"For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith." Rom. 12:3
My word for 2014 and the study of it has come in part because of another study I am presently doing. Yes...only I would be crazy enough to do Beth Moore's Esther study and another in depth Bible study at the same time :) Sometimes, you just can't get enough of God's Word! I have to say that I am being fed in a way I haven't experienced in YEARS!!!
As I studied Esther, the thing that struck me most is that the Jewish people had become so acclimated to the culture of the Persians with whom they were residing that they were no longer distinguishable as Jews. Persian people living next to Jewish people may not have even known their heritage or that they belonged to the living God. There was no difference between them and the world.
God spoke directly into my heart...and birthed this study...and He is changing my life.
Romans 12:1-3 are some of my favorite verses. I had a hard time discerning where the Spirit wanted me to focus when I first sat down with them yesterday morning. I prayed, I asked for focus and perception and clarity. I decided to chew on this one for awhile.
Satan would have us believe that being different than our surroundings is a bad thing. That we need to conform, accept, be tolerant. But, right here in Rom 12, Paul tells us do to the exact opposite. We are instead to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind". I believe I've gotten a pretty great game plan through the previous Scriptures I have studied the past two weeks.
-Commit my day to the Lord
-Kill the flesh
-Be useful to the kingdom by losing my interests and looking for God's
-Boldly share my faith
-Mimic my Father
-End the day in reflection
There are two things God and I had some conversations about with verse 3.
1. I am not to think too highly of myself.
In this verse, Paul uses 3 different forms of the work phroneo. He tell us not to think (phroneo) too highly of ourselves (hyperphroneo- high minded, conceited), but to think (phroneo) so as to have sound judgement (sophroneo-sober minded, sensible, to curb one's passions). I don't think any of us have a hard time thinking we are better than others. I'd be lying if I said I'd never had those thoughts...and so would you. The most humble among us has still been plagued with a puffed up self image at one time or another. Especially when it comes to the gifts the Spirit has so graciously given. Teachers, prophets, encouragers, servants...we all have the fleshly desire for recognition. Thus the reason Paul tells us to have sound judgement about ourselves. Yes, we are unique but ONLY because the Spirit has given us gifts for the express purpose of expanding the Kingdom. We are to curb our passions and be sensible!
As an encourager, I have to be more passionate about telling what GOD wants me to say and less passionate about ME being heard. That means being quiet most of the time. For those of you who know me, you know that's a long, hard battle LOL Paul even tells me how to accomplish this in verse 12 by "rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer".
2. I am given a measure of faith.
I must admit...this one had me stumped. Greg and I discussed it over breakfast this morning and we bounced some great stuff around. Paul clearly states that each person is given a measure of faith. But how much? Do we get more? Who has more and who has less? Hmmmm....
Greg's insight was that it's great to know that everyone has their own measure of faith. Yours and mine is different. That eases the burden, doesn't it? There is no need to compare my faith to someone else's because God's the only one who knows just how much I was allotted.
The question is, What am I doing with what I am allotted? Do I only have faith to get out the bed in the morning and put feet to the floor? Or do I use the faith given to me to accomplish something for God?
If you don't know what spiritual gifts are being manifested most in your life, than I encourage you to find out! You can't use them if you don't know what they are and how to use them. If you aren't using your gifts, I bet you feel like you lack purpose in the body of Christ or you might feel restless. The link below is a great site to take a free spiritual gifts assessment:
http://www.churchgrowth.org/cgi-cg/gifts.cgi?intro=1
Let's go walk in the faith given to us!!
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Arrogant Faith
"Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear;" Rom. 11:20
The Greek word Phroneo is used 6 times in the book of Romans. Apparently, I am going to be in this book for awhile. We examined chapter 8 last time...and it was hugely popular!! Thank you to all who read it :) I pray that it spoke to you where you are.
In chapter 11 of Romans, Paul answers the question of whether God has cut off the Jewish people forever. I read it at least 5 times. In 5 different versions.
In the KJV (King James Version), the word used for conceited is hypsēlophroneō which is translated " to be high minded; proud." The definition for Phroneo that fits here is "to think; to not let one's opinion (though just) of himself exceed the bounds of modesty".
So let's unpack Rom. 11...
Paul starts this part of his letter to the Romans with the question "God has not rejected his own people, has He?" He then explains that NO...God always leaves a remnant. A small group of Jewish believers of the gospel. It is a small group until the time comes that all the Gentiles have heard and believed (that's us) and Christ returns to reclaim His people, the Jews, for Himself.
Paul's warning here for us Gentiles is to not become arrogant that WE are given grace and grafted into the family of God and THEY are being pruned out for unbelief.
