And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
There is a reason these three are kept close together. Although the greatest of these three is love, love is nothing without faith and hope. God is love, of that there is no doubt, and like love there will be times when he is readily apparent and times when he is not so easily perceived yet nonetheless there. So what is it during these dry times that perseveres love and sustains it through trials? It is the work of faith and hope together.
So many people believe that love will last, love is all they need, and love will keep us together. Love is an emotional, spiritual, and physical bondedness to someone and like most bonds it can be broken.
Faith (i.e. trust) in God and in another is what allows love to take place. Faith comes first and then love follows. You cannot love someone you do not trust. Hope, which stems from faith, is what keeps love alive even in the darkest times. Without faith and hope, love cannot grow and God cannot be. So the question to ask someone you want to marry isn't "Do I love you?" but rather "Will it last?" It is God who joins two people together (God is love) and if your faith and hope are in Him, then let no man separate.
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Mark 12:31
‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
The popular interpretation of this verse is that you should love people the way you want to be loved. However, what this verse does not say is that you should love someone as if they were you. Not only is such thinking about this verse wrong, but it's completely self-centered. You love people they way they want to be loved, not the way you want to love them as we all have different love languages.
For some, gifts are symbols of love where others could care less about sentimentality of objects but really appreciate kind and affirming words. It is not loving someone when you hug someone who doesn't want to be hugged, especially if you know they don't like them and do it anyway, even though you like hugs.
And yet this lie and misinterpretation has been told to us since kindergarten (The Golden Rule: treat people the way you want to be treated.) Jesus isn't wrong, but our understanding is. To love someone as yourself is a call to a radical shift in mindset. When you love someone, you are actually loving yourself. When one person is the body of Christ is happy, we all rejoice. When the line between me and you starts to dissipate and two start to become one and the entire Church body becomes one as Christ and the Father are one, then you will see and understand what it means to love someone as yourself for you'll no longer exist.
The popular interpretation of this verse is that you should love people the way you want to be loved. However, what this verse does not say is that you should love someone as if they were you. Not only is such thinking about this verse wrong, but it's completely self-centered. You love people they way they want to be loved, not the way you want to love them as we all have different love languages.
For some, gifts are symbols of love where others could care less about sentimentality of objects but really appreciate kind and affirming words. It is not loving someone when you hug someone who doesn't want to be hugged, especially if you know they don't like them and do it anyway, even though you like hugs.
And yet this lie and misinterpretation has been told to us since kindergarten (The Golden Rule: treat people the way you want to be treated.) Jesus isn't wrong, but our understanding is. To love someone as yourself is a call to a radical shift in mindset. When you love someone, you are actually loving yourself. When one person is the body of Christ is happy, we all rejoice. When the line between me and you starts to dissipate and two start to become one and the entire Church body becomes one as Christ and the Father are one, then you will see and understand what it means to love someone as yourself for you'll no longer exist.
Friday, August 5, 2011
John 17:26
"I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
Jesus came to do one thing, namely to reveal just who is the God of Heaven, the creator of all that is seen and unseen. In fact, he is the image of the invisible God (Col 1:15), the full revelation of the Divine Father. He and the Father are two persons of one being so all that whoever has seen Christ has seen the Father. (John 14:9) The strangest thing is, that we do not die when we look upon Jesus, but we live. Generally, no one can see the LORD and live. (Ex 33:20)
But God made a way so that we could not only see him, but eat with him and dance with him and not be completely destroyed by his holiness. We can touch him and be healed and not destroyed. It means that God is innately a God with us and a God for us. He is a God who desires to be known by us and who desires relationship with us.
And not only that, the result of his continuing to make known to us the Father is that we fall deeper in love with him. And as Christ is in the Father, so we will be in Christ when we look upon him truly as who He is, being transformed into the very image of God.
