#16 Why Waiting Sucks!!!!
Last week, I stopped at Target after work because I needed to pick up a few things. I walked in, knew exactly what I needed, grabbed them, and began to make my way to the checkout counter. Approaching the front of the store, my stomach began to churn as I realized the final task that was before me. In front of me were no less than 20 people, all with carts filled to the brim with products waiting to be emptied into plastics bags and escorted out of the store. It felt like an hour had passed before my turn came. The cashier rang up my 3 items, bagged them, and I quickly left the store. Looking back, I discovered something about myself that I had never considered in the past. I REALLY HATE WAITING.
Okay, so I know that last sentence seems like a, “no duh, everybody hates waiting” moment. But, let me pose it in a different way that you may not have ever considered before. Have you ever found yourself praying and asking God for something you want or need? In Christian circles, the general consensus is that God typically answers prayers in 3 different ways: yes, no, and wait. Personally, I prefer the yes or no answers because they provide immediate feedback to my request. It gives me a sort of closure that allows me to move on with whatever I was doing, or pivot based on God’s answer. Waiting, however, is a different beast. There is no immediate feedback, and you are left wondering whether you prayed the right thing or made the right decision. What’s even worse is that sometimes, the opportunity we prayed for is right in front of us, but it might not be the right time for us to grasp it.
Let’s take David for example. He was a figure in the Old Testament who was destined to replace Saul as the King of Israel. Now, Saul was not a fan of this and decided to hunt David and his men across the land. Night after night, David prayed that God would deliver him and his men from the enemy, Saul. Well, he had an opportunity to answer his own prayer. One day, Saul had gone into a cave to relieve himself and didn’t realize that David was hiding at the back of that cave with his men. With the temptation of ending the king’s life before him, and the urging of his men to commit the deed, David exercised another option altogether. He tore off a piece of Saul’s clothing in the darkness so that Saul wouldn’t notice. Then, when Saul left the cave, David approached him and told him that he could’ve taken his life had he wanted to. David recognized that even though the opportunity was presented to him, the time had not yet come to ask. His maturity and trust in God assured him that when the time was right, God would move to make David king.
Back to waiting; what we see from David is an exercise in trust. See, waiting requires that we forfeit our belief that our timeline is the most important one in the world. It requires that we relinquish our self-importance and accept that we can not control anything. Instead, we rest humbly in the presence of God knowing that he cares for his sons and daughters. Have you prayed about anything you need or want recently? If so, it’s okay to ask God for it, but we must learn to trust his answers and his timing. Waiting sucks because it reveals how powerless we can be in life, but there are lessons to be learned in waiting. Whether you are relying on God to answer your prayers about a spouse, a new job, an opportunity, or whatever it may be, He may tell you to wait. Instead of comparing yourself to the accolades of others, or dwelling on what/who you don’t have, rest in the present and be thankful for that which you have been given. There’s a reason why Jesus tells us to “not worry about tomorrow.” While you wait on God’s answer, do not live in tomorrow; live in His glory, providence, protection, and provision He has given you today. Let Him deal with your tomorrow.
#15 He Resides In You
"As I look into the depths of my own soul, there are many things I have yet to understand. What I’ve come to recognize are parts of me that I would rather live without. Jumbled together like an unsolvable jigsaw puzzle, I stare at the individual pieces attempting to figure out where they belong. It is in the mirror where I find what I fear and what I love. Different aspects that either have no reason to reside in me, or I can’t live without. Pieces of me that seem unnatural, but have been there so long I can’t tell the difference between authentic pieces and those that are imposters. It’s in the mirror that I see myself. As I walk away, there is an impulse to turn back. Not because I want to, no. There is an urge that I can’t deny. As I look back into it, another figure takes the place of what was there before. A face I don’t recognize, but feel as though I’ve known it all my life. There is a presence, unlike anything I have come to know. It is powerful, yet inviting. Warm, but not scorching. It feels secure, security in my soul. However, I still don’t know who it is. As I look more intently, what I find is something I have been trying to deny all this time. What I find is myself and the face of Jesus with it. In his eyes the power escapes through the mirror and pierces me. Through the imperfections, there is perfection. Through the loss, there is gain. Through the cracks, there is wholeness. As I look in the mirror, not only do I see that which is imperfect in myself, but the perfect God who will finish what he began." Regardless of what you've done, or how bad you think you are, once you've accepted Christ, He will always reside in you. Your mistakes are where His power and love shine the brightest. You are loved, and God will be with you regardless of the state you're in.
Philippians 1:6 - "being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ."
May the Lord bless and lead you in everything you do this week.
#14 Why Trust Jesus?
Can I ask a question? How did Judas successfully betray Jesus? Yes, Judas kissed Him in the garden, but I want to look at what happened before that because it doesn't really make sense how Judas pulled it off.
The Last Supper was the last meal that Jesus had with his disciples before he was arrested and crucified. The conversation was....foreboding to say the least. He's telling the disciples that one of them will betray him. Like a game of clue, the mystery begins with a barrage of "Is it me?"s Eventually Judas, the betrayer, asks the same question. (As if he didn't know what he would do. Paaaaaaaaalease. If I know I'm cheating on my homework before I do it, then he knew he was betraying Jesus.) (This is not an admittance of cheating btw.)
