"...put no confidence in the flesh." (Philippians 3:3)
In the verses that follow this one, Paul lists the reasons he could put confidence in the flesh.
His heritage. His family history. His ancestry.
His education. The degrees he had earned. The books he had read.
His position. The important job that he had. The people that looked up to him.
His character. Single-minded. Devoted. Hard-working.
All those things we can look at and be impressed. This is someone I want to know! This is someone I want to follow! This is someone whom I want to be like!
Paul's conclusion: "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ" (v 7).
He gave up all of that to know Christ.
"For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ" (v 8).
We are not accustomed to giving up very much. We would rather work hard to keep what we have and add spirituality to it. We want all our stuff and Christ.
But there are times in our Christian walk when we have to sacrifice to be obedient to Christ.
We may have to sacrifice a career move, rather than sacrifice a church family that holds us accountable and teaches us the Word.
We may have to sacrifice getting another degree, in order to spend time developing spiritual disciplines.
We may have to sacrifice being close to family, to follow Christ to where He wants us to grow.
Doing what is right can be costly. But the reward of knowing Christ is much better.
It can be painful at the beginning to deal with the loss, but far greater to have the joy of obedience. Far greater to come closer to the Lord and lay up treasures in heaven.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Monday, August 24, 2015
Shine On!
"Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:14-15).
Wait! Another "all things" command!
(And there I go breaking it already)
Does it ever stick out to you how often people grumble? Complaining, murmuring, muttering under their breath...
Mom tells them to pick up their room.
Dad tells them not to come back too late.
The boss says, "We've got a new policy."
The teacher says, "Don't forget to study for the test on Friday."
It seems like grumbling is a natural, even expected, response.
And that's why Paul says that we can "shine as lights in the world" when we choose not to grumble or dispute.
In the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, that thinks it's perfectly normal to complain and argue, your choosing not to follow that pattern will make it clear to others that there is something different about you.
And really, that shouldn't be all that hard.
We just need to change our perspective.
It's not about me and what I want.
It's only temporary. Eternity is much longer than this short life with it's challenges.
It's an opportunity for me to grow in submission to authority.
Can you think of other perspectives that can be changed to help you shine in this dark world?
Wait! Another "all things" command!
(And there I go breaking it already)
Does it ever stick out to you how often people grumble? Complaining, murmuring, muttering under their breath...
Mom tells them to pick up their room.
Dad tells them not to come back too late.
The boss says, "We've got a new policy."
The teacher says, "Don't forget to study for the test on Friday."
It seems like grumbling is a natural, even expected, response.
And that's why Paul says that we can "shine as lights in the world" when we choose not to grumble or dispute.
In the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, that thinks it's perfectly normal to complain and argue, your choosing not to follow that pattern will make it clear to others that there is something different about you.
And really, that shouldn't be all that hard.
We just need to change our perspective.
It's not about me and what I want.
It's only temporary. Eternity is much longer than this short life with it's challenges.
It's an opportunity for me to grow in submission to authority.
Can you think of other perspectives that can be changed to help you shine in this dark world?
Saturday, August 22, 2015
One Week Challenge
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3)
NOTHING.
That's a pretty strong word. Pretty exclusive. Pretty restrictive.
Do nothing from selfish ambition.
Not out to seek your own goals. Not trying to make yourself look better. Not trying to climb the ladder.
Do nothing from conceit.
Not because you want to be as important as someone else. Not because you want to have a position that everyone will see.
So how has your week been?
How much time have you spent in selfish ambition? How much of your motivation has been conceited?
Too much.
Now look after the conjunction. "...but in humility count others more significant than yourselves."
Rather than looking out for yourself, look out for others.
Rather than setting goals to make yourself look good, set goals for helping others.
How would that change your actions for this coming week?
You might stop to help someone with a menial task. Maybe you would change your plans to visit a sick friend. Maybe you would re-think your career plans.
How would it change your conversations?
Instead of putting others down to make yourself look better, you'll encourage others. Instead of gossiping and backbiting, you'll hold your tongue.
So try it for a week.
Do nothing from selfish ambition. Do everything in humility.
NOTHING.
