After Jesus invited a child to stand in the middle of the crowd, He said,"Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3 NIV).
The word for change means to be converted by changing direction.
God is immutable but we must change as we mature or grow up in Christ. If we refuse to allow the Holy Spirit to challenge our hearts we can soon move in a direction that opposes Him. Sadly, many believers are living a self-direct spiritual life that avoids conflict and pain regarding the truth about what is really going on in the heart. A whole generation has settled like the Israelites with the people of the land creating mixture and confusion.
Recently a forty year old ministry collapsed when the president said in essence that change is relevant to what the person determines and apologized to a community he felt was offended by the ministry. Jesus warns unless we change we will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Change in the Christian life is not an option. Every step in this journey with Christ we are being renewed, refreshed and transformed into His glorious image. He gives all the power, resources and abilities to make change possible and sustainable. It can be difficult to go counter to the voices that say God accepts you as you are so why change?
But to agree that a particular sin, orientation or way of living is impossible to change is to limit the Holy One by a spirit of unbelief. It puts us at risk of being one the foolish virgins who were unprepared when He returned for His bride.
Change begins with a simple yes to the Lord. The moment you shut down or block your ears from hearing what you know is true then change is hindered. God does not stop because of our unwillingness but moves on. To remain where we live and how we live can result in a withered, dry and lonely existence.
God's kingdom advances and so we must grow in His grace to meet the demands of life in constant spiritual motion.
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Saturday, October 24, 2015
What Is It, God?
What is it, God? It's a question that troubles me whenever a haunting impression or thought about some past sins suddenly emerges out of nowhere and shakes my world.
The enemy wants to use this as an opportunity to prove I'm no different after all these years. I'm a fake. I've been living a lie of what otherwise could be a genuine Christian walk. As if to say deep down inside I'm the man of the past who rather be there than presently living for Christ.
But what is it that I would be searching for in that place? A place marred by darkness and pain. Such a place made for frustration and emptiness. The deception of living in that place caused pain for many people in my life.
Even now I'm learning not to rehearse past sins and failures that He has forgiven me. But there are moments that something seems to surface from the subconscious that I can't seem to give it a name. If I can put my finger on it then I could name it and ask God for help to overcome.
Some believers may call this a besetting sin. I believe it something else deep in the heart only God can resolve. Something wants to spring up and come alive especially in moments of great difficulty. That is why there is a place called the shadow of death (Psalms 23:4) that every believer must pass through to experience greater freedom and life in Christ. Paul calls it dying daily (I Corinthians 15:31).
Sinning should never come easy but sadly that is the condition of many believers in our generation. These are the ones who are unwilling to yield and bend their knees to God in submission. They rather hold to a promise of heaven while living for the passing pleasures of sin.
If we were to truly die to the possibility that the world holds out any hope of relief than we will be satisfied by the answer God gives us to what really troubles our hearts. To the young rich ruler Jesus said this one thing you lack but to Mary at His feet she found this one thing needful.
To know what troubles us may be helpful but not necessary to our freedom. What is important is a willingness to lay it down again and again on the altar until it rises no more. The voice of the past can't haunt us in the night hours or speak to us about our diminished future gains. Our hope and future is bright (Jeremiah 29:11). And Jesus encourages us not to let our hearts be troubled (John 14:27).
One day all the questions will be answered by a single glance at His beautiful face.
Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. (1 Corinthians 13:12 NLT).
The enemy wants to use this as an opportunity to prove I'm no different after all these years. I'm a fake. I've been living a lie of what otherwise could be a genuine Christian walk. As if to say deep down inside I'm the man of the past who rather be there than presently living for Christ.
But what is it that I would be searching for in that place? A place marred by darkness and pain. Such a place made for frustration and emptiness. The deception of living in that place caused pain for many people in my life.
Even now I'm learning not to rehearse past sins and failures that He has forgiven me. But there are moments that something seems to surface from the subconscious that I can't seem to give it a name. If I can put my finger on it then I could name it and ask God for help to overcome.
