling bad and sorrow similar to the connection between happiness and contentment. One is conditional and the other is core.
B. leads to salvation- Perhaps I am misreading this line, but I interpret "salvation" as not just eternal salvation. I think that while Godly sorrow can lead an unbeliever to a saving relationship with God, this same Godly sorrow in a believer can lead to salvation from anxiety, guilt, self recrimination and feelings of low self worth. Along with that is a freedom from the relationship, health and professional issues that can accompany these negative feelings.
Blackaby writes, "don't allow mere unhappiness over what you have done to rob you of genuine repentance." If you will ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the gravity of your sins and His view of your choices, you can truly repent and that repentance will lead to salvation.
Godly sorrow:
A. bring repentance- If we are truly sorry for something we have done wrong, it will cause us to turn away from that thought pattern or action. The conviction of the Holy Spirit is not to be ignored in this area. The difference is between just feeling bad about something and feeling sorrow. I see the relationship between feeling bad and sorrow similar to the connection between happiness and contentment. One is conditional and the other is core.
B. leads to salvation- Perhaps I am misreading this line, but I interpret "salvation" as not just eternal salvation. I think that while Godly sorrow can lead an unbeliever to a saving relationship with God, this same Godly sorrow in a believer can lead to salvation from anxiety, guilt, self recrimination and feelings of low self worth. Along with that is a freedom from the relationship, health and professional issues that can accompany these negative feelings.
Blackaby writes, "don't allow mere unhappiness over what you have done to rob you of genuine repentance." If you will ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the gravity of your sins and His view of your choices, you can truly repent and that repentance will lead to salvation.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
July 18
Psalm 27:14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. (NIV 2008)
Wait on the LORD: Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD. (American King James Version)
Another translation issue: http://bible.cc/psalms/27-14.htm Of the 16 translations I read, 25% had one slight addition that changes the complexion of this verse. "He (God) will strengthen your heart" was a part of four of the translations. I think that is an important part of this verse not present in most of the translations. For the majority of the translations the message is we are to strengthen our own hearts. We are to be strong on our own volition. If that were the case, why pray? Why cry out to the Lord? No, strength comes from the Lord. Courage is from God. He will strengthen our hearts.
Blackaby uses the example of David to illustrate the importance of today's verse. He writes about how after David was promised the kingship of Israel he was hunted by crazy King Saul, lived in caves and saw good friends murdered and his possessions taken. Yet it was during these times David wrote some of his most powerful Psalms. He learned how to be a leader of men. Battle tactics were honed and resolve was forged. Many of the attributes that were necessary for David to be a successful king were developed during this time of "waiting on the Lord".
I think the caution in this verse is the "waiting" part. I know I have gone through seasons where I felt there was something just on the horizon for me in terms of service to the Lord. Something not quite clear He had in mind for me. On occasion I have used this as an excuse to "wait on the Lord" and do little. That is wrong thinking.
If we feel God has something in store for us down the road, that is no excuse not to give 100% to what we do know He wants us to do. We know we are to help the less fortunate. We know we are to spend time alone with Him each day. We know we are to be a spiritual leader in our home. We know we are to gather with other believers on a consistent basis. "Wait on the Lord"? Be careful that is not an excuse to coast. It just might God will withhold the very thing we are waiting on until He sees we are faithful in what we do know He wants us to do. "Waiting on the Lord" is active, not passive.
Wait on the LORD: Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD. (American King James Version)
Another translation issue: http://bible.cc/psalms/27-14.htm Of the 16 translations I read, 25% had one slight addition that changes the complexion of this verse. "He (God) will strengthen your heart" was a part of four of the translations. I think that is an important part of this verse not present in most of the translations. For the majority of the translations the message is we are to strengthen our own hearts. We are to be strong on our own volition. If that were the case, why pray? Why cry out to the Lord? No, strength comes from the Lord. Courage is from God. He will strengthen our hearts.
Blackaby uses the example of David to illustrate the importance of today's verse. He writes about how after David was promised the kingship of Israel he was hunted by crazy King Saul, lived in caves and saw good friends murdered and his possessions taken. Yet it was during these times David wrote some of his most powerful Psalms. He learned how to be a leader of men. Battle tactics were honed and resolve was forged. Many of the attributes that were necessary for David to be a successful king were developed during this time of "waiting on the Lord".
