Hope for the Future!
2 Corinthians 5:1,5 "Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands ... Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come"
In the previous chapter Paul says we are "hard-pressed on every side but not crushed" (4:8-9) and in the next chapter he tells of some of the hardships and joys of the ministry (6:4-10). In the above verses, Paul explains how he deals with these painful things of life. He has his eyes fixed on heaven, where God is building him an eternal home, which will never pass away. This is the purpose for which we have been made, and our walk with the Holy Spirit in this life is but a tiny foretaste of what is yet to come!
As I walk through today's issues and problems, I know that they are only temporary. The pain we experience today, is not forever. Like Paul, my physical body and this physical life is only temporary, and I long for the day when I will be rid of the frustrations and limitations of this life.
"Lord Jesus, thank you that you have a purpose for me that transcends this life! Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Amen."
Monday, April 9, 2012
Hearts and Change
Hearts and Change
1 Peter2:9 "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness, into his wonderful light."
In Old Testament times, God selected a nation of slaves in order to show the world what living God's way would be like. He developed a special relationship with the Israelites, and offered them blessings beyond measure if they would be obedient and follow him.
Unfortunately they were not responsive to God and sinned terribly, most of their history. They wanted to do it right. But they did not have the heart to act on this intention (Deut 5:29). God knew this right from the start, and had a plan to rectify this.
He says in Jeremiah, "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God and they will be my people" (Jer 31:33). The old covenant was not sufficient. God had to change their hearts.
Have we a changed heart? When Jesus comes into our life, he changes things! "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come" (2 Cor 5:17). When we accept Jesus by surrendering our lives to him, he changes us inside. He writes his way of living on our heart, so that we now desire to live his way, doing things the way he would do them.
As we surrender more and more of our self to him, we make ourselves more and more available for him to make us agents of his grace. Verse 20 says he has made us Christ's ambassadors, showing a world of darkness that there is a better way! Praise God, that he has saved us from sin and guilt and set us free to live a brand new life, so that we can now share this good news!
“Lord, thank you for rescuing me and for changing my heart! Help me to surrender all, so that I may be a vessel fit to serve you. Thank you Lord Jesus. Amen”
1 Peter2:9 "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness, into his wonderful light."
In Old Testament times, God selected a nation of slaves in order to show the world what living God's way would be like. He developed a special relationship with the Israelites, and offered them blessings beyond measure if they would be obedient and follow him.
Unfortunately they were not responsive to God and sinned terribly, most of their history. They wanted to do it right. But they did not have the heart to act on this intention (Deut 5:29). God knew this right from the start, and had a plan to rectify this.
He says in Jeremiah, "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God and they will be my people" (Jer 31:33). The old covenant was not sufficient. God had to change their hearts.
Have we a changed heart? When Jesus comes into our life, he changes things! "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come" (2 Cor 5:17). When we accept Jesus by surrendering our lives to him, he changes us inside. He writes his way of living on our heart, so that we now desire to live his way, doing things the way he would do them.
As we surrender more and more of our self to him, we make ourselves more and more available for him to make us agents of his grace. Verse 20 says he has made us Christ's ambassadors, showing a world of darkness that there is a better way! Praise God, that he has saved us from sin and guilt and set us free to live a brand new life, so that we can now share this good news!
“Lord, thank you for rescuing me and for changing my heart! Help me to surrender all, so that I may be a vessel fit to serve you. Thank you Lord Jesus. Amen”
Trusting in our Faithful God!
Trusting in our Faithful God!
Psa 115:10-13 “O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield . . . he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron. He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great.”
In this Psalm David is contrasting the things that unbelievers trust in but which are not able to help in times of trouble, with the reality of God's greatness and his readiness to fight on behalf of his people.
He starts by speaking of God's sovereignty as Creator of the universe. A God who reveals himself as creator. A God who creates the universe, who creates the things that mankind trusts in, who provides the stability of the very earth upon which we stand.
We so often take for granted the physical things of life. Material things seem so real to us. Yet because our eyes are focussed on the tangible aspects of life, our eyes are often blinded to the spiritual world which we cannot see. We forget about the great God who created all these things in which we trust.
God says to us, get your mind off the physical and see the complete picture! Paul tells us to get our mind onto things above, be looking to God in every aspect of our lives (Colossians 3:2). Elisha asks God to open the eyes of his servant, to see the reality of God's presence, and he sees chariots of fire all around them (2 Kings 6:7). God the Creator is more real than his creation. He is able to change any circumstance in which we may find ourselves!
“Lord, help us to take our mind's eye off the physical and to see your greatness. You are the Awesome God who promises to help us in our time of need. Thank you for your faithfulness. Amen”
Psa 115:10-13 “O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield . . . he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron. He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great.”
