Strapped and secured. Now, those are two words that should be familiar with us, hopefully. As most of us head off to work or to the store or wherever, we should find ourselves strapped and secured by the seat belts. As it is required by law, I pray that is a familiar experience for
us. Though uncomfortable, they are designed for our safety and protection.
Well, I had an unusual experience that relates to much of what I am talking about. Yesterday afternoon I was knocked in the head with a 3 inch, 10 foot long, rigid metal pipe. I do believe
that was the worst pain I have felt in my life. As soon as it hit me, everything went black. I am not sure how long that was, but when I opened my eyes, I was on my back and could not feel my left arm and had little to no feeling on my whole left side. That set me into a panic. Thankfully, my co-worker had witnessed the whole event and was there immediately to stabilize my head and neck. After the initial shock, I began to calm down as my mind was filled with
Scripture:
“I give them eternal life, and know they will never perish, and no one will snatch
them out of my hand.” John 10:28 ESV
I am thankful this passage filled my mind and I found comfort in it. Now, I wasn’t only dwelling on this verse, but the whole chapter as well. It is a comfort to those of us in Christ to be reminded of these great truths. What dwelling on this verse did for me was to calm me quickly. Not just from the shock of the pain that I had experienced, but also to be reminded that none of this was truly an accident.
As I was strapped with a neck brace and head block and secured tightly to the EMT board (not sure of the correct word), I couldn’t help but think of a more fitting Scripture to enter into my mind. Being strapped that way was uncomfortable for me and I must admit I wasn’t too happy about it, because I am Closter phobic and don’t like not being able to move around freely. But thankfully, as was true physically, is true spiritually: Being strapped and secured in Jesus means it is for our good and we aren’t left to our own pleasures.
You see, Scripture teaches us that we ARE strapped and secured IN Christ Jesus. Nothing,
again, absolutely nothing can snatch us from His hand. We are secure IN Christ! That is a great comfort. Not only is it a comfort for the afterlife, but a comfort here, in the temporal. I can live without fear because I am secure IN Christ. I can live without worry, because I am secure IN Christ. I can live with full assurance and complete confidence, because I am secure IN Christ. What a beautiful testimony of the love of our Father, that it pleased Him that Jesus would die in our place, to atone for our sins, so that we can stand justified before Him and live with the assurance that we are His…. ALWAYS!
I pray that you find comfort in knowing that Christ didn’t just die for you, but He has strapped you and secured you by His work on the cross and that from that, nothing can snatch you from His hand!
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved
by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:3-13
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Blessed Suffering
I know, those words don't seem right being paired together. It seems strange to see those two linked together, but if you are in Christ, it is more strange if they are not.
Recently, I have had the joy of seeing a picture of this at our dinner table. As parents to 6 littles, we try our hardest to lead and shape our children in the ways of the Lord. With that, we try hard to feed our children good food, lots of fruits and vegetables. No matter how hard we try, we do fail. However, unfortunately for my son, we have a good diet of squash and zucchini, two vegetables which he does not particularly like. We have recommended that he eat the two together, or with the meat that is provided. No matter what, he has to eat it, because it is for the good of his health and body. As he chews, I promise, it sure does look like expressions of suffering.
Now, I shared that to prove a point. You see, whether we admit it or not, even the conservative church is plagued with a world view of the prosperity gospel. You see it everywhere, on t-shirts, framed art work, blared on the christian raido stations, mostly centered around a particular verse: Jeremiah 29:11 which says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not evil, to give you a future and a hope." (ESV) What is left out is this is written to a nation that is suffering in exile. It is sad, we take Scripture, fold it up, twist it around, and justify our selfish pleasures. I admit, I stand guilty. Nevertheless, we are plagued with this idea that suffering is a result of sin, that it means God has abandoned us, that we are not in the center of God's will, when in reality, biblically, it is the polar opposite. For the Christian, you CANNOT divorce blessing and suffering. Let me explain.
If you ask most Christians, do you like to suffer, they would say emphatically: NO! Of course not, who in their right mind would like to suffer, and when we think of suffering, let us look at the verses listed in the last blog from Hebrews 11 and surely we will say no.