I think the caution in this verse is the "waiting" part. I know I have gone through seasons where I felt there was something just on the horizon for me in terms of service to the Lord. Something not quite clear He had in mind for me. On occasion I have used this as an excuse to "wait on the Lord" and do little. That is wrong thinking.
If we feel God has something in store for us down the road, that is no excuse not to give 100% to what we do know He wants us to do. We know we are to help the less fortunate. We know we are to spend time alone with Him each day. We know we are to be a spiritual leader in our home. We know we are to gather with other believers on a consistent basis. "Wait on the Lord"? Be careful that is not an excuse to coast. It just might God will withhold the very thing we are waiting on until He sees we are faithful in what we do know He wants us to do. "Waiting on the Lord" is active, not passive.
Friday, July 13, 2012
July 13, 2012
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we possess, for he who promised is faithful.
Not to second guess the Holy Spirit, Paul or the translators of the New Testament, but I have always felt the use of the word "hope" was misleading and inaccurate based on common understandings of "hope". For most people the word hope conjures up wishfulness, anticipation, a may-or-may-not proposition.
Blackaby reminds his readers that "hope" is not just wishful thinking for Christians, but a "confident expectation". Marion-Webster's provides one definition of "hope" as "trust" but that is labeled "archaic". Interesting that how Christians should view hope in the Lord is labeled as old, outdated. This is however the contemporary world view.
Regardless of how the world might view our hope in Christ, it is that very hope that can give us the peace, strength and courage to make it through hard times. Is a child straying from his upbringing- read Proverbs 22:6. Have you given up things as a result of Christ's leading- read Mark 10:29-30. Are there areas of struggle in your life that you cannot handle alone? Search the scripture to find those Biblical promises that address your challenges, then cling to them. God is faithful. He cannot lie. If He promises, it will come to pass.
Our hope in God is not wishful thinking, but a confident expectation that His promises will be fulfilled.
Not to second guess the Holy Spirit, Paul or the translators of the New Testament, but I have always felt the use of the word "hope" was misleading and inaccurate based on common understandings of "hope". For most people the word hope conjures up wishfulness, anticipation, a may-or-may-not proposition.
Blackaby reminds his readers that "hope" is not just wishful thinking for Christians, but a "confident expectation". Marion-Webster's provides one definition of "hope" as "trust" but that is labeled "archaic". Interesting that how Christians should view hope in the Lord is labeled as old, outdated. This is however the contemporary world view.
Regardless of how the world might view our hope in Christ, it is that very hope that can give us the peace, strength and courage to make it through hard times. Is a child straying from his upbringing- read Proverbs 22:6. Have you given up things as a result of Christ's leading- read Mark 10:29-30. Are there areas of struggle in your life that you cannot handle alone? Search the scripture to find those Biblical promises that address your challenges, then cling to them. God is faithful. He cannot lie. If He promises, it will come to pass.
Our hope in God is not wishful thinking, but a confident expectation that His promises will be fulfilled.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
July 11, 2012
Hebrews 12:15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
Blackaby discusses how bitterness in a person's life can result from a childhood experience or an incident with a coworker or friend. It can "derive from a sense of being unjustly treated". His portrayal of bitterness stems from occurrences that happen to us.
Bitterness as a result of what other people have done is not a challenge for me; however, my struggle with bitterness results from all the times in the past where I have injured other people. Whether these incidents have occurred in a professional or familial relationship, I allow my past thoughtless, mean, hurtful actions to negatively affect my present outlook and sense of self-worth. I have allow self-bitterness to take root in my life. "That bitter root grows up" and causes trouble in a variety of areas of my life.
Luckily I have a God that is strong enough, gracious enough, wise enough and involved enough to heal me from these self-inflicted wounds of bitterness. By allowing self-bitterness to continue to grow in my heart, I am denying the grace of God that can free me. It won't be an easy battle for me. As Blackaby points out, "you can get so used to it (bitterness), you are even comfortable with it." That is the case in my life. Self-flagellation for my past mistakes is such a strong mind-set it will take a lot of intentional, consistent prayer and struggle to overcome the self-bitterness I have allowed to develop.
Blackaby discusses how bitterness in a person's life can result from a childhood experience or an incident with a coworker or friend. It can "derive from a sense of being unjustly treated". His portrayal of bitterness stems from occurrences that happen to us.
