The season of gift-giving is once again here. We will be givers and receivers of gifts that may or may not have much value, or, which may have been pricey. Yet, how dear, how precious will any of those gifts be even six months from now?
There is a gift that children of God receive that will grow greater in value throughout all eternity - that is the gift of faith. Yes, faith in God and His promises is a gift that the world cannot receive, but which is granted to those who are called by God. Note how God conveys this in Ephesians chapter 2. After describing in the opening verses our pitiful state, and what it means to be spiritually dead, He contrasts that death with spiritual life in Christ. In verse eight, we read: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of your own doing [we didn't develop faith on our own and suddenly recognized God]; it is the gift of God-- (NRSV)". In the letter to the Hebrews we are reminded that "Jesus [is] the author and finisher of our faith... (chapter 12,, vs. 2a-NKJV)". God gives us faith so that we can please Him in our worship, for without the faith that God gives, our worship is in vain. (see Hebrews 11:6). God gives us faith so that we can acquire peace with Him through forgiveness of our condemnation of sin. (Romans 5:1)
God intends that we be good stewards of the gift of faith through nurturing it, and growing up into Christ. (see Colossians 2:6-7; Philippians 2:12-17; 2 Timothy 3:14-17; Jude 1:20-21) When we truly understand faith as a gift of God - a grace unique to those who have been called by Him, when we know and comprehend in the deepest part of our souls what it took for this gift to be purchased for us, perhaps, in all graciousness of God, we may fully understand this gift's value, its wrappings and presentation. Read in God's word through Peter in his second letter, at chapter 1, beginning at verse 1, "Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: 2) Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3) as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4) by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5) But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6) to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7) to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8) For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9) For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10) Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11) for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (NKJV)
When we consider the grace through faith that God has given us at such great cost, in such unperishable and beautiful wrappings, we will be able to sing with all conviction the words in the favorite hymn, Amazing Grace, "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me...how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed...tis grace that brought safe thus far, and grace will lead me home." Let us each ask ourselves honestly, "how precious is my faith, my undeserved gift from God?"
Showing posts with label value. Show all posts
Showing posts with label value. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Are you in THE BOOK?
Dear Friends,
We are in so many listings so that we can be identified and reached by others: Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, to name a few electronic ones. The school and work office keeps you on a list. Social Security Administration has you on a list. Those of you who have ever worked are probably on at least one tax list in the federal or state books. You may be in the White pages in either the hard copy or online version. You may be on a scout list, a birthday list. You may appear on a 'virtual' list should your name be Googled. You and your home may be in a book down at the department of land records or whatever the agency is called. You can probably think of other books and lists that you can be found on.
But, ARE YOU IN THE BOOK?
Do you know what book I mean? We all start out there, but we do not all end up in there. For the answer, you need to read…. Exodus 32:32-33; Psalm 69:28; Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5; Revelation 20:15.
God keeps lists. He is a list-keeping God. Wonder why if He is all knowing and all present? Think about who benefits the most from the lists we mortals keep. Not just the list-generator, but also as those who will view/use the list and the one who’s name is listed.
Ok. All for now.
-jo
Monday, September 3, 2012
"Dating" Christ - Advice to my single sisters
My sisters,
Before you get apoplectic and begin to question my theology (that's the nicest way I could put it), know that I am not speaking as the world speaks of "dating". The idea of dating for this world has moved from using the time to know a person's character and essence to a mere encounter and sleeping with someone. I can say more on this subject, and I will later, but I'm talking about an old Queen's English expression for dating or seeing someone: walking out with so and so. The "walking out with" inferred that it was an exclusive relationship, one that actually involved walking around with someone as well as seeking to know him or her better, to know their character, etc.
