Word on the Way is a passage sent out daily by Way.FM
Wednesday, June 23
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
I'm somewhat of a worrier. I never was, but I am now. Maybe that's because having left home and struck out on my own, now about to get married, I've got a lot more responsibility. Whatever the reason, I worry. Yet, as a Christian I am called to not worry. This is part of the process of letting the 'Old Man' die and letting the 'New Man' live. A major part of that is surrender. We are asked in this verse to let His peace rule in us. Two things are important in this: peace and rule. We have to stop warring against God and we have to let Him rule. We have to stop trying to get and give up control. Why? Well, as redeemed Christians we are now part of one body. A body that attacks itself, or its head (our spiritual Head being Christ), is considering medically as diseased. So, we the church, who are considered the body 0f Christ, are what? diseased? Logically yes. The issue is that many of us are aiding and abetting the disease instead of fighting it. We need to take on His peace and let Him be the avenger, while we humbly take on His yoke and do His work.
Be thankful....? Really? What a weird way to end a verse. Yet, the truth stands. If we are redeemed by Christ's love, if we accept that love, if we act on that love, if stop fighting, if we surrender, then we will see something marvelous. We will see what God has given to redeem us, why then shouldn't we be thankful? It's almost though as if Paul, recognizing how long the disease has been ravaging God's people, has given us symptoms of what a healthy body of Christ would look like.
So, take this to heart: stop fighting, surrender to a rule of peace, and you will be thankful and will live a thankful life blessed by your King.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Matthew 16:25
Tuesday, June 22
Matthew 16:25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.
What does it really look like to lose our lives? To stop hanging on to life?
Maybe another good question to ask to start this would be: have you ever felt that you are hanging on, desperately hanging on? What are you hanging on to?
I once heard a sermon where the preacher described someone on their deathbed clinging to the bed rails as if they were hanging on to life itself. Well, God is saying to let go. To let go of the life around us and cling to Him and the life He has. This reminds me of something my priest discussed with my fiance and me in pre-marital counseling. This idea that 'caving-in' to let the argument end doesn't help at all. The argument has not ended it will return and when it does it will be worse. You have to look at the long run, the short-term calm is nothing but a smoke screen. In the Bible Jacob bought Esau's birthright for a bowl of soup. He was so focused on the short-term that he forgot to think about the future. Does that sound familiar? Does that resonate with you? Unfortunately, our society is so focued on the moment that it has become counter cultural to really think in the long-term; but isn't that what we are called to be? Aren't we supossed to be counter-cultural? If a Christian is comfortable in the world, are they really a Christian?
A book called 'the Hole in the Gospel' addresses this. My father mentioned it in his sermon Sunday (I actually haven't read the book). We have lost our love for the needy and have worshiped the stardom of success. Our focus has slipped, from God to god-like-men; and we are paying for it.
Matthew 16:25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.
What does it really look like to lose our lives? To stop hanging on to life?
Maybe another good question to ask to start this would be: have you ever felt that you are hanging on, desperately hanging on? What are you hanging on to?
I once heard a sermon where the preacher described someone on their deathbed clinging to the bed rails as if they were hanging on to life itself. Well, God is saying to let go. To let go of the life around us and cling to Him and the life He has. This reminds me of something my priest discussed with my fiance and me in pre-marital counseling. This idea that 'caving-in' to let the argument end doesn't help at all. The argument has not ended it will return and when it does it will be worse. You have to look at the long run, the short-term calm is nothing but a smoke screen. In the Bible Jacob bought Esau's birthright for a bowl of soup. He was so focused on the short-term that he forgot to think about the future. Does that sound familiar? Does that resonate with you? Unfortunately, our society is so focued on the moment that it has become counter cultural to really think in the long-term; but isn't that what we are called to be? Aren't we supossed to be counter-cultural? If a Christian is comfortable in the world, are they really a Christian?
A book called 'the Hole in the Gospel' addresses this. My father mentioned it in his sermon Sunday (I actually haven't read the book). We have lost our love for the needy and have worshiped the stardom of success. Our focus has slipped, from God to god-like-men; and we are paying for it.
Friday, June 18, 2010
1 John 4:8
Word on the Way is a passage sent out daily by Way.FM
Friday, June 18
1 John 4:8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
As humans our sin separates us from God. We are not of Him, despite being created in His image, because we have lost the ability to love as He loves. Would you gladly give your life for those who hate you? We can barely sit in a room with someone we don't like. We split churches over supposed slights. As the church we need to stand in front of the mirror and realize that we have forgotten who God is. The sad thing is we represent this God. If we claim to be His followers we should follow Him. He is calling us to let go of the sin that separates us. He is calling us to renew ourselves in His image. He is calling us to be His bride. Where has the love gone? Why do we so easily fall into believing that this world has anything for us? Our God has redeemed us and given us life, let us follow Him in that.