He singles out Judas via a piece of broken bread and says, "what you are about to do, do quickly." Judas leaves, and Jesus shares a few more words with his disciples. They leave the table and head out. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John to the Garden of Gethsemane to stand watch while he prays. A few hours later, after the disciples have been caught beauty sleeping and Jesus has sweated blood, Judas appears and kisses Jesus. This kiss was an act of betrayal.
Now, let's go back to the original question. How did Judas, successfully, betray Jesus? When they were at the dinner table, Judas got up and left the table to inform the officials where Jesus was. Matter of fact, Jesus told him to leave! Are you telling me that Jesus only had ONE spot to hang out/pray? Of course not. While Judas was gone, everyone else could've gotten up and skipped town, leading the Pharisees on a wild hunt for the Son of Man. Instead, Jesus walked right into his own suffering. Judas was successful because Jesus allowed him to be.
Is it me, or do things happen to us that we didn't ask for? We get hurt by those with who we are close or at least thought we were close. If Christians are loved by a Father who knows his plans for them, why would he allow these things to happen? Why do bad things happen to good people?
Maybe, there's a purpose to a mess. I can't imagine that being crucified on the cross was fun, but it brought about the liberation of mankind and the restoration of the direct communication line between man and God. I can't imagine being thrown in a pit by your brothers and then being falsely accused was something desirable, but it put Joseph in the position to protect his family when they needed it the most.
Many of you are suffering in circumstances that you had nothing to do with or asked for. Asking God, "why?" seems to lead to more questions than answers. It's a tough pill to swallow, and at times seems like giving up would be the best solution. (At least there would be an immediate reaction and possibly closure.) However, I urge you to not give up on God just yet!
Trusting in God is not easy, nor is it always enticing. All trials are meant to grow and strengthen you. They come in varying difficulties. Some are easier than others, but they serve the same purpose. See, God loves us too much to leave us where we are in our faith. Trust is built on relationships, but relationships are only tested when things seem to be falling apart. However, if Jesus rose from the grave with all power in His hands, then I highly doubt that He would leave us to wallow in despair. Take heart, for if He has conquered the world then He has surely conquered your world, too.
May the Lord Bless and keep you in all you do this week.
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 28:18 "Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."
I'll see everyone next Monday! Have a great week!
#13 “The Storms of Life”
So, I was on my way home from church one day when the unthinkable happened. It…….rained…. I don’t mean that “drizzly” type of rain. This was the, “standing under the showerhead and washing your face” kind of rain. I put my windshield wipers on their maximum speed and watched as they were no match for the torrent I was in. I was completely stuck in this mess, and with no way to turn off the highway, I just continued to move forward. Minute after minute, I drove in the direction that made the most sense to me; uncertain of how long I would be in this rain or where an opportunity for me to drive out of it would occur. After what felt like an eternity, I noticed that I could begin to see out of my front window. It was not very clear, but I could definitely tell that progress was being made. From that point on, the longer I drove the clearer my window got until, finally, I was out of the storm.
Have you ever felt like you were in the middle of a “life” storm? Have you ever been in a place where it seems like nothing is going your way? You feel beaten… You feel bruised...You feel exhausted...You feel confused…Sometimes, you feel….betrayed. One of the hardest parts about these storms is rationalizing why they happen to us. You start asking God, “Why did I lose my job?” “Why did I lose my family member?” “Why are people turning against me?” “I haven’t done anything wrong, so why me?”
In the book of Job, we encounter a man that is known to love God with all his heart. He’s wealthy, but he is a humble man that takes care of his family and servants. One day, however, his entire world gets flipped upside down. Out of nowhere, he and his entire estate are hit with random afflictions that can’t be accounted for. Whatever can get worse does get worse. His family and cattle are taken from him, and while he mourns them he becomes afflicted with a terrible disease. His wife tells him to curse God and die. His friends accuse him of sinning and claim that this is divine retribution. Job turns to God, asking about the offense and looking for a chance to repent. Instead, he’s greeted with a series of questions concerning God’s ability. At one point, Job wished for the day of birth to perish. He was ready to die.
What Job didn’t remember at the time, and what we often forget during trying times, is that God will not leave us in any situation. At the beginning of the book, we learn that Job is being stricken with misfortune because Satan received God’s permission to do so as a test to Job, which Satan initially asked for. These afflictions were not done as a type of punishment for Job; rather they were a testament to Satan that Job would never curse God. As mentioned earlier, God asks Job some questions about His power. They were not meant to diminish the pain that Job was enduring, but rather served as proof that God is and will always be in control. At the end of the book, we learn that God multiplied everything that Job had lost and blessed him beyond measure. Now, these blessings most likely did not mitigate the hurt caused by the loss of his loved ones. However, what we do see is Job remembering who God is and that no matter what happens or what he would go through, God would always be right there with him.
Life has a way of putting us through “storms”; storms that we never asked for nor planned for. We get beaten and bruised by circumstances, eventually kneeling and wanting to throw in the towel. Here’s the thing about storms...they always end. When I was driving, I had no idea how long my vision would be obscured or how long the torrent would last. But, I knew that if I kept going straight, I would eventually make it through. In that same way, trouble will not last always. While God does send rain on the just and unjust, He is also ordering our steps when we can’t see our way forward. When tragedy strikes, lean into God. In your fear, in your frustration, in your doubt, in your storm, lean into God. There are times when we will be upset with Him; lean into Him. He can take it. If He can deliver Noah’s family from a flood that covered the entire Earth; I can guarantee that He will order our steps through any storm if we trust Him.
