christian Life

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PLEASING GOD

(1Corinthians 5:9 MSG) But neither exile nor homecoming is the main thing.  Cheerfully pleasing God is the main thing, and that’s what we aim to do, regardless of our conditions.

A couple of days ago I read the devotional for March 17th from “My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers. For his words of that day he used the above scripture, and he pointed out that the first aim of every child of God is to please God.  It made me think again of the father child relationship, and yes, it should be the goal of every child to please their father.  But what happens when that is not the child’s goal?  What happens when the child wants to do their own thing against the father’s wishes? 

From the father’s perspective it is painful when a child goes beyond our instructions, steps out on their own, and gets them self in trouble.  You tried to warn them, but they did it anyway.  At first you’re angry with them, but as time passes your love for them causes you to forgive them, and you are always motivated to make a way for them to get through the consequences and be restored.

(Psalm 103:8-13) The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.  He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.  For as high as the heavens are above the earth so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west so far has he removed our transgressions from us.  As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.

Our Heavenly Father is the perfect Father.  I imagine that he feels pain when we sin against him, but as this passage from Psalm 103 tells us, he forgives his children and removes our sins from us.  He wants to restore us to himself.  How does he get us through the consequences of our sins?  He sent his only begotten Son to pay the consequences for all of us for all of time.

(Hebrews 11:6) And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

I want to please God; I’m a sinner.  I can’t always please him, but I do my best.  When I fall, he is always there to pick me up.  So, faith is the key to pleasing God.  I believe in God, I trust in God, and through faith I know he will always be my Father. 

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FEARING GOD?

 (Ecclesiastes 12:13)  Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.

Have you ever wondered about what it actually means to fear God?  Imagine that you got in trouble at school, and your mother had to come and pick you up.  You’d have fear of your mother, but then your mother would say these dreaded words, “wait till your father gets home”.  These words would strike a deeper fear.  Well, if you had a good loving relationship with your father, you might be afraid of what punishment was coming, but you’d also have a hurt in your heart because you had let your father down.  God calls himself our Father, and that helps us understand what the fear of God is like.  For those who didn’t have the perfect father experience, this might present us with a somewhat confused understanding of what it means to fear God.

Last Sunday, our pastor used electricity as an example for fearing God.  Electricity is all around us, and we depend on it greatly.  However we also know that if we stick a fork in an outlet we’re going to get electrocuted.  So we respect electricity and have a healthy fear of it. 

The sun is another power source that we respect and maintain a healthy fear toward.  Not only does the sun provide heat for us, but through the process of photosynthesis it also provides directly or indirectly all the food eaten by us and the other living creatures on the earth.  The sun is a life sustaining power that we can’t live without.  Now put on your bathing suit and go lay in direct summer sunlight for 5 or 6 hours and you will experience another aspect of the sun’s power by developing a painful sun burn.  My worse sun burn was obtained in the tropics in a period of one hour.  The pain was excruciating. I became nauseous and could hardly move.  I definitely have a healthy fear of the sun’s power.

God is the ultimate power and the creator of all other sources of power known to man.  He has power over the physical world and the spiritual world.  Fearing God is an intelligent decision, yet there is so much more to God then raw power.  God is also a being filled with love, patience, kindness, and forgiveness. In my years of knowing God, I’ve come to love him, and I feel very close to him. I desire to please God because he loves me, and I love him. He is like the perfect father to me.  So let me then close with this scripture.

(1 John 4:16-18)  So we know and rely on the love God has for us.  God is love.  Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.  This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgement: In this world we are like Jesus.  There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with judgment.  The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

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THE DEPTHS OF GOD’S LOVE FOR US

(John 3:16) For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

(Genesis 2:15-17) The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.  And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”

(Romans 6:23) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(Galatians 4:4&5) But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.

In John 3:16 it is stated that God so loved the world.  We are part of the world he loves.  Since we are loved so much, he definitely doesn’t want us to perish.  In the verses from Genesis, we find the warning from God not to eat from the forbidden tree.  Adam ate from the forbidden tree and brought sin and death into our world.  As a result, we all have the sinful nature from our ancestor Adam; therefore, we are all under the sentence of death that Adam received.  This presented a dilemma for God.  He loves us all and wants us to be with him eternally.

God is just, so the sentence of death had to be carried out; but God, who is never surprised by events, saw this coming, and he made a plan to redeem us.  He sent his one and only son.  Jesus came to earth, took our sins upon himself, and paid for them with his death on the cross. He fulfilled the requirements of the law for us all.  Our death sentence was cancelled.  Justice was served, and God’s redemption plan was completed.