Friday, June 18
1 John 4:8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
As humans our sin separates us from God. We are not of Him, despite being created in His image, because we have lost the ability to love as He loves. Would you gladly give your life for those who hate you? We can barely sit in a room with someone we don't like. We split churches over supposed slights. As the church we need to stand in front of the mirror and realize that we have forgotten who God is. The sad thing is we represent this God. If we claim to be His followers we should follow Him. He is calling us to let go of the sin that separates us. He is calling us to renew ourselves in His image. He is calling us to be His bride. Where has the love gone? Why do we so easily fall into believing that this world has anything for us? Our God has redeemed us and given us life, let us follow Him in that.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Proverbs 28:23
Word on the Way is a passage sent out daily by Way.FM
Thursday, June 17
Proverbs 28:23 In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.
I think its cool when the bible throws out stuff like this - really down to earth advice you would hear from your mother. Too often verses are placed on this overly religious pedestal. We make it so unreachable that its up their with flying (like superman, not in a plane) and invisibility. Yet, unlike superhero abilities it has begun to be mixed with fear. This fear is desperate because we know we need to attain it but we can't. Well, this just in (aka 2000+ years ago) God took care of that and He's asking for a down-to-earth day-to-day relationship.
That's why this verse is more than just down-to-earth, its a call to action. We need to honestly criticize ourselves, our churches, our leaders, our friends, etc. so that we can stop flattering ourselves into believing that we are worth anything without God. He is our sole worth, without Him we are nothing. Give up the need to attain anything because God is giving it freely.
Thursday, June 17
Proverbs 28:23 In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.
I think its cool when the bible throws out stuff like this - really down to earth advice you would hear from your mother. Too often verses are placed on this overly religious pedestal. We make it so unreachable that its up their with flying (like superman, not in a plane) and invisibility. Yet, unlike superhero abilities it has begun to be mixed with fear. This fear is desperate because we know we need to attain it but we can't. Well, this just in (aka 2000+ years ago) God took care of that and He's asking for a down-to-earth day-to-day relationship.
That's why this verse is more than just down-to-earth, its a call to action. We need to honestly criticize ourselves, our churches, our leaders, our friends, etc. so that we can stop flattering ourselves into believing that we are worth anything without God. He is our sole worth, without Him we are nothing. Give up the need to attain anything because God is giving it freely.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Luke 6:45
Word on the Way is a passage sent out daily by Way.FM
Wednesday, June 16
Luke 6:45 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.
The heart is well hidden by pride. The heart is well hidden in silence. The heart is shown not necessarily by words, but by actions. We get frustrated with our leaders when they speak well and do nothing; and I think God does as well. The difference is He is long-suffering. If we take His love His goodness overcomes our evil and whatever Satan wishes to put in our hearts; but it is true what flows out shows what is within. Test yourself, as I am doing right now, and then come humbly before the Lord recognizing your place as the needy and receive His goodness.
Wednesday, June 16
Luke 6:45 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.
The heart is well hidden by pride. The heart is well hidden in silence. The heart is shown not necessarily by words, but by actions. We get frustrated with our leaders when they speak well and do nothing; and I think God does as well. The difference is He is long-suffering. If we take His love His goodness overcomes our evil and whatever Satan wishes to put in our hearts; but it is true what flows out shows what is within. Test yourself, as I am doing right now, and then come humbly before the Lord recognizing your place as the needy and receive His goodness.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
2 Corinthians 4:8 and 9
Word on the Way is a passage sent out daily by Way.FM
Tuesday, June 15
2 Corinthians 4:8 and 9 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.
Today I posted "[I'm] in need of a little faith and hope" as my facebook status. What greater hope than what this verse screams out to us! We are actively pursued by the devil and life trying to break us down, but God like the supernatural superhero that He is protects us from it all. For me this is just amazing, because I am struggling to get out of a very bad job and into a place where I can be less tempted into anger, fear and pride. Couple this verse with the great Tenth Avenue North songs that I have playing through my headphones right and its as if God is speaking through the words telling me to not despair; that though I am "pressed on every side by troubles" I am not "crushed". It's so easy to feel clostraphobic in this broken world, but God is there and He has saved us.
Tuesday, June 15
2 Corinthians 4:8 and 9 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.
Today I posted "[I'm] in need of a little faith and hope" as my facebook status. What greater hope than what this verse screams out to us! We are actively pursued by the devil and life trying to break us down, but God like the supernatural superhero that He is protects us from it all. For me this is just amazing, because I am struggling to get out of a very bad job and into a place where I can be less tempted into anger, fear and pride. Couple this verse with the great Tenth Avenue North songs that I have playing through my headphones right and its as if God is speaking through the words telling me to not despair; that though I am "pressed on every side by troubles" I am not "crushed". It's so easy to feel clostraphobic in this broken world, but God is there and He has saved us.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Hebrews 11:1
Word on the Way is a passage sent out daily by Way.FM
Monday, June 14
Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
It's hard to stand up against a world so bent against faith, at least faith in something unseen. We tend believe in ourselves, and the only unseen thing we believe in is what we hope to achieve. So, logically we tend to shift away from an unseen force that guides us; and if we do ascribe to an unseen force it is one that is random enough to manipulate. The hardest part about faith is the loss of control. If we believe enough in ourselves that we can overcome an opponent, we are hoping that our effort is greater than theirs, or we are luckier than they. Yet, true faith is more than that. Faith comes from a place when you know you are less than your opponent. Faith comes from a place of losing. Faith comes from a place when you realize what you bring to the table is not enough.
