I am once again reminded of God's grace. Grace! A gift given to me by the father that I do not deserve. Not only is it given to me, it has also been given to everyone. It is the same gift. Some choose to accept it, some choose to reject it. Some don't even know the gift has been given to them yet, it's like a surprise present.
My gift of grace is no different than anyone else either. It is the same size, the same shape, the same color. The gift of grace is exactly the same!
I have no right saying that my gift is bigger than another persons, nor should I be ashamed if I feel that my gift is smaller.
It is the same gift of grace.
As I read in Romans 12 this morning, I realize that the gift is the same, but the faith to use the gift is different. Vs 3 says, " in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you"; and in vs 6 Paul writes " let him use it (his gifts) in accordance with his faith".
Maybe we all have different levels of faith. Like a gas tank on our vehicle. If the faith tank is full, we can continue on and on for a long time. If the faith tank is almost empty, we begin to be more cautious because we don't want the tank to run empty and become stranded in the middle of nowhere.
That may be a bad example, after all, how do we fill up our faith tank. We can't just go to church and say fill er up; or say to the attendant "only put in twenty, that's all that I can afford".
For that matter, can we even increase our level of faith. Do we try to strap on an extra tank so that we can have more faith.
Where does faith come from. We can't buy faith!
Jesus said to his disciples " Oh you of little faith..." that means they still had some... and he also said, if you have faith, you can move mountains. A womans faith in the Bible had healed her. How much faith did these people have.
I have always wanted to have more faith.
Does our faith diminish?
My idea of faith is to believe and trust in what is unseen.
Wikipedia describes Faith as the confident belief or trust in the truth or trustworthiness of a person, concept or thing.
I still don't have the answer.
I have faith that I have been given the gift of grace, and that gift is Jesus Christ and what he did for me on the cross. He died so that I may live. That I believe. even when I am entangled in sin, I still have faith in the gift.
But, I believe there is more. I am saved by faith and through the gift of grace, but being saved is not living. The saving experience has kept me alive, now I have to live as though I am alive, and by doing that, I must act as though I have been saved through the gift of grace, and for that I need more faith.
I think I am getting a glimpse. Salvation is the first step into a live worth living, a life that God has planned for me. Not only for me but for everyone. He has planned for us to do great and mighty things; things that we can be proud of because they will make us feel alive.
So the question remains, how can I get more faith. I believe I know the answer. Faith can not be bought like cookies in a supermarket. They have to be given, just like the gift of grace. Since we have trusted in our savior to save us, we can trust Him to lead our lives as well. With each new step comes a greater sense of faith given to us by the father. Then, when we our confident in our faith, we will be able to use the gifts that God has given to us, according to our faith.
whew...
OK then...great things to think about for today... thank you God!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Am I Ned Flanders? (Romans 10)
I think Christians get a bum rap. Stereotypically, the world view of a born again believer is a person like Ned Flanders from the Simpsons. As a Christian, have I ever looked at Ned and his personality.
First of all, the guy never swears. He uses words like okely dokely and diddley do. While it's kinda funny; I have to respond in Ned's favor. I mean, I don't say those kind of things, but if I ever get the urge to say a bad word, I will replace it with something else.
Ned is also portrayed as a person who prays a lot. That is just one of the things that makes him different. As a Christian, is that wrong. I sometimes get the urge to pray with someone if they are downcast.
Social injustices seem to upset Ned, and he takes his problems to the church. Reverend Lovejoy is always listening to Neds problems and giving him some words of advice. Also something that as a Christian we should all be doing.
The one thing I think that bothers me about Ned is his view of humanity. He seem to be wearing Rose colored glasses. We all know how the world works. We can't live in the world and not expect to encounter evil.
Funny how this has nothing to do with what I read today. Awhile ago, in the corner of my Bible, I wrote "why do we still feel shame". That was in response to the passage in Romans 10: 11. And I was also questioned recently about why Christians don't seem joyful.
Ned seems to block the evil of the world out of his head. I can't do that. Ned comes across as a man who never sins. I have a hard time with that as well. When everything is going well, I can honestly say that I am Ned flanders, but very rarely does everything go well.
I sin, I struggle, I fail, I am selfish, I have pride, I feel shame and guilt, and then I feel worthless. How can I see joy in all of that.
As I am learning, we sin because we are sinners. I am going to try not to sin by throwing off all that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. I will focus not my eyes on Jesus, because let's face it we are never going to SEE Jesus with our earthly eyes, but I will set my heart on Jesus. Now the heart is a tricky thing. It wants what it wants, but with work and perseverance, I believe we can tame the heart and set it on a correct course. Another thing that I MUST do is Guard my heart. I need to watch out for the things I KNOW causes my heart to stumble.
It's strange how all of these things that I have been studying over the past few months have come together.
Or is it.
First of all, the guy never swears. He uses words like okely dokely and diddley do. While it's kinda funny; I have to respond in Ned's favor. I mean, I don't say those kind of things, but if I ever get the urge to say a bad word, I will replace it with something else.