Some believers may call this a besetting sin. I believe it something else deep in the heart only God can resolve. Something wants to spring up and come alive especially in moments of great difficulty. That is why there is a place called the shadow of death (Psalms 23:4) that every believer must pass through to experience greater freedom and life in Christ. Paul calls it dying daily (I Corinthians 15:31).
Sinning should never come easy but sadly that is the condition of many believers in our generation. These are the ones who are unwilling to yield and bend their knees to God in submission. They rather hold to a promise of heaven while living for the passing pleasures of sin.
If we were to truly die to the possibility that the world holds out any hope of relief than we will be satisfied by the answer God gives us to what really troubles our hearts. To the young rich ruler Jesus said this one thing you lack but to Mary at His feet she found this one thing needful.
To know what troubles us may be helpful but not necessary to our freedom. What is important is a willingness to lay it down again and again on the altar until it rises no more. The voice of the past can't haunt us in the night hours or speak to us about our diminished future gains. Our hope and future is bright (Jeremiah 29:11). And Jesus encourages us not to let our hearts be troubled (John 14:27).
One day all the questions will be answered by a single glance at His beautiful face.
Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. (1 Corinthians 13:12 NLT).
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Autumn No More
Autumn is a beautiful season in New England. Verdant tree leaves are transformed into a burst of deep reds, rich shades of orange, crimson reds and radiant yellows.
Today the cold wind snapped off dying leaves and tossed them all over the quiet country road. We visited a local farm where we sat on hill sipping hot cider and coffee. Below was a pumpkin patch. The bright orange squash dotted the landscape with various shapes and sizes. My body relaxed and I took in a deep breath. The air was pungent with the scent of decaying leaves with a hint of smoke and damp soil. Winter was around the corner!
I was reminded of the Scripture describing those who fully trust Him. "They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." (Jeremiah 17:8 NIV).
There is no autumn for the believer whose roots go deep into the soil of His word. They draw up and into their spirit the necessary nutrients and water. No matter the season the believer remains green. Unlike many of the trees we saw that although alive appeared quite dead with all the leaves stripped bare.
As believers its not enough to have green leaves but we must bear fruit. Jesus was hungry and seeing a fig tree with green leaves discovered it had no fruit (Matthew 21:19). He cursed the tree and it withered. Autumn came quickly for this tree. Jesus was cursing a religious system of His day that was about performance and pretense. Of lip service and outward rituals but left the people hungry and unfilled. And it's a warning to us today. Bearing fruit means pruning and cultivation (John 15:2) and abiding or staying connected to Christ (verse 5).
Beloved, should our spiritual life seem dry and lifeless we must draw near to Him. He promises to pull us closer to His side (James 4:8). We can not refuse the pruning work of the Holy Spirit though it may be painful. Our families and friends should come under our shade from the heat of the day and eat of the fruit the Lord produces in us (see Galatians 5:22-23 for a list of Spirit cultivated fruit).
No more autumn spiritual life but spring all year long!
Today the cold wind snapped off dying leaves and tossed them all over the quiet country road. We visited a local farm where we sat on hill sipping hot cider and coffee. Below was a pumpkin patch. The bright orange squash dotted the landscape with various shapes and sizes. My body relaxed and I took in a deep breath. The air was pungent with the scent of decaying leaves with a hint of smoke and damp soil. Winter was around the corner!
I was reminded of the Scripture describing those who fully trust Him. "They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." (Jeremiah 17:8 NIV).
There is no autumn for the believer whose roots go deep into the soil of His word. They draw up and into their spirit the necessary nutrients and water. No matter the season the believer remains green. Unlike many of the trees we saw that although alive appeared quite dead with all the leaves stripped bare.
As believers its not enough to have green leaves but we must bear fruit. Jesus was hungry and seeing a fig tree with green leaves discovered it had no fruit (Matthew 21:19). He cursed the tree and it withered. Autumn came quickly for this tree. Jesus was cursing a religious system of His day that was about performance and pretense. Of lip service and outward rituals but left the people hungry and unfilled. And it's a warning to us today. Bearing fruit means pruning and cultivation (John 15:2) and abiding or staying connected to Christ (verse 5).
