”Trials always change our relationship with God. Either they drive us to Him, or they drive us away from Him. The extent of our fear of Him and our awareness of His love for us determine in which direction we will move.”
-Jerry Bridges, The Practice of Godliness
Trails, suffering, hardships, burdens; they lace through our lives, crushing us, tempting us to just give it all up, drown in depression, and let go of all hope. Mother’s with cancer, parents dying, losing all we have, friendships torn apart, car accidents, illness…these afflictions come and we stand there like Job, with a choice, we can curse God or run to Him.
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.”-2 Corinthians 4:7-12
We have a God of all comfort, all strength, all power, all sovereignty, he does not leave us or forsake us, our hope is in all of heaven and our foundation is on Him who will not be moved. James says we can count it as “all joy,” in our trials all possible hope surrounds us and leads us to see what lies ahead. Such grace is shown to us in these momentary sorrows and we have a grace beyond anything imaginable, a grace that brings not tears to our eyes but wipes away each one, comforting us.
Now, before straying to far, this is not meaning we sit there and expect all comfort and ease, (http://ashleynicolecaptivated.blogspot.com/2010/03/as-he-removes-his-robes-of.html or http://ashleynicolecaptivated.blogspot.com/2011/06/walking-according-to-law.html) rather let us be faithful as He is faithful, we find comfort in our obedience, knowing that He gives us strength.
Where do we begin when trials come our way? We must begin before they come. If Christ is not first and foremost our foundation, where do we expect to stand when the waves of trials come. Charles Spurgeon wrote, “If Jesus be our hope for everything, except one thing, we shall utterly fail, because in that one point we shall come to nought…Beware of mixing even a little of self with the mortar with which you build, or you will make it untempered mortar, and the stones will not hold together.” If our foundation in daily living is filled not fully of Christ and him alone, one mix of our worldly desires or strongholds will quickly crumble under the weight and so will we. Jesus is our all in all, our everything, daily we must trust and rely on Him through prayer, reading his word and obedience.
Secondly, where is your hope? Do you hope in the things to come of a life that will sooner vanish than smoke here on earth? Or are we longing, yearning, even desperate for heaven? Paul said in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." If our hope and steadfast longing does not dwell in heaven than we fail to see how our trials here prepare us for the “eternal weight of glory,” that Paul mentions here and the things unseen will seem as something less than those seen. Let us let go of what we so desperately cling to here on this earth, what causes sin in our lives or what you say “I hope I have this before I die…” and exchange it for the thought and true desire for the glory that awaits us as Paul says in Romans 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
Last of all; let us remember what we have been given when trials come our way. Unlike the world who seeks after faulty understanding, we have been given the mind of Christ, we have all wisdom and understanding through him who created and is sovereign over all trials and test in our lives. Let us look at what 1 Corinthians 2:14-16 says,
“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.”
The most common phrase that a person who has encountered trials says is, “What do I do now?” Well, as Christians we are given the wisdom and understanding of Christ, God so desires to give his people wisdom, we just need to seek it! When trials come do we first think to what action would please or glorify God first? Let us run to having the same mindset and action of Christ in life’s circumstances, Paul while in prison began to sing hymns, worshipping God even in his trials, how are we seeking to do the same? Our attitudes so affect how we over come in trials, Oswald Chambers said, “We all know people who have been made much meaner and more irritable and more intolerable to live with by suffering: it is not right to say that all suffering perfects. It only perfects one type of person...the one who accepts the call of God in Christ Jesus.” Will we so be those people in trials? Let us strive for endurance and growth in trials, to endure is to never resort to a sinful means in trials, but to overcome in obedience and joyfulness in the Lord.
I leave you with the exhortation in James when it comes to your trials and encouragement to know that no man suffers alone, when we are tempted and tried, know that men before us have so been through the same and overcame these trials and affliction through Christ, and I with great confidence tell you He will do the same through us.
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”- James 1:2-4
Friday, December 16, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
Homeward Bound
Something recent has come to my attention, I’ve come to truly appreciate this little item, that may seem so small but means so much….it’s the “lives in” verses “hometown” information option on Facebook. After recently moving to Santa Clarita to attend the Master’s College I myself changing my residency information on Facebook and noticed that I could put “hometown” and one my profile it comes up as “from.” Later that day a friend came up to my room and talking with my roommate said, “Never call this home, this is temporary.”
“The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.”- 1 Corinthians 15:47-49
Too often we as Christians become comfortable with this world, calling it our home, living in it and sometimes sadly, of it. We do not think to ourselves enough to never call this world home, to remember that it is only temporary, we are not of this world, but rather we are of heaven.
The day that you repented of your old life and proclaimed Christ as Lord, placing your faith in Him for salvation is the day you left this world and became a citizen of heaven. Do we understand the cost of this citizenship? Do we understand the depth of which we have it? We have citizenship on three different levels:
1. Purchased- Christ, on the cross, paid the price for sins, taking on all the wrath God, purchased us for ransom, that we might become citizens with him. 1 Corinthians 6:20 mentions how we were bought with a price, we were bought from this world by Christ to become a part of heaven.
2. Birth- To enter into heaven we must be born again as Christ said to Nicodemus in John 3:3. To be born into citizenship is to have a natural right in it.