God hates pride. He hates arrogance. He hates conceit. Lucifer was thrown out of Heaven for it. When harvested in our lives, it will puff us up...keep us from relationship with our Father...make us intolerable to be around...and give us an opinion of ourselves that exceeds modesty.
And make no mistake, God really hates it when you pick on His kids!
This word from God really made me examine my own attitude toward His chosen people. Do I pray for them? That they would come to know Jesus, the Messiah they so anxiously wait for? Or do I look down on them because they had the Messiah in their midst and missed it? Do I think they are beyond God's reach? Am I arrogant about the grace I've been given?
I have been grafted into God's vine. He will just as easily prune me if I begin to think too highly of myself.
Paul's instructions to us are to fear. I think we could all use a healthy dose of the fear of the Lord! In fact, I KNOW we don't fear him enough. This is the same God who torched Sodom and Gomorrah for the same behavior that we see going on in our own country! The same God who flooded the entire earth. The same God who sent an earthquake and ripped the veil in the temple from top to bottom the moment His Son took his last breath on earth.
We live our lives like He doesn't care how we act...that He looks the other way because we are covered by the blood of Jesus. But He doesn't! I promise you.
Growing up, there was a lot I didn't do because of the healthy fear my parent's placed in me...it was a spatula and it hung on the wall. They hardly ever had to use it because I feared and respected that spatula and what it represented.
This year, I want to have a healthier fear and respect for God's views on my life. To not be "high minded" but to place my mind on higher things. That includes praying for God's chosen people to come to know Him. Will ya join me????
The Greek word Phroneo is used 6 times in the book of Romans. Apparently, I am going to be in this book for awhile. We examined chapter 8 last time...and it was hugely popular!! Thank you to all who read it :) I pray that it spoke to you where you are.
In chapter 11 of Romans, Paul answers the question of whether God has cut off the Jewish people forever. I read it at least 5 times. In 5 different versions.
In the KJV (King James Version), the word used for conceited is hypsēlophroneō which is translated " to be high minded; proud." The definition for Phroneo that fits here is "to think; to not let one's opinion (though just) of himself exceed the bounds of modesty".
So let's unpack Rom. 11...
Paul starts this part of his letter to the Romans with the question "God has not rejected his own people, has He?" He then explains that NO...God always leaves a remnant. A small group of Jewish believers of the gospel. It is a small group until the time comes that all the Gentiles have heard and believed (that's us) and Christ returns to reclaim His people, the Jews, for Himself.
Paul's warning here for us Gentiles is to not become arrogant that WE are given grace and grafted into the family of God and THEY are being pruned out for unbelief.
God hates pride. He hates arrogance. He hates conceit. Lucifer was thrown out of Heaven for it. When harvested in our lives, it will puff us up...keep us from relationship with our Father...make us intolerable to be around...and give us an opinion of ourselves that exceeds modesty.
And make no mistake, God really hates it when you pick on His kids!
This word from God really made me examine my own attitude toward His chosen people. Do I pray for them? That they would come to know Jesus, the Messiah they so anxiously wait for? Or do I look down on them because they had the Messiah in their midst and missed it? Do I think they are beyond God's reach? Am I arrogant about the grace I've been given?
I have been grafted into God's vine. He will just as easily prune me if I begin to think too highly of myself.
Paul's instructions to us are to fear. I think we could all use a healthy dose of the fear of the Lord! In fact, I KNOW we don't fear him enough. This is the same God who torched Sodom and Gomorrah for the same behavior that we see going on in our own country! The same God who flooded the entire earth. The same God who sent an earthquake and ripped the veil in the temple from top to bottom the moment His Son took his last breath on earth.
We live our lives like He doesn't care how we act...that He looks the other way because we are covered by the blood of Jesus. But He doesn't! I promise you.
Growing up, there was a lot I didn't do because of the healthy fear my parent's placed in me...it was a spatula and it hung on the wall. They hardly ever had to use it because I feared and respected that spatula and what it represented.
This year, I want to have a healthier fear and respect for God's views on my life. To not be "high minded" but to place my mind on higher things. That includes praying for God's chosen people to come to know Him. Will ya join me????
Saturday, February 15, 2014
An Adopted Child
"For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit." Rom. 8:5
I had a daunting task ahead of me today. Romans 8 is a passage of scripture full of truth. If you haven't read the chapter, I'd encourage you to do so before reading this. I'm intimidated because there is sooo much in just one chapter. Paul can sure pack it in LOL After studying the chapter, I had written about 5 pages (front and back) in my notebook, but felt that one topic truly related to my word for the year.