Bitterness as a result of what other people have done is not a challenge for me; however, my struggle with bitterness results from all the times in the past where I have injured other people. Whether these incidents have occurred in a professional or familial relationship, I allow my past thoughtless, mean, hurtful actions to negatively affect my present outlook and sense of self-worth. I have allow self-bitterness to take root in my life. "That bitter root grows up" and causes trouble in a variety of areas of my life.
Luckily I have a God that is strong enough, gracious enough, wise enough and involved enough to heal me from these self-inflicted wounds of bitterness. By allowing self-bitterness to continue to grow in my heart, I am denying the grace of God that can free me. It won't be an easy battle for me. As Blackaby points out, "you can get so used to it (bitterness), you are even comfortable with it." That is the case in my life. Self-flagellation for my past mistakes is such a strong mind-set it will take a lot of intentional, consistent prayer and struggle to overcome the self-bitterness I have allowed to develop.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
July 10, 2012
James 5:16b The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
What a difference a translation can make. Several of the translations I checked placed adjectives before "prayer". As you can see, the NIV does not. Here are some of the adjectives other translations use:
"earnest prayer"- New Living Translation (2007)
"effective prayer"- New American Standard Bible (1996)
"effectual fervent prayer"- King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
"continual prayer"- Douay-Rheims Bible
"working supplication"- Young's Literal Translation
While there may be some translation difference in how the prayer is described, there is almost 100% agreement among translations about the person who is praying. Of the eighteen translations I examined, sixteen of those used the term "righteous" to describe the person whose prayers are "powerful and effective". "Just" or "have God's approval" were the other two descriptions of an effective pray-er.
It would seem to me that the individual's relationship with God is more important than the quality of the prayer. However, one cannot be accomplished without the other. Before a person can grow closer to God, he must enter into earnest prayer. Earnest prayer will naturally lead to a closer relationship to God. When we grow closer to God, we will spend more time in prayer. When we spend more time in prayer, we move closer to God. When we move closer to God, we will spend more time in prayer. When we spend more time in prayer. . . Well, you get the picture.
So what comes first, the righteous egg or the praying chicken? Righteousness is not something that can be accomplished apart from God. Therefore, to move toward righteousness, we must spend time alone with God in conversation, meditation and Bible study. Powerful and effective prayers are only the result of righteousness. If we desire to see a more powerful prayer life, personal righteous is required.
One closing thought: Blackaby points out (and it is a VERY important point to make) that "God's standard of righteousness is different from ours, for He looks beyond our actions, even beyond our thoughts, directly to our hearts." We will continue to sin after our salvation experience, even after years of Christian living. Perfection is not to be attained this side of heaven. But God examines our heart to determine our righteousness. Do we desire to please Him? Are are we grieved when we confess our sin? Do we strive to further His kingdom here on earth? The litmus test for righteousness is the condition of our hearts.
What a difference a translation can make. Several of the translations I checked placed adjectives before "prayer". As you can see, the NIV does not. Here are some of the adjectives other translations use:
"earnest prayer"- New Living Translation (2007)
"effective prayer"- New American Standard Bible (1996)
"effectual fervent prayer"- King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
"continual prayer"- Douay-Rheims Bible
"working supplication"- Young's Literal Translation
While there may be some translation difference in how the prayer is described, there is almost 100% agreement among translations about the person who is praying. Of the eighteen translations I examined, sixteen of those used the term "righteous" to describe the person whose prayers are "powerful and effective". "Just" or "have God's approval" were the other two descriptions of an effective pray-er.
It would seem to me that the individual's relationship with God is more important than the quality of the prayer. However, one cannot be accomplished without the other. Before a person can grow closer to God, he must enter into earnest prayer. Earnest prayer will naturally lead to a closer relationship to God. When we grow closer to God, we will spend more time in prayer. When we spend more time in prayer, we move closer to God. When we move closer to God, we will spend more time in prayer. When we spend more time in prayer. . . Well, you get the picture.
So what comes first, the righteous egg or the praying chicken? Righteousness is not something that can be accomplished apart from God. Therefore, to move toward righteousness, we must spend time alone with God in conversation, meditation and Bible study. Powerful and effective prayers are only the result of righteousness. If we desire to see a more powerful prayer life, personal righteous is required.