That's a pretty strong word. Pretty exclusive. Pretty restrictive.
Do nothing from selfish ambition.
Not out to seek your own goals. Not trying to make yourself look better. Not trying to climb the ladder.
Do nothing from conceit.
Not because you want to be as important as someone else. Not because you want to have a position that everyone will see.
So how has your week been?
How much time have you spent in selfish ambition? How much of your motivation has been conceited?
Too much.
Now look after the conjunction. "...but in humility count others more significant than yourselves."
Rather than looking out for yourself, look out for others.
Rather than setting goals to make yourself look good, set goals for helping others.
How would that change your actions for this coming week?
You might stop to help someone with a menial task. Maybe you would change your plans to visit a sick friend. Maybe you would re-think your career plans.
How would it change your conversations?
Instead of putting others down to make yourself look better, you'll encourage others. Instead of gossiping and backbiting, you'll hold your tongue.
So try it for a week.
Do nothing from selfish ambition. Do everything in humility.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Live like you mean it!
"Only let your manner be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see your or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel" (Philippians 1:27).
Paul encouraged the church in Philippi to live worthy of the gospel of Christ.
What does that look like?
Live like you are redeemed. You actions and words should reflect a change in your life. You should not have the same attitudes as those who are not following Christ. You should not be doing the same things in the same way that you were before God called you to Himself.
You shouldn't be different, just to be different. The differences in your life shouldn't make people say, "Well, that's odd." Rather, they should see and hear something that's appealing, so that they want to know why you responded like you did; why you do this, but not that. Your differentness should point people to Christ and His good news, not to you.
Talk like you are redeemed. You need to talk about the gospel. People may notice that you are different, but that is not going to get them to heaven. Remember that they are lost and headed to hell if they are not trusting in Christ's work on the cross. Seize the opportunities that are before you to warn them and tell them of God's redeeming love.
Work together with other redeemed people. The rest of the verse talks about the unity of those who are working together for the spread of the gospel. A follower of Christ will unite himself to others who are spreading the gospel and work with them. Firm in the faith. United in doctrine. Working hard to tell others about the work of Christ on the cross.
So what would Paul say if he came to visit you today? Would he be able to tell that you are redeemed? Would he be encouraged by your hard work with others in the spreading of the gospel?
Paul encouraged the church in Philippi to live worthy of the gospel of Christ.
What does that look like?
Live like you are redeemed. You actions and words should reflect a change in your life. You should not have the same attitudes as those who are not following Christ. You should not be doing the same things in the same way that you were before God called you to Himself.
You shouldn't be different, just to be different. The differences in your life shouldn't make people say, "Well, that's odd." Rather, they should see and hear something that's appealing, so that they want to know why you responded like you did; why you do this, but not that. Your differentness should point people to Christ and His good news, not to you.
Talk like you are redeemed. You need to talk about the gospel. People may notice that you are different, but that is not going to get them to heaven. Remember that they are lost and headed to hell if they are not trusting in Christ's work on the cross. Seize the opportunities that are before you to warn them and tell them of God's redeeming love.
Work together with other redeemed people. The rest of the verse talks about the unity of those who are working together for the spread of the gospel. A follower of Christ will unite himself to others who are spreading the gospel and work with them. Firm in the faith. United in doctrine. Working hard to tell others about the work of Christ on the cross.
So what would Paul say if he came to visit you today? Would he be able to tell that you are redeemed? Would he be encouraged by your hard work with others in the spreading of the gospel?
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
"Bless the Lord, O you His angels,
You mighty ones who do His work,
Obeying the voice of His word!
Bless the Lord, all His hosts,
His ministers who do His will!
Bless the Lord, all His works,
In all places of His dominion.
Bless the Lord! O my soul!"
(Psalm 103:20-23)
David completes this psalm like he began it, with a call to bless the Lord.
Looking back at the description of God given in the previous verses, nothing remains left to be done, but to praise the Lord.
The angels who are obeying Him should bless the Lord.
The creation in all parts of the universe should bless the Lord.
And I should bless the Lord.
His character never changes. He is the same as He was when David wrote this psalm.
His actions never change. As He showed David great mercy, love and forgiveness, so He continues to do for me.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
You mighty ones who do His work,
Obeying the voice of His word!
