Harsh Realities.
In the faith of a believer, there are many harsh realities. One as such, would be that not everyone goes to heaven. Not everyone receives salvation. Not everyone will inherit the Kingdom of God.
Today, as has happened on many occasions in discussing Owen, I was presented with a statement. An intended source of comfort that I am certain was meant well. A statement that consistently catches me off guard.
“Your son is waiting for you in Heaven.”
This is by all means a wonderful thought. A wonderful image that I wish I could convince myself was absolutely true. But I can’t. Not fully. Not wholeheartedly.
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.
We are all born into sin. All. Not some. Babies are born into sin. I am not saying this is fair. I am not saying I would wish this to be true. It just is. Just. God is just. If we were not all born sinners, we could never attain salvation. We must be born into salvation or born out of salvation. If we were all born into salvation, then there would be no fear. No fear of God, no fear of Hell. No fear. But there is. There IS fear. Fear of dying. Why? Because people who do not know the Lord, do not know what to expect on the other side. Because if you do not have a firm foundation of Hope in the Lord and His kingdom to come… what hope is there? I think most everyone feels there is some form of heaven or hell. Even if they do not believe in Jesus. Or God for that matter.
If, as believers, we trust that our salvation is through Christ alone and our profession of belief in His truths… then how do we justify boldly stating that God makes exceptions for infants? For children who have not yet proclaimed Christ. How can we? I see nowhere in scripture a clause that states such or a list of exemptions to the law of salvation. I see nowhere in scripture where it talks about God setting up a special room for babies when they die. I am not convinced that Owen is in the presence of our Father.
On the other hand, I am not convinced that he is in Hell either. I AM convinced that we serve a God who is loving and just. A God who has a heart for children and their naïve faith in Him. A God who seeks to do us good and not harm. A righteous God. That is the God whom I serve. The God in whom I have put my faith. And in this just God… I believe that there are many things yet to be revealed to us upon our entrance to His heavenly Kingdom. We have only a glimpse of who God is through his scriptures…
Romans8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
So I remain unsettled. I remain perplexed, saddened, encouraged, confused, prayerful, and contemplative.
This pattern of thought does not only pertain to Owen though. If Corin were to pass away today, I am not certain of his final destination either. I constantly present him with the gospel in fear of his eternity… but I am not the one who can save him. I worry for and pray for the salvation of not only him, but my brother, friends , and family who have not professed Christ as their personal savior… and even those who have, but do not bear fruit. I have a hard time as I think of people I know and love who say they believe, but there is nothing in their lives to confirm that. I have been to churches with alter calls that ask of the congregation to come forward and say “this prayer” or get “baptized” in order to obtain a place in heaven. It doesn’t work that way. You can’t just say a prayer to gain access to country clubs or exclusive memberships… the same applies for salvation. You can’t just say Jesus’ name and be cleared of all wrongdoing in your life. You have to BELIEVE. You have to KNOW that He is THE way, THE truth and THE life. It is a heart change. And if you don’t feel the Holy Spirit inside you, convicting your heart when you sin, and encouraging your heart to obey… then there might be a problem. Either there is an ignorance of the scriptures and so therefore you are ignorant of when you sin…. Which I am pretty sure the Holy Spirit could work with make you understand sin has occurred… or you are shutting God out, or your prayers are hindered…. I am not sure, I am no expert. I just know that when I sin, I feel guilt. I feel convicted and I desire to make it right… to obey God. I desire that. That is definitely not of me… because if it were me, I would do what I want and when I want. And to be honest… it would probably line up with the sinners rather than the saints.
Life here on earth is very temporary. There is no assurance of how long we have. No expiration date on the bottom of our heal that tells us when to get all that we’d like to get accomplished by. I wish.
It doesn’t matter if we have the top safety rated car, or the video baby monitors, or live three minutes from the hospital… just in case. It doesn’t matter. The plan is already in ink. And we don’t have a copy in the safe next to our wills. We only have a set of instructions… that we are to follow, and share with those who may not have stumbled upon them yet. We don’t have the power to save, but we have the power to inform.
Don’t expect that God will make allowances for those we love, just because we love them… Don’t expect. Just act. Act upon that desire to see them in eternity with Christ. Pray for them, Love them, and share in the knowledge of Christ Jesus.
I will step off my contemplative soap box now.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Memorizing Scripture
Thy word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11
Corin and I have been working on memorizing one scripture verse a week as of late. While it is amazingly beneficial for both of us, it is not much of a challenge for myself. And so I embarked upon a mission. To memorize a chapter. Yes an entire Chapter of a book. Why? Because often times I read a passage and there is more than one good verse that would be beneficial to hide in my heart. So this past week, my friend and I commited ourselves to memorizing Colossians chapter 3. All 25 verses. And guess what?! I did! It was slightly overwhelming at first, but then I decided to break it down into sections of four verses. I wrote the verses as well as verbally rehersed them for about 10 minutes each morning. Throughout the day, I would recite them again, each day adding another four verses. Soon I was barreling my way through the chapter until I reached the finish line.
Before now, I was always amazed at how some people had entire Chapters memorized, or even entire books. I now understand that it didn't happen over night and that it requires constant recitation, but it is SOOOO worth it to have God's word at the tip of your tongue! It also helps to keep your thoughts from wandering when you have an entire chapter to practice reciting throughout the day.
The take away?: I am fully convinced that memorizing scripture is going to be a new addition to my daily quiet times!
In other news:
I have been doing a little something new in my quiet times. I have been going through the book of Psalms, 5 chapters a day, and underlining verses that stick out to me. Because I am a visual and kinesthetic learner, I write these verses down in a journal and then underline important words within those passages. I then take them to the Lod in prayer, asking that he make those verses real in my life. It has been a great addition to my regular prayer life as well as enhancing my affection for the Lord and His scripture.