Here's the problem for us. When I say us, I mean modern Christianity in the first world. The problem is, we have the luxury of bringing a lot to the table. The truth is, we are like a well trained sports team who can't keep our heads in the game. We have the right equipment, and we may even know how to use it; but we need more than just drills and expensive stuff. We've lost the heart and soul of the game. We've become more bent on looking good and being seen as the best, that we've forgotten why we are playing. We've bet our assurance and confidence on our selves. We've decided that by what we do, say, have, etc. we can, by ourselves, triumph.
Jesus, during His time on earth, continually healed people because of their faith. Paul urges us to live by faith. Faith is the think that sets us apart. Despite how bad it looks to the world, we are going bet all our chips on God and not on ourselves or anything man can do.
Monday, June 14
Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
It's hard to stand up against a world so bent against faith, at least faith in something unseen. We tend believe in ourselves, and the only unseen thing we believe in is what we hope to achieve. So, logically we tend to shift away from an unseen force that guides us; and if we do ascribe to an unseen force it is one that is random enough to manipulate. The hardest part about faith is the loss of control. If we believe enough in ourselves that we can overcome an opponent, we are hoping that our effort is greater than theirs, or we are luckier than they. Yet, true faith is more than that. Faith comes from a place when you know you are less than your opponent. Faith comes from a place of losing. Faith comes from a place when you realize what you bring to the table is not enough.
Here's the problem for us. When I say us, I mean modern Christianity in the first world. The problem is, we have the luxury of bringing a lot to the table. The truth is, we are like a well trained sports team who can't keep our heads in the game. We have the right equipment, and we may even know how to use it; but we need more than just drills and expensive stuff. We've lost the heart and soul of the game. We've become more bent on looking good and being seen as the best, that we've forgotten why we are playing. We've bet our assurance and confidence on our selves. We've decided that by what we do, say, have, etc. we can, by ourselves, triumph.
Jesus, during His time on earth, continually healed people because of their faith. Paul urges us to live by faith. Faith is the think that sets us apart. Despite how bad it looks to the world, we are going bet all our chips on God and not on ourselves or anything man can do.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Deuteronomy 11:1
Word on the Way is a passage sent out daily by Way.FM
Friday, June 11
Deuteronomy 11:1 You must love the LORD your God and obey all his requirements, decrees, regulations, and commands.
Too often I look at verses like this one as an order shouted by our commando God in 'boot-camp' churches where fear reigns. The truth is much deeper and sweeter. To look at this verse I want to put it in some context first. The reason being is sometimes Jesus can be used as the Sunday school answer to why we should obey; but Deuteronomy was written long before Jesus came down to earth. Let's think about why the Hebrew nation would love God.
The nation was established with Jacob/Israel's twelve sons. Then one of those sons was sold into slavery and brought to Egypt. Through God's provision that son rose to be the second in charge. He used his position to save his family and therefore the nation of Israel from a seven year famine. Generations later the Jewish identity was reestablished as the Egyptians put them under their feet and used them as slave labor. The Hebrews renewed their worship of the One true God, Who then sent Moses to lead the people out of Egypt. To free them from bondage. To end their slavery. So, as Moses bartered for their freedom God showed up and showed Pharaoh it was time to let his people go. There is a prevailing arguement that because of the loss of all the first born children in Egypt, the reigning Pharaoh died (being himself a first born) and a new Pharaoh came to power. This Pharaoh pursued the Jews into the desert after having already granted their freedom. God showed up and opened up a sea for them to cross on dry land, then drowning the pursuing Egyptians.
God then leads them through the wilderness. He disciplines them, feeds them, sustains them, He loves them. While doing all this He gives them His laws through Moses. When reading the verse in context it seems that the Hebrews don't really need a reminder, they should be forever grateful to their God; but they aren't. These Hebrews are living in a wilderness. Too often they took their eyes of their Lord and realized that their surroundings were very bleak. They could not see the land they were promised and focused instead on the barren land around them. They were unsatisfied living off of what God gave them, they wanted more.
Sound familiar? When have you lost sight of God's provision and felt lost in a wilderness? I know it's not easy when you're standing in a barren land, being laughed at by the world and even your fellow sojourners because you want to follow God fully.
Remember this, God loved you first. God came down to save you from your slavery to sin. He came to take you home. Yes, this life is full of brokenness; but we cannot forget that we are traveling out of here. If we believe and follow Him we will love Him and we will arrive at Home in the promised land.
Friday, June 11
Deuteronomy 11:1 You must love the LORD your God and obey all his requirements, decrees, regulations, and commands.