3. Adoption- The last level of citizenship is adoption, to be chosen, hand picked for the kingdom. We did nothing in this adoption, we were in no way attractive, and this is not something comparable to a family picking out the puppy at the pound. Rather Ezekiel 16 gives the description of us in verse 5 as those who, “No one looked on you with pity or had compassion enough to do any of these things for you. Rather, you were thrown out into the open field, for on the day you were born you were despised.” In this state he chose us and adopted us as sons, to be in his kingdom.
We live in a world we are not apart of, set apart from those in it Philippians 3:19-21 states, “Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” So, if our belonging is not here but in heaven, what do we do now? We will be made glorious when he returns, so do we just live here now with the mindset of heaven? No! Rather we strive to live now as citizens! 1 Peter 2:11 urges us “as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” We are to run far from what this world is living for and live for heaven, acting like we belong there.
Spurgeon states that, “If, then, we are thus citizens of heaven, let our walk and actions be consistent with our high dignity.” Let us think through our lives, cutting out what looks of the world, what causes us to call this place “home.” As Christians we are not to be comfortable with this earth, but longing for what lies ahead, perfection, which is Christ likeness, so let us press on toward that goal keeping our mind on heavenly things.
As for Master’s I love it here, I take care of my dorm, care for those around me and follow what I’m called and told to do here, but I look forward and even long for when I can go home.
“Every Christian could have “heaven” as their hometown on facebook.’-Bobby Blakey
“The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.”- 1 Corinthians 15:47-49
Too often we as Christians become comfortable with this world, calling it our home, living in it and sometimes sadly, of it. We do not think to ourselves enough to never call this world home, to remember that it is only temporary, we are not of this world, but rather we are of heaven.
The day that you repented of your old life and proclaimed Christ as Lord, placing your faith in Him for salvation is the day you left this world and became a citizen of heaven. Do we understand the cost of this citizenship? Do we understand the depth of which we have it? We have citizenship on three different levels:
1. Purchased- Christ, on the cross, paid the price for sins, taking on all the wrath God, purchased us for ransom, that we might become citizens with him. 1 Corinthians 6:20 mentions how we were bought with a price, we were bought from this world by Christ to become a part of heaven.
2. Birth- To enter into heaven we must be born again as Christ said to Nicodemus in John 3:3. To be born into citizenship is to have a natural right in it.
3. Adoption- The last level of citizenship is adoption, to be chosen, hand picked for the kingdom. We did nothing in this adoption, we were in no way attractive, and this is not something comparable to a family picking out the puppy at the pound. Rather Ezekiel 16 gives the description of us in verse 5 as those who, “No one looked on you with pity or had compassion enough to do any of these things for you. Rather, you were thrown out into the open field, for on the day you were born you were despised.” In this state he chose us and adopted us as sons, to be in his kingdom.
We live in a world we are not apart of, set apart from those in it Philippians 3:19-21 states, “Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” So, if our belonging is not here but in heaven, what do we do now? We will be made glorious when he returns, so do we just live here now with the mindset of heaven? No! Rather we strive to live now as citizens! 1 Peter 2:11 urges us “as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” We are to run far from what this world is living for and live for heaven, acting like we belong there.
Spurgeon states that, “If, then, we are thus citizens of heaven, let our walk and actions be consistent with our high dignity.” Let us think through our lives, cutting out what looks of the world, what causes us to call this place “home.” As Christians we are not to be comfortable with this earth, but longing for what lies ahead, perfection, which is Christ likeness, so let us press on toward that goal keeping our mind on heavenly things.
As for Master’s I love it here, I take care of my dorm, care for those around me and follow what I’m called and told to do here, but I look forward and even long for when I can go home.
“Every Christian could have “heaven” as their hometown on facebook.’-Bobby Blakey
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Walking According to the Law
In the High School ministry I serve at we’ve been reading through the Psalms and just finished 119 today on a little thing we call SOTD. It’s so encouraging to see a little over a hundred high schoolers get online to read God’s word and post a comment on what they learned from it, instead of just jumping onto Facebook, Youtube, or any other site. Check it out at:
http://www.churchforhighschoolers.com/!
Anyways back to the main thought for this blog, it’s been awhile but I’m looking forward to what God has planned for this summer in some brainstorms about a blog series on worship and some book reviews from the summer reading list.
But what’s always on the reading list is God’s word, everyday! Today we read Psalm 119:161-176 and verse 165 just jumped out at me. It says,
“Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.”
“Great peace,” that’s something we don’t expect to have in this life, I mean sure people always fight for peace (ironically enough) and search for it through various means but really you can search high and low, striving everyday of your life for peace but never find it unless you are found in Christ. He is called the “Prince of peace,” and we find our source of comfort in Him alone, especially through His word.
How are we doing in reading God’s word?
Are we just skimming though, maybe pondering on it, or not reading it at all? Or are we all about God’s word, hungering for it, studying it, looking for any moment of the day to get back to it?
Peace outside of God’s word is a hopeless endeavor.
In John 14:27 Christ says to his disciples,
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Why does God word bring us peace? It guides us in living upright and righteous lives! Ever notice how the less you sin, the more peace there is among you? The Psalmist does. He connects peace with avoiding stumbling in verse 165.
I love this analogy of walking rightly and not stumbling through loving God’s law, knowing it, studying it and obeying it daily guides us in the way we walk and not to stumble over certain sins.
