How is it that sometimes we seem to forget that God is with us in every situation regardless of the circumstances? Why do we try to rely on our own strength and only turn to God once we are completely exhausted and depleted all other "resources" other than God? (I don't mean that God is a resource... but you get the idea). I ask myself these questions quite often, usually after I have failed to take God's hand and rely on his strength. I catch myself wondering why sometimes I do not fully trust God or rely on him in the easy and the difficult. Part of this is a maturing/growing process, part of it pride, but a lot of it is the fear of the unknown. I am sure a lot of people would agree that fear can rule a lot of situations in life. Truth is, when we do not rely on the Almighty it makes a situation more difficult and we are worse off.
Facing pride is a topic for another day. I have it obviously, but there is more fear at this point in my life than pride. Fear of losing somebody or something happening to a loved one especially my nephew. The fear of failing, being alone, damaging relationships, spiders, hospitals, doctors, needles, life, adventure, tight spaces, making somebody mad, flying, financial issues, sickness, and for sure the unknown. The thing is God is present in all of it. He is already there. The unknown is really only unknown to us. However, the unknown is known by the Omniscient. He is already present in what we call the unknown so I guess it is, therefore, not completely unknown. Whatever he gives us is to grow us, not to hurt us, and he will never leave us. So take his hand and walk with him. When you can't walk the path anymore, allow him to pick you up and carry you.
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"Don't be afraid, for I am with you.
Don't be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."
~*Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)*~
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Footprints in the Sand
Mary Stevenson (1936)
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one set of footprints.
This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord, "You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there have only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?"
The Lord replied, "The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you."
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
1 Corinthians 2:10-16
Do you ever feel like you are misunderstood? I feel like, more often than not, I am misunderstood by those around me. I try to explain myself and sometimes it just makes matters worse. At other times, those who seem to be misunderstanding are worse off or just no better off by my explanation... granted this could be because of my inability to explain myself at times. A lot of times, those who misunderstand are close to me but do not quite grasp the importance of Scripture or do not understand what it means to live a life centered on Christ. There may not be an understanding of relationship versus religion. Why is that?
There is support in my life in what I do and how I live from those around me but no true understanding in what God has called me to do or in the God-led actions in my life. I had questions answered by Paul's letter to the church in Corinth. Do they have the Spirit of God? Or is it just the spirit of this world that drives them? Paul states that the Holy Spirit is the only one to know the thoughts of God. He is the one prompting us to do what seems absolutely bonkers to "outsiders". I will admit it gets frustrating when I cannot make somebody understand me spiritually. But I realize that it is not my place. We cannot always explain through words but character and action may help explain better. The only one who can give true understanding is the Spirit of God within.
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"But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets. No one can know a person's thoughts except that person's own spirit, and no one can know God's thoughts except God's own Spirit. And we have received God's Spirit (not the world's spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.
When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit's words to explain spiritual truths. But people who aren't spiritual can't receive these truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can't understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. For,
"Who can know the Lord's thoughts?
Who knows enough to teach him?"
But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ."
~*1 Corinthians 2:10-16 (NLT)*~
There is support in my life in what I do and how I live from those around me but no true understanding in what God has called me to do or in the God-led actions in my life. I had questions answered by Paul's letter to the church in Corinth. Do they have the Spirit of God? Or is it just the spirit of this world that drives them? Paul states that the Holy Spirit is the only one to know the thoughts of God. He is the one prompting us to do what seems absolutely bonkers to "outsiders". I will admit it gets frustrating when I cannot make somebody understand me spiritually. But I realize that it is not my place. We cannot always explain through words but character and action may help explain better. The only one who can give true understanding is the Spirit of God within.
---------------------------
"But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets. No one can know a person's thoughts except that person's own spirit, and no one can know God's thoughts except God's own Spirit. And we have received God's Spirit (not the world's spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.
When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit's words to explain spiritual truths. But people who aren't spiritual can't receive these truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can't understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. For,
"Who can know the Lord's thoughts?
Who knows enough to teach him?"
But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ."