Paul has been speaking on the bondage we all have to the sinful nature in previous chapters. Now, I could write for hours on this topic as I've was bound for years to addiction. Thankfully, Jesus is releasing me from those chains daily, hourly, every minute. In this chapter, Paul begins to speak on our freedom brought through the sacrifice of Jesus. Praise the Lord! Because of him, there is no condemnation for me (8:1)...can I get a Hallelujah! I am not condemned anymore because of HIM. I don't have to live bound anymore, because of HIM. I can be free and alive, because of HIM!!
In 8:6, we find that the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace, an obligation to put to death deeds of the flesh (8:12), a life led by the Spirit who adopted us as sons and daughters (8:14-15), and an expectancy of the day we will be redeemed from these earthly bodies and forever with him (8:23-25).
My sweet friend, Amy, has put adoption into practice and given me such a visual of this amazing truth. Her family includes several adopted children, the newest addition being an adorable little girl from China. When they first met Charlotte, she was lonely, withdrawn, scared and had no idea what being in a family was all about. They rescued her from her surroundings, brought her into their family and called her their own. Amy says that Charlotte follows her around everywhere, mimics her movements, copies her speech, and clings to her for acceptance and protection. She is learning to be a part of a family.
What a beautiful picture of how we are to respond to our Abba...our Daddy!
We are to cling to him, mimic him, follow his movements and draw close to him. Living every day in anticipation of the day we will meet face to face. Oh, come Lord Jesus!
My former family was full of rejection, loneliness, defeat, lack of purpose, betrayal, addictions, worthlessness, etc. You fill in the blank for yourself...those are just mine. And it's hard not to visit them sometimes. It's the war between the flesh and the Spirit. The war between life and death (8:6). Because of Christ's sacrifice (8:3), I am free of my former family and obligated to never visit them again. I have a new Daddy to cry out to in times of trouble...times when my former family try to take hold of me again. And my Daddy is bigger and stronger and loves me fiercely!
To set my mind on the Spirit this year, I will have to become a child again. To watch my Daddy...to spend time in his lap...run to him for help and protection or when I just don't know what to do. I think he's been waiting for me...
I had a daunting task ahead of me today. Romans 8 is a passage of scripture full of truth. If you haven't read the chapter, I'd encourage you to do so before reading this. I'm intimidated because there is sooo much in just one chapter. Paul can sure pack it in LOL After studying the chapter, I had written about 5 pages (front and back) in my notebook, but felt that one topic truly related to my word for the year.
Paul has been speaking on the bondage we all have to the sinful nature in previous chapters. Now, I could write for hours on this topic as I've was bound for years to addiction. Thankfully, Jesus is releasing me from those chains daily, hourly, every minute. In this chapter, Paul begins to speak on our freedom brought through the sacrifice of Jesus. Praise the Lord! Because of him, there is no condemnation for me (8:1)...can I get a Hallelujah! I am not condemned anymore because of HIM. I don't have to live bound anymore, because of HIM. I can be free and alive, because of HIM!!
In 8:6, we find that the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace, an obligation to put to death deeds of the flesh (8:12), a life led by the Spirit who adopted us as sons and daughters (8:14-15), and an expectancy of the day we will be redeemed from these earthly bodies and forever with him (8:23-25).
My sweet friend, Amy, has put adoption into practice and given me such a visual of this amazing truth. Her family includes several adopted children, the newest addition being an adorable little girl from China. When they first met Charlotte, she was lonely, withdrawn, scared and had no idea what being in a family was all about. They rescued her from her surroundings, brought her into their family and called her their own. Amy says that Charlotte follows her around everywhere, mimics her movements, copies her speech, and clings to her for acceptance and protection. She is learning to be a part of a family.
What a beautiful picture of how we are to respond to our Abba...our Daddy!
We are to cling to him, mimic him, follow his movements and draw close to him. Living every day in anticipation of the day we will meet face to face. Oh, come Lord Jesus!
My former family was full of rejection, loneliness, defeat, lack of purpose, betrayal, addictions, worthlessness, etc. You fill in the blank for yourself...those are just mine. And it's hard not to visit them sometimes. It's the war between the flesh and the Spirit. The war between life and death (8:6). Because of Christ's sacrifice (8:3), I am free of my former family and obligated to never visit them again. I have a new Daddy to cry out to in times of trouble...times when my former family try to take hold of me again. And my Daddy is bigger and stronger and loves me fiercely!
To set my mind on the Spirit this year, I will have to become a child again. To watch my Daddy...to spend time in his lap...run to him for help and protection or when I just don't know what to do. I think he's been waiting for me...
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Dealing with Disappointment
"When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening." Acts 28:23
I didn't understand until today why or how this scripture had anything to do with the topic of setting either myself apart or my mind on God's interests and truly, it doesn't. But God, in his wisdom, knew that I needed these verses today.