Bless the Lord, all His hosts,
His ministers who do His will!
Bless the Lord, all His works,
In all places of His dominion.
Bless the Lord! O my soul!"
(Psalm 103:20-23)
David completes this psalm like he began it, with a call to bless the Lord.
Looking back at the description of God given in the previous verses, nothing remains left to be done, but to praise the Lord.
The angels who are obeying Him should bless the Lord.
The creation in all parts of the universe should bless the Lord.
And I should bless the Lord.
His character never changes. He is the same as He was when David wrote this psalm.
His actions never change. As He showed David great mercy, love and forgiveness, so He continues to do for me.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
Monday, August 17, 2015
Our God Reigns
"The Lord has established His throne in the heavens,
And His kingdom rules over all."
(Psalm 103:19)
This is a verse we need to review before listening to the news. It's so easy to be distracted by the gloom and doom of the nightly news.
Wars around the world. Riots in our own country. Supreme Court decisions. Child abuse cases. Presidential elections. Business scams.
We can easily get discouraged about the mess that this world is in.
And we can become guilty of wishing for the past, "If we'd only get back to our Christian roots..." "If parents would raise their kids like I was raised..." "If we had a president like..."
Essentially, we think that if we were in control, life would be smoother.
Really? Look at the mess that your life is! You really think that you could do any better?
Rather than thinking and acting on those idolatrous thoughts, we need to remember that God is in control. He is ruling over all. All the politicians. All the lawyers. All the criminals. All the natural disasters. All the broken families. All the businessmen. All the diseases.
If God is in charge, then why doesn't He fix things? i.e. Why doesn't He do what I want Him to do?
Well, isn't that a selfish, comical response? If I could tell God what to do, then He wouldn't be in charge, would He?
But we can take confidence in knowing that God is in control, all the time over everything.
He is working all of history and nature toward the grand revelation of Himself. His glory will be revealed. His power and majesty will be clear.
We don't have to understand the details, but grasping the big picture will help us get through the details.
God has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all.
And His kingdom rules over all."
(Psalm 103:19)
This is a verse we need to review before listening to the news. It's so easy to be distracted by the gloom and doom of the nightly news.
Wars around the world. Riots in our own country. Supreme Court decisions. Child abuse cases. Presidential elections. Business scams.
We can easily get discouraged about the mess that this world is in.
And we can become guilty of wishing for the past, "If we'd only get back to our Christian roots..." "If parents would raise their kids like I was raised..." "If we had a president like..."
Essentially, we think that if we were in control, life would be smoother.
Really? Look at the mess that your life is! You really think that you could do any better?
Rather than thinking and acting on those idolatrous thoughts, we need to remember that God is in control. He is ruling over all. All the politicians. All the lawyers. All the criminals. All the natural disasters. All the broken families. All the businessmen. All the diseases.
If God is in charge, then why doesn't He fix things? i.e. Why doesn't He do what I want Him to do?
Well, isn't that a selfish, comical response? If I could tell God what to do, then He wouldn't be in charge, would He?
But we can take confidence in knowing that God is in control, all the time over everything.
He is working all of history and nature toward the grand revelation of Himself. His glory will be revealed. His power and majesty will be clear.
We don't have to understand the details, but grasping the big picture will help us get through the details.
God has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all.
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Eternal Love or Eternal Wrath?
"But the steadfast love of the LORD
Is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children's children,
To those who keep His covenant
And remember to do His commandments"
(Psalm 103:17-18)
In contrast to the fleeting nature of man, God's love is eternal. His righteousness will be given from generation to generation.
But notice the conditions. We like to read that God's love and righteousness are eternal. God will never stop loving. God will never stop being righteous.
But both of those have conditions.
God's love is eternal "on those who fear Him."
His righteousness is given "to those who keep His covenant and remember to do His commandments."
God is love. But God is also just. Perfect love and perfect justice. And we wouldn't want it any other way.
God's justice compels Him to punish sin, which is anything contrary to His nature. Because of the sin in our nature and our lives, we are completely separated from the holy God. From birth, we are under His wrath, because He has to punish sin. (John 3:36).