~*1 Corinthians 2:10-16 (NLT)*~
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
1 Corinthians 3:10-17
So I've continued to wrestle out decisions and indecision, knowing what God says and wants of me and what I choose to do instead. When I choose to say I believe in God and the Bible but then choose to act otherwise, how does that affect those around me? What is the idea or view they are getting about Christianity? What kind of foundation are we laying for non-Christians when we fail to live out what we claim to believe in?
A few thoughts floating through my head are that we give off an inaccurate, incorrect definition of what being a Christian really means and what it stands for. Some may get the idea that God is a wish granting genie instead of the God he truly is. Why obey one teaching in the Bible (like reading it) if we blatantly disobey in other areas (like drunkenness)? It may come off as making God who we want God to be instead of becoming the person God wants us to be. We are attempting to put him in a box in our life instead of putting our life in the God box. In a sense it would seem as if we were leading some astray... not even laying a firm foundation or laying one that will crumble easily.
While we ourselves believe in Christ and may have accepted the gift of salvation from our Heavenly Father, those watching us closely may not understand that because of how we live our lives, what we do, how we act, and what we say. A lot of people claim to be Christian but you may not necessarily be able to tell... there are times I am sure somebody has questioned my actions or words. To go back to what I wrote yesterday, would it not be better, not just for us, but for those around us if we simply went with God in all our decisions instead of what we want? Regardless of how difficult the decision to choose against what we want may be, God has never led us astray and the authority of the Holy Spirit in our lives is the correct way to go. It leads me to wonder what kind of foundation I am laying. Will that foundation withstand flame, fire, and storm?
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"Because of God's grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have -- Jesus Christ.
Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials -- gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person's work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.
Don't you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple."
~*1 Corinthians 3:10-17 (NLT)*~
A few thoughts floating through my head are that we give off an inaccurate, incorrect definition of what being a Christian really means and what it stands for. Some may get the idea that God is a wish granting genie instead of the God he truly is. Why obey one teaching in the Bible (like reading it) if we blatantly disobey in other areas (like drunkenness)? It may come off as making God who we want God to be instead of becoming the person God wants us to be. We are attempting to put him in a box in our life instead of putting our life in the God box. In a sense it would seem as if we were leading some astray... not even laying a firm foundation or laying one that will crumble easily.
While we ourselves believe in Christ and may have accepted the gift of salvation from our Heavenly Father, those watching us closely may not understand that because of how we live our lives, what we do, how we act, and what we say. A lot of people claim to be Christian but you may not necessarily be able to tell... there are times I am sure somebody has questioned my actions or words. To go back to what I wrote yesterday, would it not be better, not just for us, but for those around us if we simply went with God in all our decisions instead of what we want? Regardless of how difficult the decision to choose against what we want may be, God has never led us astray and the authority of the Holy Spirit in our lives is the correct way to go. It leads me to wonder what kind of foundation I am laying. Will that foundation withstand flame, fire, and storm?
---------------------------
"Because of God's grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have -- Jesus Christ.
Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials -- gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person's work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.
Don't you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple."
~*1 Corinthians 3:10-17 (NLT)*~
Monday, June 6, 2011
John 5:24-29
Isn't the assurance of something such an amazing comfort? In a world where very little can be guaranteed, Jesus gives us the assurance of eternal life through faith in him. But I wonder, do we sometimes attempt to take advantage of that? This last week has been an interesting one. Every message and devotional has seemed to lean towards knowing God's will and yet choosing to do otherwise. What does that mean to us when we know what God wants for us and yet we deliberately choose against it? Can we take advantage of God's grace? Is that even possible?
I catch myself at times doing or saying things that I know probably do not line up much with God's will. Often I complain instead of give thanks. I catch myself in gossip every now and then even though I do not like gossip and I know God does not enjoy it either. I realize these are only small things but I have been witness to other instances in the lives of those around me. What is it that makes us do what our flesh wants even though it is not what God wants? Do we think that our actions will somehow go unnoticed perhaps?
I used to think that WWJD was somewhat quite cheesy (and to be honest, Jesus would probably never be in a situation in which he'd have to ask "what would I do?"... just sayin). But really, when it comes to a decision, what to say, what to do, what to choose, wouldn't it be wise to ask what the Bible says in regards to the situation or action that is about to take place? And if there is something said against what you WANT to choose, wouldn't it be wise to choose AGAINST what you WANT and go with what Scripture says to do? Most of the time, at least speaking from experience, the Bible will have some sort of guidance or counsel in regards to a choice we are making. Why risk not following what you say you believe in? Wouldn't it be safer to go with God even if it may the more difficult or painful choice? Think about it... God's counsel is right there. What counsel is greater than His?