God loves us, and he demonstrated the depth of his love for us by sending his one and only Son to the cross.  Through this great and terrible sacrifice, redemption has been accomplished.  I believe that he is now eager for us to come to him.  God has given us opportunity for the eternal life that he always intended for us.

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CHRISTMAS MAGIC

Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem

(Luke 2:6-14)  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.  She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

            And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

            Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

            “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

                  and on earth peace to those on

                        whom his favor rests.”

You hear a lot of talk about the Magic of Christmas at this time of year.  Webster’s definition of magic includes the term “supernatural”.  Christmas is definitely supernatural.  In Luke chapter 2, we read about the birth of Jesus and those who are involved in this one-time event. Think of it, a virgin gives birth, angels appear and give glory to God, and the Savior of the world is an apparently helpless child lying in a manger.  This is real magic; not a slight of hand or an illusion, but God’s kind of magic for it is supernatural.

In our everyday natural lives, we at times experience God’s supernatural intervention.  Someone receives salvation, unexpected generosity, supernatural healing, answered pray, or God’s unforeseen provision.  At Christmas time, we tend to expect these “miracles”.  Of course, God is always at work in our lives, but there is something magical about Christmas.

What could be more magical than the coming of God’s son to save us from our sins?  God’s way of doing this is supernatural, miraculous, and magical. Perhaps Christmas magic is rooted in our hearts because the miracle of salvation has come. 

 I pray that you have a happy and content Christmas celebration, and that the magic of Christmas will be with you throughout the New Year.

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THE PLAN OF GOD AND OUR EVERYDAY LIFE

In the first chapter of Matthew, he presents us with a genealogy from Abraham to Jesus.  Each of the people mentioned in this list were just like us going about everyday life.  In all the ups and downs of life, we are all unaware of our specific part in God’s plan.  Yet those mentioned in Matthew’s genealogy are all in the linage of Jesus. 

In his genealogy, Matthew calls our attention to four couples.  These couples are: Judah and Tamar, Salmon and Rahab, Boaz and Ruth, and David and Bathsheba.  They each have their stories recorded in the pages of the Old Testament. 

The story of Judah and Tamar is found in Genesis Chapter 38.  The story of Salmon and Rahab is found in the book of Joshua chapter 2 and culminated in chapter 6 verses 17, 22 and 25. Salmon took Rahab as his wife. His name is not mentioned in the Joshua story, but Matthew’s list confirms him as the father of Boaz.  The story of Boaz and Ruth is found in the book of Ruth.  It’s a great story.  The story of David and Bathsheba is recorded in 2nd Samuel Chapters 11 and 12:1-25. 

The everyday lives of these couples, and all the others mentioned in Mathew’s list of forbearers, played important roles in God’s plan.  Some of them were of Hebrew descent, and some were not.  For three of the couples, sin was obviously part of their story.  Still, they all played a part in the coming of Jesus.  In the course of their everyday lives God brought about his miraculous plan for the salvation of the world.  God’s plan is not finished. 

In our everyday lives, we are living out our part in God’s continuing plan to bring others to salvation.  In the midst of this chaotic world, let’s share the wonderful story of the true meaning of Christmas to all who will listen. Who knows what part our everyday lives may play in God’s miraculous plan.  

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OH, TO WALK WITH GOD

(Genesis 3:8-11) Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.  But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”  He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”  And he said, “Who told you that you were naked?  Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”

We were never meant to walk alone.  We were designed to walk with God.  In the beginning, Adam and Eve walked with God, but they fell into sin and that changed the innocent life that they were given.  Sin separated them and subsequently the rest of us from God, but he has provided a way back.

(John 3:16)  For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

God, through Jesus, provided a way for us to again walk with him.  God is just, so he gave his son that justice might be served.  Jesus died on the cross to take our place and bring justice to our sin problem.  Jesus opened up the path for our forgiveness that we might again walk with our God.

God is very excited for us to join him.  Go ahead and step into the way that he has provided for your return.  Surrender your self-will to his will.  He is trustworthy, and he loves you dearly.  God will be delighted when you return to him. 

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THE HOLY SPIRIT LIVES IN ME

John 14:15-17, “If you love me, keep my commands.  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – The Spirit of truth.  The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him.  But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”

I was thinking the other day about the fact that the Holy Spirit lives in me.  Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to me the moment I believed and surrendered my life to him.  At that moment, I had a definite awareness of new life.  I was changed!  For a short time after that, I was conscious of a distinct difference in me. Then I got used to my new life.   

