Below are some devotionals that may help you understand that God's grace is always sufficient. --Vernon
Reign in life
Romans 5:17
For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.
Ready your Heart
What a concept, the fact that I could actually "reign in life"...it often seems like such a foreign concept when compared to my experience. Does that describe your thinking at the moment? How could a person like me "reign"? Well, the truth is that in your own strength you will not be very successful in the "reign in life" department! You are, however, a natural in the "death" arena. Notice in verse 17 that "death reigned through the one"...Adam could only pass "death" onto the rest of us as a result of his disobedience. No matter what we do, how we perform, our good intentions or best efforts, we can not create new life (our efforts simply make us a better dead person which doesn't help matters). Death reigned in us UNTIL we received "the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness". But wait, you may say, I'm a Christian and my experience does not match up to this verse! Well, stand in line fellow believer you're not alone. Although you've received God's grace and gift of righteousness, you're still trying to reign in life the old way, through your self effort. You will only reign in life "through the One, Jesus Christ". Is Jesus reigning in and through your life right now?
Set Your Mind
It's one thing to receive God's grace and gift of righteousness, but quite another to grasp the implication of that decision. You now have "Life" defining the very essence of your being. It's not a question of "can I reign in life" but actually the fact that I "will reign in life"! When you allow Christ to express His Life through you, you simply "will reign". In fact, you're either reigning in life or not reigning (i.e. struggling, failing, burned out, etc). As a believer, you have the very Life of Christ within and therefore the capability to reign right now. Change your mindset from struggling in sin to reigning in righteousness THROUGH HIM.
Live the Truth
How again do I reign? "...through the One, Jesus Christ". Take a moment to surrender your ways of handling life, whether it be relationships, career, finances, ministry...whatever to Christ. This week, ask Christ to express His reigning Life through you in whatever you're doing. Of course, it's possible you may fail (sin, screw up, etc) and satan will do his best to get you to believe "this doesn't work either"...don't fall for the lie. As fast as you can, in a simple act of faith, ask Christ to live through you and trust Him to do it. Every moment you "reign in life", in the mundane or spectacular, you become one more lamp put on a hill for all to see the incredible power and grace of God.
For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.
Ready your Heart
What a concept, the fact that I could actually "reign in life"...it often seems like such a foreign concept when compared to my experience. Does that describe your thinking at the moment? How could a person like me "reign"? Well, the truth is that in your own strength you will not be very successful in the "reign in life" department! You are, however, a natural in the "death" arena. Notice in verse 17 that "death reigned through the one"...Adam could only pass "death" onto the rest of us as a result of his disobedience. No matter what we do, how we perform, our good intentions or best efforts, we can not create new life (our efforts simply make us a better dead person which doesn't help matters). Death reigned in us UNTIL we received "the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness". But wait, you may say, I'm a Christian and my experience does not match up to this verse! Well, stand in line fellow believer you're not alone. Although you've received God's grace and gift of righteousness, you're still trying to reign in life the old way, through your self effort. You will only reign in life "through the One, Jesus Christ". Is Jesus reigning in and through your life right now?
Set Your Mind
It's one thing to receive God's grace and gift of righteousness, but quite another to grasp the implication of that decision. You now have "Life" defining the very essence of your being. It's not a question of "can I reign in life" but actually the fact that I "will reign in life"! When you allow Christ to express His Life through you, you simply "will reign". In fact, you're either reigning in life or not reigning (i.e. struggling, failing, burned out, etc). As a believer, you have the very Life of Christ within and therefore the capability to reign right now. Change your mindset from struggling in sin to reigning in righteousness THROUGH HIM.
Live the Truth
How again do I reign? "...through the One, Jesus Christ". Take a moment to surrender your ways of handling life, whether it be relationships, career, finances, ministry...whatever to Christ. This week, ask Christ to express His reigning Life through you in whatever you're doing. Of course, it's possible you may fail (sin, screw up, etc) and satan will do his best to get you to believe "this doesn't work either"...don't fall for the lie. As fast as you can, in a simple act of faith, ask Christ to live through you and trust Him to do it. Every moment you "reign in life", in the mundane or spectacular, you become one more lamp put on a hill for all to see the incredible power and grace of God.