Now ask most Christians, would you like to be conformed to Christ? They would say, YES, of course! After all, that is the charge from Scripture.
"And we know that for those that love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He forknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the first born among many brothers." Romans 8:28-29 ESV
So, what about suffering? Well, if we are going to be like Christ, then we will suffer.
Writing from a dungeon, the Apostle Paul says that knowing Christ is the greatest of all treasures and that EVERYTHING else is but dung, in Philippians 3:10, he says this:
"that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death." (ESV)
Peter, writing to exiled Christians, who have fled and even seen their brothers and sisters killed for their faith, he writes this in way of encouragement:
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you but rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed." 1 Peter 4:12-13 (ESV)
So, the reality, the correct worldview for the Christian should involve suffering. Not just a suffering that is momentary, but a lifetime of suffering. It is true, the suffering will be in various forms and last certain lengths, but if we are truly in Christ, then suffering marks our path. I shared a few of the many Scriptures that support this. I recommend you take the time to search the Scriptures for yourself. I will say, this is foreign to us, and even scares us, because deep down, we like the idea of the prosperity gospel.
What we miss is that many times, God purposes these sufferings to bless not only us, but those around us. Perhaps, so that we may minister later in the area we are currently suffering. Perhaps that others may come beside us, being moved by the Holy Spirit, to comfort us, to help us, no matter what, He always allows this to bring glory to Himself, for that alone, we should find comfort!
My family and I have been on both sides. Though our "suffering" fails in comparison to what many of our brothers and sisters face daily, nevertheless, we are thankful that we have suffered, needed this encouragement, and we have been called to comfort others in their time of suffering.
Here is the danger, if everything were to be great in our lives, then we would never be molded, shaped, and conformed into the image of Christ. Instead, we would simply puff out our chests and say we are fine. Life is grand and there would be no room for taking up our cross.
Now, there is good news and great hope in the midst of our sufferings. Again, there are many to explain this truth, I will list four (in no particular order).
1) The Lord has promised to never leave us or forsake us. Joshua 1:5
2)He promised to finish the work He began in us. Philippians 1:6
3)He promised that all that passes in our lives is for our good and in the midst of that, nothing can seperate us from His love. Romans 8:28-39
4)He has promised to "keep" us from stumbling and even presents us blameless to the Father. Jude 24-25.
So, if you are reading this, and you are not "in Christ", I beg you to fall at the mercy of Christ. Read the Bible, seek Him while you have breath and beg Him to save you. If you are in Christ, I charge you to not to forget these truths. Find comfort in the midst of your struggle, knowing He is conforming you, drawing you closer to Him, He won't leave you or forsake you, He will lead you through it, He presents you blameless, He keeps you because nothing, absolutely nothing can seperate you from His love! Fall into the ever loving arms of Christ and praise Him!!!
Soli Deo Gloria
Recently, I have had the joy of seeing a picture of this at our dinner table. As parents to 6 littles, we try our hardest to lead and shape our children in the ways of the Lord. With that, we try hard to feed our children good food, lots of fruits and vegetables. No matter how hard we try, we do fail. However, unfortunately for my son, we have a good diet of squash and zucchini, two vegetables which he does not particularly like. We have recommended that he eat the two together, or with the meat that is provided. No matter what, he has to eat it, because it is for the good of his health and body. As he chews, I promise, it sure does look like expressions of suffering.
Now, I shared that to prove a point. You see, whether we admit it or not, even the conservative church is plagued with a world view of the prosperity gospel. You see it everywhere, on t-shirts, framed art work, blared on the christian raido stations, mostly centered around a particular verse: Jeremiah 29:11 which says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not evil, to give you a future and a hope." (ESV) What is left out is this is written to a nation that is suffering in exile. It is sad, we take Scripture, fold it up, twist it around, and justify our selfish pleasures. I admit, I stand guilty. Nevertheless, we are plagued with this idea that suffering is a result of sin, that it means God has abandoned us, that we are not in the center of God's will, when in reality, biblically, it is the polar opposite. For the Christian, you CANNOT divorce blessing and suffering. Let me explain.
