The Apple of His Eye

I think people generally have a tendency to accept what others have to say about them and their potential, as well as what they have to say about themselves, while paying no mind to what God says about us.  I don’t know about you, but I’d listen to a God that’s all-powerful, all knowing, all present, and who’s made me, and therefore knows my purpose and potential, before I listen to what anyone else says about me, including myself (Gen 1:1; Ac 15:18; Ps 139:7-10; Col 1:15-20).   

We were ALL created, through and through, in our mother’s womb by God, and he knows us, through and through.  We are fearfully and wonderfully made, indeed (Ps 139:13-14)!  We were ALL made in his spiritual image, meaning we’re the only beings that God has created that have the potential to be saved.  We have the opportunity to be called children of his, and as a part of his spiritual family, have some residual powers and authorities that only one that is called a child of God can have (Gen 1:27); however, not all have chosen to be saved and born again, so not all can rightly claim to be a child of God (Jn 3:5-6; Ro 10:9-10)!   

Those who accept his gift of salvation were predestined, are called, justified, and glorified (Ro 8:28-30).  Anyone who asks and believes is forgiven (Ps 130:4; Mt 6:14; Mk 2:7), cleansed (Ps 51:2; Jn 15:3; Ac 10:15), redeemed (Job 19:25; Ps 44:26; 1 Pe 1:18), restored (Ps 23:3; Na 2:2; 1 Pe 5:10), righteous (Isa 42:6; Ro 1:16-17; 2 Co 5:21), approved (Jn 6:27; 1 Co 11:19; 1 Th 2:4), protected (Ps 37:25; 121:7; Ro 8:31).  They are over comers (Jn 16:33; 1 Jn 5:4-5; Rev 21:7), provided for (Ps 37:25; Mt 6:31; Lk 12:29), prosperous (Jer 29:11; Ac 17:11).  You can be the head and not the tail (Deut 28:13, 44).  If you follow his word you are wise, discerning, knowledgeable and blessed (Pr 11:30; 28:7; Ac 18:24-26; Mt 5:1-12), and so on, and so on. 

We are the apples of God’s eye (Deut 32:10; Ps 17:8)!  And if you couldn’t tell by the above, God loves us (Jn 3:16; 15:13). 

Choose This Day...

Okay, here it is, from the Holy Spirit to me, and from me to you.  This isn’t what I was planning on writing about today, but after watching a talk show last night and hearing a well-known church leader deliver a message of love without truth, I was convicted to clear this issue up on this forum (Eph. 4:25; 2 Tim 4:3-4; Jude 4; Rom. 16:17). 

Making God’s word the absolute authority on everything in our lives is right and necessary, to not only live according to it, but also to preach, correct, rebuke, and encourage -in love- according to God’s word (Isa. 40:8; 2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16-17; 4:2).  That is our responsibility to one another.  Now, the issue at question was homosexuality, but it could’ve been anything.  I just think that there’s a certain sense of apathy towards this particular issue that’s pervading even the church and it needs to be addressed in the most clear and decisive way, according to God’s word.  And so that there’s no confusion about where God stands on this issue, I’ve included both Old and New Testament verses (Lev. 18:22; Deut. 22:5; 1 Cor. 6:9; Jude 7; Rom. 1:24-27; Mt. 5:17). 

To be clear, although we have a certain responsibility to one another, and this is the issue in discussion today, I think it’s safe to say, we can all use some help with our individual ‘thing’ (Rom. 3:23; 14; 12; 2 Cor. 5:10).  We are to resist the temptation to think, speak, or act against God’s will, and it’s good to know that we’re not helpless in this (Rom. 12:2, 21; 1 Cor. 10:13; Gal 5:13-14, 16; 2 Thes. 3:3; Heb. 2:18; Jas. 4:7-8; 1 Pet. 2:16). 

I am not writing this to shame anyone, but to warn everyone that the Lord has very definite plans for those who choose to approach his word with indifference, so it would behoove us all to yield to it (1 Cor. 4:14; 2 Tim. 2:24-25; Lk. 9:26; Rev. 3:15-16).  When it comes right down to it, we must decide whether we’re going to love God above all else (Mt. 22:37-40).  Choose today whom you will serve (Jos. 24:15).    