Jesus came to do one thing, namely to reveal just who is the God of Heaven, the creator of all that is seen and unseen. In fact, he is the image of the invisible God (Col 1:15), the full revelation of the Divine Father. He and the Father are two persons of one being so all that whoever has seen Christ has seen the Father. (John 14:9) The strangest thing is, that we do not die when we look upon Jesus, but we live. Generally, no one can see the LORD and live. (Ex 33:20)
But God made a way so that we could not only see him, but eat with him and dance with him and not be completely destroyed by his holiness. We can touch him and be healed and not destroyed. It means that God is innately a God with us and a God for us. He is a God who desires to be known by us and who desires relationship with us.
And not only that, the result of his continuing to make known to us the Father is that we fall deeper in love with him. And as Christ is in the Father, so we will be in Christ when we look upon him truly as who He is, being transformed into the very image of God.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
1 John 5:10
"Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son."
God sent his Son into the world to bear witness on our behalf. The testimony of Jesus Christ is that though we are guilty, we shall be declared not guilty. We are justified and set free from punishment. This is the testimony God has concerning us, that though we have sinned, all is forgiven.
However those who do not believe this message and thus does not trust in the Son of God makes God out to be a liar.
When faced with this beautiful truth, it is unthinkable that anyone should respond by crucifying Christ. A messenger brings good news and he is insulted, beaten, and killed instead of welcomed. They do not believe the gospel of Jesus Christ and so accuse God of being a liar. How broken are we that beautiful truths bring pain when we hear them? Oh how far we've fallen!
As anyone who has gone through an abusive relationship can tell you, after being told lies and being put down all your life, you can hardly believe when people tell you the truth. You cannot believe someone loves you and moreover, it actually hurts when someone speaks to you words of affirmation. Believe in the good news and be patient with those enslaved by the world. God is not a liar.
God sent his Son into the world to bear witness on our behalf. The testimony of Jesus Christ is that though we are guilty, we shall be declared not guilty. We are justified and set free from punishment. This is the testimony God has concerning us, that though we have sinned, all is forgiven.
However those who do not believe this message and thus does not trust in the Son of God makes God out to be a liar.
When faced with this beautiful truth, it is unthinkable that anyone should respond by crucifying Christ. A messenger brings good news and he is insulted, beaten, and killed instead of welcomed. They do not believe the gospel of Jesus Christ and so accuse God of being a liar. How broken are we that beautiful truths bring pain when we hear them? Oh how far we've fallen!
As anyone who has gone through an abusive relationship can tell you, after being told lies and being put down all your life, you can hardly believe when people tell you the truth. You cannot believe someone loves you and moreover, it actually hurts when someone speaks to you words of affirmation. Believe in the good news and be patient with those enslaved by the world. God is not a liar.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Romans 9:22-23
"What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath--prepared for destruction? What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory?"
Who are the objects of divine wrath that God bore with great patience? Who are the ones prepared for destruction that God did endure with long suffering and steadfastness? Ephesians 2:3 says this, "Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath." All of us together are objects of God's divine wrath. God has put up with us for so long, with great patience and understanding. We begin to see just how slow to anger this God is. (Ex 34:6)
And what is the miracle? That we were prepared for destruction but we were not destroyed. Those who were once dead are now alive. Those who were not God's people are called God's people. Those who were not God's beloved have become loved. Ephesians 2:4 says, "But because of his great love for us, God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions -- It is by grace you have been saved."
So then who are the objects of Mercy? All who are made alive in Christ. God has carried each and every single one of us. He has carried the weight of our sin in Christ his Son and has poured out his wrath on him so that all might not perish but a remnant would remain. He did this so that no one may boast but in Christ alone to the glory of his eternal name. Amen!
Who are the objects of divine wrath that God bore with great patience? Who are the ones prepared for destruction that God did endure with long suffering and steadfastness? Ephesians 2:3 says this, "Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath." All of us together are objects of God's divine wrath. God has put up with us for so long, with great patience and understanding. We begin to see just how slow to anger this God is. (Ex 34:6)
And what is the miracle? That we were prepared for destruction but we were not destroyed. Those who were once dead are now alive. Those who were not God's people are called God's people. Those who were not God's beloved have become loved. Ephesians 2:4 says, "But because of his great love for us, God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions -- It is by grace you have been saved."