But God, who is also perfect in His love, desires to have a relationship with His creation. So He made a way for His wrath to be justly satisfied.
His Son, Jesus Christ, died on the cross as a sacrifice. He took the wrath of God upon Himself so that the righteousness could be credited to our account (2 Corinthians 5:21).
God didn't have to do that. He didn't have to pay the ultimate sacrifice. He could have left us under His wrath and sent us all to eternal punishment in Hell. But He loved us and wants us to be with Him forever.
So, to benefit from God's eternal love, we have to "fear Him." Respect Him for who He is and take His word for what it says. He really does hate sin and will punish it. He really does love you and wants you to be with Him.
The only way to remove the wrath and replace it with eternal love is through believing what God says is true. Trusting, accepting, fearing, obeying, believing - they are all related words that show the evidence of doing what God wants you to do.
Are you under God's eternal wrath? Or under His eternal love?
Is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children's children,
To those who keep His covenant
And remember to do His commandments"
(Psalm 103:17-18)
In contrast to the fleeting nature of man, God's love is eternal. His righteousness will be given from generation to generation.
But notice the conditions. We like to read that God's love and righteousness are eternal. God will never stop loving. God will never stop being righteous.
But both of those have conditions.
God's love is eternal "on those who fear Him."
His righteousness is given "to those who keep His covenant and remember to do His commandments."
God is love. But God is also just. Perfect love and perfect justice. And we wouldn't want it any other way.
God's justice compels Him to punish sin, which is anything contrary to His nature. Because of the sin in our nature and our lives, we are completely separated from the holy God. From birth, we are under His wrath, because He has to punish sin. (John 3:36).
But God, who is also perfect in His love, desires to have a relationship with His creation. So He made a way for His wrath to be justly satisfied.
His Son, Jesus Christ, died on the cross as a sacrifice. He took the wrath of God upon Himself so that the righteousness could be credited to our account (2 Corinthians 5:21).
God didn't have to do that. He didn't have to pay the ultimate sacrifice. He could have left us under His wrath and sent us all to eternal punishment in Hell. But He loved us and wants us to be with Him forever.
So, to benefit from God's eternal love, we have to "fear Him." Respect Him for who He is and take His word for what it says. He really does hate sin and will punish it. He really does love you and wants you to be with Him.
The only way to remove the wrath and replace it with eternal love is through believing what God says is true. Trusting, accepting, fearing, obeying, believing - they are all related words that show the evidence of doing what God wants you to do.
Are you under God's eternal wrath? Or under His eternal love?
Friday, August 14, 2015
Life is Short and Then You'll be Forgotten
"As for man, his days are like grass;
He flourishes like a flower of the field;
For the wind passes over it,
And it is gone,
And its place knows it no more"
(Psalm 103:15-16)
Ancestry.com is making money helping us to find out about our family's history. Access to census and immigration records and ships' manifests can help you find out who your great-great-great grandfather was.
And he may have been a very important person. A star athlete. A military officer. A prominent person in the community. A wealthy businessman.
But those details have most likely been forgotten. Only a few people get their names in the paper. Even fewer people will have their names in a local history book. And even fewer than that are studied in history class.
Like the lilies that are blooming right now in the ditches, in a short while, we won't remember that they were even there. Our lives, even if they are good and productive, leaving a positive impact, are short and soon forgotten.
The Bible teaches that we will live into eternity. Our time on earth is short, but eternity is a very, very long time.
With that contrast between the brevity of life and the extent of eternity, we really need to expend our energy in this life into preparing for the next life.
The Bible gives two eternal destinies. Heaven or hell. In the presence of God or separated from Him. Joy or sorrow. Healing or pain.
And the choice is ours to make during this short time on earth.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father except by me" (John 14:6).
The only way to eternal joy in the presence of God is by believing on the completed work of Christ to pay for your sins.
Your life is short. You've got to decide soon.
He flourishes like a flower of the field;
For the wind passes over it,
And it is gone,
And its place knows it no more"
(Psalm 103:15-16)
Ancestry.com is making money helping us to find out about our family's history. Access to census and immigration records and ships' manifests can help you find out who your great-great-great grandfather was.