Find time to read through some of Job this week.
”The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Number 6:25-26
#12 “A Moment of Silence”
This week’s post will be dedicated to a moment of silence for the lives lost in the Asian spa parlor attack on March 16. Here are the names of those who lost their lives.
Soon Chung Park
Hyun Jung Grant
Suncha Kim
Yong Ae Yue
Delaina Ashley Yaun
Paul Andre Michels
Xiaojie Tan
Daoyou Feng
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
#11 “This, Too, Shall Pass”
So, a few years ago, I introduced my mother and sister to the world of VR. (Virtual Reality) (Basically, they put on a headset and saw things really close to them. Think 3D but more realistic and it's all around you, not just in front.) Their reactions to this new world were hilarious! Both of them were reaching on and trying to touch things that were not there, almost as though there was a compulsion to do so. They twisted and turned their heads to see the new world around them and had lots of fun. Now, what caught my eye was a moment in which my mother flinched. In the VR world, she was a diver and encountered a shark in the depths of the ocean. She said she wasn't scared, but it surprised her a little and she flinched.
As this took place, I began thinking about walking in faith. "For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7) See, just like my mom flinched in VR, we sometimes flinch at things that life throws at us. Unexpected Occurrences: broken relationships, health problems, surprise bills, personal battles. Everybody in life has things pop up that they don't plan for, and we naturally react based on what we see. We "flinch" to what's right in front of us. Our flinches are different because we handle issues differently. Taking relationships, for example, some people may desperately try to engage in another one while others stay away from them for a time. It's completely normal for us to react based on what is right in front of us even though the reactions are not always healthy.
However, here's the good news. Life has a way of playing tricks on us. In the same way that VR displays a different world for a certain amount of time and the headset has to come off at some point, eventually, our troubles will pass and the truth of God's love will show. Those unexpected moments are very real, but they only represent a moment in time. Where you are is not an indication of where you're going, but it serves as a stepping stone towards your destiny. In all the sadness, pain, doubt, anger, frustration, and any number of things, God's presence is the truth. He'll get you through, regardless of what it might be. It may be easier said than done, but I promise that you'll get through any trial that is thrown your way.
May you all be blessed and let God be with you always.
Today's Verses:
2 Corinthians 5:7
Matthew 6:26
“#10 Are You Waiting Out Of Fear Or Trust?”
So, have you ever been in a situation where you were unsure what the right answer would be? Maybe you were offered a job somewhere and you aren’t sure whether you should take it? Maybe you were just presented with a situation and are unsure what the right choice is? Whatever the situation, everybody has had those moments. Now, as a Christian, one of our top priorities should be to stay in God’s will for our life. So, we ask God, “What should I do? I don’t want to step outside your will.” And we wait, and wait, and wait, hoping to hear that definitive yes or no. Now, while staying in His will is a valid reason for waiting on a response, I admit that it hasn’t always been mine, even when I’ve said it was.
One of the reasons that waiting on God’s answer can be easy for me, sometimes, is because it puts me in this mindset of, “If it’s meant to be, God will make it happen.” That can be true, but there is something to be said about the role that fear can play as well. See, there are some decisions in life that can be very scary, especially ones that deal with emotions. Matter of fact, one of the noteworthy places that the whole idea of waiting on God comes in the form of dating. We wait on the “right” person who has a dove on their shoulder signaling God’s divine blessing. That’s easy to do. The hard part, however, is coming to the real reason some of us adopt this waiting idea. Bringing this back to me, sometimes, my reason for relying on this so heavily is because I’m terrified of taking a step. By waiting, I’ve put all expectations on God, allowing him to drive my car wherever he wants to take me. That’s all fine and dandy, but my true motive is, “I’m so afraid to do this so I’ll wait for God to make it happen.” He absolutely can make anything happen, but there are moments when he waits for us to take the first step. There’s a man, in the bible, who ran into a similar problem with fear.
In Exodus 4, we read about a man named Moses. Originally a prince of Egypt, one decision led him to not only flee from Egypt but also to stay in the wilderness for 40 years before having an encounter with the Lord, via the burning bush. He wanted Moses to tell Pharaoh to let His people go. Verse after verse, Moses comes up with reasons for why he’s incapable of completing this task. His reasons range from the Israelites not believing him to his lack of speaking ability. Eventually, God tells him that Aaron (Moses’ brother) will speak to the people and he (Moses) will take the staff to perform the signs for Pharaoh.
So, let’s get this straight, God laid out the plan He had for Moses straight to his face! “I want YOU to go to Pharaoh and do these things! Oh, and by the way, I’ll tell you what to do and how to do it!” Moses still wasn’t about it! Matter of fact, he asked God to send somebody else! Now, I emphasize this not to call out Moses’ fear. Instead, I want to bring to light how he struggled with making a choice, even after God revealed the answer. He didn’t feel worthy and he was probably afraid to return to the land from which he ran. Even in his fear, though, he decided to make a choice and go back to Egypt. This, eventually, led to the emancipation of the Israelites. God wants us to live and learn as we walk through life. He’ll give us opportunities to make choices, even if we don’t know the immediate outcome. This, my friends, is part of faith and trust. Being unsure of the consequences but willing to make the choice. It can be painful to contemplate everything that could go wrong with making a choice and it won’t always be easy. However, if Moses’ story teaches us anything, it’s that God always has a plan in store for us and he has the solutions to our uncertainty. Hey, if Moses was willing to return to the place of his fears, we can confront ours with God. Step out of your comfort zone this week and watch God work in your life!
