MATTHEW 7:24-27
Believe it or not, many people in the church make a conscious decision to ignore God's truth. You may ask, "Who would do such a thing?" Chances are, you know someone who already has.
Think about those Christians who say, "I am never going back to that church again. All the pastor talks about is sin, sin, sin." Or, perhaps the issue is "money," or "faithfulness," or maybe even "the cross." When we are listening to the man and not to the God who sent the message, it is easy to get irritated with a preacher's persistence.
If you find yourself reacting this strongly to a godly pastor's preaching, then you ought to take an honest look at yourself. Is there a particular sermon topic that "pushes your buttons"? Why is it that you don't like to hear about tithing, for instance? Maybe the reason is that you know your finances are not under the Lord's control. And when that happens, the natural human response is to get away from the conviction.
This is why so many people seem to run out the back door of the church--they simply can't take it anymore. They have made a decision to close their ears to God's Word, and, therefore, they cannot bear to listen to it.
In Matthew 7:26, Jesus comments on people who hear the Word but do not act on it. He compares them to a "foolish man who built his house on the sand." Do you want to be "foolish" in the Lord's eyes? Of course not. Instead, be a believer whose mind is set on becoming more like Christ.
In Touch Ministries
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
God is Not Shaken
Lately I have felt especially tied to a recently released song, played rather frequently on local Christian radio. The lyrics that affect me most are as follows:
"I am sinking in the river that is raging
I am drowning
Will I ever, rise to breathe again
I wanna know why
I just wanna understand
Will I ever know why?
How could this be from Your hand?
When every little thing that I dream of being just slips away like water through my hands
And when it seems the walls from my beliefs come crashing down like they’re all made of sand
I won’t, let go of You now
because I know, oh, You’re not shaken
I am trembling in the darkness of my own fear
All the questions with no answers
So grip me while I’m here
And I may never know why
Oh I may not understand
But I will lift up my eyes,
and trust this is Your plan."
And I'll be honest, my focus has been more on the statement that every dream seems to slip like water through my hand. The focus has not been on the point of the song: I will trust all is part of God's plan. I will not let go of my faith because God is not shaken by these events that seem to rock me to the core.
Because my focus has been more on myself than on Christ I have slipped into an uncomfortable, sad state over the past few days. Of course I do well to hide my feelings and I choose not to discuss my troubles with those around me for I know in the light of all that is truly important, my heartbreak is not.
Today, God reached out and changed my point of view. After receiving a copy of a letter an old friend sent to another in order to share the wonderful work of Christ shown in her life, I found myself on the receiving end of a mighty slap in the face. God used the witness, designated for another, to break my heart again. The words of my friend rebuked me. The joy she feels and the fulfillment she has been blessed with are both directly tied to the active placing of Christ as first in her life. The details of from where God has brought her match mine, almost verbatim. She is a living testimony of the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit.
Granted God has been(and continues to be)working in my heart and I am a far cry from where I once was. There only by the grace of God. However, my frustrations have grown drastically in the past week due only to the fact my trust has been misplaced in myself. I know better and I've learned many times, the hard way, that I will always let myself down. My focus has been on me and I have continually stumbled. Christ has not been truly first in my life for a long time.
But isn't it just like God to use an unexpected email, written for another, to bring us back to Him? Isn't is just like God to send a friend, a sister in Christ, our way when we need encouragement the most? Isn't it just like God to place His word in front of our eyes even when we refuse to take time to study it on our own? Thanks to God's working through my friend, I was reminded once again that God loves me and constantly pulls me to Himself whether I drag my feet or not. I thank God for this.
I can't begin to count the many times I have felt a tangible drawing of my heart to Christ over the past year or so. Once again my sadness and fears are being drowned out by the calming whisper of my Lord. He is preparing me for His work. I am still unaware of what this work may be but there is no doubt in my mind He is still prodding me to move. He is gently reminding me keep my eyes on Him and not on the rising water surrounding me. He is offering me the hand of the Almighty while I grasp for anything to hold on to.
I realized today how blessed I am to have fellow disciples of Christ in my life. For when I lose my focus, God uses all His resources to point my way back to Him. Sometimes those resources consist of a random email written for another. Blessed be the name of the Lord. And no matter how easily I feel the world crumbling under my feet, I am a child of God. I am held securely in His hand. And no, my God is not shaken!