Many women - both young and older alike - frustratedly move through life single, desiring to be linked to someone with whom they can share their lives. Christian women are no different. There is nothing wrong with this desire, for God created us to be capable of finding love and companionship with a mate. In fact, after the Fall, one of the consequences to befall the female race was that our "desire and craving will be for your husband, and he will rule over you." (Genesis 3:16 AMP) Many of us truly crave for a husband to be in our lives, so much so - and I'm talking of us Christian women - that we will grab the first person in britches who looks 'respekkable' as my girl friend says, who appears to be enough of a man of God, who kind of resembles that. And who can blame us? Everything about us cries 'coupling' - music, movies, television, books, and in some cases culture. Ancient cultures of the Middle East, the Far East, Africa and elsewhere shape the outlook and desired future for women of those cultures - to be married and settled is a primary goal, an ultimate fulfillment and affirmation, followed by a very fruitful womb. I recall speaking recently in a group of women from various cultures, and one of my African sisters who now lived in the western metropolitan culture with its stressful demanding insistence on two-paycheck households, reflected how blessed she was to have several children - even though it often proves difficult to raise and discipline them in this foreign culture estranged from the 'norms' of her mother country. Others have spoken of their need to be married by a certain age, and begin in their early teens learning and preparing for such a future role. The complexities of living in this hemisphere are so demanding mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, with its high cost of living and need for both woman and man to earn a paycheck in the household, unless of course, the man is very well set in his career, and for the woman to put all of that education she received to 'good use'. Some of us Christian women find it hard to locate a man who can fulfill our - and I'm going to say it even though you will holler - unrealistic dreams of Prince Charming with all of the necessary credentials. We often put forth great energy, and great $$ storefronts (clothing, beauty shop, etc.) to be ever ready for 'catching' the One.
Is that really what God wants for you - frustration, endless toil, conflict with your spirit and the Holy Spirit, raising the search to almost idol proportions? To what limits will this lust for a husband push us? Once you charm Mr. Good enough, will he be able to keep you strong in Christ and encourage your spiritual growth and intimacy with Him, hold your hand and with him step into eternity with Christ?
To my Christian sisters who are still single and feeling tempted to break through the moral barriers or guardrails God has established in His Word for us for our protection so that we can experience the best in life, let me point you to something beyond our immediate, and in the face of eternity, temporary fleshly cravings. Walk first with Christ - 'date' Him and grow in relationship with Him first. Get to learn His desires for you, His will for your life. I recently heard a Christian man admit to the world that he was a virgin in his single life because his Godly mother had instilled Christ in him, and he had walked with Christ until, in His will, He brought him to his mate for life. He was 37 years old before he was married, and think of the beautiful story he could tell his wife: that he remained pure for her, that he waited to give the gift of intimacy to the one whom God would choose for him. How powerful an aphrodisiac is that ladies? Will our stories be similar?
Have you 'dated' or walked out with Christ - or more specifically, walked with and in Christ? I don't just mean going to church regular and looking for Mr. Right in the pews, or even being a churchgoer and maybe getting on this or that church committee and/or doing all things churchy. I'm referring to putting Christ first in your life - before the pursuit of that man, so that your focus is first in getting to know the Christ of the Bible (not the version we are taught by the world to believe). Seriously, do you think God has brought you into the world simply to copulate and fulfill fleshly desires? Did He save us through His blood to satisfy ourselves first and foremost?
No! We are told to seek Christ's kingdom first, then everything we need for life in Christ will be given to us. (Matthew 6:33) Christ calls us for a 'date' - not the other way around! Notice the underlying principle in that truth. (Romans 1:6; Hebrews 12:2) He invites us to walk out with Him, to walk in His light - His countenance and character. (1 John 1:6-7) He invites us to desire a heart for Him. (Ephesians 3:16-17) He invites us to walk in His truth and His life (John 14:6; 3 John 3,4; 1 John 5:12; Romans 6:4). He tells us what "dress" pleases Him (Ephesians 4:18-24, Revelation 3:4), and that He desires us to walk in His name - to know true intimacy with Him by taking on His name (Zechariah 10:12, John 20:31, Colossians 3:17, Revelation 22:14). He asks us to walk in His Holy Spirit and grow an attitude for Him (Romans 8:4; Ephesians 5:8,10; Philippians 2:10-11) He invites us to ask of Him good things (Luke 11:13; 1 John 5:14) He is able to 'elevate' us to the highest levels, to give us treasure beyond imagining (Ephesians 1:3,4; Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 3:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; Colossians 2:2-4 KJV) He promises us that He will make all things of our life and in our life work together for good - He wants only the best for our lives - if we love Him. (Romans 8:28; John 10:10)