Do you ever feel like you aren't making a difference?
Do you wanna give up?
Now, you know where I was at this morning...
Satan fresh on the doorstep with discouragement. Me buying into the lie.
And then God...
Here's the story out of Acts 28. Paul has been journeying all over teaching and preaching the gospel of the risen Lord to anyone he can. But his heart yearned for the Jewish people-HIS people. He wanted so badly to see them come to know salvation through Jesus. He remained a Jew, followed the customs, went to temple, remembered his heritage. Yet, there were few that took the gift handed freely to them.
Towards the end of the chapter, Paul finally gains an audience with the Jewish leaders in Rome and for one solid day, he explains Jesus to them using the Law and the Prophets. Some were persuaded, but others would not believe (28:24).
Can you imagine the disappointment Paul must have felt?
His own people rejecting the truth?
He heart surely was broken. He might have felt like giving up. Like he wasn't making a bit of difference in the lives of those he wanted so badly to touch.
But he was making a difference!
And he didn't quit!
Each of us have in our lives those we are desperate to come to know Jesus or live a life closer to him that just won't believe. Disappointment can set in and the Enemy swoops in to feed on it. Causing us to think about quitting...or settling...or compromising.
It is then that the resolve of setting our minds becomes so important.
Otherwise, we stop. We live in defeat. And our lives affect no one.
So, today, if you need encouragement to keep going, friend, I hope this was for you. Keep going, keep talking, keep living out your faith.
"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Phil 3:14
I didn't understand until today why or how this scripture had anything to do with the topic of setting either myself apart or my mind on God's interests and truly, it doesn't. But God, in his wisdom, knew that I needed these verses today.
Do you ever feel like you aren't making a difference?
Do you wanna give up?
Now, you know where I was at this morning...
Satan fresh on the doorstep with discouragement. Me buying into the lie.
And then God...
Here's the story out of Acts 28. Paul has been journeying all over teaching and preaching the gospel of the risen Lord to anyone he can. But his heart yearned for the Jewish people-HIS people. He wanted so badly to see them come to know salvation through Jesus. He remained a Jew, followed the customs, went to temple, remembered his heritage. Yet, there were few that took the gift handed freely to them.
Towards the end of the chapter, Paul finally gains an audience with the Jewish leaders in Rome and for one solid day, he explains Jesus to them using the Law and the Prophets. Some were persuaded, but others would not believe (28:24).
Can you imagine the disappointment Paul must have felt?
His own people rejecting the truth?
He heart surely was broken. He might have felt like giving up. Like he wasn't making a bit of difference in the lives of those he wanted so badly to touch.
But he was making a difference!
And he didn't quit!
Each of us have in our lives those we are desperate to come to know Jesus or live a life closer to him that just won't believe. Disappointment can set in and the Enemy swoops in to feed on it. Causing us to think about quitting...or settling...or compromising.
It is then that the resolve of setting our minds becomes so important.
Otherwise, we stop. We live in defeat. And our lives affect no one.
So, today, if you need encouragement to keep going, friend, I hope this was for you. Keep going, keep talking, keep living out your faith.
"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Phil 3:14
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Satan's Tool
"Get thee behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's." Matt 16:23, Mark 8:33
Dear Peter, bless him. Another of my favorite members of the family. He is passionate and strong, loyal and loving, and quick to act. Great character qualities to have...when coupled with the spirit's guidance. He also had "foot in mouth disease" meaning he spoke before he thought...a LOT! His filter wasn't always working LOL
In these passages of the Gospel story, Peter has just declared to all around him that Jesus is God's Son, no matter who anyone else says he is. Jesus is pleased and speaks prophetically that Peter will lead the early church after his departure. Jesus then starts preparing the disciples for his soon coming suffering and death. And Peter opens his mouth...
Before really listening to Jesus, Peter jumps in to...rebuke Jesus. Really, Peter?! You've just stated he is God's Son and you are gonna REBUKE him? That's too funny to me. Like he could stop Jesus from completing the mission of grace he was on. Peter's mind wasn't set on God's interests. Instead he focused on the grief, the loneliness he would experience without Jesus, the loss of vision he would have.
So what are God's interests??
1. Denying yourself.
Deny-apameomai- means to forget one's self and one's own interests. What matters to me, doesn't anymore! What is more important is what God wants to do with me. What I do with my time, who I speak to, how I live, where I work, where I serve...all need to be HIS interests not mine. When is the last time I denied myself ANYTHING?? In this culture of expectancy and entitlement, this is completely foreign thinking. It's every man for himself and get it while you can. Jesus just told the culture where to take that thinking...back to Satan where it belongs.