This week’s Scripture Reference: Exodus 3-4
May God bless you all this week!
#9 Love Yourself
The story of the Good Samaritan is probably one of the most recognizable parables in the Bible. Basically, a man was robbed while on a journey and left to die on the side of the road. Begging for help, many people passed by him but only one stopped to help, giving him food, clothing, and shelter. Now, Jesus tells this parable in response to a question. A lawyer asks Him about inheriting eternal life. Jesus asks him about what the law says, and he answers with the following statement; “love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, strength, and love” your neighbor as yourself. Today, I want to focus on the last two words of his answer, "as thyself."
So, to love thy neighbor as thyself, a definition of love must be established. What in the world does love look like? Is it a physical expression, emotional stimulation, acts of kindness, what is love? Well, 1 Corinthians gives a good definition. "Love is patient and kind. It doesn't envy or boast. It's not proud, self-seeking, easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongdoing. It rejoices in truth, protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. It never fails." Taking this definition as a base, how are we supposed to treat our neighbors? Treat them with patience, kindness, don't envy them, or boast about yourself to them. Don't be prideful or help them just for gain. Don't be easily angered by/with them and keep no record of their wrongs. This seems simple enough, but it leads to another question, why is it so hard to do these things? Yes, people get on our last nerves and give us a million reasons, in ONE DAY, to not love them. However, sometimes we don't show love to those with whom we have the closest relationships. Showing love to strangers is one thing, but I figure it would be much easier to love people you intimately know.
Could it be possible that we find it difficult to love because we don't love ourselves as much as we would like? Looking at the scripture, "Love thy neighbor as thyself"; it makes me wonder what to do if I don’t love myself. I can't love my neighbor if I don't love myself. What does loving myself look like? Am I patient with myself? "Man, why am I the only person who can't seem to get this right?! Everybody else understands it but me." Am I kind to myself? "How could I be so stupid?! I knew that was a bad idea, but I did it anyway. This is exactly what I get for being dumb." Do I envy what others have because it would make me feel better about myself? "If only I could look like you or have your talents, I know people would like me more." Do I boast about my own skills to cover up insecurities? "Look at what I'm good at so you won't notice where I fail often." Do I help others just to gain the affirmations that make me whole? "I'll help you so that I can get something out of you later." Do I get angry with other people because I'm secretly angry with myself? "Where in the world am I supposed to go now?! God, nothing makes sense and I feel like I'm just wandering and waiting!"
We, as Christians, are not immune to the battles of loving ourselves and we don't always win them either. Even with the love of Christ, there are still moments where we don't think the best about ourselves or truly appreciate who God has created us to be. Instead, we ask him to remove flaws in order to make us better people, but in reality, we may just want to feel better about ourselves. Honestly, it almost seems more natural to see our flaws instead of our good qualities, creating difficulty in not only us loving ourselves but allowing other people to love us as well.
So, how in the world do we combat this?! How do we win these battles of self-love? Well, the first thing we have to accept is that we are absolutely broken people. We live in a world that is filled with negativity, and we suffer because of it. So, in a way, it is a part of you to think that way at times. You aren't any less of a Christian or any less saved because you struggle with this! Being broken is a part of existence, and there is no shame in struggling because we all do! With that being said, the moment you begin to feel negative about yourself, mentally remind yourself of who God made you to be. "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." (Psalm 139:14) God breathed his own spirit into man to create him. We didn't choose to be broken; we are products of a fallen man, but God still thinks so highly of us that his Spirit dwells in us! It dwells in you! A handcrafted masterpiece by Him!
Next, verbally remind yourself of who you are. "You are not dumb. Part of living life to the fullest is making mistakes and learning from them. You are on a journey with Christ, not to Him. You are a beautiful creation of God whose value was given by the creator. Somebody else doesn't have the power to assign you your value, for you are price. You were not given a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and a sound mind. Even though I'm imperfect, I'm still loved and accepted by my Father."
Lastly, be open with yourself about how you feel. There are many times when we hide from our own thoughts and feelings, placing them in the back of our minds in the hopes that they go away. Generally, they stay there and manifest themselves later on. However, the minute you decide to confront you about yourself, is the minute you begin to bring your thoughts and feelings under subjection. It will be uncomfortable and scary, but there is so much freedom in confronting yourself. God can meet you here and begin to heal that which has broken you.
Scriptures for the week:
Luke 10:25-37 (Parable of the Good Samaritan)
1 Corinthians 13 (What is Love)
Psalm 139:14 (God's Marvelous Creation)
May God bless you in all you do!