In this Psalm David is contrasting the things that unbelievers trust in but which are not able to help in times of trouble, with the reality of God's greatness and his readiness to fight on behalf of his people.
He starts by speaking of God's sovereignty as Creator of the universe. A God who reveals himself as creator. A God who creates the universe, who creates the things that mankind trusts in, who provides the stability of the very earth upon which we stand.
We so often take for granted the physical things of life. Material things seem so real to us. Yet because our eyes are focussed on the tangible aspects of life, our eyes are often blinded to the spiritual world which we cannot see. We forget about the great God who created all these things in which we trust.
God says to us, get your mind off the physical and see the complete picture! Paul tells us to get our mind onto things above, be looking to God in every aspect of our lives (Colossians 3:2). Elisha asks God to open the eyes of his servant, to see the reality of God's presence, and he sees chariots of fire all around them (2 Kings 6:7). God the Creator is more real than his creation. He is able to change any circumstance in which we may find ourselves!
“Lord, help us to take our mind's eye off the physical and to see your greatness. You are the Awesome God who promises to help us in our time of need. Thank you for your faithfulness. Amen”
Cleansing, then relationship
Cleansing, then relationship
Isaiah 4:4b "... he will cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire".
The context of this verse is speaking of the end times, when Jesus returns to Jersalem, to reign as king. Chapter 2 speaks of the millenial time of peace that will exist under the Lord's reign, chapter 3 speaks of judgment on Jerusalem and details its sins, especially of the leaders of the people (3:14).
Punishment comes. But then in chapter 4 we return to Jesus' intervention. The Lord comes with a spirit of judgment - in other words, with justice - God's purpose is not to execute vengeance, but to cleanse his people. The spirit of fire then removes the sin.
The result is in verse 5 - the presence of the Lord that accompanied the Israelites in the desert, now will be with them again, the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. The cloud will be a canopy over God's glory, a shelter for those who take refuge with God.
So what does this mean for us? What about the spirit of judgment? God is a God of justice. He cannot ignore our sins and failings, he has to deal with them. Sometimes we do not want to see where we have gone astray, and need to be brought back on track. If we have a sensitive heart and a listening ear, we can be brought back relatively easily "This is the way, walk in it" (Isa 30:21).
If we are more reluctant to change, God may have to resort to correction. He does not delight in discipline, just as a loving father does not look forward to disciplining his child. But Hebrews 12 tells us "God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness" (Heb 12:10). The result is that we share in his holiness, we have a closer relationship with Jesus, and our life is on track once more.
So if we are going through a hard patch in our life, consider if it may be that God is encouraging us to change in some area of our life. This is not some surprise, because he will have already spoken to us about the matter. Now he is telling us that it is time to turn back to him in this area of our life.
When we listen to him and respond to his discipline, our relationship with him will now be uncluttered by sin and he answers our prayers and communes with us in our time with him.
"Lord, please cleanse me from all my sin. Restore in me a heart that is pure before you, so that I may share in your glory and experience your closeness in my life. I know that any correction I may receive is for my good, help me to learn the lessons you are teaching me. Thank you Lord, amen".
Isaiah 4:4b "... he will cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire".
The context of this verse is speaking of the end times, when Jesus returns to Jersalem, to reign as king. Chapter 2 speaks of the millenial time of peace that will exist under the Lord's reign, chapter 3 speaks of judgment on Jerusalem and details its sins, especially of the leaders of the people (3:14).
Punishment comes. But then in chapter 4 we return to Jesus' intervention. The Lord comes with a spirit of judgment - in other words, with justice - God's purpose is not to execute vengeance, but to cleanse his people. The spirit of fire then removes the sin.
The result is in verse 5 - the presence of the Lord that accompanied the Israelites in the desert, now will be with them again, the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. The cloud will be a canopy over God's glory, a shelter for those who take refuge with God.
So what does this mean for us? What about the spirit of judgment? God is a God of justice. He cannot ignore our sins and failings, he has to deal with them. Sometimes we do not want to see where we have gone astray, and need to be brought back on track. If we have a sensitive heart and a listening ear, we can be brought back relatively easily "This is the way, walk in it" (Isa 30:21).
If we are more reluctant to change, God may have to resort to correction. He does not delight in discipline, just as a loving father does not look forward to disciplining his child. But Hebrews 12 tells us "God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness" (Heb 12:10). The result is that we share in his holiness, we have a closer relationship with Jesus, and our life is on track once more.
So if we are going through a hard patch in our life, consider if it may be that God is encouraging us to change in some area of our life. This is not some surprise, because he will have already spoken to us about the matter. Now he is telling us that it is time to turn back to him in this area of our life.