And he may have been a very important person. A star athlete. A military officer. A prominent person in the community. A wealthy businessman.
But those details have most likely been forgotten. Only a few people get their names in the paper. Even fewer people will have their names in a local history book. And even fewer than that are studied in history class.
Like the lilies that are blooming right now in the ditches, in a short while, we won't remember that they were even there. Our lives, even if they are good and productive, leaving a positive impact, are short and soon forgotten.
The Bible teaches that we will live into eternity. Our time on earth is short, but eternity is a very, very long time.
With that contrast between the brevity of life and the extent of eternity, we really need to expend our energy in this life into preparing for the next life.
The Bible gives two eternal destinies. Heaven or hell. In the presence of God or separated from Him. Joy or sorrow. Healing or pain.
And the choice is ours to make during this short time on earth.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father except by me" (John 14:6).
The only way to eternal joy in the presence of God is by believing on the completed work of Christ to pay for your sins.
Your life is short. You've got to decide soon.
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Dust bunnies or Superman?
"As a father shows compassion on his children,
So the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him.
For He knows our frame,
He remembers that we are dust"
(Psalm 103:13-14)
God knows that we are made of dust.
Dust does not come up in my thoughts when I think of something strong or sturdy.
It's blowing around in the air. It settles on the dashboard. It clings to your shoes.
A damp rag. A garden hose. A vacuum cleaner.
That's all it takes to get rid of dust.
We usually think we're stronger. Like Superman. We can handle a lot. We can deal with our problems. We can tackle that job.
We can fight that temptation. We can stand up for what is right. We can tell the truth.
In reality, we are dust bunnies. We can do nothing on our own. We get blown around until we settle under the bed, hidden and useless.
But God shows compassion on us.
He knows our limits. He is not going to test us beyond our limits (1 Corinthians 10:13).
He knows His strength. He promises us wisdom if we ask (James 1:5) and strength (Philippian 4:13).
We don't have to fight temptation alone. We don't have to stand up for right by ourselves.
Dust bunnies aren't very effective.
But the creator of the universe is ready and able to unleash His power to those who ask.
So the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him.
For He knows our frame,
He remembers that we are dust"
(Psalm 103:13-14)
God knows that we are made of dust.
Dust does not come up in my thoughts when I think of something strong or sturdy.
It's blowing around in the air. It settles on the dashboard. It clings to your shoes.
A damp rag. A garden hose. A vacuum cleaner.
That's all it takes to get rid of dust.
We usually think we're stronger. Like Superman. We can handle a lot. We can deal with our problems. We can tackle that job.
We can fight that temptation. We can stand up for what is right. We can tell the truth.
In reality, we are dust bunnies. We can do nothing on our own. We get blown around until we settle under the bed, hidden and useless.
But God shows compassion on us.
He knows our limits. He is not going to test us beyond our limits (1 Corinthians 10:13).
He knows His strength. He promises us wisdom if we ask (James 1:5) and strength (Philippian 4:13).
We don't have to fight temptation alone. We don't have to stand up for right by ourselves.
Dust bunnies aren't very effective.
But the creator of the universe is ready and able to unleash His power to those who ask.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
As High as the Heavens
"He does not deal with us according to our sins,
Nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far does He remove our transgressions from us"
Psalm 103:10-12
What has happened in your life in the last 9 years? What has happened in the world during that time?
Nine years ago a rocket was launched aimed at Pluto, the furthest planet in our solar system. And just about a month ago pictures were received of this planet. It took nine years to travel at amazing speeds to get to the edge of our solar system.
And our solar system is just a little dot in the universe.
That's how great God's love is for us.
And how far is the east from the west?
If you head east around the globe, you will never start going west. No matter how many times you go around. East never becomes west. There's not a sign that says, "You are now heading west."
That's how far God has removed our sins from us.
God is not keeping a list of our sins.
He is not going to balance out the good with the bad at the end of our lives.
Nor does He zap us with problems because we have sinned so much.
The blood of Christ has cleansed the slate of sins. If we have accepted that cleansing, we are no longer going to be punished for our sins. We are no longer identified by our sins.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come" (2 Cor 5:17).