#8 God Made You Priceless
I remember loving the show, "The Price is Right'' as a child. For anyone who doesn't know, it's a game show where contestants can win prizes based on how good they are at guessing the prices of items. They are games thrown in the mix, but at its core, it's a game of how well you know prices. It was always fun to watch people throw their ideas out to see which person came closest to the actual price. The reward for guessing correctly or closest without going over is the item itself. At the end, 2 contestants participate in a showcase where a myriad of treasures are present. Cruises, cars, and vacation packages are only just a handful of offerings in the showcase. The contestants bid on their own respective showcase, and whoever is closer to the actual combined price of their showcase wins.
While this is only a game show, I wonder how many of us play this game? How many of us show ourselves to other people in showcases, presenting different parts of our life and experiences in the hopes that somebody will give us a price that is higher above what we perceive about ourselves? How often does it become a bidding war among people to see who thinks we are worth the most? Worth, the value of something, what are we worth?! Looking to other people for answers sends through the revolving door of confusion, as each person seems to ascribe us a different value. Some will think you're worthwhile others think you're worthless. Some will call you precious while you have something to offer and drop when the well dries up. How often has this happened to you? Can you say with confidence what you are worth? Do you know the value that has been given to you? If not, that's okay. Many people spend years trying to find that thing that makes them "special" or makes them worth 'being around." If I had this particular talent, hobby, skill, look, etc.... I would be worth something.
I'm going to have to break this to you, your worth is never found in what your gifts are. Nor can it be found in how valuable others perceive you to be. You know why? Let's talk about gifts for a moment. What is the value difference of someone who can draw vs someone who can sing? None! How can you weigh one talent vs the next? You can't. Each is special in its own right and has a place where it can shine. Playing the piano can be considered a talent, but being wiser, in comparison with others that are near your age, could also be considered a talent, They are gifts to be used to glorify Him and share the good news of redemption with the world. Now, we as a people and culture, prioritize those with certain gifts over others. However, this was never the way it was meant to be. They become the pedestal which we attempt to reach, only to end up idolizing that which we aren't. Oh, and God isn't too keen on idols, so why make them idols from birth? He doesn't idolize them, we do. Everyone has gifts and talents that lead to the development of the kingdom, therefore we can all participate together in glorifying God. It's not a competition, it's building a collective relationship between God and the body of Christ.
Now, on to the subject of people. How could someone who had no involvement in your development tell you what you're worth? Short answer: They can’t! There are talents, futures, friends, gifts, struggles, physical appearance, functions, (the list goes on and on) that were/are designed for YOU specifically! It's what defines you and gives you distinction from everybody else! Not one living soul played a part in that! The only role that birth played is it was the catalyst by which you came into existence, but parents don't get to choose specifics. God hand picked each different part of you, because He knew exactly how to make you special. He spent time and effort to shape and mold you, before you were even considered a thought by anybody else. Matter of fact, our existence is so special to Him that he wants us to share what we're feeling and how we're doing with Him. (Prayer)
At the end of the creation story, God looks at everything He made and says it was very good. That "good" is different from the rest. See, that good is not static. It's not just a one-day affair where it was good only on that one day. No, see, he finished creating everything he wanted and its very existence was good. All of it is continuously good. Because God made you, you are very good! He gave his Son to die because you are very good! He breathed his Spirit into you because you are very good! He loves you because you are very good! You were made in the image and likeness of God, therefore you are very good. Nobody can assign you your worth because it was already assigned before the foundations of the earth were formed. You were set apart before birth, because you are very good! Your worth......is very good.
Once per day this week, look yourself in the eyes in the mirror and say aloud, "My worth comes from no man because I was made very good by God."
Scripture Readings for this week.
Jeremiah 1:5 - "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
Genesis 1:31 - "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning--the sixth day"
Jeremiah 29:12 - "Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."
Genesis 1 (The creation story)
May you all be blessed in all you do this week.
#7 Ask, And Ye Shall Receive
You know, everybody has things that they desire and wished they had. Money, Fame, Power, Relationships, and the list goes on. Now, as Christians, sometimes we go to God with our desires in hopes that we get what we're asking for. This is not in the context of using God like a genie, but more in line with hoping that He gives us the desires of our heart. Now, the funny part about these requests is that sometimes when we pray, not only is there something we want, but there's also a certain way that we want to receive it. For example, if we're asking God to give us more patience, what we want is for that effect to be instant. Instead, he'll send us somebody that stretches our patience to its absolute limit. Both accomplish the same task, but the latter is much better for our development in the long run. There's a story in the Bible exemplifies this idea.
In 2 Kings 5, we read about an individual named Namaan. He was the commander of the Syrian army, and either had or could acquire whatever his heart desired. However, even in this state of success, he had one vulnerability that could instantly take away everything. Namaan was a leper. Leprosy was "THAT" sickness nobody wanted. Those whom had it would be cast out from their communities and forced to live among those who were also sick. They had to verbally warn people that they were unclean, creating a situation that dissuaded anybody from caring for them. He was the embodiment of power trapped with a secret vulnerability. Later in the story, he encounters a prophet Elisha, who tells him to wash himself 7 times in the Jordan river if he wanted to be cleansed of leprosy. Namaan, unimpressed and slightly confused, responds with a list of what he thought were "better options." "Couldn't you just lift your hands and heal me?! Why the Jordan River?! Surely, there are better rivers I can use." For some time, Namaan was not open to the response of his plea. Instead, he had his own idea of how his deliverance should work, and in doing so, rejected the answers that were brought before him.