"I am sinking in the river that is raging
I am drowning
Will I ever, rise to breathe again
I wanna know why
I just wanna understand
Will I ever know why?
How could this be from Your hand?
When every little thing that I dream of being just slips away like water through my hands
And when it seems the walls from my beliefs come crashing down like they’re all made of sand
I won’t, let go of You now
because I know, oh, You’re not shaken
I am trembling in the darkness of my own fear
All the questions with no answers
So grip me while I’m here
And I may never know why
Oh I may not understand
But I will lift up my eyes,
and trust this is Your plan."
And I'll be honest, my focus has been more on the statement that every dream seems to slip like water through my hand. The focus has not been on the point of the song: I will trust all is part of God's plan. I will not let go of my faith because God is not shaken by these events that seem to rock me to the core.
Because my focus has been more on myself than on Christ I have slipped into an uncomfortable, sad state over the past few days. Of course I do well to hide my feelings and I choose not to discuss my troubles with those around me for I know in the light of all that is truly important, my heartbreak is not.
Today, God reached out and changed my point of view. After receiving a copy of a letter an old friend sent to another in order to share the wonderful work of Christ shown in her life, I found myself on the receiving end of a mighty slap in the face. God used the witness, designated for another, to break my heart again. The words of my friend rebuked me. The joy she feels and the fulfillment she has been blessed with are both directly tied to the active placing of Christ as first in her life. The details of from where God has brought her match mine, almost verbatim. She is a living testimony of the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit.
Granted God has been(and continues to be)working in my heart and I am a far cry from where I once was. There only by the grace of God. However, my frustrations have grown drastically in the past week due only to the fact my trust has been misplaced in myself. I know better and I've learned many times, the hard way, that I will always let myself down. My focus has been on me and I have continually stumbled. Christ has not been truly first in my life for a long time.
But isn't it just like God to use an unexpected email, written for another, to bring us back to Him? Isn't is just like God to send a friend, a sister in Christ, our way when we need encouragement the most? Isn't it just like God to place His word in front of our eyes even when we refuse to take time to study it on our own? Thanks to God's working through my friend, I was reminded once again that God loves me and constantly pulls me to Himself whether I drag my feet or not. I thank God for this.
I can't begin to count the many times I have felt a tangible drawing of my heart to Christ over the past year or so. Once again my sadness and fears are being drowned out by the calming whisper of my Lord. He is preparing me for His work. I am still unaware of what this work may be but there is no doubt in my mind He is still prodding me to move. He is gently reminding me keep my eyes on Him and not on the rising water surrounding me. He is offering me the hand of the Almighty while I grasp for anything to hold on to.
I realized today how blessed I am to have fellow disciples of Christ in my life. For when I lose my focus, God uses all His resources to point my way back to Him. Sometimes those resources consist of a random email written for another. Blessed be the name of the Lord. And no matter how easily I feel the world crumbling under my feet, I am a child of God. I am held securely in His hand. And no, my God is not shaken!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Judge Not?
The following was taken from an article from American Vision by Gary DeMar
“It’s been said that the most frequently quoted Bible verse is no longer John 3:16 but Matthew 7:1: ‘Do not judge, or you too will be judged.’” Actually, it’s the most quoted out-of-context verse in the Bible: We cannot glibly quote this, though, without understanding what Jesus meant. When Jesus condemned judging, he wasn’t at all implying we should never make judgments about anyone. After all, a few verses later, Jesus himself calls certain people “pigs” and “dogs” (Matt. 7:6) and “wolves in sheep’s clothing” (7:15)! Any act of church discipline (1 Cor. 5:5) and rebuking false prophets (1 John 4:1) requires judgment. Jesus said “Do not judge lest you be judged” (Matt. 7:1; Luke 6:37). But He also said, “Judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24; see Deut. 16:18). These are not contradictory statements since the context of Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:1 tells us what He means by “not judging” and what it means to judge with “righteous judgment.” Jesus was condemning those who judge using two standards of morality, one standard for the judge and another for the accused. You know, like politicians who created a healthcare bill that requires everyone to participate but exempts them. The Bible maintains—in both the Old and New Testaments—that the standard of judgment must be equal for both parties (Num. 15:16). “For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it shall be measured to you” (Matt. 7:2). God doesn’t take verses out of context."