No longer on the basis of works
Romans 11:6
But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace.
Ready your Heart
Have you ever put hot peppers or hot sauce on some food...it’s never quite the same. It’s the same with grace. Once you mix in a little works grace is never the same, in fact, it’s no longer grace! I remember growing up in my faith as a teenager and believing I must work as hard as I can to be a good Christian...it sounded like the right thing to do and I did my best. I read, memorized, prayed, hung out with the “right” people, witnessed, taught, preached, counseled...boy, I had this Christrian thing down. There was but one problem...it all seemed to be about me. I was looking for affirmation regarding my self worth through all my efforts in my new Christian environment. After 10+ years I finally burned out, but God was gracious and revealed to me the truth about grace and works. I no longer have to perform to gain God’s acceptance, approval or love...I have all of that and more “in Christ”...that’s grace! Romans 11:6, in the context of some very interesting scripture, spoke to my heart that grace and works do not mix! God loves, approves and accepts me right now...I have nothing else to prove. Are you living your life “on the basis of works” or simply “by grace”.
Set Your Mind
What's really going on inside your thinking...do you REALLY believe and accept the truth that God loves and accepts you regardless of your performance? Take a moment and check your thinking...are your "performing" by grace or "performing" to gain grace, favor and/or acceptance? Nothing wrong with performing, working, labor, etc....the issue is around our motivation. Re-tune your thinking around the fact that God's love and acceptance are by grace and not on the basis of works; that alone will free you up to simply enjoy and live life in Christ.
Live the Truth
Whether you have a full plate this week or a relatively open week, let's take one thing off your schedule...no performing for the purpose of gaining God's favor. Is there an activity you are working that you really don't want to but feel it necessary to please God or someone else? Remember, you have nothing to prove to God...he thinks you're pretty neat as His child apart from anything else you might do. Ask the Lord to guide your choices around activities then enjoy and rest in His grace. You have nothing to lose except the stress of trying to gain what you already have "in Christ".
But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace.
Ready your Heart
Have you ever put hot peppers or hot sauce on some food...it’s never quite the same. It’s the same with grace. Once you mix in a little works grace is never the same, in fact, it’s no longer grace! I remember growing up in my faith as a teenager and believing I must work as hard as I can to be a good Christian...it sounded like the right thing to do and I did my best. I read, memorized, prayed, hung out with the “right” people, witnessed, taught, preached, counseled...boy, I had this Christrian thing down. There was but one problem...it all seemed to be about me. I was looking for affirmation regarding my self worth through all my efforts in my new Christian environment. After 10+ years I finally burned out, but God was gracious and revealed to me the truth about grace and works. I no longer have to perform to gain God’s acceptance, approval or love...I have all of that and more “in Christ”...that’s grace! Romans 11:6, in the context of some very interesting scripture, spoke to my heart that grace and works do not mix! God loves, approves and accepts me right now...I have nothing else to prove. Are you living your life “on the basis of works” or simply “by grace”.
Set Your Mind
What's really going on inside your thinking...do you REALLY believe and accept the truth that God loves and accepts you regardless of your performance? Take a moment and check your thinking...are your "performing" by grace or "performing" to gain grace, favor and/or acceptance? Nothing wrong with performing, working, labor, etc....the issue is around our motivation. Re-tune your thinking around the fact that God's love and acceptance are by grace and not on the basis of works; that alone will free you up to simply enjoy and live life in Christ.
Live the Truth
Whether you have a full plate this week or a relatively open week, let's take one thing off your schedule...no performing for the purpose of gaining God's favor. Is there an activity you are working that you really don't want to but feel it necessary to please God or someone else? Remember, you have nothing to prove to God...he thinks you're pretty neat as His child apart from anything else you might do. Ask the Lord to guide your choices around activities then enjoy and rest in His grace. You have nothing to lose except the stress of trying to gain what you already have "in Christ".
Labor more by grace
1 Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.