Now, this story does have a good ending, but it ended well because of Namaan's obedience. Eventually, he does as he's told and washes in the Jordan 7 times; being cleansed of leprosy. Now, this may seem a little drastic in terms of rejecting answers. I mean, if I had the flu, and someone told me to go bathe in a river x amount of times to get rid of it, that river is mine! Or is it? See, the truth is, there have been many moments where I have prayed and asked for guidance, but did not like the response God gave me. Instead, I went my own route and decided to use my own judgment in order to advance what I thought was a good plan. It never ended the way I wanted. We, as people, have things that we desire and really want God to give us. Asking in earnest, we wait with expectation for not only what we asked for, but also in the way that we asked for it. When rejection comes, we force our agenda in an effort to get what we want. Here's the thing though about God. Knowing what's best for us and following Him, actually plays to our advantage. See, if we believe that his intentions are only of good for us, then we can rest in the fact that he would never do anything to destroy us, but instead to constantly build us. Even if we don't get what we ask for in the manner in which we want it, rest in knowing that God's best is always the best option. Besides, if He looks after the birds in the air, how could He not immensely care for and adore that which he created to mimic himself? Pray for all things, but always be open to God's answer. It'll work out.
This week's verses:
2 Kings 5:1-14 (Namaan’s Story)
Matthew 6:26
"Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are?"
May you all be blessed this week.
#6 Growth and Temptation
So, as Christians, being tempted is not an enjoyable experience. It causes this tug of war between what we want to do and what God wants us to do. Now, if we’re tempted in an area that we’re comfortable in, resistance is not that bad. However, it’s when we’re tempted in places of struggle where the real battle begins! We all have that one area, or many, where God already knows it’s going to be a fight.
Me: Did that person just cut me off on the road, on purpose?! Oh, I’ve got some words for them starting with a certain letter of the alphabet.
God: Forgive them, and be patient with them.
Me: The thing is God…….
God: Forgive
Me: Fine…….. (I won’t be happy about it)
(It doesn’t always end this way.)
See, what causes us frustration is not only the fight we have with God, but also the sacrifice of our own desire. We really want to do something, but we may not want to “submit” to the order of the Lord. Now, what makes temptation even worse is when the same thing tempts you, even when you thought you were past it! It’s annoying, painful, and sometimes lowers the morale of our own faith. I have heard the statement, “You should be struggling with the same thing! At least find something different.” Honestly, there are moments when I want it to be that easy. I would wake up and say, “New struggle today!” But, the truth is, at least in my case, it hasn’t been that simple. “Am I really a growing Christian if this keeps happening to me?” “What’s wrong with me?” I’ve had these questions appear in my mind many times in the past, and I know some of you have too. Here’s the good news though, and you can scream this aloud regardless of where you are if you’d like: “My struggle is proof of God’s work in me!”
How can this be? Well, let’s look at metal for a moment. Many times, metal is strengthened through a process known as tempering. Basically, the metal is heated and is eventually becomes stronger. I can only imagine what the metal would say if it could talk. I can tell you it wouldn’t be happy. The process is annoying and painful, but it leads to a better product. In the same way, our struggles are used as a tempering process by God. He refines us, strengthens, and shows his power in our weakness. It’s in this way that we continuously grow and mature in our faith. So, can you struggle in the same thing and still grow? Absolutely. If truth be told, sometimes our places of growth are manifested in different areas. (If it is patience, you may be less patient with your spouse than a coworker. Patient with one person and not the other.) This is why growth and maturation are a lifelong process. However, even in our weakness, God’s power and grace will still show.
Today’s Verse: 1 Peter 5:8-10
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
Have a great week and may God bless you all.
#5 I Don’t Want To Sin, But….
Adam and Eve……….*sigh* You know, I can’t help but be mad with them more often than I probably should. I mean, come on! They had a perfect life, literally. Everything was given to them, their work was minimal in nature, and God’s relationship with His creation was as intended. They were only given one rule; One Rule! Do not touch or eat the fruit from the middle of the garden. Those instructions couldn’t have been more clear if there was yellow caution tape wrapped around the proximity of the tree, making it look like a crime scene. (The irony is that something did die there, but more on that later.) For a while, the rule seemed to be easily kept. That is until somebody turned up and presented an alternative thought…. “What if you did eat it?” Before this moment, there was nothing/nobody to challenge what God had told them. His law was absolute and warranted no questioning. Then, a serpent shows up and question their God. He says, “Did God really say you must not eat from any fruit in the garden?” Obviously not, but this gets Eve thinking…….Thinking about what God said……Making sure that’s what He said. This is the opening Satan uses to convince her that God was a liar. “Surely, you won’t die. For God knows when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good from evil.” The bait was laid and the trap, set. All she needed to do was walk into it; she did. She saw the fruit was good for food, pleasing to the eye, and desirable for gaining wisdom. She decided that the cost of death wasn’t enough to deter her from her quest for wisdom. Her husband followed suit, and the fall of man was complete.