Do you want your sins removed? It's not through anything that you have done or could do that it happens, but by trusting in the promises of God.
"He (God) saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5).
God has already chosen to remove your sins. But He is waiting for you to let Him.
Nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far does He remove our transgressions from us"
Psalm 103:10-12
What has happened in your life in the last 9 years? What has happened in the world during that time?
Nine years ago a rocket was launched aimed at Pluto, the furthest planet in our solar system. And just about a month ago pictures were received of this planet. It took nine years to travel at amazing speeds to get to the edge of our solar system.
And our solar system is just a little dot in the universe.
That's how great God's love is for us.
And how far is the east from the west?
If you head east around the globe, you will never start going west. No matter how many times you go around. East never becomes west. There's not a sign that says, "You are now heading west."
That's how far God has removed our sins from us.
God is not keeping a list of our sins.
He is not going to balance out the good with the bad at the end of our lives.
Nor does He zap us with problems because we have sinned so much.
The blood of Christ has cleansed the slate of sins. If we have accepted that cleansing, we are no longer going to be punished for our sins. We are no longer identified by our sins.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come" (2 Cor 5:17).
Do you want your sins removed? It's not through anything that you have done or could do that it happens, but by trusting in the promises of God.
"He (God) saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5).
God has already chosen to remove your sins. But He is waiting for you to let Him.
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
God Does Not Nag
"The LORD is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
He will not always chide,
neither will He keep His anger forever"
Psalm 103:8-9
What more needs to be said about these verses?
Add to all these descriptive words the holiness of God. All of these characteristics become intensified with "holiness." God is perfect in His mercy, grace, and longsuffering.
God never changes. So He is not merciful one day and then plotting revenge the next.
God is omniscient. He knows everything about you and me, yet He is still merciful, gracious and longsuffering toward us. We don't have to try to hide anything from Him so that He will still love us. He already knows and He still loves.
"He will not always chide." Chiding is like nagging. God does not keep a list of our sins to bring them up to us over and over again. Our sins are forgiven and God chooses not to bring them up.
It is relieving to have a God like this who is our God.
But it is also challenging to remember that we are to become like God.
Merciful.
Gracious.
Slow to anger.
Plenteous in mercy.
Not nagging.
Not holding on to our anger.
I've got some things to work on. How about you?
slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
He will not always chide,
neither will He keep His anger forever"
Psalm 103:8-9
What more needs to be said about these verses?
Add to all these descriptive words the holiness of God. All of these characteristics become intensified with "holiness." God is perfect in His mercy, grace, and longsuffering.
God never changes. So He is not merciful one day and then plotting revenge the next.
God is omniscient. He knows everything about you and me, yet He is still merciful, gracious and longsuffering toward us. We don't have to try to hide anything from Him so that He will still love us. He already knows and He still loves.
"He will not always chide." Chiding is like nagging. God does not keep a list of our sins to bring them up to us over and over again. Our sins are forgiven and God chooses not to bring them up.
It is relieving to have a God like this who is our God.
But it is also challenging to remember that we are to become like God.
Merciful.
Gracious.
Slow to anger.
Plenteous in mercy.
Not nagging.
Not holding on to our anger.
I've got some things to work on. How about you?
Monday, August 10, 2015
Pray for Me
How do you pray for other believers? What does your prayer list look like?
Usually, it's a list of physical problems. Cancer. Broken bones. Surgeries.
Occasionally there are some financial problems. Needs a job. Starting a new job.
Sometimes there are events. Sunday services. Camp. Retreats.
Look at Paul's prayer for the Philippian believers:
"And it is my prayer for you that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and discernment so that you may approve what is excellent and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God" (Phil 1:9-11).
He had thanked them for the love that they had shown him and was praying that that would continually increase.
He prayed that they would also grow in knowledge and discernment. Not that they would make better financial decisions. Not that they would get better grades.
He desired them to grow in knowledge and discernment, so that they would have victory over temptation.
Knowledge and discernment to know what is excellent, and to choose that. Sin is not excellent. Christ is.
He desired them to be able to stand before Christ, pure and blameless.