Too often I look at verses like this one as an order shouted by our commando God in 'boot-camp' churches where fear reigns. The truth is much deeper and sweeter. To look at this verse I want to put it in some context first. The reason being is sometimes Jesus can be used as the Sunday school answer to why we should obey; but Deuteronomy was written long before Jesus came down to earth. Let's think about why the Hebrew nation would love God.
The nation was established with Jacob/Israel's twelve sons. Then one of those sons was sold into slavery and brought to Egypt. Through God's provision that son rose to be the second in charge. He used his position to save his family and therefore the nation of Israel from a seven year famine. Generations later the Jewish identity was reestablished as the Egyptians put them under their feet and used them as slave labor. The Hebrews renewed their worship of the One true God, Who then sent Moses to lead the people out of Egypt. To free them from bondage. To end their slavery. So, as Moses bartered for their freedom God showed up and showed Pharaoh it was time to let his people go. There is a prevailing arguement that because of the loss of all the first born children in Egypt, the reigning Pharaoh died (being himself a first born) and a new Pharaoh came to power. This Pharaoh pursued the Jews into the desert after having already granted their freedom. God showed up and opened up a sea for them to cross on dry land, then drowning the pursuing Egyptians.
God then leads them through the wilderness. He disciplines them, feeds them, sustains them, He loves them. While doing all this He gives them His laws through Moses. When reading the verse in context it seems that the Hebrews don't really need a reminder, they should be forever grateful to their God; but they aren't. These Hebrews are living in a wilderness. Too often they took their eyes of their Lord and realized that their surroundings were very bleak. They could not see the land they were promised and focused instead on the barren land around them. They were unsatisfied living off of what God gave them, they wanted more.
Sound familiar? When have you lost sight of God's provision and felt lost in a wilderness? I know it's not easy when you're standing in a barren land, being laughed at by the world and even your fellow sojourners because you want to follow God fully.
Remember this, God loved you first. God came down to save you from your slavery to sin. He came to take you home. Yes, this life is full of brokenness; but we cannot forget that we are traveling out of here. If we believe and follow Him we will love Him and we will arrive at Home in the promised land.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Psalm 103:8
Word on the Way is a passage sent out daily by Way.FM
Thursday, June 10
Psalm 103:8 The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
Supposedly, we are created in God's image. I say supposedly because when I read this verse I feel nothing like God. If this verse is true then my 'God-like' image must be only skin deep. I do not resemble my Lord at all.
Yesterday, I was given a great gift from a child. Some friends of mine have recently adopted a child from Siberia. Remembering how she ran around makes me reflect about our spiritual condition. We are like that. In our state of sin we were very much like an orphan in Siberia. Now, God has brought us home, but we're still acting like orphans partly because we don't know better and maybe mostly because we don't want to be constricted by this new life. We have learned our rules and now we stand opposed to our new home oblivious of the dangers that our Lord is wanting to save us from continually. His love is unfailing. He is compassionate and merciful.
Thursday, June 10
Psalm 103:8 The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
Supposedly, we are created in God's image. I say supposedly because when I read this verse I feel nothing like God. If this verse is true then my 'God-like' image must be only skin deep. I do not resemble my Lord at all.
Yesterday, I was given a great gift from a child. Some friends of mine have recently adopted a child from Siberia. Remembering how she ran around makes me reflect about our spiritual condition. We are like that. In our state of sin we were very much like an orphan in Siberia. Now, God has brought us home, but we're still acting like orphans partly because we don't know better and maybe mostly because we don't want to be constricted by this new life. We have learned our rules and now we stand opposed to our new home oblivious of the dangers that our Lord is wanting to save us from continually. His love is unfailing. He is compassionate and merciful.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Nahum 1:7
Word on the Way is a passage sent out daily by Way.FM
Wednesday, June 9
Nahum 1:7 The Lord is good. When trouble comes, he is a strong refuge. And he knows everyone who trusts in him.
I think this is something we all need to hear from time to time. When you're tired. When you've been tried and suffered. When you feel that you've given all you can already. That's when God becomes more relevant. That's when we see that's He's been here all along and we just fall into His arms. We abandon our need to be strong and rely on His unfailing strength. We take our worries and our hopes and our needs and say, "Lord, I'm not worthy to be with you but you have promised to forgive and to love me. I need that now." Be honest and vulnerable but also be trusting. Know that even though you fail, God never fails and He never counts our failures against us.
Take this with you today, and know that it is God who will carry you to tomorrow.
Wednesday, June 9
Nahum 1:7 The Lord is good. When trouble comes, he is a strong refuge. And he knows everyone who trusts in him.
I think this is something we all need to hear from time to time. When you're tired. When you've been tried and suffered. When you feel that you've given all you can already. That's when God becomes more relevant. That's when we see that's He's been here all along and we just fall into His arms. We abandon our need to be strong and rely on His unfailing strength. We take our worries and our hopes and our needs and say, "Lord, I'm not worthy to be with you but you have promised to forgive and to love me. I need that now." Be honest and vulnerable but also be trusting. Know that even though you fail, God never fails and He never counts our failures against us.