This section of his entire article struck a chord with me. I have recently been wrestling with my own judgmental nature and I have felt convicted, rightly so, of my pious attitude many, many times. However, to judge with righteous judgment, the sins of those who unabashedly reject the truth of Christ is not condemned by God. God Himself is the ultimate judge of all. No doubt. However, to make a statement that certain behaviors and or attitudes (i.e. immorality, hatred, etc.) are wrong and worthy of death is not judgmental. Nor is it a sin. To speak the truth is a commandment that all God's children must follow. God uses us and our lives and words as examples to others in order to facilitate a relationship, a drawing of them, to Him. To evaluate what should be avoided both in our lives and in other's is to appropriately use the wisdom and instruction given us by God.
Most of the time, I believe when others refer to Matthew 7:1 they are using it as a cop-out. They are trying not to offend others under the guise of being non-judgmental. But as DeMar points out above, Matthew 7:1 highlights our tendency to live hypocritical lives and God is shining a spotlight on that. This, in no way, takes away from the truth of the Scriptures and of God's law. Certain behaviors and actions are bad. They are sinful. God has already judged us all and we are all depraved, lost souls. Only through His grace and His sacrifice of Christ are we made new and are our convictions overturned.
I, for one, would much rather err on the side of offending others with God's Word than to offend God by squelching His commandments. His message. His truth. I have lived my life as Peter for far too long. With the Lord's help I will no longer doubt & I will no longer deny. Who better to teach others than one of their own...a sinner saved by grace?
Proclaim the truth. Shout it from the rooftops. State the facts as they are presented in the Gospel. If that offends then so be it. The offense is not mine. The offended will eventually address their concerns with God. Whether they want to or not.
American Vision
“It’s been said that the most frequently quoted Bible verse is no longer John 3:16 but Matthew 7:1: ‘Do not judge, or you too will be judged.’” Actually, it’s the most quoted out-of-context verse in the Bible: We cannot glibly quote this, though, without understanding what Jesus meant. When Jesus condemned judging, he wasn’t at all implying we should never make judgments about anyone. After all, a few verses later, Jesus himself calls certain people “pigs” and “dogs” (Matt. 7:6) and “wolves in sheep’s clothing” (7:15)! Any act of church discipline (1 Cor. 5:5) and rebuking false prophets (1 John 4:1) requires judgment. Jesus said “Do not judge lest you be judged” (Matt. 7:1; Luke 6:37). But He also said, “Judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24; see Deut. 16:18). These are not contradictory statements since the context of Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:1 tells us what He means by “not judging” and what it means to judge with “righteous judgment.” Jesus was condemning those who judge using two standards of morality, one standard for the judge and another for the accused. You know, like politicians who created a healthcare bill that requires everyone to participate but exempts them. The Bible maintains—in both the Old and New Testaments—that the standard of judgment must be equal for both parties (Num. 15:16). “For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it shall be measured to you” (Matt. 7:2). God doesn’t take verses out of context."
This section of his entire article struck a chord with me. I have recently been wrestling with my own judgmental nature and I have felt convicted, rightly so, of my pious attitude many, many times. However, to judge with righteous judgment, the sins of those who unabashedly reject the truth of Christ is not condemned by God. God Himself is the ultimate judge of all. No doubt. However, to make a statement that certain behaviors and or attitudes (i.e. immorality, hatred, etc.) are wrong and worthy of death is not judgmental. Nor is it a sin. To speak the truth is a commandment that all God's children must follow. God uses us and our lives and words as examples to others in order to facilitate a relationship, a drawing of them, to Him. To evaluate what should be avoided both in our lives and in other's is to appropriately use the wisdom and instruction given us by God.
Most of the time, I believe when others refer to Matthew 7:1 they are using it as a cop-out. They are trying not to offend others under the guise of being non-judgmental. But as DeMar points out above, Matthew 7:1 highlights our tendency to live hypocritical lives and God is shining a spotlight on that. This, in no way, takes away from the truth of the Scriptures and of God's law. Certain behaviors and actions are bad. They are sinful. God has already judged us all and we are all depraved, lost souls. Only through His grace and His sacrifice of Christ are we made new and are our convictions overturned.