Be Anxious for Nothing

If this post isn’t for me, I don’t know who it’s for.  I’ve been obsessing (slightly) over the success of this blog (that I started less than THREE weeks ago.  I know! Crazy.).  It’s just that I’m so excited about it, and I want to see it succeed.  I can attempt to justify my attitude towards this endeavor as an earnest wishing all I want, but the Bible tells me to approach this situation -and those like it- differently.  Anxiety has no place in a Christian’s life, whether they’re uneasy and brooding, or ardently waiting.  It’s not fitting for those who call themselves spiritual siblings of the Prince of Peace.  So, based on his example, I’m trying to get some of that faith that results in peace like Jesus had when he was fast asleep in the midst of a storm.  No. Correction.  A furious squall (Mk. 4:35-41)!  We are not to be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present we are to present our requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus (Php. 4:6-7; Matt. 21:22).

In the Parable of the Growing Seed (Mk. 4:26-29) the NIV note points out that, ‘whereas the parable of the sower stresses the importance of proper soil for the growth of seed and the success of the harvest, here the mysterious power of the seed itself is emphasized. The gospel message contains its own power’!  It’s God’s word that guarantees success, not my own ability.

Deep down I do know that what God has for us, is for us, whether it’s manifested today, or years from now (Ecc. 3:1-8; Isa. 55:6-11; 2 Pe. 3:8; Ps. 90:4).  I’m just glad to have this word hidden in my heart to pull up when I get a little uneasy.  But remember, as with any test, you can’t recall what you haven’t studied.  Thank you Lord for a mind-regulating word (2 Co. 10:5)!

Killing With Kindness

The other night on my job, I was told by someone, ‘I haven’t had the nicest thoughts about you lately.  I don’t know if you recognized it, or not.  It had nothing to do with you, and everything to do with me.  And I realized God wouldn’t bless me, as long as I had ill will towards you (Matt. 5:23-24). I want to apologize.’ And he shook my hand.

Whether it was sincere or not, I don’t know, and that’s not my business.  But I do know it takes courage to admit to another person that you were wrong (It seems to be easier, when we’re just confessing to God, right?).  It was the right thing to do.  It was the mature thing to do. 

Now, I did notice a general sense of negativity oozing from him, but I chose to act as though I didn’t notice (1 Co. 4:12).  My goal in dealing with this person (and others like him) was to remain consistent in the way I treat him, which was, and is, civil -at the least.  We are instructed to heap burning coals on the heads of people who wrong us by returning good for evil (Prov. 25:21-22; Rom. 12:14).  My actions were more of a testimony than any word I could’ve spoken.  I showed Who I belonged to, and I just want to thank God for using me.  Only through Christ did I have the ability not to act in the flesh when I was tempted (Php. 4:13).  Had I acted in ‘my own power’, I wouldn’t have been an effective example of God’s goodness and mercy.  And if simply obeying God’s word in love isn’t enough incentive for you, God does tell us that he’ll reward us for this (Prov. 25:22).

Proper Perspective

I’ve often thought about how much I’ve been able to benefit from having the proper perspective on different issues and during different circumstances.  Trust me, this attitude wasn’t adopted overnight, and I’m still workin’ on it.  And how I may benefit, I know, should never be the sole motivation for trying to maintain the proper perspective.  After all has been said and heard, the conclusion of the matter is that we are to deeply revere God and do what he has told us to, because this is, simply, our whole duty (Ecc. 12:13).  We’re to love him with all we’ve got, and love everyone else, as we love ourselves (Matt. 22:37-40).  Trying my best to do things God’s way –and succeeding through his power, not my own- has given me the ability to let him be shown through me, and has given me a sense of peace that not even I can understand (Matt. 5:13-16; Php. 4:4-7).