If you ask most Christians, do you like to suffer, they would say emphatically: NO! Of course not, who in their right mind would like to suffer, and when we think of suffering, let us look at the verses listed in the last blog from Hebrews 11 and surely we will say no.
Now ask most Christians, would you like to be conformed to Christ? They would say, YES, of course! After all, that is the charge from Scripture.
"And we know that for those that love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He forknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the first born among many brothers." Romans 8:28-29 ESV
So, what about suffering? Well, if we are going to be like Christ, then we will suffer.
Writing from a dungeon, the Apostle Paul says that knowing Christ is the greatest of all treasures and that EVERYTHING else is but dung, in Philippians 3:10, he says this:
"that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death." (ESV)
Peter, writing to exiled Christians, who have fled and even seen their brothers and sisters killed for their faith, he writes this in way of encouragement:
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you but rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed." 1 Peter 4:12-13 (ESV)
So, the reality, the correct worldview for the Christian should involve suffering. Not just a suffering that is momentary, but a lifetime of suffering. It is true, the suffering will be in various forms and last certain lengths, but if we are truly in Christ, then suffering marks our path. I shared a few of the many Scriptures that support this. I recommend you take the time to search the Scriptures for yourself. I will say, this is foreign to us, and even scares us, because deep down, we like the idea of the prosperity gospel.
What we miss is that many times, God purposes these sufferings to bless not only us, but those around us. Perhaps, so that we may minister later in the area we are currently suffering. Perhaps that others may come beside us, being moved by the Holy Spirit, to comfort us, to help us, no matter what, He always allows this to bring glory to Himself, for that alone, we should find comfort!
My family and I have been on both sides. Though our "suffering" fails in comparison to what many of our brothers and sisters face daily, nevertheless, we are thankful that we have suffered, needed this encouragement, and we have been called to comfort others in their time of suffering.
Here is the danger, if everything were to be great in our lives, then we would never be molded, shaped, and conformed into the image of Christ. Instead, we would simply puff out our chests and say we are fine. Life is grand and there would be no room for taking up our cross.
Now, there is good news and great hope in the midst of our sufferings. Again, there are many to explain this truth, I will list four (in no particular order).
1) The Lord has promised to never leave us or forsake us. Joshua 1:5
2)He promised to finish the work He began in us. Philippians 1:6
3)He promised that all that passes in our lives is for our good and in the midst of that, nothing can seperate us from His love. Romans 8:28-39
4)He has promised to "keep" us from stumbling and even presents us blameless to the Father. Jude 24-25.
So, if you are reading this, and you are not "in Christ", I beg you to fall at the mercy of Christ. Read the Bible, seek Him while you have breath and beg Him to save you. If you are in Christ, I charge you to not to forget these truths. Find comfort in the midst of your struggle, knowing He is conforming you, drawing you closer to Him, He won't leave you or forsake you, He will lead you through it, He presents you blameless, He keeps you because nothing, absolutely nothing can seperate you from His love! Fall into the ever loving arms of Christ and praise Him!!!
Soli Deo Gloria
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Run.... No matter what, run!
It has been an interesting month. I got laid off (again) on February 24th. Although that can be depressing in and of itself, I was blessed to realize that this job was suppose to last 4-5 weeks and instead, the Lord allowed me to work there 14 weeks. He is good, yes, all the time, HE IS GOOD!
Well, facing this layoff, I was thankful that I was able to set back roughly a months worth of income, plus we have our income money, although we would really love to use it to get things fixed around the house. So, the search for new employment begins immediately.
The unforunate thing is, here it is, 1 month later, no bites, no leads, and now, no savings, just cutting into the income money. I must admit, I am a little frustrated, yet, I do realize this is the Lord's provision at this time. Yes, I will continue to look for work, and yes, the Lord will provide work for me, it's in His time, it's in His hands, and honestly, that's what's best!