Take this with you today, and know that it is God who will carry you to tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Isaiah 44:22
Word on the Way is a passage sent out daily by Way.FM
Tuesday, June 8
Isaiah 44:22 (God Speaking) "I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free."
"Return to me". Those words resonate with me. I feel that life distracts us so much sometimes that we really need to stop and return to Him. We need to quiet down the noise, stop the deadlines and to-do lists, look away from the billboards and flashy advertisements, and return to Him in quiet and focused worship. I know how hard it is to focus on Him when the world feels like it won't ever stop spinning.
But the truth is He has paid a much higher price than our deadlines, budgets, jobs, etc. He has taken away the debt that we owe against each other, creation, and ultimately Him for all the wrong that we have done. He has erased all the bad and is calling us home, back to Him. The invite is personal and loving. It is simple. "Return to me".
Tuesday, June 8
Isaiah 44:22 (God Speaking) "I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free."
"Return to me". Those words resonate with me. I feel that life distracts us so much sometimes that we really need to stop and return to Him. We need to quiet down the noise, stop the deadlines and to-do lists, look away from the billboards and flashy advertisements, and return to Him in quiet and focused worship. I know how hard it is to focus on Him when the world feels like it won't ever stop spinning.
But the truth is He has paid a much higher price than our deadlines, budgets, jobs, etc. He has taken away the debt that we owe against each other, creation, and ultimately Him for all the wrong that we have done. He has erased all the bad and is calling us home, back to Him. The invite is personal and loving. It is simple. "Return to me".
Monday, June 7, 2010
Psalm 37:23-24
Word on the Way is a passage sent out daily by Way.FM
Monday, June 7
Psalm 37:23-24 The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.
It is very strange to think that someone, other than ourselves, is directing our steps. I think it is even more strange for us Christians to accept that God is directing our steps; that He is there in what we are doing now. Well, unless of course we are doing things that are clearly not from God; but I think that is where we get hung up. Too many of us say that our jobs and 'mundane' lives are not good enough for God; but in the same breath we say that our lives are good because they are stable. Though I clearly think that God is calling us to something different, I also believe that He is not necessarily calling us out of our lives. God asks us to be different. Here on this earth, in this job, at this time, in every detail of our lives we must follow Him, with His strength. He knows we will stumble. He knows we are broken people; but He is there to save us, again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again....
Monday, June 7
Psalm 37:23-24 The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.
It is very strange to think that someone, other than ourselves, is directing our steps. I think it is even more strange for us Christians to accept that God is directing our steps; that He is there in what we are doing now. Well, unless of course we are doing things that are clearly not from God; but I think that is where we get hung up. Too many of us say that our jobs and 'mundane' lives are not good enough for God; but in the same breath we say that our lives are good because they are stable. Though I clearly think that God is calling us to something different, I also believe that He is not necessarily calling us out of our lives. God asks us to be different. Here on this earth, in this job, at this time, in every detail of our lives we must follow Him, with His strength. He knows we will stumble. He knows we are broken people; but He is there to save us, again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again....
Friday, June 4, 2010
Job 5:11
Word on the Way is a passage sent out daily by Way.FM
Friday, June 4
Job 5:11 He [God] gives prosperity to the poor and protects those who suffer.
Passages like these have caused some to leave the faith completely. For some it has caused struggle. I have struggled; because it sounds so good until I look at the world. Then like many I begin to question, which leads to doubt, which for some leads to not believing at all. How do you answer, "Where was God when my mother died? during the holocaust? in war? etc." Pick the scenario; but when you look at the raw brokenness of life, trite words and phrases learned in Sunday School seem empty and useless. Where is God? He is there; but maybe not in the way you think He is.
The Bible is often described as a love story, albeit an odd one sometimes and maybe that's because it's a Hebrew love story not a Hollywood love story. God created us in His image and loves us. He made us His people. We rebelled. He loves us so much He wants to be married to us. So, His son came down to pay the price for us. Then He left to prepare a place for us. So, He sent us His Holy Spirit. To dwell in us. See, in Gensis when Adam and Eve are married by God, there is a verse that reads: "This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one (Genesis 2:24, NLT)." This is God's picture of marriage. Paul describes the church as a "a pure bride to one husband—Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2, NLT)." If we are the bride of Christ then we are to be united to Him as ONE! We are to be ONE with GOD!! Paul even describes the Church as the body of Christ! "All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it (1 Corinthians 12:27, NLT)."
Isn't that wonderful! We are one with our savior Jesus Christ our Lord and God.
Isn't it sobering. Think about it.
We are His body. We are His body. We are His body.
Do you get it yet? I'm still struggling to grasp it fully; because if I really am part of His body, doesn't that mean that I represent Him. His Holy Spirit is supposed to be in me, and I'm supposed to be His body...yeah, well look at my life and tell me if I really look like Christ. The answer is no.