A recent good book I read: Radical- Taking back your faith from the American Dream by David Platt
check out some info on it here: radicalthebook.com
Corin and I have been working on memorizing one scripture verse a week as of late. While it is amazingly beneficial for both of us, it is not much of a challenge for myself. And so I embarked upon a mission. To memorize a chapter. Yes an entire Chapter of a book. Why? Because often times I read a passage and there is more than one good verse that would be beneficial to hide in my heart. So this past week, my friend and I commited ourselves to memorizing Colossians chapter 3. All 25 verses. And guess what?! I did! It was slightly overwhelming at first, but then I decided to break it down into sections of four verses. I wrote the verses as well as verbally rehersed them for about 10 minutes each morning. Throughout the day, I would recite them again, each day adding another four verses. Soon I was barreling my way through the chapter until I reached the finish line.
Before now, I was always amazed at how some people had entire Chapters memorized, or even entire books. I now understand that it didn't happen over night and that it requires constant recitation, but it is SOOOO worth it to have God's word at the tip of your tongue! It also helps to keep your thoughts from wandering when you have an entire chapter to practice reciting throughout the day.
The take away?: I am fully convinced that memorizing scripture is going to be a new addition to my daily quiet times!
In other news:
I have been doing a little something new in my quiet times. I have been going through the book of Psalms, 5 chapters a day, and underlining verses that stick out to me. Because I am a visual and kinesthetic learner, I write these verses down in a journal and then underline important words within those passages. I then take them to the Lod in prayer, asking that he make those verses real in my life. It has been a great addition to my regular prayer life as well as enhancing my affection for the Lord and His scripture.
A recent good book I read: Radical- Taking back your faith from the American Dream by David Platt
check out some info on it here: radicalthebook.com
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Humilty: In, through and for Christ
Philippians 2: 1-18
1Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any (A)fellowship of the Spirit, if any (B)affection and compassion,
2(C)make my joy complete by (D)being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
3Do nothing from (E)selfishness or (F)empty conceit, but with humility of mind (G)regard one another as more important than yourselves;
4(H)do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
5(I)Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in (J)Christ Jesus,
6who, although He (K)existed in the (L)form of God, (M)did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,
7but [a](N)emptied Himself, taking the form of a (O)bond-servant, and (P)being made in the likeness of men.
8Being found in appearance as a man, (Q)He humbled Himself by becoming (R)obedient to the point of death, even (S)death on a cross.
9(T)For this reason also, God (U)highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him (V)the name which is above every name,
10so that at the name of Jesus (W)EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of (X)those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is (Y)Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12So then, my beloved, (Z)just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your (AA)salvation with (AB)fear and trembling;
13for it is (AC)God who is at work in you, both to will and to work (AD)for His good pleasure.
14Do all things without (AE)grumbling or disputing;
15so that you will prove yourselves to be (AF)blameless and innocent, (AG)children of God above reproach in the midst of a (AH)crooked and perverse generation, among whom you (AI)appear as lights in the world,
16holding fast the word of life, so that in (AJ)the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not (AK)run in vain nor (AL)toil in vain.
17But even if I am being (AM)poured out as a drink offering upon (AN)the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.
18You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.
Humility: In, through and for Christ
hum•ble (dictionary.com)
ˈhʌm bəl,ˈʌm-Show Spelled [huhm-buh l, uhm-] Show IPA adjective, -bler, -blest, verb, -bled, -bling.
–adjective
1. not proud or arrogant; modest: to be humble although successful.
2. having a feeling of insignificance, inferiority, subservience, etc.: In the presence of so many world-famous writers I felt very humble.
3. low in rank, importance, status, quality, etc.; lowly: of humble origin; a humble home.
EXPAND
4. courteously respectful: In my humble opinion you are wrong.
5. low in height, level, etc.; small in size: a humble member of the galaxy.
COLLAPSE
–verb (used with object)
6. to lower in condition, importance, or dignity; abase.
7. to destroy the independence, power, or will of.
8. to make meek: to humble one's heart.
A breakdown of Paul’s letter:
2:1 If you believe…
2:2 then you should act…
2:3-4 Introduces/defines humility
2:5-11 Humility displayed through Christ
2:12-18 Encouragement and exhortation to follow Christ’s humble example. ACTIVE
Paul begins this part of his letter with a cause and effect, as it pertains to faith in Christ. He basically says, IF you count on Christ, THEN you can do what I am about to ask of you.
I love how Paul says “make my joy complete by…” Make MY joy complete. Paul takes great joy, complete joy, in seeing believers obey and honor their Father. How often do we feel complete joy in seeing others walking in obedience and humility? We should take note of this attitude and evaluate our own hearts to see if we are delighting in the same joys our Father delights in. “Be of same mind.”
Paul then lists off several ways in which these believers can be imitating and serving Christ and others. (vv 2-4)
Verse 3 shows how Paul is able to truly take joy in seeing the believers grow in faith and obedience. “…regard one another as more important than yourselves;” If we regard others, especially Christ, as more important, then we will be able to receive this joy Paul speaks of in verse 2. It also shows a reflection of Jesus in our attitude. Paul then goes into detail of how Christ showed humility in His own life and death in verses 5-11.
When I started the study of this section this week, it reminded me of a song my three year old son is currently obsessed with. “Lord I lift your name on high.” If you are not familiar with the song, the chorus sums up the lifeline of Christ.
“You came from Heaven to Earth,
To show the way.
From the Earth to the Cross,
My debt to pay,
From the Cross to the Grave,
From the Grave to the Sky,
Lord I lift your name on High!
Jesus took on the humble task of becoming human. Not just human, but a bond-servant , as He left his seat in Heaven to trade it in for dusty sandals and calloused hands in his fleshly body. He humbled Himself in obedience to the Father through servitude and eventually His death on a cross. Crucifixion at this time was the most shameful form of punishment you could receive… a very public and humiliating way to die.
This is just one of the many reasons God exalted Him and loved Christ so dearly. God set Jesus apart as a specific name in the Trinity, a name that holds great power of salvation. When we believe in the life, death and resurrection of Christ and confess through that name, we receive a place in the Kingdom of God! WOW!
Jesus is Lord.
Imagine how much joy the father takes in us when we recognize that sacrifice through humility and obedience in our own lives. Not only does it give Him glory, but also reaffirms our trust in His decision to send His one and only beloved son for our sake.