Now, many years later and as descendants of Adam, we are cursed with the consequences of their folly! Day in and day out we wrestle against the lust of the flesh, forever caught between carnality and spirituality. Sermons talking about treating your body as the temple of the Holy Ghost are as common as finding rocks on the ground. “Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you?” Not that this statement is false by any means, because it isn’t. But, I have found that sinning, at least for me, is more difficult to stop than I thought. When you sin, you feel shame, which leads you to seclusion from God. But, in that seclusion, you find yourself retreating back to that sin because, for a moment, it provides a way of escape. (Different people struggle with different things) But, this leads you down that path of shame all over again. So, what ends up happening, is the closet of Christianity gets filled with “dirty” sin and needs to be cleaned. However, we’re too ashamed to talk to God about it and, simultaneously, fear that others will judge us for the “wrong” we commit. So, the closet just sits and festers until deep frustration sets in. This place of self-loathing and criticism is where a question can come to mind: “Why can’t I just stop?” I’m saved, but it seems to not be working. I know scriptures, facts, theology, but sin keeps overtaking me. WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?! Let’s look into it.
Being born in sin sucks. The consequences of Adam and Eve's fall have transcended generations far beyond what they could fathom. Our sin, unfortunately, is a product of their choices. For us, it's not only a choice but also a state of being. We're born IN sin. It's just as part of us as our DNA is; inseparable. This is, by no means, an excuse for continuing to willfully sin. Instead, it’s a deeply planted flaw that exists within everyone. So, with this condition comes a problem. How can we please God while representing a condition that he detests? We can't do it by ourselves. Literally, it's impossible because everything we do is tainted by our condition. So Jesus comes, dies, and creates a direct pathway to the grace of the Father. His death didn't "change" our condition, but gave us a way to directly combat it. We, ourselves, would be screwed if it depended on our ability to not sin. His Son fights for us. Now, when we become saved, we gain access to the power that Jesus held when he staved off sin. He was tempted and never sinned. (Fully man and God i.e. these are His natures from birth) This power doesn't make our sin "condition" disappear. Instead, it's a solution to repelling its very nature; our very nature as sinful people. I think this tug of war between being who you are (sinful) and being who Christ called you to be (disciples) are at the epicenter of the "sin struggle". There is hope, not only in Christ and the sacrifice He made to grant us salvation but also in the fact that this fight is not exclusive to anybody. As a collective, we will fight and struggle with our carnality till the day we die. Paul says in 2 Timothy, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Until that day comes, know that you are not alone in this fight and there should be no shame in the body of Christ. Instead, reach out to those who love you and ask them to stand along with you as you attempt to live a holy life. Bring one another up and encourage each other in the faith.
#4.5 Unfinished Business
The idea of "purpose" and "goals" has been on my mind lately. This is what my thoughts turned into...
Unfinished Business
At the end of his life, an old man approached the gates of heaven. As they opened, he strode towards them, ready to reap the rewards of his life. Before he went through, however, God stopped him. ‘Old man,” God asked, “let me ask you a question? What did you do with the gift I gave you?” He responded, “well Lord. You gave me the gift of speaking, so that’s what I did. I motivated people to better their lives and eventually became a pastor. You know all this, so why do you ask?” God responded, “I ask because I want you to look back on your life and tell me why I gave you what I did?” “Fair enough,” the man said.
As his life replayed in his mind, a strange feeling began to develop in the pit of his stomach. It churned and churned, almost as if it was trying to leap out of him and escape. “Lord, what is this feeling that perplexes me so?” The Lord said, “That, my son, is the purpose I gave you. Every person I’ve created has been given a measure, and there is where yours stayed at the end of your days.” “How? Did I not do many things to help people?” “Yes, you did! But there was something else I put on the inside of you. Something that the world needed to know, and you were responsible for giving it to them. It was special and made for you to deliver to My people. However, amidst the ebbs and flows of life, you pushed it away.
Logic became the tool by which you made decisions instead of faith. Trials caused you to second guess the thing I placed in you. Friends and Family talked you out of pursuing that which I called you to do, and instead, you chased what seemed reasonable.” “Lord,” he said. “I have finished my race, and the sun has set on my life. Why show me this now?” The Lord replied, “I showed this to you many times over the course of your life, but this is the only time you’ve looked at it. It’s the quietest your life has been. In the silence of solitude, you can finally listen to my voice.” ‘What now?” the man said. “Am I to be punished?” “No, my son,” God said. “Your journey has ended and you have finished the race. This is, however, for all those who will come after you.
“Within you has been placed a gift to the world. It is in that gift, your calling will be manifested and made known to the world. God has placed in you a purpose to be carried out that no man can take. However, we can choose to ignore it. Fear and hesitation can keep us from fully realizing our potential. Worry not for the consequences of tomorrow, but act in the moment of what He has called you for. If even the animals have food and shelter, how much more will He care for His children?”
I think we all have moments where we try to figure out “the big one”, or the big thing that we are meant to accomplish in life. Whether it comes in the form of a career choice, an accomplishment, whatever it may be. That process can sound frustrating, especially when the voice of reality always speaks in our ears. Life has a way of distracting us from the things we either want to do or feel like we need to do. Things get pushed aside because more pressing matters take the forefront, or we find ourselves so overwhelmed that we do nothing at all. There is, however, a danger to both of these. By ignoring that “thing” that sits on the inside of us, we may be prolonging how God wants to use us. I’m not making the claim that every single person is called to be the next preacher or Christian artist. On the contrary, I have found that the “thing” can be in small and effective packages. Maybe your thing is in the love and hospitality you show? Maybe your thing is the kindness and willingness to listen you exhibit to others? Maybe your thing is simply your presence and the way people feel at peace around you? No talent is more precious than the next, and we have all been given talents to share God’s love with others. Never lose sight of who you are and watch how God uses your individuality. :)
#4 God Loves You
One of the great mysteries of David lies in his name. Not his literal name, David, but in the name he’s given by God later on. (“A man after my own heart”) How does a man, that’s known for one of the greatest mishaps of all time, (maybe only second to the original fall of man), be called that? Well, I believe that David knew and believed something about God that we, as a people, have heard but don’t completely believe. It’s the fact that God loved him.