Ned is also portrayed as a person who prays a lot. That is just one of the things that makes him different. As a Christian, is that wrong. I sometimes get the urge to pray with someone if they are downcast.
Social injustices seem to upset Ned, and he takes his problems to the church. Reverend Lovejoy is always listening to Neds problems and giving him some words of advice. Also something that as a Christian we should all be doing.
The one thing I think that bothers me about Ned is his view of humanity. He seem to be wearing Rose colored glasses. We all know how the world works. We can't live in the world and not expect to encounter evil.
Funny how this has nothing to do with what I read today. Awhile ago, in the corner of my Bible, I wrote "why do we still feel shame". That was in response to the passage in Romans 10: 11. And I was also questioned recently about why Christians don't seem joyful.
Ned seems to block the evil of the world out of his head. I can't do that. Ned comes across as a man who never sins. I have a hard time with that as well. When everything is going well, I can honestly say that I am Ned flanders, but very rarely does everything go well.
I sin, I struggle, I fail, I am selfish, I have pride, I feel shame and guilt, and then I feel worthless. How can I see joy in all of that.
As I am learning, we sin because we are sinners. I am going to try not to sin by throwing off all that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. I will focus not my eyes on Jesus, because let's face it we are never going to SEE Jesus with our earthly eyes, but I will set my heart on Jesus. Now the heart is a tricky thing. It wants what it wants, but with work and perseverance, I believe we can tame the heart and set it on a correct course. Another thing that I MUST do is Guard my heart. I need to watch out for the things I KNOW causes my heart to stumble.
It's strange how all of these things that I have been studying over the past few months have come together.
Or is it.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
I have no right? (Romans 9)
Have you ever picked up the Bible, started reading it, and although it was in English, still didn't understand what it said? I read Romans 9 this morning and I'm desperately trying to wrap my mind around it.
" But who are you O man, to talk back to God. Shall what is formed say to the one that formed it ; why did you make me like this?" (Romans 9:20)
I've been reading in Ephesians lately, how we are God's workmanship; some translations even say that we are His Masterpiece.
Can you imagine what it would be like if the Mona Lisa, after it was completed, said to the artist, why don't I have a red shirt on instead of the black one? What if Michaelangelo statues talked to him afterwards, saying that he would like to be posed differently?
Of course, these masterpieces weren't created to talk or even feel. They don't have the capacity to think or make choices.
We were. God created us to be his masterpieces, flaws and all. That is a promising thought.
But, the question still remains, what gives us the right to talk back to our creator like a spoiled child. Or is that it?
When my children talk back to me, I tell them that they have no right to talk to me that way, but when my children ask questions, truly wanting to grow and learn, I will lovingly answer them.
When my children were younger, they cried a lot. They wanted what they wanted and cried when they didn't get it. As they grew older, they learned with a little more patience. Sometimes they still talk back, but they understand the consequences if they do.
I can still question the Father, he will answer me, but I shouldn't be pointing my finger and accusing and yelling. hmmm
But that happens sometimes too?
Thank God for his grace and mercy because he doesn't treat me as my sins deserve.
whew...
I'll have to think about this today!
" But who are you O man, to talk back to God. Shall what is formed say to the one that formed it ; why did you make me like this?" (Romans 9:20)
I've been reading in Ephesians lately, how we are God's workmanship; some translations even say that we are His Masterpiece.
Can you imagine what it would be like if the Mona Lisa, after it was completed, said to the artist, why don't I have a red shirt on instead of the black one? What if Michaelangelo statues talked to him afterwards, saying that he would like to be posed differently?
Of course, these masterpieces weren't created to talk or even feel. They don't have the capacity to think or make choices.
We were. God created us to be his masterpieces, flaws and all. That is a promising thought.
But, the question still remains, what gives us the right to talk back to our creator like a spoiled child. Or is that it?
When my children talk back to me, I tell them that they have no right to talk to me that way, but when my children ask questions, truly wanting to grow and learn, I will lovingly answer them.
When my children were younger, they cried a lot. They wanted what they wanted and cried when they didn't get it. As they grew older, they learned with a little more patience. Sometimes they still talk back, but they understand the consequences if they do.
I can still question the Father, he will answer me, but I shouldn't be pointing my finger and accusing and yelling. hmmm
But that happens sometimes too?
Thank God for his grace and mercy because he doesn't treat me as my sins deserve.
whew...
I'll have to think about this today!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Why do I sin?
so yesterday, i couldn't even focus on what I was reading. Either the words were going by painfully fast, or they would stop and creep by at a snails pace. Whatever they were doing, it resulted in a total lack of comprehension on my part.
I was so far away from the Holy spirit yesterday that Jesus could have shown up at my door and I probably wouldn't recognize him.
It's a different story today. I can think of nothing else. Why the big change from one day to the next.
