Sep

17

It’s all about grace

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Of all the people in the New Testament, one interesting figure is Apostle Paul. A former persecutor of the church and Pharisee, his experiences forthtold in the New Testament show a man who could have easily exalted himself above his peers, for he’d been granted the privilege to be caught up into the “third heaven” where he saw some utterly amazing things. However, later, he was also granted a thorn in the flesh.

Much speculation has lent to theories on exactly what the apostle’s thorn was. His eyesight perhaps? It’s not for certain, but Paul beseeched the Lord three times to have it removed from him. However, Paul didn’t receive the answer exactly as he requested. Why?

 “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness… “~ 2 Corinthians 9

Later in this same chapter, Paul makes it clear that he understands why the Lord withheld the removal of the thorn.  It was so that Paul would not exalt himself more than he should and to safeguard his humility.

God reminded Paul that the power behind Paul’s ministry was not in Paul’s experiences or abilities or even in the absence of troubles. Rather, it was God’s grace. When we are weak, God’s power is even more evident. He provides the strength for us to withstand whatever challenges come upon us. It’s a faith walk.

Sep

10

Crossroads of life…

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Sometimes, we find ourselves at life’s crossroads where, like Apostle Paul, we are to just shake the dust from our feet and move on from a person, place, or situation that has become toxic to our souls.  Whether the dust is legalism, slander, gossip, unfairness, or even someone’s own dysfunction….whatever the dust may be,  don’t let it linger on you. Don’t get caught up in your feelings about it for we cannot be in God’s will and wallow in our feelings at the same time.

God has a plan for you, and it doesn’t stop when you encounter an obstacle.  Our beloved Lord opens and closes doors for a reason. Nothing is lost on him. Often the Lord works in ways we cannot see or acknowledge. It’s all good. Though there may be grief over it, don’t lose heart. There are doors waiting to open for you…new opportunities to share God’s love…other saints waiting to encounter  your love and light that comes through Him.

Perhaps you’ve outgrown the arena you find yourself, or maybe it’s time for a promotion. Your plight feels wrong, but God makes all things work for the good for those who are called according to his purposes.  God is not through with you yet, and your purpose on earth and your calling aren’t subject to someone else’s opinion or approval. Some are so busy pointing fingers that they don’t have time to examine themselves. So caught up in being right that they become blind to their own failings and shortcomings. How easy it is to find fault with another when there is no humility. “First examine the LOG in your own eye before you find fault with the TWIG in a brother’s…”

Oh, the high-minded among us are unknowingly on their own shaky pedestals of falling like the Pharisees in Jesus’ day. So filled with a sense of their own purity, they couldn’t see beyond their noses. Though we must pray the Lord deals with them gently in the face of their folly when they get too full of their own self-importance.

Remember, the battle belongs to the Lord. Let him do the hard work. Justice always prevails in God’s kingdom, and may the redemptive spirit rise high above the fray as on the wings of an eagle.

May the graciousness of our Holy God grant you much peace in the face of every trial and temptation, knowing it is written in scripture that we are to count it all joy!

James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various  trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Sep

04

Do you need refreshment?

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Water is a vital commodity we know and essential for life. Go more than three days without water and it’s dangerous. Water not only quenches our thirst but is also a metaphor in the Bible for life. When we are parched—not only of physical thirst but the spiritual thirst of our souls as well—a never ending spring of life flows abundantly from our Lord and can satisfy like no other.

Living water is something Jesus promised to the woman at the well when he spoke:  Those who drink of the water I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life (John 4:14).

The water of salvation that flows from the very presence of God is available in endless supply for humanity’s deepest needs.

When the poor and needy seek water,
and there is none,
and their tongue is parched with thirst,
the Lord will answer them,
I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
I will open rivers on the bare heights,
and fountains in the midst of valleys;
I will make the wilderness a pool of water,
And the dry land springs of water… ~ Isaiah 41:17-18

Are you thirsty today? Even the most securely saved, blood-bought of Christians have need to be refreshed by the water. What God did for Israel, he can do for you. The Lord cares for you, and the water of salvation is yours for the asking when you have the faith to believe.

 

Aug

27

Thanks be to God always…

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When things go well for us, it’s so easy to give thanks and praise. Though when we might be chastened, or if God allows something to occur that is not of our choice, the thanking and praising may grow quiet.

God is aware of all we’re enduring. Out of love for us, he works in ways that often are beyond our comprehension. We can thank and praise him for being in control of the storms that enter our lives and for sustaining us while in their midst—no matter the outcome. Just remember that there is always a purpose in what God does. In the case of the believer, it’s all to conform each of us more into the image of Christ. It’s for our holiness.

Science bears out that giving thanks and having gratitude lends positively to our lives. As Christians, we already know this. Giving thanks is rewarding not only to the recipient but also to the giver. If there is anything that deserves our utmost thanks, appreciation, gratitude and, ultimately, our praise, it’s our blessed Lord.

Thanks and praise be to God always…

 

 

Aug

18

Holy and righteous is His name

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Try as we may, we can never become holy or righteous enough to please the God of this universe on our own. The first step is to receive Christ in spirit and in truth and then “put on” Christ as we believe and trust in his power. Therein lies our righteousness! No more no less.

No matter how holy we may appear on the outside, our own righteousness will never be enough as the word says in the O.T. that all of our righteousness is akin to filthy rags. Sadly, our goodness will never suffice in pleasing Him or pave a path for us into heaven because it’s not really about us or our works.

So many feel that they must earn their way into heaven or do some kind of work or penance to appease our holy God. Really? Is that what God’s word is saying?

According to Hebrews 11:6, it is impossible to please God without a genuine conviction that he exists. And as far as getting into heaven…Ephesians 2 tells us that it is “by his grace that we have been saved through faith…” and by which we trust Him for our salvation.

God is too great to impress with our own self-righteousness. The only way to please God is to humble ourselves by having faith in his Son, the Lord Jesus, who graciously gave up his life in order we may live.  No one can save themselves, which is good to know because Jesus did it all through his free gift of salvation by His grace alone.