When we listen to him and respond to his discipline, our relationship with him will now be uncluttered by sin and he answers our prayers and communes with us in our time with him.
"Lord, please cleanse me from all my sin. Restore in me a heart that is pure before you, so that I may share in your glory and experience your closeness in my life. I know that any correction I may receive is for my good, help me to learn the lessons you are teaching me. Thank you Lord, amen".
Saturday, March 31, 2012
The vine is developing! - Psa 80:8-9
The vine is developing!
Psalm 80:8-9 "You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it. You cleared the ground for it, and it took root and filled the land".
This verse speaks about the nation of Israel, which God brought out of Egypt, weak and powerless, and which God then planted in a place of blessing where it would expand and grow into the greatest nation of its time, under King Solomon.
Each of us was called by God, not because of any goodness of ourselves, but solely through the Lord's graciousness. He drew us out of slavery to sin, and set us in his church, in an environment where we could grow and develop and become all that God intends for us to be! The verse says that God cleared the ground for the vine, and that it then filled the land. The application for us is that God calls us into a relationship with him, at precisely the optimum time for us to respond to him. We have been prepared, for the things that God will do in our life.
The same principle applies to Grace Fellowship. God has been preparing the ground to plant his vine, our church. He has been nurturing us, and developing us, even during the winter months. But now the time has come for shoots to spring forth and the vine to start sending out its tendrils to have the impact God intended. We are a city that has been set on a hill, which will be noticed. God's intention for us is that we love Susanville and share the love he has given us, by allowing it to flow through us and impact others.
God loves you, and even though there may have been hard times, spring is around the corner!
Lord, thank you that your plan for us is way bigger than we can comprehend! You have prepared us for this moment in time, and you promise that like that vine, we too will grow and fill the land. May it be so, Jesus. Amen".
Psalm 80:8-9 "You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it. You cleared the ground for it, and it took root and filled the land".
This verse speaks about the nation of Israel, which God brought out of Egypt, weak and powerless, and which God then planted in a place of blessing where it would expand and grow into the greatest nation of its time, under King Solomon.
Each of us was called by God, not because of any goodness of ourselves, but solely through the Lord's graciousness. He drew us out of slavery to sin, and set us in his church, in an environment where we could grow and develop and become all that God intends for us to be! The verse says that God cleared the ground for the vine, and that it then filled the land. The application for us is that God calls us into a relationship with him, at precisely the optimum time for us to respond to him. We have been prepared, for the things that God will do in our life.
The same principle applies to Grace Fellowship. God has been preparing the ground to plant his vine, our church. He has been nurturing us, and developing us, even during the winter months. But now the time has come for shoots to spring forth and the vine to start sending out its tendrils to have the impact God intended. We are a city that has been set on a hill, which will be noticed. God's intention for us is that we love Susanville and share the love he has given us, by allowing it to flow through us and impact others.
God loves you, and even though there may have been hard times, spring is around the corner!
Lord, thank you that your plan for us is way bigger than we can comprehend! You have prepared us for this moment in time, and you promise that like that vine, we too will grow and fill the land. May it be so, Jesus. Amen".
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
I am making everything new!
I am making everything new!
“He who was seated opn the throne said, 'I am making everything new!' Then he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true'" - Revelation 21:5
These words are written at the end of the Bible, speaking of the culmination of God's incredible plan and involvement with human kind! Jesus will have reigned for a thousand years, and now the earth and the heavens are refashioned, prepatory for an eternity with God reigning over the universe with earth as the seat of his government! Those who have accepted his rule in their lives will be a part of this fantastic future (Rev 20:4-6, 3:21), those who have rejected him will now be out of the picture. God's creation will now be pure and sinless the way he intended.
But those of us who have accepted Jesus in this life, have already welcomed his rule! We have surrendered our lives to him and asked him to be our Lord and King!
When we accept Jesus, and we surrender our crown to him, he starts this divine renovation process in ourselves, today! He has already started making all things new, in our lives!
Paul tells us, "if anyone is in Christ (John 14:20), he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come" (2 Cor 5:17). Jesus is today working in our lives, throwing out the old and bringing in the new, getting rid of old ways of thinking, growing in having the mind of Christ (Phil 2:5, Eph 4:23). As our thinking changes, our actions also change, because out of the heart the mouth speaks (Matt 12:34). The holiness that will be universe-wide at the end of the Book, is being developed in us today (1 Pet 1:15-16"! This is what we know as the process of sancification, being made holy.