Have you ever sacrificed something you owned or your time in hopes that it will be of future benefit to others? Can you imagine now giving your very own child up for death, in hopes that it will save the lives of many more in generations to come? I have a hard enough time just sacrificing a daily shower without complaining… I can’t imagine willingly sending my child to die such a tragic death for the greater good. And if we can claim faith in Christ, but not act upon that faith… have we validated Christ’s death? Or are we ungratefully taking advantage of our Father’s sacrifice? Each time we choose to sin rather than obey… each time we put ourselves before others, rather than humbly imitate Christ… we basically imply Christ’s death was not satisfactory to us. We are just as the mockers who spit on him and beat Jesus that dark day. I don’t know about you, but that moves me to repentance… because I too often choose myself over others.
I think Paul was trying to evoke the same emotions from his audience in Philippi. As Paul moves into the next section of scripture, he says “So then, my beloved.” So then, because of this, in reaction to this… Paul is calling them to action.
Verses 12-18 call us to action and shows applicable ways to be active in pursuit of humility and Christ-like character.
2:12 “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” = Paul is not saying that we can attain our own salvation through works, but rather that it takes effort (work) and not just words to grow in our faith. We all have to put forth effort in our daily walk… regardless of our stage of spiritual maturity. We are all still sinners and must fight against those earthly temptations as we strive towards humility and selflessness.
2:14 “Do all things without grumbling or disputing”= Paul is reminding us that we are sinful and selfish by nature. When asked to do something for others, we are inclined to put up resistance… to complain or argue. We need to fight these tendencies as we remember Christ, who endured the cross without grumbling or disputing.
2:15 “appear as lights in the world”= Paul is calling us to reflect the light that Christ emits from within our hearts as we stand against the sinful and dark world we live in temporarily.
2:16 “holding fast to the word of life” = Paul reminds us to constantly be in the word and sharing the word, gospel, with others.
2:17 “ rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.”= Paul says REJOICE in the same way that I rejoice. Share in the excitement and be joyful when you see Christ’s character and humility displayed in others. Share that joy with others… and rejoice with God in the righteousness and recognition and adoration of Christ through ACTION!
I will leave you with a few other verses to encourage and re-enforce Pauls thoughts and call to action.
Psalm 25:8-11
Proverbs 11:2
Proverbs 18:12 (relates to Phil 2:9)
Zephaniah 2:3
James 4:10 (Phil 2:9)
1 Peter 5:5-6 (again Phil 2:9)
Ephesians 4:2 (Phil 2:4)
So we are to show humility in our lives. It is a recurring theme throughout the Bible as it should be in our lives. We are to show humility in, through and for Christ.
In Christ: In faith through Christ (v 2:1, 2:11)
Through Christ: (vv 2:5-11) demonstrated though Christ and delivered through the Father (v 13)
For Christ: (2:13) For God’s glory and good pleasure.
Through this obedience and attitude of Humility… we honor Christ for His life, death and resurrection and show Trust in God through His plans that He has brought to fruition and is bringing into being.
LL
1Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any (A)fellowship of the Spirit, if any (B)affection and compassion,
2(C)make my joy complete by (D)being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
3Do nothing from (E)selfishness or (F)empty conceit, but with humility of mind (G)regard one another as more important than yourselves;
4(H)do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
5(I)Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in (J)Christ Jesus,
6who, although He (K)existed in the (L)form of God, (M)did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,
7but [a](N)emptied Himself, taking the form of a (O)bond-servant, and (P)being made in the likeness of men.
8Being found in appearance as a man, (Q)He humbled Himself by becoming (R)obedient to the point of death, even (S)death on a cross.
9(T)For this reason also, God (U)highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him (V)the name which is above every name,
10so that at the name of Jesus (W)EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of (X)those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is (Y)Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12So then, my beloved, (Z)just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your (AA)salvation with (AB)fear and trembling;
13for it is (AC)God who is at work in you, both to will and to work (AD)for His good pleasure.
14Do all things without (AE)grumbling or disputing;
15so that you will prove yourselves to be (AF)blameless and innocent, (AG)children of God above reproach in the midst of a (AH)crooked and perverse generation, among whom you (AI)appear as lights in the world,
16holding fast the word of life, so that in (AJ)the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not (AK)run in vain nor (AL)toil in vain.
17But even if I am being (AM)poured out as a drink offering upon (AN)the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.
18You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.
Humility: In, through and for Christ
hum•ble (dictionary.com)
ˈhʌm bəl,ˈʌm-Show Spelled [huhm-buh l, uhm-] Show IPA adjective, -bler, -blest, verb, -bled, -bling.
–adjective
1. not proud or arrogant; modest: to be humble although successful.
2. having a feeling of insignificance, inferiority, subservience, etc.: In the presence of so many world-famous writers I felt very humble.
3. low in rank, importance, status, quality, etc.; lowly: of humble origin; a humble home.
EXPAND
4. courteously respectful: In my humble opinion you are wrong.
5. low in height, level, etc.; small in size: a humble member of the galaxy.
COLLAPSE
–verb (used with object)
6. to lower in condition, importance, or dignity; abase.
7. to destroy the independence, power, or will of.
8. to make meek: to humble one's heart.
A breakdown of Paul’s letter:
2:1 If you believe…
2:2 then you should act…
2:3-4 Introduces/defines humility
2:5-11 Humility displayed through Christ
2:12-18 Encouragement and exhortation to follow Christ’s humble example. ACTIVE
Paul begins this part of his letter with a cause and effect, as it pertains to faith in Christ. He basically says, IF you count on Christ, THEN you can do what I am about to ask of you.
I love how Paul says “make my joy complete by…” Make MY joy complete. Paul takes great joy, complete joy, in seeing believers obey and honor their Father. How often do we feel complete joy in seeing others walking in obedience and humility? We should take note of this attitude and evaluate our own hearts to see if we are delighting in the same joys our Father delights in. “Be of same mind.”