Last night our church’s college ministry had a beach night and there was a log right in the middle of where everyone was walking or standing around talking. As I went to join in with a group I also ate it tripping over this log, and someone said, “Watch out for the stumbling block!” Unfortunately the warning was post almost eating sand, but someone came and removed the log far away from where anyone could trip on it again.
God’s word opens are eyes to what is causing us to stumble or could potentially cause us to. If someone had warned me before walking over there I would have carefully and thoughtfully walked around it. Proverbs 4:12 says how when our eyes are open to the path before us “when you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble.”
Not only does God’s word point out specific stumbling blocks but warns us that there will be many we are unaware of, if I had kept a close eye on how I was walking I could have kept from almost falling. When you study and begin to better understand God’s word “then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble.” (Proverbs 3:23)
Lastly, God word guides us to helping others to see and remove what stumbles them. We need to be helping out our brothers and sister in Christ, like my friend did in removing the log far from the group in pointing out their sins and helping them to remove them from their lives. Following what we read in Galatians 6:1 that says, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”
We need to be in God word to keep a path of walking that is right and pleasing to God, beginning to sin less and turn to guiding others in a path of righteousness. Donald Whitney said,
“Our bodies are inclined to ease, pleasure, gluttony, and sloth. Unless we practice self-control, our bodies will tend to serve evil more than God. We must carefully discipline ourselves in how we “walk” in this world, else we will conform more to its ways rather than to the ways of Christ."
“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”-Jude 1:24-25
http://www.churchforhighschoolers.com/!
Anyways back to the main thought for this blog, it’s been awhile but I’m looking forward to what God has planned for this summer in some brainstorms about a blog series on worship and some book reviews from the summer reading list.
But what’s always on the reading list is God’s word, everyday! Today we read Psalm 119:161-176 and verse 165 just jumped out at me. It says,
“Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.”
“Great peace,” that’s something we don’t expect to have in this life, I mean sure people always fight for peace (ironically enough) and search for it through various means but really you can search high and low, striving everyday of your life for peace but never find it unless you are found in Christ. He is called the “Prince of peace,” and we find our source of comfort in Him alone, especially through His word.
How are we doing in reading God’s word?
Are we just skimming though, maybe pondering on it, or not reading it at all? Or are we all about God’s word, hungering for it, studying it, looking for any moment of the day to get back to it?
Peace outside of God’s word is a hopeless endeavor.
In John 14:27 Christ says to his disciples,
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Why does God word bring us peace? It guides us in living upright and righteous lives! Ever notice how the less you sin, the more peace there is among you? The Psalmist does. He connects peace with avoiding stumbling in verse 165.
I love this analogy of walking rightly and not stumbling through loving God’s law, knowing it, studying it and obeying it daily guides us in the way we walk and not to stumble over certain sins.
Last night our church’s college ministry had a beach night and there was a log right in the middle of where everyone was walking or standing around talking. As I went to join in with a group I also ate it tripping over this log, and someone said, “Watch out for the stumbling block!” Unfortunately the warning was post almost eating sand, but someone came and removed the log far away from where anyone could trip on it again.
God’s word opens are eyes to what is causing us to stumble or could potentially cause us to. If someone had warned me before walking over there I would have carefully and thoughtfully walked around it. Proverbs 4:12 says how when our eyes are open to the path before us “when you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble.”
Not only does God’s word point out specific stumbling blocks but warns us that there will be many we are unaware of, if I had kept a close eye on how I was walking I could have kept from almost falling. When you study and begin to better understand God’s word “then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble.” (Proverbs 3:23)
Lastly, God word guides us to helping others to see and remove what stumbles them. We need to be helping out our brothers and sister in Christ, like my friend did in removing the log far from the group in pointing out their sins and helping them to remove them from their lives. Following what we read in Galatians 6:1 that says, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”
We need to be in God word to keep a path of walking that is right and pleasing to God, beginning to sin less and turn to guiding others in a path of righteousness. Donald Whitney said,
“Our bodies are inclined to ease, pleasure, gluttony, and sloth. Unless we practice self-control, our bodies will tend to serve evil more than God. We must carefully discipline ourselves in how we “walk” in this world, else we will conform more to its ways rather than to the ways of Christ."
“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”-Jude 1:24-25
Monday, April 25, 2011
All Dressed Up
So there is this weird trend I’ve noticed on my school campus, people all dressed up. And not just “Oh, they look nice,” kind of way but more of a in-between prom and extremely nice dinner dressing. I keep thinking, what are they trying to be ready for? And then today it hit me, “dressed for action.” I should probably mention this is happening in the fine arts area of the school, where theater, vocal, and instrumental classes and performances take place. These people are constantly ready to look nice for ANYTHING that comes their way, they are ready to be performing at any time, because that’s what they are, performers!
But they aren’t the only ones being called to be ready at all times, in Luke 12:35 we see Jesus tell us to be staying “dressed for action.” You may be thinking, “Okay Ashley, but these performers are told what to wear so they can be ready, how am I as a Christian supposed to adhere to dress code?” Glad you asked cause in Ephesians 6 Paul tells us!
He writes,
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” –Ephesians 6:13-18a
(I’d love to go into detail about each of these pieces to the full armor of God but John MacArthur did a wonderful series on this passage which you can find, read, and listen to at the “Grace to You” website.)