So then who are the objects of Mercy? All who are made alive in Christ. God has carried each and every single one of us. He has carried the weight of our sin in Christ his Son and has poured out his wrath on him so that all might not perish but a remnant would remain. He did this so that no one may boast but in Christ alone to the glory of his eternal name. Amen!
Sunday, July 3, 2011
John 15:13
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."
Someone once asked me what it means that I loved them. I thought about it for a second and this was my reply:
"It means that I would do anything for you, even if it hurt me."
Indeed the deepest and truest love is self-sacrificial in nature. It gives of itself and never expects return. It is crazy love, the kind of thing that makes you do all sorts of things you otherwise would never dream of doing. What's crazier is that when Jesus says this, he is only foreshadowing his own death for his friends. And while we were still enemies (Rom 5:10), he called us friends! (John 15:15)
God would do anything for us, even if it hurt him, even if it cost him his one and only beloved Son. He paid the price anyway because of his love, he knew it would all be worth it in the end. Oh how he loves us! It's a love that overlooks all of our faults and failures and sees only us. God is crazy to love us because he is crazy in love with us.
Someone once asked me what it means that I loved them. I thought about it for a second and this was my reply:
"It means that I would do anything for you, even if it hurt me."
Indeed the deepest and truest love is self-sacrificial in nature. It gives of itself and never expects return. It is crazy love, the kind of thing that makes you do all sorts of things you otherwise would never dream of doing. What's crazier is that when Jesus says this, he is only foreshadowing his own death for his friends. And while we were still enemies (Rom 5:10), he called us friends! (John 15:15)
God would do anything for us, even if it hurt him, even if it cost him his one and only beloved Son. He paid the price anyway because of his love, he knew it would all be worth it in the end. Oh how he loves us! It's a love that overlooks all of our faults and failures and sees only us. God is crazy to love us because he is crazy in love with us.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Genesis 24:51,67
"Here is Rebekah; take her and go, and let her become the wife of your master’s son, as the Lord has directed."... Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death."
In the Old Testament tradition, it is your father's responsibility to find you a suitable wife. You can pick out one that you want, but ultimately the father has the last say in obtaining a wife for you. Such is the story of Isaac and Rebekah with an interesting twist; It was Abraham's Father in heaven who directed and arranged the marriage.
Notice in v67 that Isaac loved her, despite having just met her. Why? Because the LORD already knows who is compatible because he searches their hearts. If you submit to His will for your wife, you will not be disappointed (and same goes for ladies). Because you know that the LORD has made directed your marriage, you know already that your marriage will stand on a firm foundation for what God has joined together let no man separate. (Mark 10:9)
Be content with where God has you. He knows what you need and when you need it and if he sees fit to give you a wife or a husband it will be not only the right time, but also the right person. Give up the chase and let God give you grace! Hallelujah!
Footnote: Of course this is all contingent on God actually being your Father...
In the Old Testament tradition, it is your father's responsibility to find you a suitable wife. You can pick out one that you want, but ultimately the father has the last say in obtaining a wife for you. Such is the story of Isaac and Rebekah with an interesting twist; It was Abraham's Father in heaven who directed and arranged the marriage.
Notice in v67 that Isaac loved her, despite having just met her. Why? Because the LORD already knows who is compatible because he searches their hearts. If you submit to His will for your wife, you will not be disappointed (and same goes for ladies). Because you know that the LORD has made directed your marriage, you know already that your marriage will stand on a firm foundation for what God has joined together let no man separate. (Mark 10:9)
Be content with where God has you. He knows what you need and when you need it and if he sees fit to give you a wife or a husband it will be not only the right time, but also the right person. Give up the chase and let God give you grace! Hallelujah!
Footnote: Of course this is all contingent on God actually being your Father...
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Romans 9:3
"For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises."
To ask for this, means to ask for a life apart from Christ, eternally cut off from the Father. Paul is willing to give up his salvation. This is crazy.
But what if Christianity isn't about getting into heaven? If it's not about the eternal reward at the end of the long race? If it's not about entering into the Kingdom of God and having your name written in the book of eternal life? From the looks of it, it's about saving everyone else but yourself, and risking life and limb to do so.