In this season, we have been blessed greatly. We have been blessed with gifts, in ways we could have never imagined, invented or created for ourselves. God'e economy is the best economy, and unfortunately, for some of us, it takes seasons like these to realize it, or at least appreciate it.
Well, another thing hit me during this season, that was the passing of my grandmother, she passed away on March 16th. We held her services on March 19th, and buried her on my birthday, March 20th. It was a blessing. Talking to those who knew her better than I, confirming what I knew of her. She is now more alive, as she is beholding the face of Glory Himself. As the pastor shared during the service, she's not dead, Jesus TOOK HER! Wow, that was perhaps the most powerful sermon I have ever heard.
With all of this going on and the lack of finding employment, I found myself struggling. In these times, I am realizing just how weak and vile I am. Thoughts of doubt, anxiety, fear, and even anger are filling my mind, ready to consume me. I am just so weak. My mind is clouded, I struggle at leading my family because my mind is not clear, it feels as if I could just hide under a rock and everything would be ok, but I know it is not.
You know, it always amazes me at how faitful God is. He loves me. He showed that love by Christ's death on the cross and even more so since the Holy Spirit dwells inside of me. So in these times when I can not utter a prayer to God, the Holy Spirit interecedes for me, expresses what I can not and Christ intercedes by expressing that to the Father. Another way God is so faithful to us is by His Word. In my self pity, I was blessed to read this passage: Hebrews 11:1-12:2.
This is just an incredible passage. You should take time to read. Don't just skip over the list of people, read, reflect, chew on it. It is liberating. At least it was for me. As I read, I did just that: read, reflected, and chewed upon each account, and was simply in awe. Now, my season compares not to those you will read about, nevertheless, I was encouraged. Look at verse 32:
And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets- who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women recieved back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated-- of whom the world was not worthy-- wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. Hebrews 11:32-38 ESV
Wow. I'm just trying to find a job and having a pity party. Really puts things into perspective, huh? Well, the amazing thing is the account doesn't finish there.
And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God has provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 11:39-12:2
Glory, Glory Halleluah!!! That's it, isn't it. We CAN run with endurance the race that is before us, much like the cloud of witnesses did whatever was set before them, simply because what was set before Jesus and what He did. The cross was set before Him. He didn't cry, He didn't worry, there were no doubts, no figuring out a better way, a different plan, no, He counted it as joy, endured the nastiness, the vileness, the wickedness of the cross, despised it's very shame and sat at the right hand of the Father. Yes! Yes! Yes! So, though it is a rough season for my flesh. This season that is set before me, I will run, no matter what, I will run to the author and perfecter of my faith. He is my strong tower, if I run in to Him, I am safe. I pray that I am found at my earthly passing, that I was running to Jesus at a 100mph! How about you?
Well, facing this layoff, I was thankful that I was able to set back roughly a months worth of income, plus we have our income money, although we would really love to use it to get things fixed around the house. So, the search for new employment begins immediately.
The unforunate thing is, here it is, 1 month later, no bites, no leads, and now, no savings, just cutting into the income money. I must admit, I am a little frustrated, yet, I do realize this is the Lord's provision at this time. Yes, I will continue to look for work, and yes, the Lord will provide work for me, it's in His time, it's in His hands, and honestly, that's what's best!
In this season, we have been blessed greatly. We have been blessed with gifts, in ways we could have never imagined, invented or created for ourselves. God'e economy is the best economy, and unfortunately, for some of us, it takes seasons like these to realize it, or at least appreciate it.
Well, another thing hit me during this season, that was the passing of my grandmother, she passed away on March 16th. We held her services on March 19th, and buried her on my birthday, March 20th. It was a blessing. Talking to those who knew her better than I, confirming what I knew of her. She is now more alive, as she is beholding the face of Glory Himself. As the pastor shared during the service, she's not dead, Jesus TOOK HER! Wow, that was perhaps the most powerful sermon I have ever heard.