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"I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.
And I assure you that the time is coming, indeed it's here now, when the dead will hear my voice -- the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen will live. The Father has life in himself, and he has granted that same life-giving power to his Son. And he has given him authority to judge everyone because he is the Son of Man. Don't be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God's Son, and they will rise again. Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to experience judgment."
~*John 5:24-29 (NLT)*~
I catch myself at times doing or saying things that I know probably do not line up much with God's will. Often I complain instead of give thanks. I catch myself in gossip every now and then even though I do not like gossip and I know God does not enjoy it either. I realize these are only small things but I have been witness to other instances in the lives of those around me. What is it that makes us do what our flesh wants even though it is not what God wants? Do we think that our actions will somehow go unnoticed perhaps?
I used to think that WWJD was somewhat quite cheesy (and to be honest, Jesus would probably never be in a situation in which he'd have to ask "what would I do?"... just sayin). But really, when it comes to a decision, what to say, what to do, what to choose, wouldn't it be wise to ask what the Bible says in regards to the situation or action that is about to take place? And if there is something said against what you WANT to choose, wouldn't it be wise to choose AGAINST what you WANT and go with what Scripture says to do? Most of the time, at least speaking from experience, the Bible will have some sort of guidance or counsel in regards to a choice we are making. Why risk not following what you say you believe in? Wouldn't it be safer to go with God even if it may the more difficult or painful choice? Think about it... God's counsel is right there. What counsel is greater than His?
-------------------------------
"I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.
And I assure you that the time is coming, indeed it's here now, when the dead will hear my voice -- the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen will live. The Father has life in himself, and he has granted that same life-giving power to his Son. And he has given him authority to judge everyone because he is the Son of Man. Don't be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God's Son, and they will rise again. Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to experience judgment."
~*John 5:24-29 (NLT)*~
Friday, June 3, 2011
1 John 5:13-21
"That you may know..." Most of us search for knowledge of some kind. All of us KNOW something, even though we do not always act like it. What about eternal life? Where do we find the assurance of eternal life? Where is that "so that you may know"? I have mentioned this many times before in previous writings but sometimes I fall into a works-based mentality when it comes to God. There is not assurance in anything we can do. I have previously been exposed to religion in which getting to heaven consists of "being a good person" and working your way there. You often hear people say "Well hopefully if I am a good enough person... do right... I do good... if I give... then hopefully I might be in heaven some day."
Fortunately, it is not up to our good works and personality to get us to heaven. Do they matter? Yes. Is that where our eternal life is found? Nope. It is not by works alone and it is not by works first that God has assured us of a life with him. It is by our faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is faith in God's grace and love that has saved us. Faith does not flow from good works. Rather, good works flow from faith. God changing our hearts to love him more and more will bring the works. The works will not be the cause of our change, rather works will be because of our change. It is not an outside-in process but a change from the inside-out.
There is plenty of good that can be done in a world ruled by sin. There are a lot of prayers to be said for a world under the thumb of the Prince of Darkness. But to those of us who believe in Christ as our Savior King and who are allowing God to work in our hearts and change us from the inside out, we have assurance and protection in God. God sent his son so that we may know :)
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"I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.
If you see a Christian brother or sister sinning in a way that does not lead to death, you should pray, and God will give that person life. But there is a sin that leads to death, and I am not saying you should pray for those who commit it. All wicked actions are sin, but not every sin leads to death.
We know that God's children do not make a practice of sinning, for God's Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them. We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one.
And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life.
Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts."
~*1 John 5:13-21 (NLT)*~
Fortunately, it is not up to our good works and personality to get us to heaven. Do they matter? Yes. Is that where our eternal life is found? Nope. It is not by works alone and it is not by works first that God has assured us of a life with him. It is by our faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is faith in God's grace and love that has saved us. Faith does not flow from good works. Rather, good works flow from faith. God changing our hearts to love him more and more will bring the works. The works will not be the cause of our change, rather works will be because of our change. It is not an outside-in process but a change from the inside-out.