Now after many years of walking with the Lord, I believe that the Holy Spirit Lives in me, but I seem to have no clear perception of his presence.  As I pursued this before the Lord, I had this thought.  What would it be like if God removed the Holy Spirit?   

In horror, I recalled the desolate life I was leading before He sent his Spirit.  Ok!  I get it. I saw the answer to my deliberations very clearly.  The blessed and happy life I now lead is evidence of the Holy Spirit’s presence.  He leads me and guides me and fills me with new life.  I thank you, Holy Spirit.  I love living my new life.

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TWO KINGDOMS

I’ve been thinking over the current events here in our country and what my attitude might be in response to these events.  I have been reflecting on the broader picture from a Christian perspective, and these are some of the thoughts I’d like to share.

There are two ruling kingdoms on the earth.  They are the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light.  The kingdom of darkness is ruled by Satan. It is a finite kingdom that will end at God’s discretion.  The kingdom of light is ruled by God.  God’s kingdom is eternal, it will never end.  The people of the earth who have not chosen which of these kingdoms to enter are citizens of the kingdom of darkness.  Many are unaware of this. Those who have received the salvation God offers through the sacrifice of Jesus his son have become members of God’s eternal kingdom.  We should all be very aware of this.

The earth has many countries that have their various forms of government.  These governments are ruled by humans who are often unaware of the kingdoms that rule over them.  Being unaware leads them to being influenced by the kingdom of darkness.  This results in a lust for power and greed.  Unchecked, this lust and greed feeds on itself until all morality is lost.

For those of us who have chosen to enter God’s kingdom of light, we have been commanded as to how we should conduct ourselves.  Jesus commanded us to love one another, and to go into all the world sharing the good news of his salvation. We have not been commanded to kill the non-believers, but to love and pray for our enemies and those who persecute us. 

Christians should live in contrast to the kingdom of darkness.  We are to be light and salt on the earth. Living in opposition to the world is not easy. Doing it on our own is impossible.  We rely on God’s constant help.

Let’s pray for each other that we might all live in contrast to darkness and look to Jesus for help in bring salt and light to the earth.

Scripture references: John 15:17, Matthew 28:18-20, Matthew 5:43-45, Matthew 5:13-16

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A GOOD LIFE

Most people would say, “My overall goal is to have a good life”.  If you asked them what that means or what does that look like, you’d get a human answer.

Planning for a good life requires many assumptions because our lives are terminal and of an unknown number of years.  This is a precarious platform on which to plan.  We don’t know what is going to happen five minutes from now, or if we will be alive five minutes from now.  Statistically, we’re pretty confident that we’ll be living five minutes from now, but you know statistics aren’t that reliable.

We have only one sure way to plan a good life.  I found that way in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” The longer I live, the more I appreciate the wisdom of this proverb.  Since we have no clue about the future, how can we plan for it?  The Lord alone knows what the future holds.  Trusting him provides a great life plan.  I’d like to add this amazing truth that comes with trusting the Lord, “in Christ Jesus death is no longer part of the equation.”

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THE DEVIL’S SCHEMES

I had eye surgery this week so this is a repost.  I’ve been aware that our sequestering is an opportunity for the Devil to turn us against each other.  Negative thoughts can be whispered in our ears to cause us to think badly about those we love.  This is a reminder I needed to hear.  I hope it helps you.

 

Ephesians 6:10-12

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

We have an enemy that we cannot see.  This enemy is of the spiritual world.  How do we defend ourselves?  The ensuing list from Ephesians 6 tells us with this armor analogy:

The belt of truth

The breastplate of righteous

Feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace

The shield of faith (which extinguishes the flaming arrows of the evil one)

The helmet of salvation

The sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God)

These are to help us stand against the devil’s schemes.  Let’s take a look at how the devil works.

In Genesis chapter three we get our first look at the enemy’s methods.  He uses three devices.  One, question the truth, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”  Two, dispel the truth, “You will not surely die.”  Three, set a temptation, “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God knowing good and evil.”

Here’s an example of how it plays out today.  Everybody says that drugs are bad, but are they?  You surely won’t become addicted.  Look at all the fun your friends are having.  You don’t want to miss out.

Yes, the scheme is still the same, and we are just as vulnerable as Eve.  The way these lies are communicated is through suggestions, whispers in the ear, or through someone who has already bought the lie.  The devil is always scheming.  The plan is to steal, kill and destroy (See John 10:10). He and his helpers are constantly busy.  What lies and temptation is he setting before you?