Beloved, should our spiritual life seem dry and lifeless we must draw near to Him. He promises to pull us closer to His side (James 4:8). We can not refuse the pruning work of the Holy Spirit though it may be painful. Our families and friends should come under our shade from the heat of the day and eat of the fruit the Lord produces in us (see Galatians 5:22-23 for a list of Spirit cultivated fruit).
No more autumn spiritual life but spring all year long!
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Is There Not A God?
There was an ailing king in Israel that refused to seek God. He sent men to consult Baal the god of the Canaanites for healing.
As the men were on their way, Elijah the prophet told them, "This is what the LORD says: Is it because there is no God in Israel for you to consult that you have sent messengers to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron? Because you have done this, you will never leave the bed you are lying on. You will certainly die!" (2 Kings 1:16 NIV).
How many believers fail to seek God first before making decisions. Rather they will consult friends, doctors, or social media for answers. There is nothing wrong in asking a friend for advice or seeking medical help but we must learn to seek God's face. Ask Him for wisdom and guidance. Even if we hear nothing or our decision seems fixed we have given God an opportunity to speak to our hearts. It pleases the heart of God that we invite Him and consult Him in every matter of our lives. We have too many believers only consulting God when all else fails or when there is a crisis that is beyond their control.
My left ankle and foot had a terrible rash. It was getting worse over the past couple of years. I believe this was due to varicose veins that restrict blood circulation. Wearing a compression stocking only added to the problem as my foot could not breath. My wife and I prayed. I laid hands on my foot while rehearsing promises of His healing power. On Friday I sought out medical treatment. Applying a cortisone cream is now clearing up the issue.
But it did not ease the troubling question in my mind. "God, why does healing have to be so difficult?" I held to the thought that one prayer in faith should be enough to see results. And this is true but in my experience it seems prayer must be persistent and constant. Keep seeking, knocking and asking.
For the king of Israel the question isn't about God not answering that caused him to seek an other god, but an attitude that refuses to believe God cares to do something about the problem or situation.
The measure of God's care and power is not in the evidence of prayers answered but a heart that fully trusts in His goodness. If He choses to listen or not or if He answers or not - what matters is that we seek Him. Be assured God is faithful to answer when we call out to Him.
He answered my need for healing through medical means. He has also healed me of other illness without medical care. Not to seek Him means a possibility of missing out on His best.
If the king of Israel sought the Lord, I believe God would have healed him. Why? Because God is faithful to His word and desires to reveal His heart of mercy.
How many of us question God's existence and care but have not bowed our knees and humbled our hearts to ask Him for help?
Sit still for just a minute and whisper a prayer. God will answer.
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it. (Isaiah 30:21 NIV).
As the men were on their way, Elijah the prophet told them, "This is what the LORD says: Is it because there is no God in Israel for you to consult that you have sent messengers to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron? Because you have done this, you will never leave the bed you are lying on. You will certainly die!" (2 Kings 1:16 NIV).
How many believers fail to seek God first before making decisions. Rather they will consult friends, doctors, or social media for answers. There is nothing wrong in asking a friend for advice or seeking medical help but we must learn to seek God's face. Ask Him for wisdom and guidance. Even if we hear nothing or our decision seems fixed we have given God an opportunity to speak to our hearts. It pleases the heart of God that we invite Him and consult Him in every matter of our lives. We have too many believers only consulting God when all else fails or when there is a crisis that is beyond their control.
My left ankle and foot had a terrible rash. It was getting worse over the past couple of years. I believe this was due to varicose veins that restrict blood circulation. Wearing a compression stocking only added to the problem as my foot could not breath. My wife and I prayed. I laid hands on my foot while rehearsing promises of His healing power. On Friday I sought out medical treatment. Applying a cortisone cream is now clearing up the issue.
But it did not ease the troubling question in my mind. "God, why does healing have to be so difficult?" I held to the thought that one prayer in faith should be enough to see results. And this is true but in my experience it seems prayer must be persistent and constant. Keep seeking, knocking and asking.
For the king of Israel the question isn't about God not answering that caused him to seek an other god, but an attitude that refuses to believe God cares to do something about the problem or situation.