Jesus is the first among many heroes. Paul followed suit and many other martyrs even up to this day are dying for the sake of Christ and the gospel. Why? Because it is not their salvation they are after, but that of the world. Christians are heroes.
For Paul, eternal life was on his list of things that could be sacrificed for the sake of his ministry. He was never in it for himself, but for the love of Christ. And we all know that Christ was not in the world for himself, but descended solely for us. Crazy? Yes. Truth? Absolutely. Gospel? 100%.
To ask for this, means to ask for a life apart from Christ, eternally cut off from the Father. Paul is willing to give up his salvation. This is crazy.
But what if Christianity isn't about getting into heaven? If it's not about the eternal reward at the end of the long race? If it's not about entering into the Kingdom of God and having your name written in the book of eternal life? From the looks of it, it's about saving everyone else but yourself, and risking life and limb to do so.
Jesus is the first among many heroes. Paul followed suit and many other martyrs even up to this day are dying for the sake of Christ and the gospel. Why? Because it is not their salvation they are after, but that of the world. Christians are heroes.
For Paul, eternal life was on his list of things that could be sacrificed for the sake of his ministry. He was never in it for himself, but for the love of Christ. And we all know that Christ was not in the world for himself, but descended solely for us. Crazy? Yes. Truth? Absolutely. Gospel? 100%.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
John 14:31
"But the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me."
Jesus's mission is clear: to reveal the Father in heaven in all His glory unto a desperate and sinful world. If Jesus did not love the Father, who then could know him? If Jesus did not do as the Father commanded of him, to who, then, would the Father be revealed? If Jesus were not holy, no one would be able to see God the Father in him (Hebrews 12:14).
And should we not imitate Christ? (Eph 5:1) If Christ is not revealed through us then Christ is not in us and if he is not in us how can we be sanctified? The world must, and I repeat MUST learn that Jesus Christ loves the Father and obeys his commands. How else can it be saved?
We too, must show the world our love for the Father and our obedience (which comes from faith) and loyalty to His Commands. We obey his good, perfect and pleasing will because there is honestly no better will to follow. Sure we could go our own way, but because we are not God, our will is less than optimal. Once we submit our will to that of the Father, how can we help but be blessed and be a blessing to the nations (Gen 12:3) through Christ our King, the Son of David and true Seed of Abraham?
Jesus's mission is clear: to reveal the Father in heaven in all His glory unto a desperate and sinful world. If Jesus did not love the Father, who then could know him? If Jesus did not do as the Father commanded of him, to who, then, would the Father be revealed? If Jesus were not holy, no one would be able to see God the Father in him (Hebrews 12:14).
And should we not imitate Christ? (Eph 5:1) If Christ is not revealed through us then Christ is not in us and if he is not in us how can we be sanctified? The world must, and I repeat MUST learn that Jesus Christ loves the Father and obeys his commands. How else can it be saved?
We too, must show the world our love for the Father and our obedience (which comes from faith) and loyalty to His Commands. We obey his good, perfect and pleasing will because there is honestly no better will to follow. Sure we could go our own way, but because we are not God, our will is less than optimal. Once we submit our will to that of the Father, how can we help but be blessed and be a blessing to the nations (Gen 12:3) through Christ our King, the Son of David and true Seed of Abraham?
Friday, May 27, 2011
Habakkuk 2:18
"What good is an idol carved by man,
or a cast image that deceives you?
How foolish to trust in your own creation--
a god that can't even talk! "
It is pure foolishness to trust in that which cannot last. Money comes and goes. The best engineered buildings and bridges will collapse in time. People are here today and gone tomorrow. Even the flowers of the field see decay. All things will come to an end unless they are being sustained by the Infinite Yes.
All those who trust in things they have made themselves will become just like them: lifeless, silent, and temporary. This is idolatry. It isn't just making little statuettes and bowing down to them, but it is to trust in anything you create and sustain independent of the Eternal Trinity, whether it be money, or relationships, or your physical appearance, or even your reputation, fame and popularity.