SIN
Last night, I once again went to the computer and keyed in "Why do we sin", and once again there were thousands of sites that delve into the topic of sin and humanity. I actually wasn't interested in the theological aspects of sin, but the all too forgotten aspect of humanity and sin.
I quickly skipped all of the pastors pages and theologian commentaries,and started reading the blogs.
People all over the world are struggling with sin and they don't know why.
So, why do we sin?
In my opinion, it's because we are sinners. We were born sinners, and we are going to die sinners. The amount of sin is up to us I suppose. What sin are we going to overcome this week. It may be a different sin next week, but the week after, are we going to have to face those same sins again.
LIVING, just surviving as a Christian is a daily battle, one the goes on within the confines of our own body. As I have been reading in Romans, "why do I do the things I do not want to do".
For anyone that struggles with sin, you know exactly what happens. For the most part, you know you're going to sin before you even sin. The sin attacks your mind and consumes your very thought process. Sure the Holy Spirit is there warning you against it, but you've become accustomed to blocking out the Holy Spirits voice.
Even as I type this, I realize that as sinners, when we ignore the crys of the Spirit, we are ignoring the Word of God; that is God, speaking to us, inside of us, in our minds, telling us to stop the thoughts we are thinking and warning us of the impending doom and sorrow we are going to feel. And after everything is said and done, we drop to our knees: 1) in disbelief; I can't believe that I sinned again, after all that God has done for me and 2) to once again ask for forgiveness.
Do you think that God forgives us every time we sin? ( I think so, and maybe I'll write about that tomorrow).
So, Why do we sin? We sin because we are selfish. We want what we want, and we want it when we want it. To me that sounds like classic selfishness. We stop thinking about others. Remember, sin has taken over our minds. Sounds like an old alien film, but that is exactly what happens. We become tempted by the evil desires that wage war against the spirit.
Anyway, as I woke this morning, longing to hear Gods voice, I went to the book of Hebrews. (If you ever wanted to know the benefit of reading your Bible on a regular basis, this is it). I wanted to read this because the words were stuck in my head: Let us cast off all that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles us and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us (Hebrews 12:1, my paraphrase). I also read in James, Submit your selves to God. Resist the devil and he will flee. (James 4:7)
What is hindering me from being the Man that God (and myself for that matter) wants me to be? What is causing me to be entangled in sin. Well, for me, I know what that is. It's going to be different for others. There are "things" in our lives that are causing us to stumble. We may always have the desire to sin, that is built into our DNA, but the tools that bring out these sins are all around us. Jesus said once that if your left hand causes you to sin, cut it off, because it is better to lose your hand then to lose your whole body to the depths of Hell. Now I don't believe HE meant for me to cut off my hand, but He does want me to get rid of the things that so easily cause me to sin.
What is that "thing" in your life. We may not be able to get rid of the desires, but let us get rid of those things which hinder us. Resist the devil and he will flee.
I was so far away from the Holy spirit yesterday that Jesus could have shown up at my door and I probably wouldn't recognize him.
It's a different story today. I can think of nothing else. Why the big change from one day to the next.
SIN
Last night, I once again went to the computer and keyed in "Why do we sin", and once again there were thousands of sites that delve into the topic of sin and humanity. I actually wasn't interested in the theological aspects of sin, but the all too forgotten aspect of humanity and sin.
I quickly skipped all of the pastors pages and theologian commentaries,and started reading the blogs.
People all over the world are struggling with sin and they don't know why.
So, why do we sin?
In my opinion, it's because we are sinners. We were born sinners, and we are going to die sinners. The amount of sin is up to us I suppose. What sin are we going to overcome this week. It may be a different sin next week, but the week after, are we going to have to face those same sins again.
LIVING, just surviving as a Christian is a daily battle, one the goes on within the confines of our own body. As I have been reading in Romans, "why do I do the things I do not want to do".
For anyone that struggles with sin, you know exactly what happens. For the most part, you know you're going to sin before you even sin. The sin attacks your mind and consumes your very thought process. Sure the Holy Spirit is there warning you against it, but you've become accustomed to blocking out the Holy Spirits voice.
Even as I type this, I realize that as sinners, when we ignore the crys of the Spirit, we are ignoring the Word of God; that is God, speaking to us, inside of us, in our minds, telling us to stop the thoughts we are thinking and warning us of the impending doom and sorrow we are going to feel. And after everything is said and done, we drop to our knees: 1) in disbelief; I can't believe that I sinned again, after all that God has done for me and 2) to once again ask for forgiveness.
Do you think that God forgives us every time we sin? ( I think so, and maybe I'll write about that tomorrow).
So, Why do we sin? We sin because we are selfish. We want what we want, and we want it when we want it. To me that sounds like classic selfishness. We stop thinking about others. Remember, sin has taken over our minds. Sounds like an old alien film, but that is exactly what happens. We become tempted by the evil desires that wage war against the spirit.