Are you ready Christian? “Ready for what?” you may ask. Performers are ready to be on stage and perform, Christians are ready for battle, spiritual battle that is, in the full text of Ephesians 6:10-20 we see the battle Paul is addressing, here’s what I left out:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places…To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”-Ephesians 6:10-12, 18b-20
There is a spiritual warfare going on both in our flesh and outside! Are we ready to stand and fight?
I end with some encouragement from Charles Spurgeon on the thought of war,
“We are not alarmed because Satan hindereth us, for it is proof that we are on the Lord’s side and are doing the Lord’s work and in His strength we shall win the victory and triumph over our adversary.”
May we not try to fight this battle alone, but like small children who looked towards their parents to be dressed each day, depend on our Father for the defense we need.
But they aren’t the only ones being called to be ready at all times, in Luke 12:35 we see Jesus tell us to be staying “dressed for action.” You may be thinking, “Okay Ashley, but these performers are told what to wear so they can be ready, how am I as a Christian supposed to adhere to dress code?” Glad you asked cause in Ephesians 6 Paul tells us!
He writes,
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” –Ephesians 6:13-18a
(I’d love to go into detail about each of these pieces to the full armor of God but John MacArthur did a wonderful series on this passage which you can find, read, and listen to at the “Grace to You” website.)
Are you ready Christian? “Ready for what?” you may ask. Performers are ready to be on stage and perform, Christians are ready for battle, spiritual battle that is, in the full text of Ephesians 6:10-20 we see the battle Paul is addressing, here’s what I left out:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places…To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”-Ephesians 6:10-12, 18b-20
There is a spiritual warfare going on both in our flesh and outside! Are we ready to stand and fight?
I end with some encouragement from Charles Spurgeon on the thought of war,
“We are not alarmed because Satan hindereth us, for it is proof that we are on the Lord’s side and are doing the Lord’s work and in His strength we shall win the victory and triumph over our adversary.”
May we not try to fight this battle alone, but like small children who looked towards their parents to be dressed each day, depend on our Father for the defense we need.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Caring is Sharing
So, Greenpeace sometimes bothers me. I mean can't a girl buy organics without being told she needs to "save the polar bears" too? Like most people I usually whip out my phone or haste by them with a smile and a "no thank you!" But last week my encounter with Greenpeace went a little differently...
I was at the mall with a mission in mind, get in and get out, no dilly-dallying of the sorts. Then I saw a sign that read, "The Irvine Spectrum Company does not hold the views of the solicitors here." "Oh no" I thought. I started to walk through looking like I was in a rush when a girl asked, "Excuse me but would you like to help out the dolphins and whales from dying?" I quickly answered, "No thanks!” and flashed a smile. To which she replied, "Well do you care about people then?" That stopped me dead in my tracks. I said, "Actually yes I do!" So, I agreed to listen to her speech about air pollution causing death and other various problems affecting mankind. As she pulled out the donation form, I said "Wait, before we get into money, can I share with you how it is I care about people?" She agreed and I shared the gospel with her and that I cared more about souls then bodies. I told her I stopped and listened because I cared about her more than anything. She was very open to everything and actually carried out this conversation and agreed to go to church, she told me her time was up to be there and I had a choice in that moment, to donate or not to donate...
"For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.... I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings."-1 Corinthians 9:19,22
As Christians we are going out to a blind and deaf world proclaiming the most important message anyone will ever hear, but how we carry that message is of upmost importance. The saying goes, "They won't care what you know, until they know that you care." I mean, you could tell someone "I love you" in a stern voice while hitting over the head with a bat, and they most likely not believe you. That's what we're doing when we share the message of the saving Gospel with just the objective of telling in mind.
The "donation" of time and interest can often mean much more than a couple of bucks given to help out a cause, we need to show our care through actions, not just the deed. May our mindset be more like Paul's in 1 Thessalonians 2:8 where he tells the church, " So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us." Another translation says "our own souls," are we ready to give our entire selves to someone for the sake of their eternity?
The situation may have played out differently had I went into the conversation without letting this girl talk. She even told me some experiences she had with other "Christians" that made me so sad for that witness. But in the end I donated telling her why I was donating, because I cared about her. And she thanked me and is prayerfully going to attend church this weekend.
I was at the mall with a mission in mind, get in and get out, no dilly-dallying of the sorts. Then I saw a sign that read, "The Irvine Spectrum Company does not hold the views of the solicitors here." "Oh no" I thought. I started to walk through looking like I was in a rush when a girl asked, "Excuse me but would you like to help out the dolphins and whales from dying?" I quickly answered, "No thanks!” and flashed a smile. To which she replied, "Well do you care about people then?" That stopped me dead in my tracks. I said, "Actually yes I do!" So, I agreed to listen to her speech about air pollution causing death and other various problems affecting mankind. As she pulled out the donation form, I said "Wait, before we get into money, can I share with you how it is I care about people?" She agreed and I shared the gospel with her and that I cared more about souls then bodies. I told her I stopped and listened because I cared about her more than anything. She was very open to everything and actually carried out this conversation and agreed to go to church, she told me her time was up to be there and I had a choice in that moment, to donate or not to donate...