Paul then lists off several ways in which these believers can be imitating and serving Christ and others. (vv 2-4)
Verse 3 shows how Paul is able to truly take joy in seeing the believers grow in faith and obedience. “…regard one another as more important than yourselves;” If we regard others, especially Christ, as more important, then we will be able to receive this joy Paul speaks of in verse 2. It also shows a reflection of Jesus in our attitude. Paul then goes into detail of how Christ showed humility in His own life and death in verses 5-11.
When I started the study of this section this week, it reminded me of a song my three year old son is currently obsessed with. “Lord I lift your name on high.” If you are not familiar with the song, the chorus sums up the lifeline of Christ.
“You came from Heaven to Earth,
To show the way.
From the Earth to the Cross,
My debt to pay,
From the Cross to the Grave,
From the Grave to the Sky,
Lord I lift your name on High!
Jesus took on the humble task of becoming human. Not just human, but a bond-servant , as He left his seat in Heaven to trade it in for dusty sandals and calloused hands in his fleshly body. He humbled Himself in obedience to the Father through servitude and eventually His death on a cross. Crucifixion at this time was the most shameful form of punishment you could receive… a very public and humiliating way to die.
This is just one of the many reasons God exalted Him and loved Christ so dearly. God set Jesus apart as a specific name in the Trinity, a name that holds great power of salvation. When we believe in the life, death and resurrection of Christ and confess through that name, we receive a place in the Kingdom of God! WOW!
Jesus is Lord.
Imagine how much joy the father takes in us when we recognize that sacrifice through humility and obedience in our own lives. Not only does it give Him glory, but also reaffirms our trust in His decision to send His one and only beloved son for our sake.
Have you ever sacrificed something you owned or your time in hopes that it will be of future benefit to others? Can you imagine now giving your very own child up for death, in hopes that it will save the lives of many more in generations to come? I have a hard enough time just sacrificing a daily shower without complaining… I can’t imagine willingly sending my child to die such a tragic death for the greater good. And if we can claim faith in Christ, but not act upon that faith… have we validated Christ’s death? Or are we ungratefully taking advantage of our Father’s sacrifice? Each time we choose to sin rather than obey… each time we put ourselves before others, rather than humbly imitate Christ… we basically imply Christ’s death was not satisfactory to us. We are just as the mockers who spit on him and beat Jesus that dark day. I don’t know about you, but that moves me to repentance… because I too often choose myself over others.
I think Paul was trying to evoke the same emotions from his audience in Philippi. As Paul moves into the next section of scripture, he says “So then, my beloved.” So then, because of this, in reaction to this… Paul is calling them to action.
Verses 12-18 call us to action and shows applicable ways to be active in pursuit of humility and Christ-like character.
2:12 “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” = Paul is not saying that we can attain our own salvation through works, but rather that it takes effort (work) and not just words to grow in our faith. We all have to put forth effort in our daily walk… regardless of our stage of spiritual maturity. We are all still sinners and must fight against those earthly temptations as we strive towards humility and selflessness.
2:14 “Do all things without grumbling or disputing”= Paul is reminding us that we are sinful and selfish by nature. When asked to do something for others, we are inclined to put up resistance… to complain or argue. We need to fight these tendencies as we remember Christ, who endured the cross without grumbling or disputing.
2:15 “appear as lights in the world”= Paul is calling us to reflect the light that Christ emits from within our hearts as we stand against the sinful and dark world we live in temporarily.
2:16 “holding fast to the word of life” = Paul reminds us to constantly be in the word and sharing the word, gospel, with others.
2:17 “ rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.”= Paul says REJOICE in the same way that I rejoice. Share in the excitement and be joyful when you see Christ’s character and humility displayed in others. Share that joy with others… and rejoice with God in the righteousness and recognition and adoration of Christ through ACTION!
I will leave you with a few other verses to encourage and re-enforce Pauls thoughts and call to action.
Psalm 25:8-11
Proverbs 11:2
Proverbs 18:12 (relates to Phil 2:9)
Zephaniah 2:3
James 4:10 (Phil 2:9)
1 Peter 5:5-6 (again Phil 2:9)
Ephesians 4:2 (Phil 2:4)
So we are to show humility in our lives. It is a recurring theme throughout the Bible as it should be in our lives. We are to show humility in, through and for Christ.
In Christ: In faith through Christ (v 2:1, 2:11)
Through Christ: (vv 2:5-11) demonstrated though Christ and delivered through the Father (v 13)
For Christ: (2:13) For God’s glory and good pleasure.
Through this obedience and attitude of Humility… we honor Christ for His life, death and resurrection and show Trust in God through His plans that He has brought to fruition and is bringing into being.
LL
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Colossians 3:1-17
True Renewal through Obedience and Grace
Colossians 3:1-17 (I pulled from the NAS version)
A quick look at what we will tackle in this passage:
V. 1-4: Paul begins this chapter by reaffirming our position with God/Christ as believers, something we can all be encouraged by… even in the midst of stagnancy within our walk.
V. 5-11: Paul talks of who we once were as sinners under Satan’s persuasion (old self) and who we have become in Christ (new self). Paul also addresses the fact that we are constantly growing and being renewed to become more like Christ.
V. 12-17 Paul then gives applications of our faith, commandments/choices we can make to obey our Father and Savior in order to Glorify God for His grace and mercy. This obedience we are called to, leads to renewal and growth, as well as a positive representation of the Living God we serve.
Now let us get a little deeper into this text.
In Chapter 1 of the letter to the Colossians, Paul exhorts them and shows gratitude for the Faith they have received through belief in the True Gospel. Paul also then relays his desire to see growth within this community of Believers. Chapter 3 pertains mostly to the stipulations or characteristics of our Calling, which if they align with God’s desires, can lead to a renewal and growth in our faith.
I believe we could all agree that God desires to see growth in all of His children. Through God’s grace and mercy, we have been “raised up with Christ.” (v. 1) Paul is essentially calling us to take notice of God’s grace towards us in our Salvation; to become in experience, what we have already been risen to with Christ. We are to live lives that are “hidden with Christ in God.”(v.3) We should not be trying to push through to the forefront for attention; we should be veiling our lives in the blood of Christ. We should be obedient to our calling, and in return God will sanctify us to look more and more like Christ. That is our ultimate goal after all, to become more like Christ… to allow Him to shine through our thoughts, actions and attitudes so that He may receive the glory and we shall in turn receive the rewards in heaven. “Christ, who is our life” (v.4), the giver of life, both mortal and eternal is worthy of our obedience.