You only become that which you reflect. If your eyes desire wealth, you may become wealthy, but you will also become lifeless. If your eyes desire beauty, you may obtain beauty, but you will also be lifeless. If your eyes desire a husband or wife, you may have one, but the marriage will be troubled for where is Love? That is only contained within the immortal God. Therefore I tell you, turn your eyes toward Heaven and gaze upon the Father and He will grant you life, love, and peace for He is all these things.
or a cast image that deceives you?
How foolish to trust in your own creation--
a god that can't even talk! "
It is pure foolishness to trust in that which cannot last. Money comes and goes. The best engineered buildings and bridges will collapse in time. People are here today and gone tomorrow. Even the flowers of the field see decay. All things will come to an end unless they are being sustained by the Infinite Yes.
All those who trust in things they have made themselves will become just like them: lifeless, silent, and temporary. This is idolatry. It isn't just making little statuettes and bowing down to them, but it is to trust in anything you create and sustain independent of the Eternal Trinity, whether it be money, or relationships, or your physical appearance, or even your reputation, fame and popularity.
You only become that which you reflect. If your eyes desire wealth, you may become wealthy, but you will also become lifeless. If your eyes desire beauty, you may obtain beauty, but you will also be lifeless. If your eyes desire a husband or wife, you may have one, but the marriage will be troubled for where is Love? That is only contained within the immortal God. Therefore I tell you, turn your eyes toward Heaven and gaze upon the Father and He will grant you life, love, and peace for He is all these things.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Genesis 34:31
"But they replied, 'Should he have treated our sister like a prostitute?'"
Dinah was raped.
She is the only daughter of Jacob mentioned among his twelve sons, and she was raped by a man named Shechem, the local ruler. After raping her, Shechem "loved her" and "spoke tenderly" to her and desired to marry her. This isn't love. It's abuse.
Dinah's brothers burned with anger and were filled with grief over Dinah, their beloved sister. When Shechem and Hamor came to ask for Dinah's hand in marriage, the sons of Israel tricked them, agreeing only if every male in their household was circumcised. And while they were still recovering from the pain of circumcision, Simeon and Levi killed every last male in the city to avenge Dinah. They looted everything, women and children included. Jacob tells them they should not have done such a thing. Their response is in the verse above. The price of vengeance was generations of conflict between the Israelites and Canaanites and Perizzites.
This isn't a story on how to handle conflict or on forgiveness. They refused wealth, peace, and security for the sake of their sister's honor. We can argue about if what they did was right, but have you forgotten someone? This story is about Dinah. At the end of the day, there is a woman, bruised, broken, and traumatized from sexual abuse. Our sisters have been defiled. The question is, "What are we going to do about it?"
Dinah was raped.
She is the only daughter of Jacob mentioned among his twelve sons, and she was raped by a man named Shechem, the local ruler. After raping her, Shechem "loved her" and "spoke tenderly" to her and desired to marry her. This isn't love. It's abuse.
Dinah's brothers burned with anger and were filled with grief over Dinah, their beloved sister. When Shechem and Hamor came to ask for Dinah's hand in marriage, the sons of Israel tricked them, agreeing only if every male in their household was circumcised. And while they were still recovering from the pain of circumcision, Simeon and Levi killed every last male in the city to avenge Dinah. They looted everything, women and children included. Jacob tells them they should not have done such a thing. Their response is in the verse above. The price of vengeance was generations of conflict between the Israelites and Canaanites and Perizzites.
This isn't a story on how to handle conflict or on forgiveness. They refused wealth, peace, and security for the sake of their sister's honor. We can argue about if what they did was right, but have you forgotten someone? This story is about Dinah. At the end of the day, there is a woman, bruised, broken, and traumatized from sexual abuse. Our sisters have been defiled. The question is, "What are we going to do about it?"
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Zephaniah 3:17
"The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing."
The LORD is a god of intimacy. He is not far off from us, but he is in our midst. He walks along side us, before us, and after us. As we dwell in him he also dwells in us. This is our God who permeates every fiber of existence and we are saturated by his love.