"For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.... I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings."-1 Corinthians 9:19,22
As Christians we are going out to a blind and deaf world proclaiming the most important message anyone will ever hear, but how we carry that message is of upmost importance. The saying goes, "They won't care what you know, until they know that you care." I mean, you could tell someone "I love you" in a stern voice while hitting over the head with a bat, and they most likely not believe you. That's what we're doing when we share the message of the saving Gospel with just the objective of telling in mind.
The "donation" of time and interest can often mean much more than a couple of bucks given to help out a cause, we need to show our care through actions, not just the deed. May our mindset be more like Paul's in 1 Thessalonians 2:8 where he tells the church, " So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us." Another translation says "our own souls," are we ready to give our entire selves to someone for the sake of their eternity?
The situation may have played out differently had I went into the conversation without letting this girl talk. She even told me some experiences she had with other "Christians" that made me so sad for that witness. But in the end I donated telling her why I was donating, because I cared about her. And she thanked me and is prayerfully going to attend church this weekend.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Moving Forward
So, "Spring Forward" is today, hope you all remembered! But as we al know, moving the clocks ahead an hour means losing an hour of sleep, which is hard! But it also means that summer is on it's way! Vacations, breaks, more time with your kids, and just all around great weather is just around the corner; but for now we have to press on through the spring...
"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for othe prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 3:13-14
As Christians, fighting this fight and running this race can be hard work, it takes perseverance. But I wanted to give you a short bit of encouragement to press on to the Day awaiting. Christ is going to return and we will enter into His Kingdom and rest, but will you be found hearing "well done good and faithful servant" or "what were you doing with your time????" Run till you finish the race.
Press on you saints!
See the Day approaching!
See seeing Christ something to press forward for.
Never be lacking in zeal.
Be ready, to be used.
"For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend ofrom heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words."-! Thessalonians 4:15-18
"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for othe prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 3:13-14
As Christians, fighting this fight and running this race can be hard work, it takes perseverance. But I wanted to give you a short bit of encouragement to press on to the Day awaiting. Christ is going to return and we will enter into His Kingdom and rest, but will you be found hearing "well done good and faithful servant" or "what were you doing with your time????" Run till you finish the race.
Press on you saints!
See the Day approaching!
See seeing Christ something to press forward for.
Never be lacking in zeal.
Be ready, to be used.
"For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend ofrom heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words."-! Thessalonians 4:15-18
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Give Me Fever
So, there is an global epidemic happening right now, it’s name:
Bieber Fever
Worldwide people have it.
He has over 8 million people following his Twitter account and on Facebook almost 23 million ‘likes!’ The world has truly caught the fever. How do you know if someone around you has “Bieber Fever?” They LOVE him, and the more they stay in “Bieber Fever” the more their love grows! Here are some symptoms of the “Bieber Fever” love:
-Following his twitter
-Listening to his music
-Reading what others are saying about him
-Following and knowing every detail of his life
-Doing anything and everything they can to even catch a glimpse of him
And lastly
-They talk about him, non-stop
Let’s just say their burning love for the Biebs, is known to all.
But what I want to know is…
What ever happen to “Jesus Fever?”
“Here, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”-Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Did you know, that on any given Twitter account relating to God, Jesus or the Bible has less than ½ million followers, some less that 5,000. And on Facebook the groups relating to God, Jesus, or the Bible barely even add up to Beiber’s 23 million. I think its safe to say, that “Jesus Fever” has burned out.
But there is hope and are still people who claim to have this burning love for Jesus, but it isn’t always shown so clearly.
Those who have “Jesus Fever” are:
-Reading His word
-Listening to songs about Him
-Reading what others say about Him
-Listening to sermons about Him
-Wanting to know, and follow after, every detail of His life
-Talking to Him
And most importantly
-They are telling everyone about their “Jesus Fever”
“I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first…” –Revelation 2:2-5
We can be doing all the things listed above, but have not love. Love for others you ask? No, love for Jesus. May we not be trying to do these things on our own but know where our love for Jesus comes from, God. God gives us the ability to love him and gives us the fever we need to carry out his will.
Now you may not have “Bieber Fever,” but your “Jesus Fever” may be overrun by another fever, to which I “appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2)
We need to be checking our lives for fevers that are conformed to this world and asking what we are holding to that robs us of these affections for Christ and what are we clinging to which heightens our affection for Him?
Beloved, may we remember from where we have fallen and holdfast to the love of Christ because the “superlative beauty of Jesus is all attracting; it is not so much to be admired as to be loved.”-Charles Spurgeon
Bieber Fever
Worldwide people have it.
He has over 8 million people following his Twitter account and on Facebook almost 23 million ‘likes!’ The world has truly caught the fever. How do you know if someone around you has “Bieber Fever?” They LOVE him, and the more they stay in “Bieber Fever” the more their love grows! Here are some symptoms of the “Bieber Fever” love:
-Following his twitter
-Listening to his music
-Reading what others are saying about him
-Following and knowing every detail of his life
-Doing anything and everything they can to even catch a glimpse of him
And lastly
-They talk about him, non-stop
Let’s just say their burning love for the Biebs, is known to all.
But what I want to know is…
What ever happen to “Jesus Fever?”
“Here, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”-Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Did you know, that on any given Twitter account relating to God, Jesus or the Bible has less than ½ million followers, some less that 5,000. And on Facebook the groups relating to God, Jesus, or the Bible barely even add up to Beiber’s 23 million. I think its safe to say, that “Jesus Fever” has burned out.