One closing thought: Blackaby points out (and it is a VERY important point to make) that "God's standard of righteousness is different from ours, for He looks beyond our actions, even beyond our thoughts, directly to our hearts." We will continue to sin after our salvation experience, even after years of Christian living. Perfection is not to be attained this side of heaven. But God examines our heart to determine our righteousness. Do we desire to please Him? Are are we grieved when we confess our sin? Do we strive to further His kingdom here on earth? The litmus test for righteousness is the condition of our hearts.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
July 7, 2012
Isaiah 35:8 And a highway will be there;
it will be called the Way of Holiness;
it will be for those who walk on that Way.
The unclean will not journey on it;
wicked fools will not go about on it.
Are we God's GPS? Do we have the knowledge, courage and willingness to direct others to the highway that Isaiah calls the "Way of Holiness"?
A global positioning system, GPS, is a technology used for a variety of purposes, ranging from military to weekend travelers. The technology amazes me. Sub-$100 units no bigger than a pack of playing cards can lock onto the signals of multiple satellites and not only guide us to a destination, but also record our speed, elevation and even the route we have taken. Through a series of voice commands, a GPS device can guide a person to within a few inches of a preset destination. GPS units also have a display screen that highlights the correct route to take to a particular destination.
it will be called the Way of Holiness;
it will be for those who walk on that Way.
The unclean will not journey on it;
wicked fools will not go about on it.
Are we God's GPS? Do we have the knowledge, courage and willingness to direct others to the highway that Isaiah calls the "Way of Holiness"?
A global positioning system, GPS, is a technology used for a variety of purposes, ranging from military to weekend travelers. The technology amazes me. Sub-$100 units no bigger than a pack of playing cards can lock onto the signals of multiple satellites and not only guide us to a destination, but also record our speed, elevation and even the route we have taken. Through a series of voice commands, a GPS device can guide a person to within a few inches of a preset destination. GPS units also have a display screen that highlights the correct route to take to a particular destination.
If as Christians we are to be a GPS for others wanting to merge onto or travel on the Way of Holiness we need to make sure our signal from the Master Satellite is clear. If our relationship with God is clouded with lack of prayer, unconfessed sin or other issues, we will be an ineffective guide for others to a relationship with God. Secondly, does what shows on our display screen match the voice commands? In other words does what others see in our lives match what we say and our supposed Christian values. Hypocrisy is one of the most common criticisms of Christianity, with good reason. To be an effective GPS for God our deeds must consistently match our words.
Many GPS units have rechargeable batteries. Do our batteries need to recharge? Let's spend some extra time in prayer and meditation today and recharge our spiritual batteries so we can lead others to the Way of Holiness.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
July 4, 2012
Independence Day. Freedom. Self-reliance. Autonomy.
"Give me liberty or give me death!" As Americans we value our freedom and the USA was indeed founded on the idea of self-determination. No one is gonna' boss us around. No king, dictator or potentate. We are a government for the people and by the people. (fade in patriotic music and images of Old Glory waving in the breeze)
Freedom is an oxymoron of sorts. God has given each person the freedom to make his or her own decisions. Yet it is that very freedom of choice that can lead to bondage.
I have the freedom to smoke, but that freedom can lead innumerable health issues. I have the freedom to spend untold hours at work, yet that freedom can create an distant, disconnected relationship with a spouse and children. I have the freedom to make unkind comments to others about a coworker, however, that freedom can create a critical spirit and erode morale.
Many people fault Christianity by say it is too confining and just a list of "don'ts". They view the stories, teachings and principles in the Bible as a set of mandates and have-to's. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Bible is replete with examples of people who chose to exercise their personal freedom. David chose to sleep with Bathsheba, but he also chose to repent and return to God. Job chose to remain faithful to God, and he was blessed for his faithfulness. Jonah chose to run from God and spent three days in the belly of a great fish. Jesus chose to die a horrible death on the cross, therefore, each of us can spend an eternity in Heaven if we choose to accept Him as Lord and Savior.
Christians and nonChristians alike have the freedom to make choices. The difference is that those who have accepted Christ have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to help guide those decisions. If we base our choices on the teachings and principles of the Bible, we can live a life that is pleasing to God. Our choices can have either negative or positive consequences. We can exercise our freedom in a manner that is self-serving or Christ-serving. We are free to choose to spend an eternity in Heaven or eternal separation from God.