These truths are not a 'placeholder' until a man comes along. Like God doesn't know our true motives. When we put Christ first and foremost, if it is His will for us to marry, He will guide us to the correct mate (compare Psalm 25:4, 5, 12). Can you think of anyone more qualified to do this? No matchmaker at any price can lead you to the one God has chosen for you, one in whom with Christ you will delight (compare Proverbs 5). We can ask Christ for a God-fearing mate because as a believer He does not want us to be unevenly yoked to a person who does not also put Christ first in his life. (2 Corinthians 6:14) These words God has given us for our benefit, so that we can experience the best that He has for us. (Colossians 2:6-7; Proverbs 8:32-26)
My single sisters in Christ: Do not forsake or reject these words - it will be sure to bring your unhappiness. (Proverbs 4:2, 20-22) Wait on the Lord and walk with Christ, for He is your true future. (Psalm 27:14; Psalm 130:5; Lamentations 3:25; Micah 7:7; 1 Corinthians 4:5; Philippians 3:20; Jude 21; compare Romans 8:18, 2 Timothy 4:8) I can tell you from personal experience and going my own way to find Mr. Good enough, that the Word of God always proves true regardless - and that truth is absolute. May your hearts be filled with the peace of Christ as you let Him call on you, and that you take Him up on His offer to walk out with Him.
Before you get apoplectic and begin to question my theology (that's the nicest way I could put it), know that I am not speaking as the world speaks of "dating". The idea of dating for this world has moved from using the time to know a person's character and essence to a mere encounter and sleeping with someone. I can say more on this subject, and I will later, but I'm talking about an old Queen's English expression for dating or seeing someone: walking out with so and so. The "walking out with" inferred that it was an exclusive relationship, one that actually involved walking around with someone as well as seeking to know him or her better, to know their character, etc.
Many women - both young and older alike - frustratedly move through life single, desiring to be linked to someone with whom they can share their lives. Christian women are no different. There is nothing wrong with this desire, for God created us to be capable of finding love and companionship with a mate. In fact, after the Fall, one of the consequences to befall the female race was that our "desire and craving will be for your husband, and he will rule over you." (Genesis 3:16 AMP) Many of us truly crave for a husband to be in our lives, so much so - and I'm talking of us Christian women - that we will grab the first person in britches who looks 'respekkable' as my girl friend says, who appears to be enough of a man of God, who kind of resembles that. And who can blame us? Everything about us cries 'coupling' - music, movies, television, books, and in some cases culture. Ancient cultures of the Middle East, the Far East, Africa and elsewhere shape the outlook and desired future for women of those cultures - to be married and settled is a primary goal, an ultimate fulfillment and affirmation, followed by a very fruitful womb. I recall speaking recently in a group of women from various cultures, and one of my African sisters who now lived in the western metropolitan culture with its stressful demanding insistence on two-paycheck households, reflected how blessed she was to have several children - even though it often proves difficult to raise and discipline them in this foreign culture estranged from the 'norms' of her mother country. Others have spoken of their need to be married by a certain age, and begin in their early teens learning and preparing for such a future role. The complexities of living in this hemisphere are so demanding mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, with its high cost of living and need for both woman and man to earn a paycheck in the household, unless of course, the man is very well set in his career, and for the woman to put all of that education she received to 'good use'. Some of us Christian women find it hard to locate a man who can fulfill our - and I'm going to say it even though you will holler - unrealistic dreams of Prince Charming with all of the necessary credentials. We often put forth great energy, and great $$ storefronts (clothing, beauty shop, etc.) to be ever ready for 'catching' the One.
Is that really what God wants for you - frustration, endless toil, conflict with your spirit and the Holy Spirit, raising the search to almost idol proportions? To what limits will this lust for a husband push us? Once you charm Mr. Good enough, will he be able to keep you strong in Christ and encourage your spiritual growth and intimacy with Him, hold your hand and with him step into eternity with Christ?