Having the right attitude though, is just so invaluable –in messed up situations especially.  And for those who think that it’s impossible, the Bible does encourage us by letting us know that we have the ability to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:2).  We aren’t helpless.  We make the decision whether, or not, we want to be content, through Christ (Php. 4:11-13).  Understanding that there is a time for everything gives us a little foresight (Ecc. 3).  And we should always make an effort to mature.  For adults it’s absolutely unfitting for us to speak, reason and act as children, not to mention embarrassing (1 Cor. 13:11).  We cannot let circumstances negatively impact our character.  The Holy Bible tells us to be self-controlled and holy in all that we do (1 Pe. 1:13-16).  It doesn’t say, be self-controlled and holy, unless you’re particularly irritated.

We aren’t to give in to evil desires as though we’re still ignorant and don’t know that God’s way is The Way (1 Pe. 1:14).  But if you’re in Christ, you’re a new creation…(2 Cor. 5:17) Now, how about that?  New being, new perspective!

Only By Faith

This subject is so rich! I’ll cover my immediate thoughts on it though.  Faith is defined as allegiance or duty to a person; loyalty; fidelity to one’s promise; sincerity of intentions; belief and trust in, and loyalty to God; without question; complete trust.  And I was in agreement with Merriam-Webster’s definition; until I got to their defining it as a firm belief in something for which there is no proof.  Correction Merriam-Webster: 

Faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see, says God, who always has the final word (Heb. 11:1).  The proof of faith is in its sureness and certainty.  It doesn’t say that faith was or will be; it says that faith is.  And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him (Heb. 11:6). 

We cannot stand without faith (Isa. 7:9).  We cannot have peace without faith (Isa. 26:3-4).  With faith we can do great things (Jn. 14:12)! 

We are to imitate God’s faithfulness, which always expresses itself in action.  Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead (Jas. 2:17).  As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead (Jas. 2:26; Mt. 9:2, 22,29).  You doubt God’s faithfulness?  Consider that he’s preserved your life to this very moment.  How are you showing yourself faithful to a faithful God?    

The Great Restorer

As stated in the last post, Satan comes only to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10).  And the result of sin is death; whether you interpret that as literal, physical death, spiritual death, death or loss of opportunities, or material blessings, etc., what is clear is that we will suffer for our wrongdoing (Romans 6:23).  That’s simply the appropriate response for a just God. 

The common response of wrongdoing is attempting to conceal them (John 3 19-20).  Our Accuser (Rev. 12:10) does not want us to gain from the restoration that results for a truly repentant believer.  Repentance is God’s plan for restoring us.  God says, ‘If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me…’ (Ps. 23:3; Jer. 15:19; Ez. 18:30-32; Nahum 2:2; 1 Pet. 5:10).  To be clear, repenting isn’t merely admitting to God that you’ve done wrong, but it’s also turning away form sin and dedicating oneself to the amendment of one’s life (according to Merriam-Webster Online).  God doesn’t merely offer an opportunity to repent, but commands it.  And he is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins (1Jn. 1:9). 

Spiritual laws guarantees blessings (Ps, 1:1; 2:12; 32:2; 33:12; 40:4; 41:1; 84:5; 89:5; 89:15; 94:12; 106:3; 112:1; 118:26; 119:1-2; 127:5; Pr. 3:13; 8:34; 28:20; 29:18; 31:28; Isa. 30:18; Mt. 5:3-11; Jn. 12:13; Ac. 20:35Jas. 1:12; Rev. 1:3; 22:7).  We just need to trust that God will do what it says he will do in his word, and know and believe that ‘without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him’ (Heb. 11:6).

Learning to Flee

It’s good to see when you’re maturing spiritually.  And I’ve noticed that I’m more likely to flee from sin than I was before, not that I was so eager to do wrong.  But I do know that I’m abiding in the Word more, and that my walk is being affected.  I’m becoming more sensitive to sin, and as a result take more measures to avoid situations where I know I’m likely to fall into it.