God does not deny us the right to chose. By the same token, He holds us accountable for our choices. "Well done, good and faithful servant!" (Matt. 25:21), or "I never knew you." (Matt. 7:23) What will you choose?
"Give me liberty or give me death!" As Americans we value our freedom and the USA was indeed founded on the idea of self-determination. No one is gonna' boss us around. No king, dictator or potentate. We are a government for the people and by the people. (fade in patriotic music and images of Old Glory waving in the breeze)
Freedom is an oxymoron of sorts. God has given each person the freedom to make his or her own decisions. Yet it is that very freedom of choice that can lead to bondage.
I have the freedom to smoke, but that freedom can lead innumerable health issues. I have the freedom to spend untold hours at work, yet that freedom can create an distant, disconnected relationship with a spouse and children. I have the freedom to make unkind comments to others about a coworker, however, that freedom can create a critical spirit and erode morale.
Many people fault Christianity by say it is too confining and just a list of "don'ts". They view the stories, teachings and principles in the Bible as a set of mandates and have-to's. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Bible is replete with examples of people who chose to exercise their personal freedom. David chose to sleep with Bathsheba, but he also chose to repent and return to God. Job chose to remain faithful to God, and he was blessed for his faithfulness. Jonah chose to run from God and spent three days in the belly of a great fish. Jesus chose to die a horrible death on the cross, therefore, each of us can spend an eternity in Heaven if we choose to accept Him as Lord and Savior.
Christians and nonChristians alike have the freedom to make choices. The difference is that those who have accepted Christ have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to help guide those decisions. If we base our choices on the teachings and principles of the Bible, we can live a life that is pleasing to God. Our choices can have either negative or positive consequences. We can exercise our freedom in a manner that is self-serving or Christ-serving. We are free to choose to spend an eternity in Heaven or eternal separation from God.
God does not deny us the right to chose. By the same token, He holds us accountable for our choices. "Well done, good and faithful servant!" (Matt. 25:21), or "I never knew you." (Matt. 7:23) What will you choose?
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
July 3, 2012
I Corinthians 9:24-25 24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
What a timely verse. For the past several weeks and for the next several, there are multiple headlines and news stories about Olympic athletes from all over the world. I have always been amazed at the dedication, devotion and desire of these men and women. The amount of training and self-sacrifice they go through to be among the best in the world is phenomenal. But as Paul points out in Corinthians, the awards and accolades they receive are temporary. Eventually the sponsorships end, the paparazzi disappear and some of the medals end up on Pawn Stars.
Paul contrasts this with the eternal crown Christians will receive. Our "medal" is a perfect, restored body. Our trophy is an eternity in fellowship with other believers praising the Creator of the universe. While Olympic athletes are up before dawn running, swimming and lifting weights, so many Christians are hitting the snooze button yet another time. Olympians study technique, strategy and their opponents, yet countless Christians are satisfied with minimal time in the Word and even that time is surface and obligatory.
Christians could learn a lot about desire, self-discipline and self-sacrifice from the Olympians. As the London Games approach, let's commit to live our lives so that we may "get a crown that will last forever".
What a timely verse. For the past several weeks and for the next several, there are multiple headlines and news stories about Olympic athletes from all over the world. I have always been amazed at the dedication, devotion and desire of these men and women. The amount of training and self-sacrifice they go through to be among the best in the world is phenomenal. But as Paul points out in Corinthians, the awards and accolades they receive are temporary. Eventually the sponsorships end, the paparazzi disappear and some of the medals end up on Pawn Stars.
Paul contrasts this with the eternal crown Christians will receive. Our "medal" is a perfect, restored body. Our trophy is an eternity in fellowship with other believers praising the Creator of the universe. While Olympic athletes are up before dawn running, swimming and lifting weights, so many Christians are hitting the snooze button yet another time. Olympians study technique, strategy and their opponents, yet countless Christians are satisfied with minimal time in the Word and even that time is surface and obligatory.
Christians could learn a lot about desire, self-discipline and self-sacrifice from the Olympians. As the London Games approach, let's commit to live our lives so that we may "get a crown that will last forever".
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