I, for one, would much rather err on the side of offending others with God's Word than to offend God by squelching His commandments. His message. His truth. I have lived my life as Peter for far too long. With the Lord's help I will no longer doubt & I will no longer deny. Who better to teach others than one of their own...a sinner saved by grace?
Proclaim the truth. Shout it from the rooftops. State the facts as they are presented in the Gospel. If that offends then so be it. The offense is not mine. The offended will eventually address their concerns with God. Whether they want to or not.
American Vision
Monday, August 10, 2009
Yet Another Sellout...
NewsBusters
The article listed above should be read but I warn you, it is disappointing. Of course this seems to be a common thread when dealing with any politician these days.
Bob Inglis doesn’t really make sense when he tries to strike up a contrast between himself and Glenn Beck by stating he believes in an America founded by folks who overcame adversity most of us will never see to start a country made up of great freedoms and opportunities. I’m quite certain Beck agrees with him on that point. I’m not sure anyone would disagree with him. Even liberals hail our founding fathers as courageous and outstanding leaders. The contrast is in where we are now vs. where we should be. Perhaps Inglis' words are only to highlight a contrast in approach to that of Glenn Beck. I know, I'm reaching, and I don't truly believe promoting positivity was Bob's point.
Inglis' comments point out that he doesn’t understand the dire straits we have let ourselves, as a nation, fall into any more than the moron who voted for Obama because NBC told them to. I think it’s a case of Inglis simply not getting it. By highlighting what the current administration is doing to run this great nation and its most productive people into the ground, Beck is not saying our future is hopeless. He is prodding those of us who have been content to let others fight our battles to move. He is attempting to issue a call to arms. The silent majority has been silent too long. And if we believe there is hope for our nation, we must not be silent any longer. And yes, a lot of what I see going does strike a chord of fear in me. As it should. The happenings that are completely contrary to all that I stand for and all that this nation should stand for are both scary and infuriating. And it is that anger that has motivated me to become more than just a passive conservative. Just as it has motivated many others to attend tea parties, to write their congressmen, to stand up and be counted. Inglis’ comments lead one to believe that he is content with the Republican status quo. I understand not wanting to foster a spirit of fear in his constituents however there is a distinct difference in promoting hope for our party and accepting defeat by adopting the Liberal lies and agenda.
Like Lindsay Graham, Inglis now comes across as weak and I don’t want a weak moderate representing me. I hope he realizes that by sticking his head in the sand he is doing his voters a disservice and he is an embarrassment at best. Not to mention, this certainly doesn’t look like a simple contrast in approach when you see his comments in light of his voting record. I haven’t followed him as closely as I should and it’s been easy for him to fly in under the radar given the many controversies that plague the conservative party. But truth be told, he’s flip-flopped more than a fish on dry land.
I can’t help but think he’s getting ready to make a bid for the White House come 2012 on a much, much more moderate ticket (if not left of center) and this is simply laying the groundwork for such a campaign. Truthfully, I think we may have the beginnings of yet another sellout in our midst. I hope I’m wrong.
The article listed above should be read but I warn you, it is disappointing. Of course this seems to be a common thread when dealing with any politician these days.
Bob Inglis doesn’t really make sense when he tries to strike up a contrast between himself and Glenn Beck by stating he believes in an America founded by folks who overcame adversity most of us will never see to start a country made up of great freedoms and opportunities. I’m quite certain Beck agrees with him on that point. I’m not sure anyone would disagree with him. Even liberals hail our founding fathers as courageous and outstanding leaders. The contrast is in where we are now vs. where we should be. Perhaps Inglis' words are only to highlight a contrast in approach to that of Glenn Beck. I know, I'm reaching, and I don't truly believe promoting positivity was Bob's point.