And He is mighty to save us. Such a powerful and awe-inspiring God whose foes tremble at his feet and cower in fear is a God who with the same hand embraces us, caresses us and protects us. In His strong arms, he rejoices over us, happy just to hold us in his arms. He is the bridegroom taking delight in his bride.
And it is his love which calms and quiets us. It's his love which melts us in his arms in peace and serenity. This intimate God comforts us and soothes us. His touch is restoring and his presence is relaxing. He gives rest to our tired bodies.
And our God is a hopeless romantic. He serenades us with love songs. His pleasure cannot be contained as he bursts into song for his beloved. And He has a beautiful voice. The same voice which can crush armies and topple mountains is music to our ears.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
1 John 4:18
"There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."
Just as there is no fear in love, there is no condemnation in Jesus Christ. It is through faith in Christ's blood that we hope for life. It is through this faith that love is made complete in us. Perfect love drives out fear because fear is the opposite of faith. The one who stills fears God's judgment is not perfect in faith and thus not perfect in love.
A child of God never needs to fear his parents. A child respects his parents, of course, and is disciplined when he goes astray, but there is no fear of losing his parents love. There is nothing now that could ever separate us from the love we have in Christ. The fear of God is not fear of punishment, but wonder and awe over how powerful God is. God's power to crush Satan is so awe inspiring as to be both tremendous and fascinating at the same time.
It is out of love and respect that true obedience is established, not out of fear of punishment. It is God's love and kindness which leads us to repentance, not fear of damnation. People who preach the "turn or burn" gospel preach a different gospel to their own demise. Love can only come by grace, not by law which has to do with punishment.
Just as there is no fear in love, there is no condemnation in Jesus Christ. It is through faith in Christ's blood that we hope for life. It is through this faith that love is made complete in us. Perfect love drives out fear because fear is the opposite of faith. The one who stills fears God's judgment is not perfect in faith and thus not perfect in love.
A child of God never needs to fear his parents. A child respects his parents, of course, and is disciplined when he goes astray, but there is no fear of losing his parents love. There is nothing now that could ever separate us from the love we have in Christ. The fear of God is not fear of punishment, but wonder and awe over how powerful God is. God's power to crush Satan is so awe inspiring as to be both tremendous and fascinating at the same time.
It is out of love and respect that true obedience is established, not out of fear of punishment. It is God's love and kindness which leads us to repentance, not fear of damnation. People who preach the "turn or burn" gospel preach a different gospel to their own demise. Love can only come by grace, not by law which has to do with punishment.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
1 Corinthians 2:9
"No eye has seen
No ear has heard
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for
those who love him"
No ear has heard
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for
those who love him"
What vast and untold treasures lie in wait for those who love God! He guides their movements and he plans their steps and he causes wonder upon wonder to pass upon them. How marvelous are his plans! How wondrous are his workings!
Who could speak of such untold beauty? Who can imagine the Earth and paint the sky and with a single breath cause it to be? And just when you thought God could not get any better, he always manages to completely and pleasantly surprise us in new ways. How amazing is God in all that he does!
Look to the heavens, all you peoples, and gaze upon it's infinite majesty. Imagine, if you will, the deep pleasures of intimacy. Greater things than these will the Father bestow on the ones who love him. You have no idea the things God is planning at this very moment; marvelous things to be bestowed upon you. If you think you have known the fullness of the joy of God, you have only tasted the first fruits, a small sample of the abundance to come. He hand makes every gift with you in mind; it is tailored specifically for you.
I used to think I knew what happiness was. I realize now with each new thing that the Lord has given that I knew nothing at all.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Proverbs 24:17-18
"Do not gloat when your enemy falls;
when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice,
or the LORD will see and disapprove
and turn his wrath away from them."
when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice,
or the LORD will see and disapprove
and turn his wrath away from them."
How much do we long to see our enemies laid low beneath our feet? How much hatred do we hold in our hearts?
People talk about being love-sick. I think we are hate-sick.
What else could cause someone to so joyously celebrate the humiliation and defeat of another person? What else could cause us to feel so much pride when another falls? What else is capable of allowing us to take pleasure in another's pain other than some bizarre psychological issues? Only hatred.