Paul then talks of our old self, our mortal body and heart that lust after earthly things. Paul asks us to think of that old self as dead; “consider the members of your earthly body as dead.” (v.5) Paul then lists various sins we indulged in and warns that “the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience” (v.6), and that “in them you also once walked” (v.7), but are now able to, through salvation, “put them all aside.” (v.8) That is, we have “laid aside the old self with its evil practices.”(v.9) We are dead to our old self; our old body, our old habits, our old lusts/desires, our old thoughts, and most importantly… our old master, Satan. Paul is not saying that through your faith in Christ and the new life you received that you will stop sinning and that you won’t fall back into some of those habits or be tempted often… but he is saying that you need to put them aside. This involves a conscious effort as well as constant sanctification, renewal, forgiveness and grace from our Heavenly Father. You are to “set your mind on things above, not on the things that are on earth.” (v.2)
Through the death of our old self, comes eternal life in our new self. This new self which we “have put on” (v.10), is constantly “being renewed to a true knowledge.”(v.10) Accompanying this new self, we have a new set of rules, new desires, new habits, new thoughts, and most importantly… a new Master, Father and Savior. We were “chosen of God, holy and beloved” (v.12), and adopted into His family. We were given a new set of rules and freedoms. We stand forgiven and loved, awaiting a Hope promised to us upon our entry into the Family. We are no longer used for spite, selfish fulfillment or revenge… but for GLORY! We have a choice to serve God and righteousness. We are still sinners and need to make an effort to serve and obey, rather than slip into our old ways. As sinners, we need renewal and encouragement in our walk. This is where v12-17 come in.
Paul, through God, calls us to:
v.1 “keep seeking the things above”
v.2 “set your mind on things above…”
v.5 “consider the members of your earthly body as dead”
v.8 “put them all aside”
v.9 “do not lie”
v.12 “put on a heart of…”
v.13 “bearing with one another, and forgiving each other…”
v.14 “put on love”
v.15 “Let(allow) the peace of Christ rule in your hearts”
“be thankful”
v.16 “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you…”
“teaching and admonishing one another…”
v.17 “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus”
“giving thanks…”
The above are just a few ways to actively serve and obey the true Living God. We should constantly be striving to align our actions with Christ’s, and it is through this striving and obedience, we will be constantly sanctified and “renewed.” (v.10,11) Each time we practice these commands to love, be thankful, absorb God’s word, spend time in true fellowship, worship, praise and be in prayer with God; we are renewed. It is a renewal that we ourselves cannot obtain through our own doing, but through the grace of God.
Let us take a moment to look at what God says about renewal.
We see this concept in various texts throughout the scriptures.
Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Notice the use of the term renew: That we should be renewing our minds (through constant reading of God’s word). We can only renew our minds… not our hearts, faith, or spiritual strength/growth.
2 Corinthians 4:16 “Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.”
This verse shows that renewal is not a one-time deal. Renewal is constant, day by day and comes from an external source. We know this because it is our natural inclination to get discouraged or “lose heart” and God is the one who will renew and lift us up.
Ephesians 4:23 “ and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind”
Again we see the concept of being renewed from an external source.
Colossians 3:10 “and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge…”
This verse combines the concept of external and continual renewal.
Colossians 3:11 “a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew… but Christ is all, and in all.”
I love how this verse shows that not only is God unbiased as to who receives salvation and renewal, but also the source is revealed clearly… Christ.
Only God has the ability to take our old self, that immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, greed(v.5), anger, wrath, malice, slander, abusive speech(v.8) and every other form of sin/disobedience and transform our hearts to display compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience(v.12), forbearance, forgiveness(v.13), love, thankfulness(v.15), wisdom(v.16) and obedience(v.17).
God can renew us from ignorance to “true knowledge.”(v.10) The catch… He gives us a choice in the matter. We can choose to obey or ignore. We can choose to allow God to sanctify, or allow Satan to create space and separation between us and God. We can choose to represent well, a God who sent His son to be publicly humiliated, beaten, and killed in order that we might know the joy and freedom of eternal life through our Savior with a Holy, Loving, and Just God… or we can misrepresent our Savior and His sacrifice as we allow Satan, who selfishly desires to be god and denied the grace offered to him in the beginning, to lead us as believers and also unbelievers away from God.
How often do you feel run down by the end of the day? Or even by the end of the morning? How often are we turning to God for renewal rather than earthly “comforts” such as a hot cup of tea, down time with music/ipods, distractions with movies or TV or other forms of temporary pleasures?
Let us turn to God. Let us trust and obey what God has called us to do through our salvation. Let us represent Christ well. Let us be renewed.
Remember, you are not the only one who struggles with sin. I myself struggle daily with anger, wrath and selfishness. I find myself neglecting Corin throughout the week as I seek “community and adult time.” I leave him to entertain himself and fend for his own sense of community, one that allows me to waste my time with e-mails and facebook conversations or comments. The problem only escalates from selfish neglect to anger when Corin lashes out for my attention through disobedience. I get frustrated and punish him for trying to spend time with me. At times, that punishment and discipline is enforced with anger or wrath in my heart and voice. I am then convicted through his reaction or facial expression and we have a moment of prayer together as Corin witnesses me turn to Christ in my weaknesses. I usually then make an effort to present myself as a living example of the Christ I so desire Corin to love and seek after for his own Salvation. Hidden in Christ… that is the key. I constantly have to reset my focus and turn to God for help and renewal.
So as we look back at the scripture we covered, let’s remember what Paul, through God, has presented to us.
1. First, bear in mind that we have been raised up and hidden in Christ. Our faith has enabled us, through God’s help, to lay aside our old self and the lives that were consumed with sin as we looked to the world for answers. We have, through faith, laid aside our old self and now we must put aside our evil practices as well.