Inglis' comments point out that he doesn’t understand the dire straits we have let ourselves, as a nation, fall into any more than the moron who voted for Obama because NBC told them to. I think it’s a case of Inglis simply not getting it. By highlighting what the current administration is doing to run this great nation and its most productive people into the ground, Beck is not saying our future is hopeless. He is prodding those of us who have been content to let others fight our battles to move. He is attempting to issue a call to arms. The silent majority has been silent too long. And if we believe there is hope for our nation, we must not be silent any longer. And yes, a lot of what I see going does strike a chord of fear in me. As it should. The happenings that are completely contrary to all that I stand for and all that this nation should stand for are both scary and infuriating. And it is that anger that has motivated me to become more than just a passive conservative. Just as it has motivated many others to attend tea parties, to write their congressmen, to stand up and be counted. Inglis’ comments lead one to believe that he is content with the Republican status quo. I understand not wanting to foster a spirit of fear in his constituents however there is a distinct difference in promoting hope for our party and accepting defeat by adopting the Liberal lies and agenda.
Like Lindsay Graham, Inglis now comes across as weak and I don’t want a weak moderate representing me. I hope he realizes that by sticking his head in the sand he is doing his voters a disservice and he is an embarrassment at best. Not to mention, this certainly doesn’t look like a simple contrast in approach when you see his comments in light of his voting record. I haven’t followed him as closely as I should and it’s been easy for him to fly in under the radar given the many controversies that plague the conservative party. But truth be told, he’s flip-flopped more than a fish on dry land.
I can’t help but think he’s getting ready to make a bid for the White House come 2012 on a much, much more moderate ticket (if not left of center) and this is simply laying the groundwork for such a campaign. Truthfully, I think we may have the beginnings of yet another sellout in our midst. I hope I’m wrong.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Where Are You?
GENESIS 3:7-13
After not listening to God, Adam and Eve found themselves in a terrible predicament. Their first reaction was to cover up rather than "fess up." Fig leaves can never hide the root problem of sin, but even today, we still try this approach (v. 7). Instead of acknowledging and confessing sin, we often attempt a quick surface fix of the situation.
Adam and Eve's second response was to avoid God. They knew they were guilty of disobeying, but instead of coming to Him to reestablish their relationship, they hid from Him in fear (v. 8). We can do the same thing when sin breaks our fellowship with the Lord. Have you ever found yourself avoiding prayer and time in the Scriptures because you were struggling with sin and felt guilty?
A third reaction was to try and avoid personal responsibility by blaming others (vv. 12-13). Shifting guilt to another person can't remove it. We are each responsible before God for our actions, regardless of the circumstances or who else is involved.
Despite Adam and Eve's sin and their evasive ways of handling it, the Lord came to them (v. 9). Our sin is never large enough to keep Him away; our Father still calls to us and asks, "Where are you?" He knows what we have done and why, but He questions us so that we can come to realize our desperate state.
Never let guilt or shame keep you from God. He continually seeks those who have made a mess of their life and speaks to them through His Word, His Spirit, and His people. Forgiveness and a restored relationship await all who are willing to listen and respond with confession and repentance.
In Touch Ministries
After not listening to God, Adam and Eve found themselves in a terrible predicament. Their first reaction was to cover up rather than "fess up." Fig leaves can never hide the root problem of sin, but even today, we still try this approach (v. 7). Instead of acknowledging and confessing sin, we often attempt a quick surface fix of the situation.
Adam and Eve's second response was to avoid God. They knew they were guilty of disobeying, but instead of coming to Him to reestablish their relationship, they hid from Him in fear (v. 8). We can do the same thing when sin breaks our fellowship with the Lord. Have you ever found yourself avoiding prayer and time in the Scriptures because you were struggling with sin and felt guilty?
A third reaction was to try and avoid personal responsibility by blaming others (vv. 12-13). Shifting guilt to another person can't remove it. We are each responsible before God for our actions, regardless of the circumstances or who else is involved.
Despite Adam and Eve's sin and their evasive ways of handling it, the Lord came to them (v. 9). Our sin is never large enough to keep Him away; our Father still calls to us and asks, "Where are you?" He knows what we have done and why, but He questions us so that we can come to realize our desperate state.
Never let guilt or shame keep you from God. He continually seeks those who have made a mess of their life and speaks to them through His Word, His Spirit, and His people. Forgiveness and a restored relationship await all who are willing to listen and respond with confession and repentance.
In Touch Ministries
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