Hebrews 2:17-18
"Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted."
Imagine the Son of God, the Savior of the world, being tempted. In every way that we have ever been tempted, so has He. Jesus was tempted to lie, steal, lust, sexual impurity, gluttony, disobedience, and the list goes on. Yet He endured without sin.
There truly was no other way for Jesus to be our Friend and our Savior. God is just and righteous, yet through this human experience He showed His faithful mercy.
We often see God as the One to Whom we go for forgiveness after we have failed at resisting temptation. As well we should. However, we seldom see Jesus as the Source of assistance and aid during a time of temptation. Since He has been through it, He understands what we experience and therefore is not willing that we should endure it alone.
When was the last time I was tempted? What was my response? Do I seek Jesus for succor?
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Good Works
Titus 2:14
"Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."
Titus 3:8
"This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men."
There are not many places in the Bible where we are told to be zealous regarding something in particular. The word means to be burning with zealously or eager desire. There should be a fire kindled by love within the heart of each Christian that drives them to do good works.
The question then becomes, what is a good work? On the most basic level, a good work is some action or attitude that is pleasing to God. This is the fruit Jesus commands us to bear through abiding in the Father. This fruit, these good works, must flow from a love for God and not a selfish desire for credit or a grudging compliance to a command.
Thinking back over yesterday, can I think of any good works that I accomplished? Am I zealous regarding good works?
"Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."
Titus 3:8
"This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men."
There are not many places in the Bible where we are told to be zealous regarding something in particular. The word means to be burning with zealously or eager desire. There should be a fire kindled by love within the heart of each Christian that drives them to do good works.
The question then becomes, what is a good work? On the most basic level, a good work is some action or attitude that is pleasing to God. This is the fruit Jesus commands us to bear through abiding in the Father. This fruit, these good works, must flow from a love for God and not a selfish desire for credit or a grudging compliance to a command.
Thinking back over yesterday, can I think of any good works that I accomplished? Am I zealous regarding good works?
Friday, November 25, 2016
Wholly
1 Timothy 4:15
"Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all."
God is not ok with half measures in the life of His children. Salt that has lost its savor is good for nothing. Lukewarmness is not tolerated. "Give thyself wholly to them". Wholly.
Surrender is a terrifying thing. Letting go of my control over areas of my life is completely antithetical to my normal, fleshly way of thinking. And that is the beauty of it.
If I will take the time to truly meditate on the Word of God, on His commands and accompanying promises, I will have nothing less that complete commitment in my heart. If I meditate on the power, love, and grace He longs to pour into the life of a surrendered Christian, nothing would stop me from giving it all away, without reservation to my King. The result will then be a world having a front row seat to what God can do through a wholly committed life.
What is holding me back from wholly giving myself to God? What part of my life do I hold onto with fear? How can I take a step toward letting God have that? Am I meditating on Who it is I serve?
"Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all."
God is not ok with half measures in the life of His children. Salt that has lost its savor is good for nothing. Lukewarmness is not tolerated. "Give thyself wholly to them". Wholly.
Surrender is a terrifying thing. Letting go of my control over areas of my life is completely antithetical to my normal, fleshly way of thinking. And that is the beauty of it.
If I will take the time to truly meditate on the Word of God, on His commands and accompanying promises, I will have nothing less that complete commitment in my heart. If I meditate on the power, love, and grace He longs to pour into the life of a surrendered Christian, nothing would stop me from giving it all away, without reservation to my King. The result will then be a world having a front row seat to what God can do through a wholly committed life.
What is holding me back from wholly giving myself to God? What part of my life do I hold onto with fear? How can I take a step toward letting God have that? Am I meditating on Who it is I serve?
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Fulfill It
Colossians 4:17-18
"And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it. The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen."
There are two very important lessons that we learn from these two short verses.
First, we know very little about Archippus, but it is supposed that he may have been a pastor in need of encouragement. Whatever his role, we see from this brief admonishment that just because our purpose may have been revealed to us, it does not mean that we will always faithfully pursue it. Often we get so caught up in searching for God's will and purpose for us that once we find it, it can be easy to let our passion wane. That is not what God wants. When our purpose is revealed, when we receive our own personal ministry from the Lord, it is time to work to fulfill it with all our might.
Am I actively seeking God's work for me to fulfill? Am I pursuing it with all I am?
Second, Paul asks the church to remember his bonds. Paul did not have an easy life, let alone one the world would term enjoyable. The persecution he underwent would cower the boldest Christian of today. But he told the church to remember that he was in prison.
Jesus said that what we do to the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, and those in prison is what we do to Him. Therefore it follows that Paul's plea was not for his sake, but rather for the church's sake. He was reminding them of Jesus' instruction.