To my Christian sisters who are still single and feeling tempted to break through the moral barriers or guardrails God has established in His Word for us for our protection so that we can experience the best in life, let me point you to something beyond our immediate, and in the face of eternity, temporary fleshly cravings. Walk first with Christ - 'date' Him and grow in relationship with Him first. Get to learn His desires for you, His will for your life. I recently heard a Christian man admit to the world that he was a virgin in his single life because his Godly mother had instilled Christ in him, and he had walked with Christ until, in His will, He brought him to his mate for life. He was 37 years old before he was married, and think of the beautiful story he could tell his wife: that he remained pure for her, that he waited to give the gift of intimacy to the one whom God would choose for him. How powerful an aphrodisiac is that ladies? Will our stories be similar?
Have you 'dated' or walked out with Christ - or more specifically, walked with and in Christ? I don't just mean going to church regular and looking for Mr. Right in the pews, or even being a churchgoer and maybe getting on this or that church committee and/or doing all things churchy. I'm referring to putting Christ first in your life - before the pursuit of that man, so that your focus is first in getting to know the Christ of the Bible (not the version we are taught by the world to believe). Seriously, do you think God has brought you into the world simply to copulate and fulfill fleshly desires? Did He save us through His blood to satisfy ourselves first and foremost?
No! We are told to seek Christ's kingdom first, then everything we need for life in Christ will be given to us. (Matthew 6:33) Christ calls us for a 'date' - not the other way around! Notice the underlying principle in that truth. (Romans 1:6; Hebrews 12:2) He invites us to walk out with Him, to walk in His light - His countenance and character. (1 John 1:6-7) He invites us to desire a heart for Him. (Ephesians 3:16-17) He invites us to walk in His truth and His life (John 14:6; 3 John 3,4; 1 John 5:12; Romans 6:4). He tells us what "dress" pleases Him (Ephesians 4:18-24, Revelation 3:4), and that He desires us to walk in His name - to know true intimacy with Him by taking on His name (Zechariah 10:12, John 20:31, Colossians 3:17, Revelation 22:14). He asks us to walk in His Holy Spirit and grow an attitude for Him (Romans 8:4; Ephesians 5:8,10; Philippians 2:10-11) He invites us to ask of Him good things (Luke 11:13; 1 John 5:14) He is able to 'elevate' us to the highest levels, to give us treasure beyond imagining (Ephesians 1:3,4; Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 3:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; Colossians 2:2-4 KJV) He promises us that He will make all things of our life and in our life work together for good - He wants only the best for our lives - if we love Him. (Romans 8:28; John 10:10)
These truths are not a 'placeholder' until a man comes along. Like God doesn't know our true motives. When we put Christ first and foremost, if it is His will for us to marry, He will guide us to the correct mate (compare Psalm 25:4, 5, 12). Can you think of anyone more qualified to do this? No matchmaker at any price can lead you to the one God has chosen for you, one in whom with Christ you will delight (compare Proverbs 5). We can ask Christ for a God-fearing mate because as a believer He does not want us to be unevenly yoked to a person who does not also put Christ first in his life. (2 Corinthians 6:14) These words God has given us for our benefit, so that we can experience the best that He has for us. (Colossians 2:6-7; Proverbs 8:32-26)
My single sisters in Christ: Do not forsake or reject these words - it will be sure to bring your unhappiness. (Proverbs 4:2, 20-22) Wait on the Lord and walk with Christ, for He is your true future. (Psalm 27:14; Psalm 130:5; Lamentations 3:25; Micah 7:7; 1 Corinthians 4:5; Philippians 3:20; Jude 21; compare Romans 8:18, 2 Timothy 4:8) I can tell you from personal experience and going my own way to find Mr. Good enough, that the Word of God always proves true regardless - and that truth is absolute. May your hearts be filled with the peace of Christ as you let Him call on you, and that you take Him up on His offer to walk out with Him.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
A Spiritual 'Byte'
The next time you go to get your hair ‘did’ or done, and/or cut, shampooed or whatever, remember Matthew 10:30: “And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered,” and Luke 12:7 “And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Our all-knowing God, who knows better than our hair-care professionals the number of hairs on our heads, and which hairs will fall out, turn gray, or welcome new growth, is all-wise enough to know everything we need and what is best for our individual lives. Don’t worry, the price for this intimacy has already been paid! But don’t let the offer expire!
From Psalm 139: “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord…You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed… Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
From Psalm 139: “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord…You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed… Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
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