Christ's love has redeemed me. Christ has promised Himself to me, and as a token He has provided the Holy Spirit, which is like having Christ anyway because the Holy Spirit is the third part of the same God. So, I'm free from who I was and now I'm part of the body of Christ. We have overused that word and it means something different now. Think about what that word really means! Because right now the 'body' of Christ has Parkensons. We are not listening to Christ our head at all! And that is why this verse is not relevant to our world. That is why people leave the Church. That is why we are the biggest hypocrites in town. That is why others have to step in the gap and do our job - healing the sick, visiting the widows, orphans, and prisoners, clothing the homeless, feeding the hungry, saving the lost, stopping human trafficking, ending wars, fighting against injustice, etc., etc., etc. and another never ending etc.!
But there is an end to injustice and suffering, and we have the key. It is Christ. Through Christ we enter into the presence of our Lord, we enter heaven. It is our love for the one who loved us first, and loves us still, which must compel us to be like Him and to do and be and speak the good news.
Friday, June 4
Job 5:11 He [God] gives prosperity to the poor and protects those who suffer.
Passages like these have caused some to leave the faith completely. For some it has caused struggle. I have struggled; because it sounds so good until I look at the world. Then like many I begin to question, which leads to doubt, which for some leads to not believing at all. How do you answer, "Where was God when my mother died? during the holocaust? in war? etc." Pick the scenario; but when you look at the raw brokenness of life, trite words and phrases learned in Sunday School seem empty and useless. Where is God? He is there; but maybe not in the way you think He is.
The Bible is often described as a love story, albeit an odd one sometimes and maybe that's because it's a Hebrew love story not a Hollywood love story. God created us in His image and loves us. He made us His people. We rebelled. He loves us so much He wants to be married to us. So, His son came down to pay the price for us. Then He left to prepare a place for us. So, He sent us His Holy Spirit. To dwell in us. See, in Gensis when Adam and Eve are married by God, there is a verse that reads: "This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one (Genesis 2:24, NLT)." This is God's picture of marriage. Paul describes the church as a "a pure bride to one husband—Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2, NLT)." If we are the bride of Christ then we are to be united to Him as ONE! We are to be ONE with GOD!! Paul even describes the Church as the body of Christ! "All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it (1 Corinthians 12:27, NLT)."
Isn't that wonderful! We are one with our savior Jesus Christ our Lord and God.
Isn't it sobering. Think about it.
We are His body. We are His body. We are His body.
Do you get it yet? I'm still struggling to grasp it fully; because if I really am part of His body, doesn't that mean that I represent Him. His Holy Spirit is supposed to be in me, and I'm supposed to be His body...yeah, well look at my life and tell me if I really look like Christ. The answer is no.
Christ's love has redeemed me. Christ has promised Himself to me, and as a token He has provided the Holy Spirit, which is like having Christ anyway because the Holy Spirit is the third part of the same God. So, I'm free from who I was and now I'm part of the body of Christ. We have overused that word and it means something different now. Think about what that word really means! Because right now the 'body' of Christ has Parkensons. We are not listening to Christ our head at all! And that is why this verse is not relevant to our world. That is why people leave the Church. That is why we are the biggest hypocrites in town. That is why others have to step in the gap and do our job - healing the sick, visiting the widows, orphans, and prisoners, clothing the homeless, feeding the hungry, saving the lost, stopping human trafficking, ending wars, fighting against injustice, etc., etc., etc. and another never ending etc.!
But there is an end to injustice and suffering, and we have the key. It is Christ. Through Christ we enter into the presence of our Lord, we enter heaven. It is our love for the one who loved us first, and loves us still, which must compel us to be like Him and to do and be and speak the good news.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Luke 11:36
Word on the Way is a passage sent out daily by Way.FM
Thursday, June 3
Luke 11:36 If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light.
If you are something then you will do things that are attributable to being that thing. If you are a lion you do not eat grass. If you are zebra you do not eat meat. If you are an apple tree you do not grow grapes, and if you are a thorn bush you do not grow cherries.
If you are a lantern filled with light you shine out that light, unless you cover up the light or you run out of fuel. If you cover up your light you are useless. A lantern is meant to give out light, you may radiate some heat and that might be helpful in certain situations but its not what you were made for. A covered lamp does not show the way or light up what is around it; just like a lamp with no fuel. It does not have the essence of what gives it life and therefore cannot perform its duty. The wick my burn for a small amount of time, but it will soon go out.
If you are a Christian, you cannot hide what you are and still be who you are. To be a Christian is to go and to do what God has called us to do. We have to be visible in order to be doing His work. We also have to be in communion with Him and the body. We have to actively seek Him and be filled with Him. We need to partner with others who have taken up His call to action, so that we may be strengthened and encouraged by them. We need to make sure that some one is always disciplining us to ensure our obedience to God.
This all comes with a price. See if you hold a lantern, those in the dark will see where you are; and many will shrink away, some may even try to put out your light, those around you will dim their lanterns and expect the same from you, and some will come to your light - not because it's your light but because the Light of the World is shining through you.
Stand firm in the Lord who not only shines through you but will also ensure your safety in the night.