Anyway, as I woke this morning, longing to hear Gods voice, I went to the book of Hebrews. (If you ever wanted to know the benefit of reading your Bible on a regular basis, this is it). I wanted to read this because the words were stuck in my head: Let us cast off all that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles us and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us (Hebrews 12:1, my paraphrase). I also read in James, Submit your selves to God. Resist the devil and he will flee. (James 4:7)
What is hindering me from being the Man that God (and myself for that matter) wants me to be? What is causing me to be entangled in sin. Well, for me, I know what that is. It's going to be different for others. There are "things" in our lives that are causing us to stumble. We may always have the desire to sin, that is built into our DNA, but the tools that bring out these sins are all around us. Jesus said once that if your left hand causes you to sin, cut it off, because it is better to lose your hand then to lose your whole body to the depths of Hell. Now I don't believe HE meant for me to cut off my hand, but He does want me to get rid of the things that so easily cause me to sin.
What is that "thing" in your life. We may not be able to get rid of the desires, but let us get rid of those things which hinder us. Resist the devil and he will flee.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
What's going on in my head? (Romans 8)
This morning is one of those mornings where I read the passage (Romans 8), but was unable to concentrate on what I was reading. The mind is a crazy thing, flipping between channels faster than the blink of an eye. when that happens, how do we focus it on one particular task.
And this was a good chapter too... heirs with Jesus, more than conquerors, etc etc... I have lots of underlining in my Bible in this chapter, so I know there is some good stuff. but focusing this morning.
How does one control the mind. How can we change the thoughts that race through our heads. Can we harness them and use them for good instead of evil. Once again, as yesterday, so many questions. The questions are different though, and that is good, but they are still bouncing around.
Maybe if I stop and focus on one thing, that will change my thought process...
Here's hoping!
And this was a good chapter too... heirs with Jesus, more than conquerors, etc etc... I have lots of underlining in my Bible in this chapter, so I know there is some good stuff. but focusing this morning.
How does one control the mind. How can we change the thoughts that race through our heads. Can we harness them and use them for good instead of evil. Once again, as yesterday, so many questions. The questions are different though, and that is good, but they are still bouncing around.
Maybe if I stop and focus on one thing, that will change my thought process...
Here's hoping!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Am I allowed to question God? (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
I am at a point in my life where nothing seems to make sense. I have so many questions that I just don't have the answers for. My heart tells me to wait and to let God answer them for me, but my gut instinctively tells me to get off my butt and do something about it. So I end up being stuck in the middle. Before, I would talk to my pastor or another close friend, but in the place where we are now, I have neither.
So many questions!
God, what do you want from my life?
Where should we live?
Should we move at all?
Should I get a job in the secular workforce, or look for a ministry position?
What should I sell my house for?
Is my house going to sell?
What happens if it doesn't sell, how can we move?
What happens if it sells right away, then where do we go?
Why is all of this happening?
Are you disappointed with me? Have I done something wrong?
All day yesterday, I kept thinking of the passage in Jeremiah 29. For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart. (Jer.29:11-13)
The people that God was talking about were in exile. The funny thing is that He put them there. It was during that time, that the people finally rallied together and started listening to God. I'm sure there were some bad apples still in the bunch, but for the most part, the people of Israel finally understood how important God was.
I feel like I am in exile. I have been searching and questioning things for probably the past 4 years. I know that God has opened doors for us and has moved us around from one place to another; those things I can't question. But my question is why?
So yesterday, as I was asking the questions yet again; they never stop really, they bounce around in my head like a crazed psychotic pinball; I kept getting this passage. " For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord"
I get the feeling that something is going to happen, possibly something big, but then again, it's been such a long time since something BIG has happened to me. Am I confusing my thoughts and feelings that I have associated with God with my own desires for change.
"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding" (proverbs 3:4).
'sigh'
Until tomorrow!
So many questions!
God, what do you want from my life?
Where should we live?
Should we move at all?
Should I get a job in the secular workforce, or look for a ministry position?
What should I sell my house for?
Is my house going to sell?
What happens if it doesn't sell, how can we move?
What happens if it sells right away, then where do we go?
Why is all of this happening?
Are you disappointed with me? Have I done something wrong?
All day yesterday, I kept thinking of the passage in Jeremiah 29. For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart. (Jer.29:11-13)
The people that God was talking about were in exile. The funny thing is that He put them there. It was during that time, that the people finally rallied together and started listening to God. I'm sure there were some bad apples still in the bunch, but for the most part, the people of Israel finally understood how important God was.
I feel like I am in exile. I have been searching and questioning things for probably the past 4 years. I know that God has opened doors for us and has moved us around from one place to another; those things I can't question. But my question is why?
So yesterday, as I was asking the questions yet again; they never stop really, they bounce around in my head like a crazed psychotic pinball; I kept getting this passage. " For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord"
I get the feeling that something is going to happen, possibly something big, but then again, it's been such a long time since something BIG has happened to me. Am I confusing my thoughts and feelings that I have associated with God with my own desires for change.