2. Second, be encouraged in knowing that your faith in Christ means you have a new self that is constantly being renewed by God himself and all His mercy and grace. That only God can renew you, but you can receive that much needed refreshment through obedience.
3. Lastly, Be ACTIVE. Be active in your walk through obedience to the Lord. Paul gives us several examples as to how we can actively serve God and in turn receive that much needed and desired renewal. We want to be hidden in Christ, not fighting for the spotlight. So, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”
Let’s read Romans 6:18-23.
18and having been (A)freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.
19(B)I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh For just (C)as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.
20For (D)when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.
21Therefore what (E)benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is (F)death.
22But now having been (G)freed from sin and (H)enslaved to God, you derive your (I)benefit, resulting in sanctification, and (J)the outcome, eternal life.
23For the wages of (K)sin is death, but the free gift of God is (L)eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Questions to think about:
1. What “evil practices” or sins do you struggle with on a regular basis or as of late?
2. Who or what do you turn to when you are in need of comfort or renewal? Do you turn to worldly things to help you forget? Or do you turn to your Heavenly Father for forgiveness and to renew your spirit?
3. What area of your faith could you be more active in pursuit of obedience to God? Is it your reading, prayer life, fellowship or behavior/attitude?
4. Lastly, do you feel as though you are truly hidden in Christ, or are you hiding Christ behind you? Who comes first/shines through?
Please take time to pray for others in your group and for God to renew your hearts that he may receive all the Glory.
Give Thanks!
Colossians 3:1-17 (I pulled from the NAS version)
A quick look at what we will tackle in this passage:
V. 1-4: Paul begins this chapter by reaffirming our position with God/Christ as believers, something we can all be encouraged by… even in the midst of stagnancy within our walk.
V. 5-11: Paul talks of who we once were as sinners under Satan’s persuasion (old self) and who we have become in Christ (new self). Paul also addresses the fact that we are constantly growing and being renewed to become more like Christ.
V. 12-17 Paul then gives applications of our faith, commandments/choices we can make to obey our Father and Savior in order to Glorify God for His grace and mercy. This obedience we are called to, leads to renewal and growth, as well as a positive representation of the Living God we serve.
Now let us get a little deeper into this text.
In Chapter 1 of the letter to the Colossians, Paul exhorts them and shows gratitude for the Faith they have received through belief in the True Gospel. Paul also then relays his desire to see growth within this community of Believers. Chapter 3 pertains mostly to the stipulations or characteristics of our Calling, which if they align with God’s desires, can lead to a renewal and growth in our faith.
I believe we could all agree that God desires to see growth in all of His children. Through God’s grace and mercy, we have been “raised up with Christ.” (v. 1) Paul is essentially calling us to take notice of God’s grace towards us in our Salvation; to become in experience, what we have already been risen to with Christ. We are to live lives that are “hidden with Christ in God.”(v.3) We should not be trying to push through to the forefront for attention; we should be veiling our lives in the blood of Christ. We should be obedient to our calling, and in return God will sanctify us to look more and more like Christ. That is our ultimate goal after all, to become more like Christ… to allow Him to shine through our thoughts, actions and attitudes so that He may receive the glory and we shall in turn receive the rewards in heaven. “Christ, who is our life” (v.4), the giver of life, both mortal and eternal is worthy of our obedience.
Paul then talks of our old self, our mortal body and heart that lust after earthly things. Paul asks us to think of that old self as dead; “consider the members of your earthly body as dead.” (v.5) Paul then lists various sins we indulged in and warns that “the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience” (v.6), and that “in them you also once walked” (v.7), but are now able to, through salvation, “put them all aside.” (v.8) That is, we have “laid aside the old self with its evil practices.”(v.9) We are dead to our old self; our old body, our old habits, our old lusts/desires, our old thoughts, and most importantly… our old master, Satan. Paul is not saying that through your faith in Christ and the new life you received that you will stop sinning and that you won’t fall back into some of those habits or be tempted often… but he is saying that you need to put them aside. This involves a conscious effort as well as constant sanctification, renewal, forgiveness and grace from our Heavenly Father. You are to “set your mind on things above, not on the things that are on earth.” (v.2)
Through the death of our old self, comes eternal life in our new self. This new self which we “have put on” (v.10), is constantly “being renewed to a true knowledge.”(v.10) Accompanying this new self, we have a new set of rules, new desires, new habits, new thoughts, and most importantly… a new Master, Father and Savior. We were “chosen of God, holy and beloved” (v.12), and adopted into His family. We were given a new set of rules and freedoms. We stand forgiven and loved, awaiting a Hope promised to us upon our entry into the Family. We are no longer used for spite, selfish fulfillment or revenge… but for GLORY! We have a choice to serve God and righteousness. We are still sinners and need to make an effort to serve and obey, rather than slip into our old ways. As sinners, we need renewal and encouragement in our walk. This is where v12-17 come in.
Paul, through God, calls us to:
v.1 “keep seeking the things above”
v.2 “set your mind on things above…”
v.5 “consider the members of your earthly body as dead”
v.8 “put them all aside”
v.9 “do not lie”
v.12 “put on a heart of…”
v.13 “bearing with one another, and forgiving each other…”
v.14 “put on love”
v.15 “Let(allow) the peace of Christ rule in your hearts”
“be thankful”
v.16 “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you…”
“teaching and admonishing one another…”
v.17 “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus”
“giving thanks…”
The above are just a few ways to actively serve and obey the true Living God. We should constantly be striving to align our actions with Christ’s, and it is through this striving and obedience, we will be constantly sanctified and “renewed.” (v.10,11) Each time we practice these commands to love, be thankful, absorb God’s word, spend time in true fellowship, worship, praise and be in prayer with God; we are renewed. It is a renewal that we ourselves cannot obtain through our own doing, but through the grace of God.
Let us take a moment to look at what God says about renewal.
We see this concept in various texts throughout the scriptures.
Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Notice the use of the term renew: That we should be renewing our minds (through constant reading of God’s word). We can only renew our minds… not our hearts, faith, or spiritual strength/growth.