The measure of God's care and power is not in the evidence of prayers answered but a heart that fully trusts in His goodness. If He choses to listen or not or if He answers or not - what matters is that we seek Him. Be assured God is faithful to answer when we call out to Him.
He answered my need for healing through medical means. He has also healed me of other illness without medical care. Not to seek Him means a possibility of missing out on His best.
If the king of Israel sought the Lord, I believe God would have healed him. Why? Because God is faithful to His word and desires to reveal His heart of mercy.
How many of us question God's existence and care but have not bowed our knees and humbled our hearts to ask Him for help?
Sit still for just a minute and whisper a prayer. God will answer.
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it. (Isaiah 30:21 NIV).
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Eating A Meal With Humility
Nearly two years ago my wife and I attended a Portuguese street festival. I ordered what I thought was a familiar dish recalling a time I lived in small town where many migrated from Portugal, namely the Azores. My friend's mother made a wonderful, savory soup with kale, chourico and potatoes. But that wasn't what I was served at the festival.
Disappointed we walked up the main street to find a church offering free Saturday dinners. All were welcome though most who attended were clearly economically disadvantaged. At the time my wife was without a job so we passed through doors armed with a reason for a free meal. The food was warm, delicious and the service was handled by polite children who made sure you had enough to drink and eat. Later free bread and extra meals were distributed to take home.
And tonight was no different. We now live in the area and decided to go back for another meal. We had a wonderful time talking to a woman who was beaming with pride over her son's accomplishments. She passed on information that another church offers free meals during the week except on Sundays and Mondays.
It's in these humble moments in sharing a meal with people who seem not overly concerned to acknowledge they are in need of a free dinner; that I'm more aware of my pride and arrogance of providing my own needs.
Christ ate with sinners and was accused of being a glutton and a drunkard (Luke 7:34) but these same sinners were more receptive to His words than the religious rulers who rejected Him.
Eating with a stranger is one thing but sharing a meal with your family can be altogether a different matter. The New Living Translation describes it this way: "A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate." (Proverbs 15:17).
And that is why no matter what is served or who you eat with requires an attitude of humility. People tend to more attentive and open in the presence of humility. They may say things they wouldn't have otherwise said to someone else. Boastful or arrogant speaking will only shut down communication and cause the one who is most hungry for a word of kindness to be turned away.
Beloved, we can speak from a place of humility when we understand it's not about the food and drink but heavenly food we can share to the spiritually hungry and desolate. Proverbs 21:20 says, "The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down." (NIV).
It's not what is on the plate but the heart of God in you that matters.
Disappointed we walked up the main street to find a church offering free Saturday dinners. All were welcome though most who attended were clearly economically disadvantaged. At the time my wife was without a job so we passed through doors armed with a reason for a free meal. The food was warm, delicious and the service was handled by polite children who made sure you had enough to drink and eat. Later free bread and extra meals were distributed to take home.
And tonight was no different. We now live in the area and decided to go back for another meal. We had a wonderful time talking to a woman who was beaming with pride over her son's accomplishments. She passed on information that another church offers free meals during the week except on Sundays and Mondays.
It's in these humble moments in sharing a meal with people who seem not overly concerned to acknowledge they are in need of a free dinner; that I'm more aware of my pride and arrogance of providing my own needs.
Christ ate with sinners and was accused of being a glutton and a drunkard (Luke 7:34) but these same sinners were more receptive to His words than the religious rulers who rejected Him.
Eating with a stranger is one thing but sharing a meal with your family can be altogether a different matter. The New Living Translation describes it this way: "A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate." (Proverbs 15:17).
And that is why no matter what is served or who you eat with requires an attitude of humility. People tend to more attentive and open in the presence of humility. They may say things they wouldn't have otherwise said to someone else. Boastful or arrogant speaking will only shut down communication and cause the one who is most hungry for a word of kindness to be turned away.
Beloved, we can speak from a place of humility when we understand it's not about the food and drink but heavenly food we can share to the spiritually hungry and desolate. Proverbs 21:20 says, "The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down." (NIV).
It's not what is on the plate but the heart of God in you that matters.
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