"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding" (proverbs 3:4).
'sigh'
Until tomorrow!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Am I sinful? (Romans 7)
I get it. Romans chapter seven... I finally get it. It's a great passage that i have read and reread over the years. I have little snippits underlined all over the chapter, but this morning as I was reading, it finally dawned on me.
I am sinful! that's not a joyous statement, just a matter of fact. The desires that are in me are sinful. If it wasn't for the biblical law and the messages shared in the Bible, I wouldn't even know what sin was. Sin is in me. It is a part of who I am.
Of course, I desire to be the man GOD want's me to be, but I am constantly struggling with sin.
It is a battle. If you think about it, we are battling ourselves and the very desires that well up within us. Sure, I believe that Satan tempts us by attacking us where we are the weakest, but sin comes from within.
"I do not understand what I do" Paul writes... neither do I. Why is it that I find it so difficult to become the man I think God wants me to be. I mean, the desire is there. I desire to do good... ALL THE TIME, but every time I do good, evil lurks around the door. Sheesh.
"what a wretched man I am", he writes. I understand. The more I read Paul, the better I begin to understand him. He was struggling. I am struggling. David was struggling as well when he wrote the psalms. None of these people were perfect, but they made every effort they could to be the men God wanted them to be.
Okay, so what does the man "God wants me to be" look like.
i don't know. Perhaps it's following his commandments. maybe it's feeding the poor and hungry. Maybe it's a life filled with compassion and kindness; living the fruits of the spirit.
Maybe it's believing in Jesus and his death on the cross... for me.
"Who will rescue me from this body of death. Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord."
I am sinful! that's not a joyous statement, just a matter of fact. The desires that are in me are sinful. If it wasn't for the biblical law and the messages shared in the Bible, I wouldn't even know what sin was. Sin is in me. It is a part of who I am.
Of course, I desire to be the man GOD want's me to be, but I am constantly struggling with sin.
It is a battle. If you think about it, we are battling ourselves and the very desires that well up within us. Sure, I believe that Satan tempts us by attacking us where we are the weakest, but sin comes from within.
"I do not understand what I do" Paul writes... neither do I. Why is it that I find it so difficult to become the man I think God wants me to be. I mean, the desire is there. I desire to do good... ALL THE TIME, but every time I do good, evil lurks around the door. Sheesh.
"what a wretched man I am", he writes. I understand. The more I read Paul, the better I begin to understand him. He was struggling. I am struggling. David was struggling as well when he wrote the psalms. None of these people were perfect, but they made every effort they could to be the men God wanted them to be.
Okay, so what does the man "God wants me to be" look like.
i don't know. Perhaps it's following his commandments. maybe it's feeding the poor and hungry. Maybe it's a life filled with compassion and kindness; living the fruits of the spirit.
Maybe it's believing in Jesus and his death on the cross... for me.
"Who will rescue me from this body of death. Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Monday, May 24, 2010
Who is my master? (Romans 5-6)
In Sunday School, I have been teaching about finding easy ways to learn about God. All too often, we are "told" what to do and how to do it when it pertains to our spiritual education. You must read you Bible every day, you must go to church every Sunday, You Must serve soup at the local shelter... I believe that all these things are good, but not all people are wired the same way. Where one person might enjoy reading, another might think that reading is boring and they can't get into a book. That person might enjoy listening or serving instead. The fact of the matter is, God wired us differently, but God also gave us different ways to learn about Him.
Of course, in my opinion, the easiest way to learn about God is through the Bible. It seems to be a concise compilation of God's words and actions through history. The Bible is the playbook of Christianity. It may not read like a regular instruction manual, but it does give instruction into what God wants from his people.
I believe that one of the dangers we face when we are learning about God, is that we are receiving the correct information. If we are getting our facts from the Bible, then we can say without a doubt that the information is true; maybe a little confusing, but true none the less. If we are receiving our info from another person, say a Pastor or Sunday school teacher (like me), then you should question everything that person says. Anyone who is seeking God should be a seeker of truth. Therefore, God says to "Guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life".
What does any of this have to do with Romans. I don't know. When I was reading this morning, A passage caught my eye. It read " for sin shall not be you master".
It got be thinking about all of the things I have been teaching and all of the sin I have been struggling with. If I don't guard my heart and be a seeker of truth, how can I be a teacher of His word. Who IS my master. The answer will Always be Jesus. My Faith in HIM is strong. The faith I have in myself is not.
Guard your heart Michael(me), for it is the wellspring of life. (Proverbs 4:23)
I am God's masterpiece, created to do good works which he has already put in place for me to do. (Ephesians 2:10)
Sin is no my master. (Romans 6:14)
Of course, in my opinion, the easiest way to learn about God is through the Bible. It seems to be a concise compilation of God's words and actions through history. The Bible is the playbook of Christianity. It may not read like a regular instruction manual, but it does give instruction into what God wants from his people.