2 Corinthians 4:16 “Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.”
This verse shows that renewal is not a one-time deal. Renewal is constant, day by day and comes from an external source. We know this because it is our natural inclination to get discouraged or “lose heart” and God is the one who will renew and lift us up.
Ephesians 4:23 “ and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind”
Again we see the concept of being renewed from an external source.
Colossians 3:10 “and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge…”
This verse combines the concept of external and continual renewal.
Colossians 3:11 “a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew… but Christ is all, and in all.”
I love how this verse shows that not only is God unbiased as to who receives salvation and renewal, but also the source is revealed clearly… Christ.
Only God has the ability to take our old self, that immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, greed(v.5), anger, wrath, malice, slander, abusive speech(v.8) and every other form of sin/disobedience and transform our hearts to display compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience(v.12), forbearance, forgiveness(v.13), love, thankfulness(v.15), wisdom(v.16) and obedience(v.17).
God can renew us from ignorance to “true knowledge.”(v.10) The catch… He gives us a choice in the matter. We can choose to obey or ignore. We can choose to allow God to sanctify, or allow Satan to create space and separation between us and God. We can choose to represent well, a God who sent His son to be publicly humiliated, beaten, and killed in order that we might know the joy and freedom of eternal life through our Savior with a Holy, Loving, and Just God… or we can misrepresent our Savior and His sacrifice as we allow Satan, who selfishly desires to be god and denied the grace offered to him in the beginning, to lead us as believers and also unbelievers away from God.
How often do you feel run down by the end of the day? Or even by the end of the morning? How often are we turning to God for renewal rather than earthly “comforts” such as a hot cup of tea, down time with music/ipods, distractions with movies or TV or other forms of temporary pleasures?
Let us turn to God. Let us trust and obey what God has called us to do through our salvation. Let us represent Christ well. Let us be renewed.
Remember, you are not the only one who struggles with sin. I myself struggle daily with anger, wrath and selfishness. I find myself neglecting Corin throughout the week as I seek “community and adult time.” I leave him to entertain himself and fend for his own sense of community, one that allows me to waste my time with e-mails and facebook conversations or comments. The problem only escalates from selfish neglect to anger when Corin lashes out for my attention through disobedience. I get frustrated and punish him for trying to spend time with me. At times, that punishment and discipline is enforced with anger or wrath in my heart and voice. I am then convicted through his reaction or facial expression and we have a moment of prayer together as Corin witnesses me turn to Christ in my weaknesses. I usually then make an effort to present myself as a living example of the Christ I so desire Corin to love and seek after for his own Salvation. Hidden in Christ… that is the key. I constantly have to reset my focus and turn to God for help and renewal.
So as we look back at the scripture we covered, let’s remember what Paul, through God, has presented to us.
1. First, bear in mind that we have been raised up and hidden in Christ. Our faith has enabled us, through God’s help, to lay aside our old self and the lives that were consumed with sin as we looked to the world for answers. We have, through faith, laid aside our old self and now we must put aside our evil practices as well.
2. Second, be encouraged in knowing that your faith in Christ means you have a new self that is constantly being renewed by God himself and all His mercy and grace. That only God can renew you, but you can receive that much needed refreshment through obedience.
3. Lastly, Be ACTIVE. Be active in your walk through obedience to the Lord. Paul gives us several examples as to how we can actively serve God and in turn receive that much needed and desired renewal. We want to be hidden in Christ, not fighting for the spotlight. So, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”
Let’s read Romans 6:18-23.
18and having been (A)freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.
19(B)I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh For just (C)as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.
20For (D)when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.
21Therefore what (E)benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is (F)death.
22But now having been (G)freed from sin and (H)enslaved to God, you derive your (I)benefit, resulting in sanctification, and (J)the outcome, eternal life.
23For the wages of (K)sin is death, but the free gift of God is (L)eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Questions to think about:
1. What “evil practices” or sins do you struggle with on a regular basis or as of late?
2. Who or what do you turn to when you are in need of comfort or renewal? Do you turn to worldly things to help you forget? Or do you turn to your Heavenly Father for forgiveness and to renew your spirit?
3. What area of your faith could you be more active in pursuit of obedience to God? Is it your reading, prayer life, fellowship or behavior/attitude?
4. Lastly, do you feel as though you are truly hidden in Christ, or are you hiding Christ behind you? Who comes first/shines through?
Please take time to pray for others in your group and for God to renew your hearts that he may receive all the Glory.
Give Thanks!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Encouraged
These past couple of weeks I have been studying a chapter in Colossians in preparation for a devotional I will be giving this coming Saturday. It has been very encouraging to me. Not only in the way it has convicted my spirit and caused me to reflect more on Christ, but also just the amount of time I am actually studying God's word. There is intent in my reading. There is intent in my quiet times. I am not just reading through the Bible to fulfill my goal of reading through it in a year, but I am reading now with the intent to draw something from the text. Through this enriching experience, I have decided to try and create a short devotional a week rather than reading through the entire Bible in a year. I have had success in reading throught he entire Bible in the past, but feel I was more concerned with fulfilling that specific day's quota of pages rather than focusing on what the text was intented to teach me. No more. I want to read with understanding. I want to glean from the pages God inspired for our benefit. I want to become more like Christ in seeking Him through His word, His instruction.
I encourage you to be intentional in your reading as well. I plan to post my weekly devotions on here as a form of accountability and encouragement to not only myself, but to you as well, and most importantly... for the glory and good pleasure of our Heavenly Father.
Please feel free to keep me accountable in my efforts. Thanks.
LL
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near. ~Rev. 1:3
I encourage you to be intentional in your reading as well. I plan to post my weekly devotions on here as a form of accountability and encouragement to not only myself, but to you as well, and most importantly... for the glory and good pleasure of our Heavenly Father.
Please feel free to keep me accountable in my efforts. Thanks.
LL
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near. ~Rev. 1:3
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Trust and fear.