2. Lose your life.
Jesus says that trying to save your own life will ultimately lead to you losing it. But if you lose your life, you'll save it. HUH?? Yep, Jesus loves the ironies. He again wants us to understand that only HE can keep us safe and sound. He wants to use our lives but only after we lose (apollymi-put out of the way entirely, render useless) ourselves.
3. Be bold.
Jesus instructs the disciples and ultimately us to bodly speak the gospel in this generation and to not be ashamed of him or his words. If you've forgotten yourself and rendered yourself useless unless he fills you, then this task is easy! If I am full of myself and self-interest, this won't ever happen.
It's a beautiful picture, really. Me...empty of me...full of him...telling others about his love and rescue of them.
Wondering where the title of today's blog comes from?? It's the sidebar idea that God revealed to me last night in the middle of the night when I once again couldn't sleep.
Jesus' best earthly friend, Peter, was at one time a stumbling block to him. He was Satan's tool. Oh.my...
As I laid in bed and pondered this, I began to see the times I have been a stumbling block to my friends and it broke my heart. When my self-interest trumped God's in my interactions with them. The gentle conviction leads to repentance and renewal. Oh, how careful we need to be with those we love. Weighing our words before speaking them. Letting the Spirit lead.
Lord, empty me of me today that I may be full of you and speak the words you would have me say. I am unashamedly sold out to you.
Dear Peter, bless him. Another of my favorite members of the family. He is passionate and strong, loyal and loving, and quick to act. Great character qualities to have...when coupled with the spirit's guidance. He also had "foot in mouth disease" meaning he spoke before he thought...a LOT! His filter wasn't always working LOL
In these passages of the Gospel story, Peter has just declared to all around him that Jesus is God's Son, no matter who anyone else says he is. Jesus is pleased and speaks prophetically that Peter will lead the early church after his departure. Jesus then starts preparing the disciples for his soon coming suffering and death. And Peter opens his mouth...
Before really listening to Jesus, Peter jumps in to...rebuke Jesus. Really, Peter?! You've just stated he is God's Son and you are gonna REBUKE him? That's too funny to me. Like he could stop Jesus from completing the mission of grace he was on. Peter's mind wasn't set on God's interests. Instead he focused on the grief, the loneliness he would experience without Jesus, the loss of vision he would have.
So what are God's interests??
1. Denying yourself.
Deny-apameomai- means to forget one's self and one's own interests. What matters to me, doesn't anymore! What is more important is what God wants to do with me. What I do with my time, who I speak to, how I live, where I work, where I serve...all need to be HIS interests not mine. When is the last time I denied myself ANYTHING?? In this culture of expectancy and entitlement, this is completely foreign thinking. It's every man for himself and get it while you can. Jesus just told the culture where to take that thinking...back to Satan where it belongs.
2. Lose your life.
Jesus says that trying to save your own life will ultimately lead to you losing it. But if you lose your life, you'll save it. HUH?? Yep, Jesus loves the ironies. He again wants us to understand that only HE can keep us safe and sound. He wants to use our lives but only after we lose (apollymi-put out of the way entirely, render useless) ourselves.
3. Be bold.
Jesus instructs the disciples and ultimately us to bodly speak the gospel in this generation and to not be ashamed of him or his words. If you've forgotten yourself and rendered yourself useless unless he fills you, then this task is easy! If I am full of myself and self-interest, this won't ever happen.
It's a beautiful picture, really. Me...empty of me...full of him...telling others about his love and rescue of them.
Wondering where the title of today's blog comes from?? It's the sidebar idea that God revealed to me last night in the middle of the night when I once again couldn't sleep.
Jesus' best earthly friend, Peter, was at one time a stumbling block to him. He was Satan's tool. Oh.my...
As I laid in bed and pondered this, I began to see the times I have been a stumbling block to my friends and it broke my heart. When my self-interest trumped God's in my interactions with them. The gentle conviction leads to repentance and renewal. Oh, how careful we need to be with those we love. Weighing our words before speaking them. Letting the Spirit lead.
Lord, empty me of me today that I may be full of you and speak the words you would have me say. I am unashamedly sold out to you.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Set your mind
It's really cold outside and we are all gearing up for the "Snowpocalypse II" here in Georgia. I'm sitting on the couch watching the Olympic speed skaters do their thing. It's kinda like NASCAR without the cars. There's no real action until the last laps ;)
But I digress...
"Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth." Col 3:2
Oh, how I love me some Paul! He is perhaps one of my favorite writers of the NT (New Testament for all you newbies) He is such an encourager. He loves Jesus and wants nothing more than those around him to know him and grow in their spiritual walk. And that is my passion. If I'm growing...everyone is gonna know about it because I want you to experience the joy that comes with it for yourself!