The implication of v 18 is that God would turn his wrath away from them, and presumably onto the one who rejoices. The joy that you feel when another stumbles is born of hatred and that joy will soon turn to sorrow if left unattended.
So who do you hate? Democrats? Republicans? Blacks? Whites? Arabs? Muslims? Jews? Christians? The Obese? Gays? Slow Drivers? Fast Drivers? The arrogant? Those who aren't good enough? Celebrities? Nobodies? The government? Your mom? Your dad? Family? Your dog? My dog?
We are haters by nature. How can we say we love God whom we have not seen and yet hate another whom we have seen? The only cure is forgiveness and forgiveness is only born of God. Therefore turn to God and be healed of your hate-sickness.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Romans 1:16
"I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for salvation to all who believe, first for the Jew and then for the Greek*)
Yet, we find an incessant need to do things because that’s what good Christians do. We go to church because Christians go to church. We read our Bibles because Christians should read their Bibles. We often feel guilty for not praying as often as we should. But should guilt really be the motivating factor in how we live out our faith? Is this gospel just a divine guilt trip (Jesus died for you so you owe him big time)? In the words of Paul, “Me genoito!" (May it never be!)
We were not set free from the law only to become slaves to another law. Nobody who does a "spiritual" act of worship or kindness because of guilt will gain anything by it. A person who gives out of guilt or ambition plants rocks instead of seed. If love is not our weapon and God our prize, we will not harvest anything that lasts.
Do not give or act out of guilt. It is a waste of time even if you are praying or going to church out of guilt. Give because you want to give and act because you want to love. Leave guilt nailed to the cross where it belongs.
Do not give or act out of guilt. It is a waste of time even if you are praying or going to church out of guilt. Give because you want to give and act because you want to love. Leave guilt nailed to the cross where it belongs.
*Many translations use gentile
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Romans 6:14
"For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace."
How hard it is for us to teach grace rather than law in our churches. You've probably heard at least one sermon in your life that made you feel awful about yourself for an entire Sunday afternoon. Many of us say, "If only I prayed more or read my Bible more then I would be a good Christian." Guilt over our own failure only leads to death and condemnation. When we strive to do what is good in order to be good we fall into the Law and sins reign in us.
However when we do good in order to receive the blessings it affords we are truly under grace. For a Christian, no sin can ever separate us from the love of God in Christ for there is no condemnation in Christ. Sin has lost it's power and death it's sting. Only in grace can we choose to do or not do without fear of eternal consequence. Only then can we grow and mature because we are free to make mistakes. It is expected. There's a big difference between guilt and godly sorrow. Guilt is an inward feeling of condemnation and is not an option but Godly sorrow is an outward expression of having hurt someone or God and brings transformation. It is now our love for God that keeps us in line and God's kindness which leads us to repentance instead of fear.
How hard it is for us to teach grace rather than law in our churches. You've probably heard at least one sermon in your life that made you feel awful about yourself for an entire Sunday afternoon. Many of us say, "If only I prayed more or read my Bible more then I would be a good Christian." Guilt over our own failure only leads to death and condemnation. When we strive to do what is good in order to be good we fall into the Law and sins reign in us.
However when we do good in order to receive the blessings it affords we are truly under grace. For a Christian, no sin can ever separate us from the love of God in Christ for there is no condemnation in Christ. Sin has lost it's power and death it's sting. Only in grace can we choose to do or not do without fear of eternal consequence. Only then can we grow and mature because we are free to make mistakes. It is expected. There's a big difference between guilt and godly sorrow. Guilt is an inward feeling of condemnation and is not an option but Godly sorrow is an outward expression of having hurt someone or God and brings transformation. It is now our love for God that keeps us in line and God's kindness which leads us to repentance instead of fear.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Job 35:6-8
"If you sin, how does that effect Him? If your sins are many, what does that do to Him? If you are righteous, what do you give to Him, or what does he receive from your hand? Your wickedness affects only a man like yourself, and your righteousness only the sons of men."