He desired for them to be able to act in the righteousness of Christ, not in their own righteousness.
So that God would get the glory and praise.
I don't know about you, but I don't pray that way very often for my brothers and sisters in Christ.
And I know that's the kind of prayer that I need.
Will you pray for me?
Usually, it's a list of physical problems. Cancer. Broken bones. Surgeries.
Occasionally there are some financial problems. Needs a job. Starting a new job.
Sometimes there are events. Sunday services. Camp. Retreats.
Look at Paul's prayer for the Philippian believers:
"And it is my prayer for you that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and discernment so that you may approve what is excellent and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God" (Phil 1:9-11).
He had thanked them for the love that they had shown him and was praying that that would continually increase.
He prayed that they would also grow in knowledge and discernment. Not that they would make better financial decisions. Not that they would get better grades.
He desired them to grow in knowledge and discernment, so that they would have victory over temptation.
Knowledge and discernment to know what is excellent, and to choose that. Sin is not excellent. Christ is.
He desired them to be able to stand before Christ, pure and blameless.
He desired for them to be able to act in the righteousness of Christ, not in their own righteousness.
So that God would get the glory and praise.
I don't know about you, but I don't pray that way very often for my brothers and sisters in Christ.
And I know that's the kind of prayer that I need.
Will you pray for me?
Saturday, August 8, 2015
God Makes Himself Known
"He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the children of Israel" (Psalm 103:7)
God reveals His plans and His works.
That seems pretty obvious to those who have been reading the Bible for a long time. We know the stories of the Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We know about baby Moses in the bulrushes. We've read about the slavery in Egypt and the exodus through the Red Sea.
And it is pretty amazing when we stop to think about it. The creator of the universe is sovereign over all the events of history. He is unique and separate from His creation. He is not dependent on anything or anyone.
Yet He chose to reveal His plans to Moses and the children of Israel. He revealed the history of creation and the history of the nation of Israel. He revealed His righteous requirements through the giving of the law. He revealed His character through His interactions with the children of Israel.
God didn't have to do that. He could have continued to be sovereignly ruling over the universe without ever telling us a single thing. He would have been completely justified and totally satisfied.
But He chose to make Himself know to Israel, to you and to me.
Because He wanted to.
He wanted to tell us about Himself and His plans, because He wants us to know Him.
And that is the kind of God that we need.
His acts to the children of Israel" (Psalm 103:7)
God reveals His plans and His works.
That seems pretty obvious to those who have been reading the Bible for a long time. We know the stories of the Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We know about baby Moses in the bulrushes. We've read about the slavery in Egypt and the exodus through the Red Sea.
And it is pretty amazing when we stop to think about it. The creator of the universe is sovereign over all the events of history. He is unique and separate from His creation. He is not dependent on anything or anyone.
Yet He chose to reveal His plans to Moses and the children of Israel. He revealed the history of creation and the history of the nation of Israel. He revealed His righteous requirements through the giving of the law. He revealed His character through His interactions with the children of Israel.
God didn't have to do that. He could have continued to be sovereignly ruling over the universe without ever telling us a single thing. He would have been completely justified and totally satisfied.
But He chose to make Himself know to Israel, to you and to me.
Because He wanted to.
He wanted to tell us about Himself and His plans, because He wants us to know Him.
And that is the kind of God that we need.
Thursday, August 6, 2015
God is Keeping Track
"The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed." (Psalm 103:6)
Some people will rally to this verse and use it as a cry for social justice.
Justice for the abused children and battered wives.
Justice for the minorities.
Justice for the falsely accused.
And there certainly are biblical grounds for those cries for justice. God is aware of the sins against people and is keeping track. He is on the side of the oppressed.
But let's move it to a more personal level.
When you are ridiculed for standing up for the truth, God will bring about judgment.
When you are cast out of your circle of friends for choosing to obey God rather than them, God is aware.
When your family abandons you, because you want to do what God wants, He will work righteousness.
That judgment and righteousness may not be seen in this lifetime. It may not be until you step into heaven and hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
But God is keeping track. God will judge. God will bring about righteousness.
So that means that you don't have to. You don't have to carry about bitterness toward those who ridicule you. And you don't have to be arrogant because you are better than they are.