Paul uses the Greek word phroneo here. It has about a dozen meanings and some of them don't appear to go together i.e. to have understanding, to feel, to not be conceited, unified, to seek, strive for, side with. There's a lot to unpack in this tiny little word. There are 19 passages of Scripture in the NT with phroneo in them and I intend to study each one. And I'm a little giddy about it ;)
Today's scripture is Col 3:2 and...mercy...it's a doozy! I'm all about context so of course we're gonna talk about the whole chapter. Colossians is a wonderful tool to understand your identity in Christ. I've struggled with identity for so long...I need a good dose of who I truly am. No wonder God led me here...
Verses 1-4 start with a "Therefore" which always directs you back to what was just talked about. Paul has been talking to the Colossians about being encouraged (2:2), being firmly rooted in Jesus (2:7) because we are made alive in him (2:13) and not focusing so much on "doing" (2:23) but instead to set our minds on the things above.
And then he lays down the plumb line.
Put to death: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, greed, anger, wrath, malice, slander, abusive speech, lying and prejudice. Ouch, ouch and more ouch! Let's see how many of these I practiced today alone... Oh, Lord, I'm not worthy of your scandalous grace!
And then comes the hope. We are chosen of God, holy and beloved (3:12) and we can now put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, bearing one another, forgiveness, love, peace, thankfulness, and encouragement!!
Before we all get depressed that we can NEVER embody all these qualities, let's remember we are not alone. GOD IS IN OUR MIDST! His Spirit living in me changes MY character to become CHRIST'S character (Sanctification). It all begins where I set my mind. Is it here on earth? Or in Heaven with my Abba, my Daddy?
So...how am I practically going to do this??? You asked, I'll tell ya.
1. Commit each day to the Lord.
Each morning, I am going to start my day asking for His help to overcome the flesh and it's craziness. Before my cup of coffee, before I wake my children, while the crust is still in my eyes because that's how soon Satan will start attacking.
2. Starve the flesh.
How do you kill something? You starve it. QUIT FEEDING IT. Look at the list of fleshly attributes again-anger, wrath, malice, etc. When those actions rise up in me, I plan to starve them by cutting off their source. I may step on toes here, but...that may include some people. Those who feed into that behavior. You can discretely walk away without calling someone out or hurting their feelings...you just don't participate.
3. End the day in reflection.
As I lay me down to sleep, just talk with the Lord about my behavior that day. What was more prominent today, my flesh or the Spirit? How did I handle the temptations thrown my way? What can I do differently tomorrow?
Now...I wrote this yesterday and let me tell you...Satan came at me guns blazing this morning! I hadn't been at work 15 min when I had the opportunity to get angry and slander some people. God quickly checked my behavior and the rest of the day went more smoothly, thank you, Lord! But it was because I had SET my mind first.
I'm at home with my boys tomorrow due to imminent snow and ice....should be a true test! I'll let ya know how it goes :)
But I digress...
"Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth." Col 3:2
Oh, how I love me some Paul! He is perhaps one of my favorite writers of the NT (New Testament for all you newbies) He is such an encourager. He loves Jesus and wants nothing more than those around him to know him and grow in their spiritual walk. And that is my passion. If I'm growing...everyone is gonna know about it because I want you to experience the joy that comes with it for yourself!
Paul uses the Greek word phroneo here. It has about a dozen meanings and some of them don't appear to go together i.e. to have understanding, to feel, to not be conceited, unified, to seek, strive for, side with. There's a lot to unpack in this tiny little word. There are 19 passages of Scripture in the NT with phroneo in them and I intend to study each one. And I'm a little giddy about it ;)
Today's scripture is Col 3:2 and...mercy...it's a doozy! I'm all about context so of course we're gonna talk about the whole chapter. Colossians is a wonderful tool to understand your identity in Christ. I've struggled with identity for so long...I need a good dose of who I truly am. No wonder God led me here...
Verses 1-4 start with a "Therefore" which always directs you back to what was just talked about. Paul has been talking to the Colossians about being encouraged (2:2), being firmly rooted in Jesus (2:7) because we are made alive in him (2:13) and not focusing so much on "doing" (2:23) but instead to set our minds on the things above.
And then he lays down the plumb line.
Put to death: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, greed, anger, wrath, malice, slander, abusive speech, lying and prejudice. Ouch, ouch and more ouch! Let's see how many of these I practiced today alone... Oh, Lord, I'm not worthy of your scandalous grace!
And then comes the hope. We are chosen of God, holy and beloved (3:12) and we can now put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, bearing one another, forgiveness, love, peace, thankfulness, and encouragement!!
Before we all get depressed that we can NEVER embody all these qualities, let's remember we are not alone. GOD IS IN OUR MIDST! His Spirit living in me changes MY character to become CHRIST'S character (Sanctification). It all begins where I set my mind. Is it here on earth? Or in Heaven with my Abba, my Daddy?