Thursday, June 3
Luke 11:36 If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light.
If you are something then you will do things that are attributable to being that thing. If you are a lion you do not eat grass. If you are zebra you do not eat meat. If you are an apple tree you do not grow grapes, and if you are a thorn bush you do not grow cherries.
If you are a lantern filled with light you shine out that light, unless you cover up the light or you run out of fuel. If you cover up your light you are useless. A lantern is meant to give out light, you may radiate some heat and that might be helpful in certain situations but its not what you were made for. A covered lamp does not show the way or light up what is around it; just like a lamp with no fuel. It does not have the essence of what gives it life and therefore cannot perform its duty. The wick my burn for a small amount of time, but it will soon go out.
If you are a Christian, you cannot hide what you are and still be who you are. To be a Christian is to go and to do what God has called us to do. We have to be visible in order to be doing His work. We also have to be in communion with Him and the body. We have to actively seek Him and be filled with Him. We need to partner with others who have taken up His call to action, so that we may be strengthened and encouraged by them. We need to make sure that some one is always disciplining us to ensure our obedience to God.
This all comes with a price. See if you hold a lantern, those in the dark will see where you are; and many will shrink away, some may even try to put out your light, those around you will dim their lanterns and expect the same from you, and some will come to your light - not because it's your light but because the Light of the World is shining through you.
Stand firm in the Lord who not only shines through you but will also ensure your safety in the night.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
One Day at a Time
I changed the name of my blog a couple weeks ago. I feel like it encapsulates where I want to be in my faith and life. I want to focus on each day to see what God wants me to do. This is a humbling experience and I'm not really pulling it off perfectly, but that's the point. I need to be in a place of faith. It's too easy to not rely on faith in America. It's too easy to get distracted. I'm tired of distractions and rabbit trails that lead nowhere good. Life is too short, and since I want mine to have purpose I am relying on God, one day at a time.
I hope you enjoy reading the scripture commentaries I've been posting. I want them to encourage and help you. I know they have been helpful for me as I write them.
I hope you enjoy reading the scripture commentaries I've been posting. I want them to encourage and help you. I know they have been helpful for me as I write them.
James 2:19
Word on the Way is a passage sent out daily by Way.FM
Wednesday, June 2
James 2:19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?
I know this verse very well. I've heard it many times adding fuel to the inquisition fires (small and large). Today I want to shy away from using this as a faith-tester verse. I want to look at it as an applicable verse - a life changing verse. This is not a license to gossip and judge, this is an internally searching verse.
If you love cars, do spend all your time sailing? If you love art, do you spend all your time studying equations? If you love Jesus, do you spend all your time sinning?
I'm not saying we should all ascribe to a list of rules so that we don't sin. The rules, though good, are not what we need to follow. We need to follow Jesus. Why? Because when you look at the rules He's asking us to obey you see that He really loves us.
I have to ask myself, "if we follow Jesus Christ, who died to save us, why is Gandhi the modern standard for 'good deeds'?" I'm not asking for Christians to have that kind of fame, but I am asking why we are not on the front lines of global activism. Jesus came to save the lost and stood against the establishment. Why? Because they forgot who they were supposed to be ruling. Jesus came as the answer to economic stability, environmental sustainability, political calm, etc. His Love will conquer all.
His love is the answer, and if we believe that shouldn't we be acting on it? The way you act will be different to the way I act; but inactivity is not an answer. As Paul said, "Christ's love compels us, (2 Corinthians 5:14 NIV)" therefore we go and do good things.
Wednesday, June 2
James 2:19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?
I know this verse very well. I've heard it many times adding fuel to the inquisition fires (small and large). Today I want to shy away from using this as a faith-tester verse. I want to look at it as an applicable verse - a life changing verse. This is not a license to gossip and judge, this is an internally searching verse.
If you love cars, do spend all your time sailing? If you love art, do you spend all your time studying equations? If you love Jesus, do you spend all your time sinning?
I'm not saying we should all ascribe to a list of rules so that we don't sin. The rules, though good, are not what we need to follow. We need to follow Jesus. Why? Because when you look at the rules He's asking us to obey you see that He really loves us.
I have to ask myself, "if we follow Jesus Christ, who died to save us, why is Gandhi the modern standard for 'good deeds'?" I'm not asking for Christians to have that kind of fame, but I am asking why we are not on the front lines of global activism. Jesus came to save the lost and stood against the establishment. Why? Because they forgot who they were supposed to be ruling. Jesus came as the answer to economic stability, environmental sustainability, political calm, etc. His Love will conquer all.
His love is the answer, and if we believe that shouldn't we be acting on it? The way you act will be different to the way I act; but inactivity is not an answer. As Paul said, "Christ's love compels us, (2 Corinthians 5:14 NIV)" therefore we go and do good things.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Ecclesiastes 7:8
Word on the Way is a passage sent out daily by Way.FM
Tuesday, June 1
Ecclesiastes 7:8 Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride.