It is good to examine ourselves and see which areas of our life are still unclean, and need to be removed. Surrender these areas to God and he will clean us up (Psa 51:7). We all have issues that need sorting out - as the Spirit shines in our soul and highlights these areas, invite Jesus to clean them up. Ask Him to speak to you about what steps to take, and He will lead you down the way everlasting (Psa 139:23-24).
My prayer for each of our readers, is that the Lord would bless you mightily during this coming year, that the light of Jesus would shine brightly inside of you and make you holy, in word and in deed! All glory and honor be to His Name!
“He who was seated opn the throne said, 'I am making everything new!' Then he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true'" - Revelation 21:5
These words are written at the end of the Bible, speaking of the culmination of God's incredible plan and involvement with human kind! Jesus will have reigned for a thousand years, and now the earth and the heavens are refashioned, prepatory for an eternity with God reigning over the universe with earth as the seat of his government! Those who have accepted his rule in their lives will be a part of this fantastic future (Rev 20:4-6, 3:21), those who have rejected him will now be out of the picture. God's creation will now be pure and sinless the way he intended.
But those of us who have accepted Jesus in this life, have already welcomed his rule! We have surrendered our lives to him and asked him to be our Lord and King!
When we accept Jesus, and we surrender our crown to him, he starts this divine renovation process in ourselves, today! He has already started making all things new, in our lives!
Paul tells us, "if anyone is in Christ (John 14:20), he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come" (2 Cor 5:17). Jesus is today working in our lives, throwing out the old and bringing in the new, getting rid of old ways of thinking, growing in having the mind of Christ (Phil 2:5, Eph 4:23). As our thinking changes, our actions also change, because out of the heart the mouth speaks (Matt 12:34). The holiness that will be universe-wide at the end of the Book, is being developed in us today (1 Pet 1:15-16"! This is what we know as the process of sancification, being made holy.
It is good to examine ourselves and see which areas of our life are still unclean, and need to be removed. Surrender these areas to God and he will clean us up (Psa 51:7). We all have issues that need sorting out - as the Spirit shines in our soul and highlights these areas, invite Jesus to clean them up. Ask Him to speak to you about what steps to take, and He will lead you down the way everlasting (Psa 139:23-24).
My prayer for each of our readers, is that the Lord would bless you mightily during this coming year, that the light of Jesus would shine brightly inside of you and make you holy, in word and in deed! All glory and honor be to His Name!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
May it be to me as you have said
May it be to me as you have said
“I am the Lord's servant, Mary answered, may it be to me as you have said." - Luke 1:38
The angel Gabriel visits Mary, betrothed or engaged to Joseph the carpenter. Suddenly she is hearing an incredible message, that she, a virgin, without a physical man being involved, is going to be pregnant with the Son of God!
I am sure she thought twice before telling Joseph about this message. To actually own this message could have huge implications on herself and her relationships with friends and family. What would it look like to others? Would Joseph disown her? Would she be stoned to death - the punishment for extra-marital sex? And what would it be like to be the mother of the Son of God? Would she have to be even more on her guard, to be obedient to God and live a holy life?
How would we have reacted? Would we be thinking of the implications, of the potential dangers or sacrifices? Or would we have immediately reacted as Mary did? "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said".
God has a plan for each of us. He has something for us to do. At the right time, he will prepare us for this purpose, and get us ready for it. But there will be a moment of decision. Will I be obedient to God's purpose, in spite of the risks that may be involved? Or will I walk away, and never know what could have been if I had followed God's will for my life?
I pray that we will be so strong in our relationship with God, that we will trust him to take care of all the question marks, while we tell Him, "May it be to me as you have said".
“I am the Lord's servant, Mary answered, may it be to me as you have said." - Luke 1:38
The angel Gabriel visits Mary, betrothed or engaged to Joseph the carpenter. Suddenly she is hearing an incredible message, that she, a virgin, without a physical man being involved, is going to be pregnant with the Son of God!
I am sure she thought twice before telling Joseph about this message. To actually own this message could have huge implications on herself and her relationships with friends and family. What would it look like to others? Would Joseph disown her? Would she be stoned to death - the punishment for extra-marital sex? And what would it be like to be the mother of the Son of God? Would she have to be even more on her guard, to be obedient to God and live a holy life?
How would we have reacted? Would we be thinking of the implications, of the potential dangers or sacrifices? Or would we have immediately reacted as Mary did? "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said".
God has a plan for each of us. He has something for us to do. At the right time, he will prepare us for this purpose, and get us ready for it. But there will be a moment of decision. Will I be obedient to God's purpose, in spite of the risks that may be involved? Or will I walk away, and never know what could have been if I had followed God's will for my life?
I pray that we will be so strong in our relationship with God, that we will trust him to take care of all the question marks, while we tell Him, "May it be to me as you have said".
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