So...how am I practically going to do this??? You asked, I'll tell ya.
1. Commit each day to the Lord.
Each morning, I am going to start my day asking for His help to overcome the flesh and it's craziness. Before my cup of coffee, before I wake my children, while the crust is still in my eyes because that's how soon Satan will start attacking.
2. Starve the flesh.
How do you kill something? You starve it. QUIT FEEDING IT. Look at the list of fleshly attributes again-anger, wrath, malice, etc. When those actions rise up in me, I plan to starve them by cutting off their source. I may step on toes here, but...that may include some people. Those who feed into that behavior. You can discretely walk away without calling someone out or hurting their feelings...you just don't participate.
3. End the day in reflection.
As I lay me down to sleep, just talk with the Lord about my behavior that day. What was more prominent today, my flesh or the Spirit? How did I handle the temptations thrown my way? What can I do differently tomorrow?
Now...I wrote this yesterday and let me tell you...Satan came at me guns blazing this morning! I hadn't been at work 15 min when I had the opportunity to get angry and slander some people. God quickly checked my behavior and the rest of the day went more smoothly, thank you, Lord! But it was because I had SET my mind first.
I'm at home with my boys tomorrow due to imminent snow and ice....should be a true test! I'll let ya know how it goes :)
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Palah
It is Sunday!! My favorite day of the week! I have the privilege of having an amazing church body to do life with and God's presence is very thick on most Sundays. Or I might just be biased LOL This morning was no different. You know the Spirit is at work when the altar is full of people begging God to move in their lives and the lives of loved ones. But that is not the topic of today's blog.
Or is it...
To start the journey to unpack all the Scriptures have to say about the work SET, I began by looking on the internet for helpful tools. Strong's Concordance with the Hebrew and Greek Lexicon are now my best friend :) This verse may just be my verse for the year:
But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for himself, The Lord hears when I call to him.
Ps 4:3
I am very much a scholar at heart and I have begged God to open my heart to the truth of His Word this year in a way I have never experienced. Just me and Him and the Word. Really let the Holy Spirit do his job as teacher to me. And I have to tell ya, yesterday was a BLAST! He truly opened my eyes to some great truths in Scripture...all because I took the time to look.
Here's what I found...
The Hebrew word for set apart is palah- to be distinct, marked out, be separated, be distinguished, to be wonderful
Wait...what?!
I get the other definitions...they all make sense, but wonderful??? I sure don't feel wonderful most of the time.
There are 6 other times in the OT (Old Testament for those not familiar) that the word palah is used. 3 of them are in Exodus during the time of the plagues upon Egypt. God spoke each time through Moses, setting the Israelites apart from their oppressors. In Ex. 8:22, He states he does this to show the Egyptians that He is in their midst.
After their deliverance from Egypt and subsequent turning away from God by creating a golden calf, God and Moses have a meeting to discuss these obstinate people. Moses begs God's presence to remain with them as that is what sets them apart from all the other nations (Ex. 33:16)
AHA! The common theme emerges!
God's presence in our midst is what sets us apart.
Let's just savor that for a moment. Without God in us, we aren't different. We are lost and lonely. But because of Jesus' beautiful sacrifice for us, God is right in the midst of:
our trouble
our pain
our victories
our defeats
our joy
our mourning
our jobs
our families
I, for one, cannot imagine trying to do life on my own! Praise you, Jesus, that I don't have to! Having Him with us is what sets us apart from the world...and it also makes us wonderful.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful (palah) are your works, and my soul knows it very well.--Ps 139:14
Or is it...
To start the journey to unpack all the Scriptures have to say about the work SET, I began by looking on the internet for helpful tools. Strong's Concordance with the Hebrew and Greek Lexicon are now my best friend :) This verse may just be my verse for the year:
But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for himself, The Lord hears when I call to him.
Ps 4:3
I am very much a scholar at heart and I have begged God to open my heart to the truth of His Word this year in a way I have never experienced. Just me and Him and the Word. Really let the Holy Spirit do his job as teacher to me. And I have to tell ya, yesterday was a BLAST! He truly opened my eyes to some great truths in Scripture...all because I took the time to look.
Here's what I found...
The Hebrew word for set apart is palah- to be distinct, marked out, be separated, be distinguished, to be wonderful
Wait...what?!
I get the other definitions...they all make sense, but wonderful??? I sure don't feel wonderful most of the time.
There are 6 other times in the OT (Old Testament for those not familiar) that the word palah is used. 3 of them are in Exodus during the time of the plagues upon Egypt. God spoke each time through Moses, setting the Israelites apart from their oppressors. In Ex. 8:22, He states he does this to show the Egyptians that He is in their midst.