But there is hope and are still people who claim to have this burning love for Jesus, but it isn’t always shown so clearly.
Those who have “Jesus Fever” are:
-Reading His word
-Listening to songs about Him
-Reading what others say about Him
-Listening to sermons about Him
-Wanting to know, and follow after, every detail of His life
-Talking to Him
And most importantly
-They are telling everyone about their “Jesus Fever”
“I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first…” –Revelation 2:2-5
We can be doing all the things listed above, but have not love. Love for others you ask? No, love for Jesus. May we not be trying to do these things on our own but know where our love for Jesus comes from, God. God gives us the ability to love him and gives us the fever we need to carry out his will.
Now you may not have “Bieber Fever,” but your “Jesus Fever” may be overrun by another fever, to which I “appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2)
We need to be checking our lives for fevers that are conformed to this world and asking what we are holding to that robs us of these affections for Christ and what are we clinging to which heightens our affection for Him?
Beloved, may we remember from where we have fallen and holdfast to the love of Christ because the “superlative beauty of Jesus is all attracting; it is not so much to be admired as to be loved.”-Charles Spurgeon
Sunday, March 6, 2011
An Outward Appearance
So as I was cutting up some strawberries today, I noticed there were a lot more “mutant” one than normal. You know, the ones with extra tips, lopsided, or just huge! They never seem to faze me, I just look, chuckle and cut; but I remembered talking with someone once about how they refuse to eat those strawberries, claiming there is no way they could taste the same or be good for you, crazy right? 
Just because it doesn’t fit the normal criteria of a strawberry doesn’t make it taste any different….
But is this the way we think about lost people?
Do we ever look at people and think, “they do not look like they could ever love Christ!” I know I’ve thought that before, and it’s so foolish and unloving! In 2 Peter we see that God doesn’t want “any to perish” not just “the clean cut or friendly looking to perish.”
We see an example of this in 1 Samuel 16 when God is going to call a new king from the sons of Jesse. Samuel sees the strapping brothers and though they were it, they looked like king material, but God said, “do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. (v. 7)” By an outward appearance we cannot tell if someone is going to faithfully obey God, or is already obeying God; a persons actions flow from his inward being.
So, my challenge to you is to go tell the gospel to that person you’ve been putting off thinking they would want nothing to do with it, even if that is the outcome, you’ve been obedient to God!
Just because it doesn’t fit the normal criteria of a strawberry doesn’t make it taste any different….
But is this the way we think about lost people?
Do we ever look at people and think, “they do not look like they could ever love Christ!” I know I’ve thought that before, and it’s so foolish and unloving! In 2 Peter we see that God doesn’t want “any to perish” not just “the clean cut or friendly looking to perish.”
We see an example of this in 1 Samuel 16 when God is going to call a new king from the sons of Jesse. Samuel sees the strapping brothers and though they were it, they looked like king material, but God said, “do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. (v. 7)” By an outward appearance we cannot tell if someone is going to faithfully obey God, or is already obeying God; a persons actions flow from his inward being.
So, my challenge to you is to go tell the gospel to that person you’ve been putting off thinking they would want nothing to do with it, even if that is the outcome, you’ve been obedient to God!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Waging War.
Sin, it began with temptation.
Where did it come from?
God?
“Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.”- James 1:13
No.
Satan?
Why do we have the need to shift blame for our sinful desires and actions? We see this done right after the fall of man, Adam blames God for giving Him woman, and the woman gave him the fruit; and then Eve blames the Devil for deceiving her. They shifted blame.
By saying the serpent deceived her and she ate, gave Satan glory for winning over one of God’s people. We need to stop giving Satan glory by saying he is the one who leads us into sin!
“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” -James 1:14
We are lured away by our own desires! It’s time to stop making excuses and blames for sin but to make war against it! Lou Priolo described this luring in his book “Pleasing People” in this way:
“Like a largemouth bass that is lured away from the safety of it’s covering into captivity by a flashy new artificial bait, our inordinate desires can draw us away from the safety of obedience to Christ into many different captivating sins.”
These are our own desires waging war within our flesh against the Spirit! The blame of misconduct must be entirely on us, “neither the devil nor any other person or thing is to be blamed so as to excuse ourselves; for the true original of evil and temptation is in our own hearts.” (Matthew Henry)
It’s time to move from blame and into action.
“Let the goodness of God excite us to a sacred jealousy and to a holy revenge against those iniquities which are hateful in His sight.”-Charles Spurgeon
For God’s glory may we desire to overcome sin, not our own! And there is no reason to not strive after battling sin because:
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”- 1 Corinthians 10:13
We are weak in the flesh, but God is gracious not only to forgive our sins but also help us fight against them! May we never put down our armor and sword, always “dressed for action” in the midst of war!
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over m this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and s having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints." Ephesians 6:10-18
Where did it come from?
God?
“Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.”- James 1:13
No.
Satan?
Why do we have the need to shift blame for our sinful desires and actions? We see this done right after the fall of man, Adam blames God for giving Him woman, and the woman gave him the fruit; and then Eve blames the Devil for deceiving her. They shifted blame.
By saying the serpent deceived her and she ate, gave Satan glory for winning over one of God’s people. We need to stop giving Satan glory by saying he is the one who leads us into sin!