I believe that one of the dangers we face when we are learning about God, is that we are receiving the correct information. If we are getting our facts from the Bible, then we can say without a doubt that the information is true; maybe a little confusing, but true none the less. If we are receiving our info from another person, say a Pastor or Sunday school teacher (like me), then you should question everything that person says. Anyone who is seeking God should be a seeker of truth. Therefore, God says to "Guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life".
What does any of this have to do with Romans. I don't know. When I was reading this morning, A passage caught my eye. It read " for sin shall not be you master".
It got be thinking about all of the things I have been teaching and all of the sin I have been struggling with. If I don't guard my heart and be a seeker of truth, how can I be a teacher of His word. Who IS my master. The answer will Always be Jesus. My Faith in HIM is strong. The faith I have in myself is not.
Guard your heart Michael(me), for it is the wellspring of life. (Proverbs 4:23)
I am God's masterpiece, created to do good works which he has already put in place for me to do. (Ephesians 2:10)
Sin is no my master. (Romans 6:14)
Sunday, May 23, 2010
What is Paul talking about? (Romans 4)
Circumcision, justification, righteousness, transgression. These are all too much to handle early on a Sunday morning. I really don't have much on my mind this morning; I thought I would be like a sponge soaking up what the Bible says; but then I run into Romans chapter 4. It's like reading a thesis on the reasons for and against works versus faith.
Works vs faith I understand. Simply put, you can't get to heaven by the good things that you do. If that was the case, then we could all just work really hard a being good and poor Jesus wouldn't of had to suffer and die on the cross. But HE did suffer and die on the cross, so being good will never be good enough.
That only leaves us with faith. I never really new how closely faith and grace were related. I have to have faith to believe that God saved me through His Grace. I have to Trust God will do what he says He will do.
I guess I always knew that, but it's different knowing something and believing something. And then, once you put it all together; Faith, trust, grace; it all makes sense.
Right?
Maybe I was getting something out of this passage after all. I wasn't just watching my cat and dog fight on the floor beside my feet (another story).
Anyway, time to get ready for church... well soon anyway.
Works vs faith I understand. Simply put, you can't get to heaven by the good things that you do. If that was the case, then we could all just work really hard a being good and poor Jesus wouldn't of had to suffer and die on the cross. But HE did suffer and die on the cross, so being good will never be good enough.
That only leaves us with faith. I never really new how closely faith and grace were related. I have to have faith to believe that God saved me through His Grace. I have to Trust God will do what he says He will do.
I guess I always knew that, but it's different knowing something and believing something. And then, once you put it all together; Faith, trust, grace; it all makes sense.
Right?
Maybe I was getting something out of this passage after all. I wasn't just watching my cat and dog fight on the floor beside my feet (another story).
Anyway, time to get ready for church... well soon anyway.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
What is God's grace? Romans 2-3
One of the things that I seem to take for granted is the meaning of words.
Now I don't claim to be a smart man. I did graduate from college with a degree, but i never questioned much the meaning of words. I assumed most of the time that I knew what words meant. I used words in the context in which others used them. That way I didn't sound stupid when I used them.
Why do I bring this up?
As I was reading this morning, I came across a passage that I have known for years. It's a step along the "Roman Road" (If you haven't heard of the Roman Road, it's a way to explain salvation to someone through the book of Romans; someday I will explain).
The passage I read; It goes something like this: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". That seems to be the place where I have always stopped. But this morning I read further; " and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ".
So what "word" did I stumble with? What word have I always stumbled with?
Grace.
What is grace, does anyone know. It's not like truth... I know what that means. It's not faith, although that can be a difficult one as well. This is grace. Am I able to show grace or experience the grace that God has showed. I relate my knowledge of words with that which I have experienced and have shown to others. I'm sure in some small way I have given grace; perhaps to my children...or perhaps that is patience :) ...
I had to look up the word grace this morning to get a better understanding of what the word meant.
Grace: is the spontaneous, unmerited gift of the divine favor in the salvation of sinners. It is understood by Christians to be the "free gift" of an uncaused and overflowing love─totally undeserved mercy. (thank you wiki).
I think I finally get it.
Let me put it into perspective according to my understanding...by the grace of God, Noah was chosen to build the ark. He was found to be a righteous man so he was chosen to do a seemingly impossible task...Through Gods grace, Mary was chosen to be the mother of Jesus...That same grace is given to each one of us through Jesus.
And to top it all off, Jesus gives it to is for free. The ability to be chosen by God and used.
That is what I have been wanting for years; to be used by God. I never fully understood the word grace before. It's overwhelming to think of it really.
Through God's grace, I have been chosen, freely justified, freely forgiven, and it's all because of Jesus...
I have to say it......AMEN
Now I don't claim to be a smart man. I did graduate from college with a degree, but i never questioned much the meaning of words. I assumed most of the time that I knew what words meant. I used words in the context in which others used them. That way I didn't sound stupid when I used them.
Why do I bring this up?