There is plenty of good that can be done in a world ruled by sin. There are a lot of prayers to be said for a world under the thumb of the Prince of Darkness. But to those of us who believe in Christ as our Savior King and who are allowing God to work in our hearts and change us from the inside out, we have assurance and protection in God. God sent his son so that we may know :)
----------------------------------
"I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.
If you see a Christian brother or sister sinning in a way that does not lead to death, you should pray, and God will give that person life. But there is a sin that leads to death, and I am not saying you should pray for those who commit it. All wicked actions are sin, but not every sin leads to death.
We know that God's children do not make a practice of sinning, for God's Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them. We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one.
And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life.
Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts."
~*1 John 5:13-21 (NLT)*~
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Revelation 3:15-21
What does it mean to be lukewarm? Jesus defines lukewarm as neither hot nor cold... simply put. Unfortunately it is not that simple to live out. What does "lukewarm" look like in our Christian lives? A few months ago, I read the book "The Christian Atheist" by Craig Groeschel, the pastor of Lifechurch. The title is not a misprint. You talk about convicting truth and a long definition of "lukewarm". I remember several years ago sitting in the back of my Stats class at KSU with a friend. We sat in the back... and did not really pay attention all the time. He started giggling to himself (he the Christian, me not so much). He proceeded to show me Revelation 3:15-16. At that time, I thought that was a bit harsh for Jesus to say. He would spit me out of his mouth? How gross is that? I thought Jesus loved everybody so why would he say something like that?
As I have grown and matured in my faith, however, I see how important hot and cold are. I see how Jesus is justified (obviously) and how living a lukewarm life would be kind of like living a double life. To me it looks like putting God in a box in your life as opposed to putting your life in a box belonging to God. We are safe in God's box. It looks like sitting on a fence, straddling it, a foot on each side because I am unable to make a decide between flesh and Christ. It is understanding that Jesus does not want part of us, half of us, only one leg of us. He wants ALL of us... all of us on his side of the fence. It would almost seem to me to be lukewarm than it would be to be hot or cold. A double life? I lived it. Did I really know who I was? Can you discern who you really truly are living a double life?
I now see Jesus. Through the Scripture, we see the requests and examples of how to live. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we begin to understand how to live a Biblical life and begin to do it. Conviction may be more present than before but the line (choice) between hot and cold seemed to be more evident to me. Choices that should be made are more obvious. Scripture takes on a new meaning, becomes more "clear", and is no longer necessarily a rule-book for how to live life right. It is not a rule-book because rules are enforced and Jesus does not force us to obey. It is an invitation into love and an example of how to live it out. Do you have a friend who just knocks and enters without you saying yes or no? Does Jesus force his way into our lives? Jesus knocks... and then he waits. Patiently he waits for us to hear him calling, hear his knock, and invite him into our lives. He waits for us to warm up and come to the door. Do you have a friend or family member who hugs you as soon as they enter your house? Jesus is waiting at the door, arms wide open, inviting us into his warm, loving embrace as soon as we open our hearts to him.
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"I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! You say, 'I am rich. I have everything I want. I don't need a thing!' And you don't realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me -- gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.
Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne."
~*Revelation 3:15-21 (NLT)*~
As I have grown and matured in my faith, however, I see how important hot and cold are. I see how Jesus is justified (obviously) and how living a lukewarm life would be kind of like living a double life. To me it looks like putting God in a box in your life as opposed to putting your life in a box belonging to God. We are safe in God's box. It looks like sitting on a fence, straddling it, a foot on each side because I am unable to make a decide between flesh and Christ. It is understanding that Jesus does not want part of us, half of us, only one leg of us. He wants ALL of us... all of us on his side of the fence. It would almost seem to me to be lukewarm than it would be to be hot or cold. A double life? I lived it. Did I really know who I was? Can you discern who you really truly are living a double life?