Ok... I'm not really sure what to do with this. I'm guess I'm too proud to back down so I'm going to tackle this, but how?
For someone on the cusp of so many good things, this is a very weird verse to read...well, at least the first part. Patience over pride is an easy concept to understand even if it's really hard to implement. Though patience and pride are an odd pairing, we know that as Christians patience is much better than pride. Patience is long-suffering, kind, loving; while pride is arrogant, distant, self-serving. As believers in and followers of Jesus we should emulate patience and rid ourselves of pride.
Other than proving its own point, I think that the verse is speaking about endurance. That the end is better than the beginning. To understand this, think about a race. Though the beginning is important, it's what you do after that which will produce the outcome.
An excuse used by our society is "I was born this way" or "my parents made me this way"; but there is much truth in the many quotes that go something like this, "your choices define you". You can be a king or a hobo, what you choose to do with your life, resources, etc. defines who you are.
In a race, if you start off well that helps, but if you look back and start comparing yourself with others you slow down. You think that you're ok and that no one will beat you. Your pride gets in the way. Then, someone else will outrun you. It is not the one who begins the best, but the one who ends the best who will receive the medal. That takes patience. That takes determination. That takes effort, endurance, and never ending motivation.
As humans we cannot run the race ourselves. We're so lost we don't even know if we're on the right track. We follow other goals, other ends. Its as if we got in our running gear and then blindfolded ourselves, hoping to follow the noise of the crowd to show us the right way. We're not getting anywhere. I'm not getting anywhere. Too often I willingly blind-fold myself and run away from God's reward.
He is the reward. He is the motivation. He is the end, and He will provide the patience, endurance, and determination because He has already provided the effort. Somehow I forget this. Yes, there are days when I am basked in the bright beauty of His glory, but other days I blindfold myself. I just forget. How? How can we forget? I get so lost in the crowd, I hear their voices, I see their shiny lives, and I get sidetracked. But How? How do I forget?
God loved me, even though I'm a sinner - even though I do wrong, I live only for myself - He gave it all! See He didn't just die. He gave up His glory to come down from heaven and woo His people, and then He died without His glory. He gave up heaven to come down and be with His people, then He gave up His life, and then He sent His Holy Spirit. I am floored by His love, and somehow I still forget.
Lord, forgive me. Let me not be swayed by this world. Let me keep my eyes on you, that I may run and run only to you. I started off badly, I started off alone lost in my sin; but now I have you. Let me run to you, that the end may be sweet and beautiful, better than the beginning.
Tuesday, June 1
Ecclesiastes 7:8 Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride.
Ok... I'm not really sure what to do with this. I'm guess I'm too proud to back down so I'm going to tackle this, but how?
For someone on the cusp of so many good things, this is a very weird verse to read...well, at least the first part. Patience over pride is an easy concept to understand even if it's really hard to implement. Though patience and pride are an odd pairing, we know that as Christians patience is much better than pride. Patience is long-suffering, kind, loving; while pride is arrogant, distant, self-serving. As believers in and followers of Jesus we should emulate patience and rid ourselves of pride.
Other than proving its own point, I think that the verse is speaking about endurance. That the end is better than the beginning. To understand this, think about a race. Though the beginning is important, it's what you do after that which will produce the outcome.
An excuse used by our society is "I was born this way" or "my parents made me this way"; but there is much truth in the many quotes that go something like this, "your choices define you". You can be a king or a hobo, what you choose to do with your life, resources, etc. defines who you are.
In a race, if you start off well that helps, but if you look back and start comparing yourself with others you slow down. You think that you're ok and that no one will beat you. Your pride gets in the way. Then, someone else will outrun you. It is not the one who begins the best, but the one who ends the best who will receive the medal. That takes patience. That takes determination. That takes effort, endurance, and never ending motivation.
As humans we cannot run the race ourselves. We're so lost we don't even know if we're on the right track. We follow other goals, other ends. Its as if we got in our running gear and then blindfolded ourselves, hoping to follow the noise of the crowd to show us the right way. We're not getting anywhere. I'm not getting anywhere. Too often I willingly blind-fold myself and run away from God's reward.
He is the reward. He is the motivation. He is the end, and He will provide the patience, endurance, and determination because He has already provided the effort. Somehow I forget this. Yes, there are days when I am basked in the bright beauty of His glory, but other days I blindfold myself. I just forget. How? How can we forget? I get so lost in the crowd, I hear their voices, I see their shiny lives, and I get sidetracked. But How? How do I forget?
God loved me, even though I'm a sinner - even though I do wrong, I live only for myself - He gave it all! See He didn't just die. He gave up His glory to come down from heaven and woo His people, and then He died without His glory. He gave up heaven to come down and be with His people, then He gave up His life, and then He sent His Holy Spirit. I am floored by His love, and somehow I still forget.
Lord, forgive me. Let me not be swayed by this world. Let me keep my eyes on you, that I may run and run only to you. I started off badly, I started off alone lost in my sin; but now I have you. Let me run to you, that the end may be sweet and beautiful, better than the beginning.
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