As I was reading this morning, I came across a passage that I have known for years. It's a step along the "Roman Road" (If you haven't heard of the Roman Road, it's a way to explain salvation to someone through the book of Romans; someday I will explain).
The passage I read; It goes something like this: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". That seems to be the place where I have always stopped. But this morning I read further; " and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ".
So what "word" did I stumble with? What word have I always stumbled with?
Grace.
What is grace, does anyone know. It's not like truth... I know what that means. It's not faith, although that can be a difficult one as well. This is grace. Am I able to show grace or experience the grace that God has showed. I relate my knowledge of words with that which I have experienced and have shown to others. I'm sure in some small way I have given grace; perhaps to my children...or perhaps that is patience :) ...
I had to look up the word grace this morning to get a better understanding of what the word meant.
Grace: is the spontaneous, unmerited gift of the divine favor in the salvation of sinners. It is understood by Christians to be the "free gift" of an uncaused and overflowing love─totally undeserved mercy. (thank you wiki).
I think I finally get it.
Let me put it into perspective according to my understanding...by the grace of God, Noah was chosen to build the ark. He was found to be a righteous man so he was chosen to do a seemingly impossible task...Through Gods grace, Mary was chosen to be the mother of Jesus...That same grace is given to each one of us through Jesus.
And to top it all off, Jesus gives it to is for free. The ability to be chosen by God and used.
That is what I have been wanting for years; to be used by God. I never fully understood the word grace before. It's overwhelming to think of it really.
Through God's grace, I have been chosen, freely justified, freely forgiven, and it's all because of Jesus...
I have to say it......AMEN
Friday, May 21, 2010
Why is God silent? (Romans 1:8-17)
I started reading further into the book of Romans this morning, hoping once again that God would show me some glorious revelation. I read the rest of chapter one and into chapter two, re-reading it to make sure I didn't miss anything and I came up with nothing. "Well", I thought to myself, "I prayed before I read, so where is my word for today. for that matter, where has my word been for the last two years".
I finally went back to the words I read yesterday. They were bouncing around in my head ever since I read them about 24 hours before. Romans 1:16 "I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes".
I get it. I know what the words mean because it happened to me. It's like I was drowning and I had an out of body experience. I could see that my life was meaningless and that I was destined for certain destruction. But just in the nick of time, Jesus saved me and told me that I can have a better life, a life with purpose. He picked me up out of the water, dried me off, and started walking with me. Never before had I felt so alive. But, here I am 12 years later, scratching my head and wondering what happened. I was so sure of myself then. I had the confidence that I could do anything. Now I question everything.
Well, maybe not everything! I still know that Christ saves. He saved me. I am not ashamed of the gospel because I have witnessed and experienced the power it gives. My question is what now? Why does God remain silent? Maybe he isn't silent and He's been talking to me this entire time and I haven't been able to hear Him through the thickness of my own sin.
The one thing I am sure of is that He has called me into a life of Ministry. That has never changed, buy how and when and where is that going to be. Am I not seeing it? Am I not doing it? What happened to the passion that I once had? Am I going to have that passion again? Am I being selfish? I know what i want, but is it the same as what God wants for me?
I want what's best for my family, every member, but maybe I don't know what's best. So many questions that seem to go unanswered.
I am certain of this; I will not give up on God. He has proven himself to me too many times. I know He loves me. So I wait; and I pray; and I attempt to read my Bible everyday; and I work; and I struggle; but I wait... He will speak and I will hear; I want to be ready.
I finally went back to the words I read yesterday. They were bouncing around in my head ever since I read them about 24 hours before. Romans 1:16 "I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes".
I get it. I know what the words mean because it happened to me. It's like I was drowning and I had an out of body experience. I could see that my life was meaningless and that I was destined for certain destruction. But just in the nick of time, Jesus saved me and told me that I can have a better life, a life with purpose. He picked me up out of the water, dried me off, and started walking with me. Never before had I felt so alive. But, here I am 12 years later, scratching my head and wondering what happened. I was so sure of myself then. I had the confidence that I could do anything. Now I question everything.
Well, maybe not everything! I still know that Christ saves. He saved me. I am not ashamed of the gospel because I have witnessed and experienced the power it gives. My question is what now? Why does God remain silent? Maybe he isn't silent and He's been talking to me this entire time and I haven't been able to hear Him through the thickness of my own sin.
The one thing I am sure of is that He has called me into a life of Ministry. That has never changed, buy how and when and where is that going to be. Am I not seeing it? Am I not doing it? What happened to the passion that I once had? Am I going to have that passion again? Am I being selfish? I know what i want, but is it the same as what God wants for me?
I want what's best for my family, every member, but maybe I don't know what's best. So many questions that seem to go unanswered.