Elihu is answering a question posed by Job, "What profit is it to me, and what do I gain by not sinning?"
The answer is nothing at all from God. Even when we do what is righteous and correct, we are only doing what was asked of us all along. We do nothing above and beyond what has been our duty since the beginning of creation. Why do you expect praise for things that are listed in your job description? Can we give God anything he does not already own? Who can cause God to be indebted to them?
Do we offend the Lord when we sin? No, but rather God comes and shows us our sin that we might repent and be corrected. His stance towards us has never changed. God has never been against us but only for us and no sin will change that about God. In the same way, none of our righteousness affects God either. There is nothing we can do to earn the love of God. We have it already.
Do you believe that?
Elihu is answering a question posed by Job, "What profit is it to me, and what do I gain by not sinning?"
The answer is nothing at all from God. Even when we do what is righteous and correct, we are only doing what was asked of us all along. We do nothing above and beyond what has been our duty since the beginning of creation. Why do you expect praise for things that are listed in your job description? Can we give God anything he does not already own? Who can cause God to be indebted to them?
Do we offend the Lord when we sin? No, but rather God comes and shows us our sin that we might repent and be corrected. His stance towards us has never changed. God has never been against us but only for us and no sin will change that about God. In the same way, none of our righteousness affects God either. There is nothing we can do to earn the love of God. We have it already.
Do you believe that?
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Romans 12:18
"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
We are not guaranteed to be friendly with everyone. They are going to be people who will not forgive you even if you apologize as well as those who know how to hold a grudge for a lifetime. There are some who will also never treat you they way you want to be treated and people who will discriminate against you. Especially for the Christian, there will be people who downright hate you for trying to speak the truth in love to them for Christ's sake.
There is only so much you can do to pursue reconciliation and forgiveness on your end because it is a two way street, however it is worth doing. Paul is asking us to do whatever is necessary to be at peace, and if peace is not possible, do everything you can. That's really all Jesus ever really asked of you: Do the best that you can. In this way you live without regret.
So don't beat yourself up if people don't like you. There will always be people who don't like you and if you are doing anything worthwhile, having haters is a good sign. Love your haters and don't get mad at them because they do what is only natural to them. Take care of their needs and let God handle the rest. Try and make amends, but if they refuse, then just do what you can.
We are not guaranteed to be friendly with everyone. They are going to be people who will not forgive you even if you apologize as well as those who know how to hold a grudge for a lifetime. There are some who will also never treat you they way you want to be treated and people who will discriminate against you. Especially for the Christian, there will be people who downright hate you for trying to speak the truth in love to them for Christ's sake.
There is only so much you can do to pursue reconciliation and forgiveness on your end because it is a two way street, however it is worth doing. Paul is asking us to do whatever is necessary to be at peace, and if peace is not possible, do everything you can. That's really all Jesus ever really asked of you: Do the best that you can. In this way you live without regret.
So don't beat yourself up if people don't like you. There will always be people who don't like you and if you are doing anything worthwhile, having haters is a good sign. Love your haters and don't get mad at them because they do what is only natural to them. Take care of their needs and let God handle the rest. Try and make amends, but if they refuse, then just do what you can.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Jeremiah 9:23-24
"Thus says the LORD:
'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom,
let not the mighty man boast in his might,
let not the rich man boast in his riches,
but let him who boasts boast in this,
that he understands and knows me,
that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love,
justice, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these things I delight' declares the LORD."
Who is like the Lord? To what can we compare Him for there is no one like Him in all the Earth. Indeed to say that you could fathom the mysteries of God himself is indeed a thing to boast about.
And boast we can.
God has revealed himself apart from the Scriptures (but to which they testify) in the living incarnation of the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ. All who have seen him have seen the Father so that no one may be without excuse. God has made himself known so that all who come to the Father through the Son may be made known to him. Jesus Christ is the embodiment of steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in whom the Father is "well pleased". (Mark 1:11)
So we boast in Jesus Christ, the giver of all good things and the maker of heaven and earth, who died and rose again to give us glory in the Father's court. We know who we worship and he knows us. Hallelujah! Jesus Christ is Lord!
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