“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” -James 1:14
We are lured away by our own desires! It’s time to stop making excuses and blames for sin but to make war against it! Lou Priolo described this luring in his book “Pleasing People” in this way:
“Like a largemouth bass that is lured away from the safety of it’s covering into captivity by a flashy new artificial bait, our inordinate desires can draw us away from the safety of obedience to Christ into many different captivating sins.”
These are our own desires waging war within our flesh against the Spirit! The blame of misconduct must be entirely on us, “neither the devil nor any other person or thing is to be blamed so as to excuse ourselves; for the true original of evil and temptation is in our own hearts.” (Matthew Henry)
It’s time to move from blame and into action.
“Let the goodness of God excite us to a sacred jealousy and to a holy revenge against those iniquities which are hateful in His sight.”-Charles Spurgeon
For God’s glory may we desire to overcome sin, not our own! And there is no reason to not strive after battling sin because:
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”- 1 Corinthians 10:13
We are weak in the flesh, but God is gracious not only to forgive our sins but also help us fight against them! May we never put down our armor and sword, always “dressed for action” in the midst of war!
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over m this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and s having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints." Ephesians 6:10-18
Monday, February 14, 2011
For the Love of Books: Feminine Appeal
I don’t need or get as much sleep as a normal person usually would. Lately I’ve been putting that time to better use by reading, it’s amazing what you can finish with an extra two or three hours every night! After reading some really great books these past two months, I thought I start some book reviews and share with you what I’ve learned from them! Now, I know that I’m no book critic but I do love read and writing about God’s truth, so here we go:
Book: Feminine Appeal: Seven Virtues of a Godly Wife and Mother
Author: Carolyn Mahaney
Written: 2003
Genre: Christian; Women
Summary:
In this book Carolyn is addressing the virtues of a godly woman seen in Titus 2 and the appeal to follow them. She shares all the blessings and reasons to be following a course f biblical womanhood, being transformed by God’s word not the world. Carolyn is the wife of C.J. Mahaney, has been married for nearly thirty years, and has four children. In this book she focuses on 7 specific virtues, which are:
* The delight of loving my husband
* The blessings of loving my children
* The safety of self-control
* The pleasure of purity
* The honor of working at home
* The rewards of kindness
* The beauty of submission
Personally:
I enjoyed reading this book as a single woman desiring to one day be married, understanding what it is to be prepared for and how to be serving others now and ultimately how to be glorifying God through living out biblical womanhood. Carolyn is straightforward and doesn’t “beat around the bush” with things that God has commanded! This book is focused more on biblical doctrine and less on personal experience, her ultimate view is to keep God first and glorifying Him in how I act.
Key Points:
(Some of the main quotes that stuck out)
“Our emotions are a warning system God graciously gave us to attract attention to the sin in our hearts.”
We need to be using emotions to stir us into action, not as an excuse to sin. Checking our feelings and emotions for sinful motives or being out of order in the least bit. Often what needs to be done isn’t what we “feel” like doing.
“In fact, our husbands’ particular sins, unique weaknesses, and even their idiosyncrasies are tailor-made for us. Likewise, our sins and weaknesses are custom-designed for them. Both husbands and wives will become more Christ like by having to deal with each other’s sin and deficiencies.”
Before reading this book I had a difficult time in confronting or rebuking a friend’s sin, whether not at all or not lovingly, I would come off blunt and harsh. After reading this I was humbled in the fact that one day I’ll have to submissively and lovingly confront my husband one day, so I need to cultivate a gentle and quite spirit in this area now.
“But if we submit to these temptations…”
This is kind of a random snippet from the book, but it made me think through my actions throughout my day more, asking myself in each action what/who I am submitting to.
In conclusion this book is so full of truth and practical application but to ultimately adorn our lives with the gospel, showing others the transforming effects it has and the greatness of our God!
Book: Feminine Appeal: Seven Virtues of a Godly Wife and Mother
Author: Carolyn Mahaney
Written: 2003
Genre: Christian; Women
Summary:
In this book Carolyn is addressing the virtues of a godly woman seen in Titus 2 and the appeal to follow them. She shares all the blessings and reasons to be following a course f biblical womanhood, being transformed by God’s word not the world. Carolyn is the wife of C.J. Mahaney, has been married for nearly thirty years, and has four children. In this book she focuses on 7 specific virtues, which are:
* The delight of loving my husband
* The blessings of loving my children
* The safety of self-control
* The pleasure of purity
* The honor of working at home
* The rewards of kindness
* The beauty of submission
Personally:
I enjoyed reading this book as a single woman desiring to one day be married, understanding what it is to be prepared for and how to be serving others now and ultimately how to be glorifying God through living out biblical womanhood. Carolyn is straightforward and doesn’t “beat around the bush” with things that God has commanded! This book is focused more on biblical doctrine and less on personal experience, her ultimate view is to keep God first and glorifying Him in how I act.
Key Points:
(Some of the main quotes that stuck out)
“Our emotions are a warning system God graciously gave us to attract attention to the sin in our hearts.”
We need to be using emotions to stir us into action, not as an excuse to sin. Checking our feelings and emotions for sinful motives or being out of order in the least bit. Often what needs to be done isn’t what we “feel” like doing.