I am certain of this; I will not give up on God. He has proven himself to me too many times. I know He loves me. So I wait; and I pray; and I attempt to read my Bible everyday; and I work; and I struggle; but I wait... He will speak and I will hear; I want to be ready.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Why do people talk badly about others? (Romans 1:8-17)
Can you imagine what it is like to have people taking about you. When you live in a small town, you can bet that people are talking about you. Everyone seems to know what everyone else is doing. It's maddening sometimes. I don't want to know what so and so did last weekend, or why so and so got in trouble at work. I have learned not to judge people that way. Oh, I'm sure I judge people in other ways, but I would rather learn about people myself rather than take someone elses word for it.
Paul writes that he has been hearing about the believers in Rome, not because of the bad things they were doing, but because of their faith. Romans 1:8 "I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world"
What does THAT look like.
To actually hear about someone because of the good they were doing, because of their faith!
That would be a good thing right. When was the last time someone came up to you and shared a good story about someone else? It's a nice thought, but what's in it for me? I believe the reason we always share the bad stuff is because it makes us look better. It's like reading the bible and seeing a huge list of "do NOTS", you know, do not steal, do not commit adultery, etc etc. I don't do those things unlike someone else I know so that must make me pretty good.
We tend to be selfish. Why?
Paul goes on to say that he can't wait to meet the believers in Rome so that he might impart some spiritual gift, the gift of encouragement. Not only would he encourage them, but likewise they would encourage Paul.
That's right, I said Paul, super Christian; the man that was struck down by Jesus on the road to Damascus; the man who was beaten but still continued to preach; the man who wrote half of the New Testament.
Instead of looking at their faults first, he encouraged them by their faith and asked for encouragement back. We all need encouraging! Is it possible to think of other first before thinking of ourselves?
Maybe we should try!
I would like to be known for my faith, not my faults.
Paul writes that he has been hearing about the believers in Rome, not because of the bad things they were doing, but because of their faith. Romans 1:8 "I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world"
What does THAT look like.
To actually hear about someone because of the good they were doing, because of their faith!
That would be a good thing right. When was the last time someone came up to you and shared a good story about someone else? It's a nice thought, but what's in it for me? I believe the reason we always share the bad stuff is because it makes us look better. It's like reading the bible and seeing a huge list of "do NOTS", you know, do not steal, do not commit adultery, etc etc. I don't do those things unlike someone else I know so that must make me pretty good.
We tend to be selfish. Why?
Paul goes on to say that he can't wait to meet the believers in Rome so that he might impart some spiritual gift, the gift of encouragement. Not only would he encourage them, but likewise they would encourage Paul.
That's right, I said Paul, super Christian; the man that was struck down by Jesus on the road to Damascus; the man who was beaten but still continued to preach; the man who wrote half of the New Testament.
Instead of looking at their faults first, he encouraged them by their faith and asked for encouragement back. We all need encouraging! Is it possible to think of other first before thinking of ourselves?
Maybe we should try!
I would like to be known for my faith, not my faults.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Am I called to be an apostle? (Romans 1:1-1:7)
1:5 Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the gentiles to the obedience comes from faith. And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
I've never really thought about what it means to be an apostle. It's something that the 12 disciples were. It seems like one of those "Holy" words that we don't use in normal conversation. That is not what Paul says though, he tells us that everyone who belongs to Jesus deserves the right to be called apostles. OK, so what does apostle mean?
I looked it up in WIKIPEDIA, to make sure I didn't get the wrong idea. it says that an apostle is a religious word that comes from the Greek Apostolos. So far I still have no idea... Then it says that an apostle is an ambassador. That word is one that I can understand. I still might not use it in everyday conversation, but I understand what it means... let me give it a try. An ambassador is a person who portrays or embodies the ideals of the person or place he represents. In my mind, an ambassador has always had a positive meaning. I suppose there can be ambassadors for evil things as well, but I'm not going to think of that right now...
Can I be an ambassador. I still end up comparing myself to the great ambassadors of the Christianity.
It seems to hard for me...but I do feel as though I am called to belong to Jesus Christ. So what do I do now.
I guess my only other option is to learn to be an ambassador!
I've never really thought about what it means to be an apostle. It's something that the 12 disciples were. It seems like one of those "Holy" words that we don't use in normal conversation. That is not what Paul says though, he tells us that everyone who belongs to Jesus deserves the right to be called apostles. OK, so what does apostle mean?
I looked it up in WIKIPEDIA, to make sure I didn't get the wrong idea. it says that an apostle is a religious word that comes from the Greek Apostolos. So far I still have no idea... Then it says that an apostle is an ambassador. That word is one that I can understand. I still might not use it in everyday conversation, but I understand what it means... let me give it a try. An ambassador is a person who portrays or embodies the ideals of the person or place he represents. In my mind, an ambassador has always had a positive meaning. I suppose there can be ambassadors for evil things as well, but I'm not going to think of that right now...
Can I be an ambassador. I still end up comparing myself to the great ambassadors of the Christianity.
It seems to hard for me...but I do feel as though I am called to belong to Jesus Christ. So what do I do now.
I guess my only other option is to learn to be an ambassador!
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