I now see Jesus. Through the Scripture, we see the requests and examples of how to live. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we begin to understand how to live a Biblical life and begin to do it. Conviction may be more present than before but the line (choice) between hot and cold seemed to be more evident to me. Choices that should be made are more obvious. Scripture takes on a new meaning, becomes more "clear", and is no longer necessarily a rule-book for how to live life right. It is not a rule-book because rules are enforced and Jesus does not force us to obey. It is an invitation into love and an example of how to live it out. Do you have a friend who just knocks and enters without you saying yes or no? Does Jesus force his way into our lives? Jesus knocks... and then he waits. Patiently he waits for us to hear him calling, hear his knock, and invite him into our lives. He waits for us to warm up and come to the door. Do you have a friend or family member who hugs you as soon as they enter your house? Jesus is waiting at the door, arms wide open, inviting us into his warm, loving embrace as soon as we open our hearts to him.
---------------------------------
"I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! You say, 'I am rich. I have everything I want. I don't need a thing!' And you don't realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me -- gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.
Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne."
~*Revelation 3:15-21 (NLT)*~
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
John 1:10-14
So this may seem a bit silly, but lately I have had somewhat of a revelation... a bit of an epiphany of sorts. You see, I used to view the Bible in a way that a lot of people view it. I used to think of the Bible as more of a "rule book" filled with guidelines of how to be a good person... what you should do and what will send you to hell if you do partake. I viewed it as a "this is how you do it... work your way to heaven" book. I have never really thought of it as a story of time or a biography of God. This thought only recently popped into my head. Today was the first time that I have reflected on it.
I remember having this conversation a few years ago with a friend. I was struggling mightily with my life at the time. She was in restricted country, I was on my couch, comfy in Manhattan, beating myself up because I did not know how to "live life the right way". I did not know how to follow the rules of the Bible. I was living trying to work my way and do right to be closer to God. I read, not to understand in my heart but to go through the motions. We sat and talked about how difficult it is to explain what the Bible really is about. It was not a book of rules. The conversation was difficult because of her location at the time. If it was not a book of rules, then what was it? If it was not just guidelines, then what good was it? At that time, I had no relationship with Christ, but called myself a believer.
I now realize what she could not put into words via instant messaging from the other side of the world. I now understand the difference of my thinking then and my knowing now. The rules based approach is more about me and how to live working my way to God. While the scriptures do apply to my life, it is not about me. It is all about God and how much he loves me (or us... I am just going through the way I process). It is the story of a Son who came to us out of the Father's love. It is a book about love. It is all about Jesus. While there may be a small underlying theme of "me", it is all about Jesus. We read and we learn about God's love and see how we are gifted to bask in the glory of it. Because of Jesus' death and resurrection and believing in his name as the gateway to God, we live in his love. We examine Jesus' life for his Father. We evaluate and learn to live how God truly wants us to live. He reveals life through his book. He reveals his love through the incredible romance novel he has already written. He reveals his truth and love through the story of the Bible.
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"He came into the very world he created, but the world didn't recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn -- not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father's one and only Son."
~*John 1:10-14 (NLT)*~
I remember having this conversation a few years ago with a friend. I was struggling mightily with my life at the time. She was in restricted country, I was on my couch, comfy in Manhattan, beating myself up because I did not know how to "live life the right way". I did not know how to follow the rules of the Bible. I was living trying to work my way and do right to be closer to God. I read, not to understand in my heart but to go through the motions. We sat and talked about how difficult it is to explain what the Bible really is about. It was not a book of rules. The conversation was difficult because of her location at the time. If it was not a book of rules, then what was it? If it was not just guidelines, then what good was it? At that time, I had no relationship with Christ, but called myself a believer.
I now realize what she could not put into words via instant messaging from the other side of the world. I now understand the difference of my thinking then and my knowing now. The rules based approach is more about me and how to live working my way to God. While the scriptures do apply to my life, it is not about me. It is all about God and how much he loves me (or us... I am just going through the way I process). It is the story of a Son who came to us out of the Father's love. It is a book about love. It is all about Jesus. While there may be a small underlying theme of "me", it is all about Jesus. We read and we learn about God's love and see how we are gifted to bask in the glory of it. Because of Jesus' death and resurrection and believing in his name as the gateway to God, we live in his love. We examine Jesus' life for his Father. We evaluate and learn to live how God truly wants us to live. He reveals life through his book. He reveals his love through the incredible romance novel he has already written. He reveals his truth and love through the story of the Bible.
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"He came into the very world he created, but the world didn't recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn -- not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father's one and only Son."
~*John 1:10-14 (NLT)*~
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