With all of this going on and the lack of finding employment, I found myself struggling. In these times, I am realizing just how weak and vile I am. Thoughts of doubt, anxiety, fear, and even anger are filling my mind, ready to consume me. I am just so weak. My mind is clouded, I struggle at leading my family because my mind is not clear, it feels as if I could just hide under a rock and everything would be ok, but I know it is not.
You know, it always amazes me at how faitful God is. He loves me. He showed that love by Christ's death on the cross and even more so since the Holy Spirit dwells inside of me. So in these times when I can not utter a prayer to God, the Holy Spirit interecedes for me, expresses what I can not and Christ intercedes by expressing that to the Father. Another way God is so faithful to us is by His Word. In my self pity, I was blessed to read this passage: Hebrews 11:1-12:2.
This is just an incredible passage. You should take time to read. Don't just skip over the list of people, read, reflect, chew on it. It is liberating. At least it was for me. As I read, I did just that: read, reflected, and chewed upon each account, and was simply in awe. Now, my season compares not to those you will read about, nevertheless, I was encouraged. Look at verse 32:
And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets- who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women recieved back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated-- of whom the world was not worthy-- wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. Hebrews 11:32-38 ESV
Wow. I'm just trying to find a job and having a pity party. Really puts things into perspective, huh? Well, the amazing thing is the account doesn't finish there.
And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God has provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 11:39-12:2
Glory, Glory Halleluah!!! That's it, isn't it. We CAN run with endurance the race that is before us, much like the cloud of witnesses did whatever was set before them, simply because what was set before Jesus and what He did. The cross was set before Him. He didn't cry, He didn't worry, there were no doubts, no figuring out a better way, a different plan, no, He counted it as joy, endured the nastiness, the vileness, the wickedness of the cross, despised it's very shame and sat at the right hand of the Father. Yes! Yes! Yes! So, though it is a rough season for my flesh. This season that is set before me, I will run, no matter what, I will run to the author and perfecter of my faith. He is my strong tower, if I run in to Him, I am safe. I pray that I am found at my earthly passing, that I was running to Jesus at a 100mph! How about you?
Friday, March 23, 2012
Welcome
Welcome to my blog. I am not a blogger, nor am I into alot of the modern "techy" stuff, however, my attempt is to glorify God through expressing my thoughts in this blog.
I would like to let you peek into our lives as I share what the Lord has done and is doing in our lives. In sharing these praises, prayers, trials and triumphs, my aim is to glorify God, point others to the work He is doing in our lives, so that "every knee my bow and every tongues confess that Christ is Lord". ( Philippians 2:9-11)
Another desire is for the advancement of the Gospel. We live in a wonderful age of many resources. Many in our culture today are "unplugged" from one another and simply "connecting" relationships online, facebook, in chat rooms or blog spots. It is sad yes, but a great opportunity for those of us who are in Christ Jesus to "reach" them. So, this is my simple attempt to do that.
The Apostle Paul says this in Romans 1:16-17:
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith".
So if we are out and a bout in our communities with our family, may we preach the gospel, if we are at work, may we preach the gospel, in our homes, may we preach the gospel, even in a simple little forum as a blog spot, may we preach the gospel!!!
Enjoy and live boldly for Christ alone!
I would like to let you peek into our lives as I share what the Lord has done and is doing in our lives. In sharing these praises, prayers, trials and triumphs, my aim is to glorify God, point others to the work He is doing in our lives, so that "every knee my bow and every tongues confess that Christ is Lord". ( Philippians 2:9-11)
Another desire is for the advancement of the Gospel. We live in a wonderful age of many resources. Many in our culture today are "unplugged" from one another and simply "connecting" relationships online, facebook, in chat rooms or blog spots. It is sad yes, but a great opportunity for those of us who are in Christ Jesus to "reach" them. So, this is my simple attempt to do that.
The Apostle Paul says this in Romans 1:16-17:
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith".
So if we are out and a bout in our communities with our family, may we preach the gospel, if we are at work, may we preach the gospel, in our homes, may we preach the gospel, even in a simple little forum as a blog spot, may we preach the gospel!!!
Enjoy and live boldly for Christ alone!
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