Do I remember my fellow Christians in bonds? What does that remembrance motivate me to do?
"And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it. The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen."
There are two very important lessons that we learn from these two short verses.
First, we know very little about Archippus, but it is supposed that he may have been a pastor in need of encouragement. Whatever his role, we see from this brief admonishment that just because our purpose may have been revealed to us, it does not mean that we will always faithfully pursue it. Often we get so caught up in searching for God's will and purpose for us that once we find it, it can be easy to let our passion wane. That is not what God wants. When our purpose is revealed, when we receive our own personal ministry from the Lord, it is time to work to fulfill it with all our might.
Am I actively seeking God's work for me to fulfill? Am I pursuing it with all I am?
Second, Paul asks the church to remember his bonds. Paul did not have an easy life, let alone one the world would term enjoyable. The persecution he underwent would cower the boldest Christian of today. But he told the church to remember that he was in prison.
Jesus said that what we do to the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, and those in prison is what we do to Him. Therefore it follows that Paul's plea was not for his sake, but rather for the church's sake. He was reminding them of Jesus' instruction.
Do I remember my fellow Christians in bonds? What does that remembrance motivate me to do?
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Enemies of Christ
Philippians 3:18-19
"(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)"
This verse ought to be seen, not as an opportunity to judge those around us, but rather as a challenge to examine our own lives. A chance to take the beam from our own eye first before helping our brother with the speck in his own eye.
Notice in this verse that Paul does not say that these people became enemies of Christ and then made their belly their god, etc. Rather that list is a description of the enemies of Christ. Doubtless, they did not set off to become enemies of Christ. It is not in most people's nature to intentionally be an enemy. Yet by their "soft choices", their decisions to put themselves first, they became enemies of God.
In looking at my life, I must ask myself - who's desires am I fulfilling? God's? Or the fleshly desires of my own hungers? Do I find glory in things that God sees as a shame? Where are my thoughts? On the Heavenly? Or on the earthly?
The are vital questions to ask and answer honestly. "Enemy of Christ" is a title to be avoided at all costs.
"(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)"
This verse ought to be seen, not as an opportunity to judge those around us, but rather as a challenge to examine our own lives. A chance to take the beam from our own eye first before helping our brother with the speck in his own eye.
Notice in this verse that Paul does not say that these people became enemies of Christ and then made their belly their god, etc. Rather that list is a description of the enemies of Christ. Doubtless, they did not set off to become enemies of Christ. It is not in most people's nature to intentionally be an enemy. Yet by their "soft choices", their decisions to put themselves first, they became enemies of God.
In looking at my life, I must ask myself - who's desires am I fulfilling? God's? Or the fleshly desires of my own hungers? Do I find glory in things that God sees as a shame? Where are my thoughts? On the Heavenly? Or on the earthly?
The are vital questions to ask and answer honestly. "Enemy of Christ" is a title to be avoided at all costs.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Infirmities, Etc.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."
I don't know about you, but I like the first sentence of these two verses. The rest of it is a bit harder to "like". The words "most gladly" and "take pleasure" do not generally apply to our attitude regarding the list of negatives that Paul provides. However, this is yet another demonstration of how radical the Christian life and attitude is supposed to be.
Infirmities, etc. are not something we as humans have the ability to enjoy. But with the power of God in our lives, things are different. We now look past the infirmities, etc. toward what we know is waiting on the other end. The power of Christ, His perfect grace, His perfect strength.
What is my perspective on and attitude toward infirmities, etc.? How does my view of God influence that?
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."
I don't know about you, but I like the first sentence of these two verses. The rest of it is a bit harder to "like". The words "most gladly" and "take pleasure" do not generally apply to our attitude regarding the list of negatives that Paul provides. However, this is yet another demonstration of how radical the Christian life and attitude is supposed to be.
Infirmities, etc. are not something we as humans have the ability to enjoy. But with the power of God in our lives, things are different. We now look past the infirmities, etc. toward what we know is waiting on the other end. The power of Christ, His perfect grace, His perfect strength.
What is my perspective on and attitude toward infirmities, etc.? How does my view of God influence that?
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Bringing Into Captivity
2 Corinthians 10:5
"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"
I believe this is one of the key verses in our spiritual warfare that many miss. The war is not with flesh and blood, as we well know. It is in the heart and mind. And it is in the heart and mind that God desires to strengthen you, to make you mighty. Yet because we so often miss what is in this verse, we so often fall short.
Our thoughts are under our control. Anything that is going against what we know of God is to be cast down. And every thought, no matter the thought, is to be brought into captivity, it is our prisoner and we make it obey Christ. This is Christ's power working in us. This is the renewing of our mind. This is being conformed to the image of Him, from the inside out.