It seems that trust and fear go hand in hand. You fear because you do not trust. You trust because you do not fear. How can we then achieve a level of trust and still fear? I have been reflecting over the past year here in Korea. What has the Lord taught me though this foreign excursion? What has He shown me in the absence of friends and family? In the absence of community? In the absence of Owen?
I struggle daily with the fact that I am fearful for my family. I catch myself fearing for their lives as we drive to Busan, or take a walk on a street where a car might hit us, or while Corin is sleeping. Taylor and I seem to check on Corin more than we used to... or maybe it's just me. As Corin grows older, the thought of more children grows more "urgent" in my mind. I am not fearful of having another baby. I know that they are not mine, but the Lord's. I know that I have no control over the outcome of their lives. I know. I trust this. I trust the Lord to use their lives for His good... but yet I still fear. Each day I fear that something will happen, something permanent and unchanging. Why?
I have no doubt in my heart over Owen's death. I have no haunting questions or guilt. I have nothing but trust and peace in the Lord concerning that specific trial. Truly. Peace. I can without a doubt see the fruit from that trial as well. Through my testimony, I know others have been touched. I have been able to empathize with more people over the past year and a half that I might not have otherwise been able to come to the Lord with such fervor and passion in prayer. I am incredibly drawn to new mothers and their need for prayer. I see the important role we play as parents in a whole new light. My heart also aches for women desiring to be mothers who have not yet had that opportunity. I find myself praying for children for them. But I am getting off course, so I'll save those thoughts for another entry.
Fear. I suppose my fear is connected to lack of control. So then what I can conclude from that concept would be that I do not Trust the control which God has. Is that true? Perhaps. Perhaps I doubt God's choices in some things. Perhaps I find myself desiring Owen to be here and running about after his brother. Perhaps I feel a little short changed in that respect sometimes, but then I always seem to come out of that dark cloud of thoughts and land on the firm Rock. The rock that gives me security in knowing Christ has a purpose. That Owen's death produced results, seen and unseen and that I am changing. I am changing and growing in ways I would not have before. Is this the method I would have gone about these changes? No. But that is the beauty. Would any of us really suffer if given the choice? Unlikely. But Christ did. Christ was given the freedom to choose suffering and death, or life. He chose suffering and death for us. For you, for me, for everyone. And so I choose to suffer for His sake as well. I would not know suffering without Joy. I could not have suffered the loss of Owen without first enjoying the sheer excitement and joy of his birth and life. With joy comes pain and with pain comes joy.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." James 1:2-3
"We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.
All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels." 2 Thessalonians 1:3-7
So as this last scripture leads me to conclude, I am growing more and more in faith. Through that growth, I will eventually lose that fear. Through prayer and understanding of God through His scriptures, I will lose that fear and replace it with more and more Trust and Faith in His judgement. I will stand firm in His will, knowing that He is JUST and RIGHT and will be counted worthy of His Kingdom. Worth it? YOU BET!
In having disclosed my heart and thought to you on this topic, I ask in return that you pray for my continued growth in faith and trust in the Lord. I ask that you bear in mind those who have dealt with various trials and pray the same for them as well. That we might all be sanctified daily in hopes that we will be counted worthy. :) I love the Lord for He is good and His love endures forever. Amen and amen.
LL
I struggle daily with the fact that I am fearful for my family. I catch myself fearing for their lives as we drive to Busan, or take a walk on a street where a car might hit us, or while Corin is sleeping. Taylor and I seem to check on Corin more than we used to... or maybe it's just me. As Corin grows older, the thought of more children grows more "urgent" in my mind. I am not fearful of having another baby. I know that they are not mine, but the Lord's. I know that I have no control over the outcome of their lives. I know. I trust this. I trust the Lord to use their lives for His good... but yet I still fear. Each day I fear that something will happen, something permanent and unchanging. Why?
I have no doubt in my heart over Owen's death. I have no haunting questions or guilt. I have nothing but trust and peace in the Lord concerning that specific trial. Truly. Peace. I can without a doubt see the fruit from that trial as well. Through my testimony, I know others have been touched. I have been able to empathize with more people over the past year and a half that I might not have otherwise been able to come to the Lord with such fervor and passion in prayer. I am incredibly drawn to new mothers and their need for prayer. I see the important role we play as parents in a whole new light. My heart also aches for women desiring to be mothers who have not yet had that opportunity. I find myself praying for children for them. But I am getting off course, so I'll save those thoughts for another entry.
Fear. I suppose my fear is connected to lack of control. So then what I can conclude from that concept would be that I do not Trust the control which God has. Is that true? Perhaps. Perhaps I doubt God's choices in some things. Perhaps I find myself desiring Owen to be here and running about after his brother. Perhaps I feel a little short changed in that respect sometimes, but then I always seem to come out of that dark cloud of thoughts and land on the firm Rock. The rock that gives me security in knowing Christ has a purpose. That Owen's death produced results, seen and unseen and that I am changing. I am changing and growing in ways I would not have before. Is this the method I would have gone about these changes? No. But that is the beauty. Would any of us really suffer if given the choice? Unlikely. But Christ did. Christ was given the freedom to choose suffering and death, or life. He chose suffering and death for us. For you, for me, for everyone. And so I choose to suffer for His sake as well. I would not know suffering without Joy. I could not have suffered the loss of Owen without first enjoying the sheer excitement and joy of his birth and life. With joy comes pain and with pain comes joy.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." James 1:2-3
"We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.
All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels." 2 Thessalonians 1:3-7
So as this last scripture leads me to conclude, I am growing more and more in faith. Through that growth, I will eventually lose that fear. Through prayer and understanding of God through His scriptures, I will lose that fear and replace it with more and more Trust and Faith in His judgement. I will stand firm in His will, knowing that He is JUST and RIGHT and will be counted worthy of His Kingdom. Worth it? YOU BET!
In having disclosed my heart and thought to you on this topic, I ask in return that you pray for my continued growth in faith and trust in the Lord. I ask that you bear in mind those who have dealt with various trials and pray the same for them as well. That we might all be sanctified daily in hopes that we will be counted worthy. :) I love the Lord for He is good and His love endures forever. Amen and amen.
LL
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