The Bible is very clear in telling us to flee, or run, from sin (the love of money, false doctrine, sexual immorality, idolatry, and generally speaking, evil desires [1 Cor. 6:18; 10:14; 1 Tim. 6:3-11; 2 Tim 2:22]).  Don’t walk, swagger, or waddle, but RUN!  Christ spoke of the seriousness of the consequences that result from not running from Satan’s temptations, saying, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…” (John 10:10).

But we can be encouraged knowing that we aren’t only to flee from potential danger, but to flee to assured safety in God’s word.  We’re told to ‘pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart’ (2 Tim. 2:22).  Look at that! We have company in this walk too!  And in John 10:10 Christ tells of the desires of the Accuser, but continues, “…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full”. 

God is denying us nothing but death, theft and destruction.  He is allowing us the opportunity to have LIFE!

Warning for the Mocker

When convicting –which is sometimes necessary in this spiritual war- I want to focus on the sin and not the sinner, so I don’t believe it’s imperative to point out the offender that inspired this post.  But I do feel it necessary to touch on the Accuser’s tactic of belittling the Christian faith, which is -more often than not- met with casual disregard, if not amusement. 

Although we are free moral agents, God’s will for us is to honor him with everything, to include our mouths.  We are to ‘set an example for believers, in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity’ (1 Timothy 4:12).  There is no such thing as a harmless word, because ‘the tongue has the power of life and death’ (Proverbs 18:21).

There’s bitter fruit to reap for the mocker, scornful, proud, and haughty (Pr. 9:12; 16:18; 30:17; Ps. 31:23; 138:6; Isa. 2:12).  (And they are contrasted by the righteous, blameless, upright, and faithful.)  ‘Do not be deceived:  God cannot be mocked.  A man reaps what he sows’ (Galatians 6:7).  And this is not only God by name, but includes all of his ways and characteristics, which are written in his word.  They are shown as the perfect example by his son Jesus, and are displayed by those who desire to live according to his word. 

God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).

The Power of (Intercessory) Prayer

Yesterday, my grandmother and I found ourselves vexed over two situations that we had no direct control over, situations that, if we approached them the wrong way (read hastily and without prayer) would affect them negatively.  With the one I’d brought to her, I admitted my first reaction was to act in ‘my own power’, but later realized that would not be the best way to approach it.  And with hers, she was almost rendered speechless, so she, in her wisdom said, “Let’s pray.”  We prayed that we would have the right words, life giving and life changing words, to affect the people involved, if that’s God’s will in these situations.  And we prayed that they yield to God’s word in those situations, and trust in them, as opposed to their own devices.

Although a word form an overseer, shepard, or pastor may be comforting, but the authority that the everyday believer has according to 1 Peter 2:4, that refers to us as a holy priesthood, and Revelation 1:5, where we’re called royalty are valid as well. 

Better yet, we have authority through the great intercessor, Christ, who ‘…is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them’ (Hebrews 7:25).  And because of that, we can ‘…approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need’ (Hebrews 4:16).  The prayers of a righteous person, or persons, are indeed powerful and effective (James 5:16). 

It’s the faith in God’s word that does it!  I love the account of the man in Matthew chapter eight who humbly declined Jesus’ offer to come to the man’s house and heal his servant.  Instead he replied, in faith, ‘…just say the word and servant will be healed’ (v.8).  ‘When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith” (v. 10) In verse 13 he tells the man, “…Go! It will be done just as you believed it would”.  And his servant was healed at that very hour.

Welcome!

Hello!  I’m just really excited to get this ministry started.  It’s about time!  The idea came to me months ago, and now it’s finally here.  My sincerest prayer is that we share our perspectives on scripture and Christian life in order to grow closer to God and become more effective wherever we are in our individual walks.  As my co-pastor mentioned years ago, coming together gives us the clearest picture.  As a fire truck goes speeding with bright lights and sounding sirens down the street, one person may focus on -or see- only the bright red paint, another, the chrome, another the ladder, and so on.  But with enough people putting their accounts and perspectives together, they get the clearest picture of the truck.  And that’s what I hope we accomplish here.  I want to encourage readers to contribute, in love, while keeping the benefit of the body foremost in their minds.  Thank you.