Are my thoughts under my control as I place myself under the control of my King?
"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"
I believe this is one of the key verses in our spiritual warfare that many miss. The war is not with flesh and blood, as we well know. It is in the heart and mind. And it is in the heart and mind that God desires to strengthen you, to make you mighty. Yet because we so often miss what is in this verse, we so often fall short.
Our thoughts are under our control. Anything that is going against what we know of God is to be cast down. And every thought, no matter the thought, is to be brought into captivity, it is our prisoner and we make it obey Christ. This is Christ's power working in us. This is the renewing of our mind. This is being conformed to the image of Him, from the inside out.
Are my thoughts under my control as I place myself under the control of my King?
Monday, November 7, 2016
Fear and Trembling
Psalm 2:11
"Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling."
I'm afraid now and then that all Christians are guilty of forgetting Who they serve. We are the children of Love personified. Yet He also is the very being of Justice and Righteousness. He is the Judge Who will condemn the unrepentant. The Holy One Who turned His back on His only Son when He became sin for us.
God is Love, and His mercy is boundless and unknowable for its vastness. Yet we cannot focus on that to the exclusion of His other qualities. Serve Him because of love, but do it with fear. Rejoice in His mercy and grace that is poured out daily in our lives, but do it with trembling. Not fear and trembling as the world knows it, but that staggered awe, honor and respect that the King of Righteousness deserves.
How do I feel about the seeming dichotomy of God's character? How should that influence the way I live today?
"Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling."
I'm afraid now and then that all Christians are guilty of forgetting Who they serve. We are the children of Love personified. Yet He also is the very being of Justice and Righteousness. He is the Judge Who will condemn the unrepentant. The Holy One Who turned His back on His only Son when He became sin for us.
God is Love, and His mercy is boundless and unknowable for its vastness. Yet we cannot focus on that to the exclusion of His other qualities. Serve Him because of love, but do it with fear. Rejoice in His mercy and grace that is poured out daily in our lives, but do it with trembling. Not fear and trembling as the world knows it, but that staggered awe, honor and respect that the King of Righteousness deserves.
How do I feel about the seeming dichotomy of God's character? How should that influence the way I live today?
Sunday, November 6, 2016
The Love of Christ Constrains Us
1 Corinthians 5:9, 14-15
"Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him...For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again."
The labor that Paul speaks of here is not good works in order that we might receive our salvation. Rather, it is a labor driven by a love. A love that will let us do nothing else.
We have a daily struggle, the flesh fighting the Spirit within. If we were to daily surrender to the Holy Spirit, we would daily walk in this love of Christ that compels us to labor for Him. We would live our lives not for our own benefit, but for Him Who died.
Christ's love and sacrifice for us must be the motivation behind our labor. If it is not, it is done in the flesh and will not endure.
Am I laboring for Christ? What is my motivation, what compels me?
"Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him...For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again."
The labor that Paul speaks of here is not good works in order that we might receive our salvation. Rather, it is a labor driven by a love. A love that will let us do nothing else.
We have a daily struggle, the flesh fighting the Spirit within. If we were to daily surrender to the Holy Spirit, we would daily walk in this love of Christ that compels us to labor for Him. We would live our lives not for our own benefit, but for Him Who died.
Christ's love and sacrifice for us must be the motivation behind our labor. If it is not, it is done in the flesh and will not endure.
Am I laboring for Christ? What is my motivation, what compels me?
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Leading By Example
1 Corinthians 11:!
"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."
We serve the Creator God Who placed everything on this earth for a reason. His plan and purpose are revealed to us through His Word. Part of that plan is for His children to be leaders. He did not die to save us so that we could call it good there.
You and I have a higher purpose, to lead others to the Living Water. We should be able to say to everyone we meet, "See what I am doing and where I am going? Follow me, and as you follow me, we will together end at Christ's feet." Obviously we are imperfect humans who will fail from time to time, but our direction must be toward Christ. We must always get up and continue in that direction so that we can say with Paul, "Follow me, as I follow Christ."
Where would I lead someone if they followed in my footsteps today?
"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."
We serve the Creator God Who placed everything on this earth for a reason. His plan and purpose are revealed to us through His Word. Part of that plan is for His children to be leaders. He did not die to save us so that we could call it good there.
You and I have a higher purpose, to lead others to the Living Water. We should be able to say to everyone we meet, "See what I am doing and where I am going? Follow me, and as you follow me, we will together end at Christ's feet." Obviously we are imperfect humans who will fail from time to time, but our direction must be toward Christ. We must always get up and continue in that direction so that we can say with Paul, "Follow me, as I follow Christ."
Where would I lead someone if they followed in my footsteps today?
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