“In fact, our husbands’ particular sins, unique weaknesses, and even their idiosyncrasies are tailor-made for us. Likewise, our sins and weaknesses are custom-designed for them. Both husbands and wives will become more Christ like by having to deal with each other’s sin and deficiencies.”
Before reading this book I had a difficult time in confronting or rebuking a friend’s sin, whether not at all or not lovingly, I would come off blunt and harsh. After reading this I was humbled in the fact that one day I’ll have to submissively and lovingly confront my husband one day, so I need to cultivate a gentle and quite spirit in this area now.
“But if we submit to these temptations…”
This is kind of a random snippet from the book, but it made me think through my actions throughout my day more, asking myself in each action what/who I am submitting to.
In conclusion this book is so full of truth and practical application but to ultimately adorn our lives with the gospel, showing others the transforming effects it has and the greatness of our God!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Worth Following...
“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”- 1 Corinthians 11:1
I recently had the joy of joining the high school ministry True North; it’s so humbling to think that God has placed me as a leader. To be a tool in reaching out and teaching high school girl’s of Orange County the truth of God. But it has definitely got me thinking as to what it means to be a “leader.”
“But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.”—Mark 10:43-44
Leading first begins with submitting, submitting to authority is not optional and all leaders have someone they are under and ultimately we all serve under the Lord. To rebel against leadership is to rebel against God, He has placed them over us as we see in Romans 13:1 that every man is to “be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” We see this in Christ, He is Lord of all and yet came to serve, not to be served, doing the will of the Father, John MacArthur makes a great point that “leadership is ministry, not management.” If we do not first have the attitude of submission and longing to serve one another, being as leader who is a loving servant of all; then leading can become a desire to reign over others for their own benefits and not to the growth and benefit of those they lead.
[Now, it is important to remember who you can lead, by God’s grace I lead a small group if high school girls and if it is the Lord’s will one day my children; I cannot think that I would lead men or a husband, or that (like in the example of children) my desires in which way to lead would come over his.]
“We can lead others only as far along the road as we ourselves have traveled. Merely pointing the way is not enough. If we are not walking, the no one can be following, and we are not leading anyone.”- J. Oswald Sanders
This quote is so humbling; it ties in with the thoughts on being a servant leader, but also caused me to look into my own heart and life to see what is worth following. Where am I standing still, yet telling others to walk? Leadership requires a blameless character and spiritually maturity. Leaders determine the direction of those who follow. In the example of shepherds leading their sheep, the shepherd must first go out and create a path for them to walk on, we must do the same, though we will not be sinless, we will create a path for ourselves and others to be sinning less! For example we see in Hebrews 5:12-14 the exhortation for moving from spiritual milk to solid food, they still could only heard the basis principles of God; as leaders (as Christians!) we need to be string in growing in understanding and knowledge who our God is.
“And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.”-1 Thessalonians 1:6
My desire and prayer as a leader is to be able to say to my girls that they become imitators and that I would be able to be imitated and through that then example to others able to lead them in the command from God to be “holy as I am holy.”
Readings:
“Spiritual Leadership”- J. Oswald Sanders
“A few Good Shepherds”-John MacArthur (Article)
I recently had the joy of joining the high school ministry True North; it’s so humbling to think that God has placed me as a leader. To be a tool in reaching out and teaching high school girl’s of Orange County the truth of God. But it has definitely got me thinking as to what it means to be a “leader.”
“But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.”—Mark 10:43-44
Leading first begins with submitting, submitting to authority is not optional and all leaders have someone they are under and ultimately we all serve under the Lord. To rebel against leadership is to rebel against God, He has placed them over us as we see in Romans 13:1 that every man is to “be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” We see this in Christ, He is Lord of all and yet came to serve, not to be served, doing the will of the Father, John MacArthur makes a great point that “leadership is ministry, not management.” If we do not first have the attitude of submission and longing to serve one another, being as leader who is a loving servant of all; then leading can become a desire to reign over others for their own benefits and not to the growth and benefit of those they lead.
[Now, it is important to remember who you can lead, by God’s grace I lead a small group if high school girls and if it is the Lord’s will one day my children; I cannot think that I would lead men or a husband, or that (like in the example of children) my desires in which way to lead would come over his.]
“We can lead others only as far along the road as we ourselves have traveled. Merely pointing the way is not enough. If we are not walking, the no one can be following, and we are not leading anyone.”- J. Oswald Sanders
This quote is so humbling; it ties in with the thoughts on being a servant leader, but also caused me to look into my own heart and life to see what is worth following. Where am I standing still, yet telling others to walk? Leadership requires a blameless character and spiritually maturity. Leaders determine the direction of those who follow. In the example of shepherds leading their sheep, the shepherd must first go out and create a path for them to walk on, we must do the same, though we will not be sinless, we will create a path for ourselves and others to be sinning less! For example we see in Hebrews 5:12-14 the exhortation for moving from spiritual milk to solid food, they still could only heard the basis principles of God; as leaders (as Christians!) we need to be string in growing in understanding and knowledge who our God is.
“And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.”-1 Thessalonians 1:6
My desire and prayer as a leader is to be able to say to my girls that they become imitators and that I would be able to be imitated and through that then example to others able to lead them in the command from God to be “holy as I am holy.”
Readings:
“Spiritual Leadership”- J. Oswald Sanders
“A few Good Shepherds”-John MacArthur (Article)
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