You can humbly submit to God, choosing to obey Him in any situation, regardless of the consequences.
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Bless the LORD, O my Soul!
"Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits,
Who forgives your iniquity,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
Who satisfies you with good
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's"
(Psalm 103:1-5)
God is truly worthy of praise. From the depths of our being we should be filled with praise for the great things that He has done and continues to do for us.
He forgives our iniquity. He knows all about every single sin that we've committed, or even thought about committing. Yet He chooses to forgive every single one of them. Not just the small ones. Not just the big ones. Not just the ones for which we've pled for forgiveness. Not just the ones that others know about, but we've kept hidden. He forgives them all.
He heals all our diseases. The human body is amazing. Doctors and medicine can do amazing things. But the fact that a doctor can prescribe an antibiotic depends on a God who maintains the universe. Otherwise, there would be no pattern for the doctor to follow; no system to let the doctor know what to expect. Sometimes God heals through miracles. Sometimes God heals by promoting the person to heaven, where there is no pain or sickness.
He redeems our lives from the pit. Many people think they've got their lives all together. Or at least they give the appearance that they do. Yet they are spending their resources looking for something. Something that satisfies. Something that takes away the pain. Something that makes them happy. They don't realize that they are in a pit. Only God will set them free from that pit, set their feet on solid ground and satisfy them.
He crowns us with steadfast love and mercy. Little kids often pretend to be a king or a princess and wear a crown. It's a symbol of importance and power. It makes us feel good. Imagine wearing a crown of love and mercy, instead of power. Love and mercy from God controlling your life, giving you purpose, overflowing into your entire being.
He satisfies us with good. Gluttony, pornography, greed, envy, alcohol and drug abuse. All of these and more are common in our circles. Bitterness, selfishness, pride, arrogance, prejudice. All of these are just as common. And they all reflect dissatisfaction. We are not satisfied, not content. So we look for others and other things to fill the emptiness. Only God can satisfy us with good things. Good things that will not be harmful to ourselves or others.
Look through that list again. All those needs of the soul can be met in God. And when those needs are met, our deepest burdens are lifted and we can be renewed like an eagle.
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits,
Who forgives your iniquity,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
Who satisfies you with good
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's"
(Psalm 103:1-5)
God is truly worthy of praise. From the depths of our being we should be filled with praise for the great things that He has done and continues to do for us.
He forgives our iniquity. He knows all about every single sin that we've committed, or even thought about committing. Yet He chooses to forgive every single one of them. Not just the small ones. Not just the big ones. Not just the ones for which we've pled for forgiveness. Not just the ones that others know about, but we've kept hidden. He forgives them all.
He heals all our diseases. The human body is amazing. Doctors and medicine can do amazing things. But the fact that a doctor can prescribe an antibiotic depends on a God who maintains the universe. Otherwise, there would be no pattern for the doctor to follow; no system to let the doctor know what to expect. Sometimes God heals through miracles. Sometimes God heals by promoting the person to heaven, where there is no pain or sickness.
He redeems our lives from the pit. Many people think they've got their lives all together. Or at least they give the appearance that they do. Yet they are spending their resources looking for something. Something that satisfies. Something that takes away the pain. Something that makes them happy. They don't realize that they are in a pit. Only God will set them free from that pit, set their feet on solid ground and satisfy them.
He crowns us with steadfast love and mercy. Little kids often pretend to be a king or a princess and wear a crown. It's a symbol of importance and power. It makes us feel good. Imagine wearing a crown of love and mercy, instead of power. Love and mercy from God controlling your life, giving you purpose, overflowing into your entire being.
He satisfies us with good. Gluttony, pornography, greed, envy, alcohol and drug abuse. All of these and more are common in our circles. Bitterness, selfishness, pride, arrogance, prejudice. All of these are just as common. And they all reflect dissatisfaction. We are not satisfied, not content. So we look for others and other things to fill the emptiness. Only God can satisfy us with good things. Good things that will not be harmful to ourselves or others.
Look through that list again. All those needs of the soul can be met in God. And when those needs are met, our deepest burdens are lifted and we can be renewed like an eagle.
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