After committing his sin, he calls out to God in anguish and repentance, hoping for a second chance. It’s this calling out that intrigues me. See, sin draws us away from God by the act of rebellion. Its nature is meant to move us away from Him. But, that’s not at all what God wants. In everything, He wants us to draw nearer to Him in His love. David knew this, and drew closer to God, even in the middle of a mess. Now, this isn’t a get of jail free card for sin city, but it definitely says something about how David felt about God. I know, personally, that sin in my life makes me not want to go to God at all. (Read the word, pray, etc………) When Adam and Eve sinned, they both ran and tried to hide from God. I can imagine, as well, that that experience rings true for many people. The moment we return to an old, sinful habit we broke, some of us begin to hide from God. Some people don’t go back to church because it brings a wave of shame to go to a place that’s almost meant for the “holy” to go. How can God love one who has turned from Him so easily and often?........
The irony is that he wants us to have a relationship, even in the midst of our sin! We aren’t meant to turn from him, but rather to turn to Him in repentance. More than that, He wants us to get to the place where we love Him. What does that mean? Well, the Bible says that “he who loves the Lord will keep his commands.” But, let’s break that down just a little bit. “Don’t do these things because they go against God’s word.” While that’s true, there’s a desire from God for us to have a reciprocating relationship with him that’s not tied down to just the rules of the law. (We know this because throughout the Bible we see many situations in which Jesus has close relationships with people who broke the law or betrayed Him.) Think about this. If I needed $20 one day to do something, I could easily take it out my mother’s purse and use it. I wouldn’t have to tell her anything and I might actually get away with it. But, I would never do that. Why? Because I love her, and it hurts me to do things that hurt her.
That’s the kind of relationship that God wants us to have with him. He wants us to read his Word, not out of duty but out of desire to converse with Him. He wants us to pray, not out of duty but out of desire to converse with Him. He wants us to go to church, not out of duty but because He wants us to grow alongside other believers. When you believe that someone loves you, they become a shelter to you in the middle of the storm. If you mess up, you don’t fear them. The consequences are scary, but you’re confident in the fact that they would never do anything to harm you. I sense that David had this kind of understanding of God’s love. He understood that even in the middle of sin, and even though his attempt to hide it was called out, he could still go to God in prayer and ask for mercy. Do you know that God wants you to call out to Him for help? Jesus came, not for the whole, but for those who were broken; those who needed help. It’s the weakness in us that draws us to sin, but it’s the love of God that should draw us to Him. He wants you...all of you…..regardless of what you’ve done. God loves you.
#3 Walk by Faith, Not by Sight
Can we please talk about how scary 2 Corinthians 5:17 is for just a moment?! "For we walk by faith and not by sight." Sight is one of our primary senses, and of the five, it's the only one that gives us a clear depiction of what is ahead of us before we make contact with it. We use sight to avoid missteps and get to our destinations safely. We use it to notice our surroundings and to take appropriate steps that apply to the circumstances. (If we see someone who needs help, we can offer our assistance.) We use it as a survival tool. (Do not cross the street if you see a car coming.) Losing sight would be jarring to anyone who is used to seeing. The lack of instant feedback concerning our surroundings would be devastating and quite scary So, if sight is important, why in the world is there a verse that places so much emphasis on operating without it?
Sight, in this instance, is not referring to just the physical sense. It references what is immediately in front of us in our lives. Some of us have daunting tasks that we feel can never be accomplished. Health issues and diagnoses are the death toll to a happy life that some of us wish to live. Anxiety and worry about the near future play over and over again like a broken record in our minds, and while listening to the noise we hope to hear a song that makes sense. These are very real and very immediate pieces of feedback that influence our everyday lives. We feel them and they affect us.
However, what you immediately see is not always a clear indication of what lies ahead. You may wake up one day with immense pain, but that's not a permanent notice of your health. You may struggle with believing the promises of God about his provision for you, but it's not a permanent notice about your relationship with the Father. You might feel stuck where you are and see no way to get out, but that is not permanent notice of your destiny. The reason why we are not to depend on sight, alone, is because it is difficult to see past the storm when you are in it. We need someone who has a different perspective to guide us through it and into where we should go.
Faith and trust are intertwined with one another. Walking by faith and not by sight can feel akin to putting on a pair of blindfolds and telling God, "All right, I can't see so you'll have to guide me." It can be terrifying but He will be with you. So, this week, I challenge you to walk by faith. Any moment where what you see begins to trouble your mind and heart, ask the Lord to guide you through the storm and show you what lies beyond it.
Memory verse of the Week: 2 Corinthians 5:17
"For we walk by faith and not by sight"