After their deliverance from Egypt and subsequent turning away from God by creating a golden calf, God and Moses have a meeting to discuss these obstinate people. Moses begs God's presence to remain with them as that is what sets them apart from all the other nations (Ex. 33:16)
AHA! The common theme emerges!
God's presence in our midst is what sets us apart.
Let's just savor that for a moment. Without God in us, we aren't different. We are lost and lonely. But because of Jesus' beautiful sacrifice for us, God is right in the midst of:
our trouble
our pain
our victories
our defeats
our joy
our mourning
our jobs
our families
I, for one, cannot imagine trying to do life on my own! Praise you, Jesus, that I don't have to! Having Him with us is what sets us apart from the world...and it also makes us wonderful.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful (palah) are your works, and my soul knows it very well.--Ps 139:14
Saturday, February 8, 2014
The one word...
Welcome to my new blog! I had one in the past but I can't remember it's name or login info or how to find it...for those of you who know me well, that's not a big surprise :) This blog comes after lots of pondering and prayer. Let me explain...
At the beginning of this new year, our Pastor encouraged us to NOT make new year's resolutions. Yep...he said to throw them out the window because we never keep them anyway. Instead, he encouraged us to concentrate on one word for the entirety of 2014. OK...that's easy enough, right?! I'm a simple person and the less I have to "do" the better. You'd think that word would come easy, right?
WRONG!
Here it is, February already and I still didn't have my word! My friends have their word. My husband has his. Where is mine!! As I listened to each person's word as they told me about them, I would ponder it, but it just wasn't right for me.
And then, just as He always does, God revealed the word that I would fixate upon for the remainder of this year.
SET
Yep...you read right...it's SET. Not too exciting but there it is LOL
And here is the back story...
I've lived most of my life a Christian. I have the privilege of a pair of beautiful people as my parents, who instilled a godly heritage in my life. I came to know Christ at an early age and I've always been sensitive to the Spirit. But somewhere down the line, I started trading holiness for acceptance. And justifying it. Defending it as freedom in Christ. Over the past few months, due to God's word spoken in the pulpit, Bible Study, friends living in true freedom and random things I would see on FB and other media outlets, I have been truly struggling with my effectiveness for Christ.
Am I any different than the world around me?
Do I cause others to long for Christ or do I indulge in the same activities they do, expecting them to want a change?
What am I teaching my children with this behavior?
OUCH, OUCH, OUCH!!!
Over and over, I would hear the Spirit say to me, "You are set apart."
And so, I am taking this year to study this through the Scriptures and books and much prayer. I know that my soul longs to glorify God and brings the lost to him (either those without Him in their lives or those who have walked away from their faith for a time). I want to live a different life! A life set apart.
I am truly excited to start this journey...the next blog is already completed, but you have to wait til tomorrow ;)
See you then!!!
At the beginning of this new year, our Pastor encouraged us to NOT make new year's resolutions. Yep...he said to throw them out the window because we never keep them anyway. Instead, he encouraged us to concentrate on one word for the entirety of 2014. OK...that's easy enough, right?! I'm a simple person and the less I have to "do" the better. You'd think that word would come easy, right?
WRONG!
Here it is, February already and I still didn't have my word! My friends have their word. My husband has his. Where is mine!! As I listened to each person's word as they told me about them, I would ponder it, but it just wasn't right for me.
And then, just as He always does, God revealed the word that I would fixate upon for the remainder of this year.
SET
Yep...you read right...it's SET. Not too exciting but there it is LOL
And here is the back story...
I've lived most of my life a Christian. I have the privilege of a pair of beautiful people as my parents, who instilled a godly heritage in my life. I came to know Christ at an early age and I've always been sensitive to the Spirit. But somewhere down the line, I started trading holiness for acceptance. And justifying it. Defending it as freedom in Christ. Over the past few months, due to God's word spoken in the pulpit, Bible Study, friends living in true freedom and random things I would see on FB and other media outlets, I have been truly struggling with my effectiveness for Christ.
Am I any different than the world around me?
Do I cause others to long for Christ or do I indulge in the same activities they do, expecting them to want a change?
What am I teaching my children with this behavior?
OUCH, OUCH, OUCH!!!
Over and over, I would hear the Spirit say to me, "You are set apart."
And so, I am taking this year to study this through the Scriptures and books and much prayer. I know that my soul longs to glorify God and brings the lost to him (either those without Him in their lives or those who have walked away from their faith for a time). I want to live a different life! A life set apart.
I am truly excited to start this journey...the next blog is already completed, but you have to wait til tomorrow ;)
See you then!!!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)