Ready your Heart
Sometimes I hear folks say that living under grace is a passive life, that we simply "let go and let God" while we sit back and watch. I don't mind the "let go and let God" but it's far from sitting back and watching. Living life is an active faith in the living Christ working in and through us each day. Notice how Paul "labored even more than all of them"...does that sound like a passive life? Are you laboring by His grace or sitting back as a spectator in life? Paul is not talking about simply getting busy for God...we have too many believers "working for God" in their own strength and sadly, the grace of God is untapped. Paul's labor was fueled by the grace of God. Don't let the grace of God toward you "prove vain" and of no use. Perhaps thoughts flood your mind that you are unable, disadvantaged, have little talent, or more. Did you notice the first part of the verse...Paul doesn't overestimate nor underestimate his human abilities, status, heritage, or any other factor but by God's grace he exclaims "I am what I am". I think that's key. Often we get hung up with our physical appearance, life circumstances, family background, perceived lack of opportunity and we fail to move forward in our Christian life, career, ministry, financial position, relationships, et. al. By God's grace, say it with me, "I am what I am"! God accepts you right now as you are. There are things you can not change, but by God's grace you can say "I am what I am". Listen, change what you can as God allows but give yourself a break and accept who and where you are...that is the foundation from which you can labor, move forward and give 110% trusting Christ in all your labor.
Set Your Mind
What a truth that by God's grace "I am what I am". Whether you have talent, position, power, money or none of the above, God's grace is working in and through you...don't let it prove vain. As a believer, God accepts you right now and has a universal message...that message, simply trust Him. In whatever you do, wherever you go, trust Christ as your very Source. Let your mind soak up the truth that God accepts you apart from your circumstances, accomplishments or any other reason you could offer...He accepts you "in Christ". Once you settle that issue, you will have no need to "prove yourself worthy" to God or anyone else and can labor unhindered by guilt or insecurity.
Live the Truth
On a piece of paper (or computer if you are paper challenged like me), write out some "facts" about yourself, circumstances, family background, financial position, career, talents, relationships (stay away from judgements... I know that can be hard). Make a note of the ones that can be reasonably changed, improved and those that are seemingly unchangeable. At the bottom of the page write the words "But by the grace of God I am what I am" and the words, "I am accepted right now in Christ". Make it a point each day this week to consiously trust the grace of God to work in and through each activity you perform.
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.
Ready your Heart
Sometimes I hear folks say that living under grace is a passive life, that we simply "let go and let God" while we sit back and watch. I don't mind the "let go and let God" but it's far from sitting back and watching. Living life is an active faith in the living Christ working in and through us each day. Notice how Paul "labored even more than all of them"...does that sound like a passive life? Are you laboring by His grace or sitting back as a spectator in life? Paul is not talking about simply getting busy for God...we have too many believers "working for God" in their own strength and sadly, the grace of God is untapped. Paul's labor was fueled by the grace of God. Don't let the grace of God toward you "prove vain" and of no use. Perhaps thoughts flood your mind that you are unable, disadvantaged, have little talent, or more. Did you notice the first part of the verse...Paul doesn't overestimate nor underestimate his human abilities, status, heritage, or any other factor but by God's grace he exclaims "I am what I am". I think that's key. Often we get hung up with our physical appearance, life circumstances, family background, perceived lack of opportunity and we fail to move forward in our Christian life, career, ministry, financial position, relationships, et. al. By God's grace, say it with me, "I am what I am"! God accepts you right now as you are. There are things you can not change, but by God's grace you can say "I am what I am". Listen, change what you can as God allows but give yourself a break and accept who and where you are...that is the foundation from which you can labor, move forward and give 110% trusting Christ in all your labor.
Set Your Mind
What a truth that by God's grace "I am what I am". Whether you have talent, position, power, money or none of the above, God's grace is working in and through you...don't let it prove vain. As a believer, God accepts you right now and has a universal message...that message, simply trust Him. In whatever you do, wherever you go, trust Christ as your very Source. Let your mind soak up the truth that God accepts you apart from your circumstances, accomplishments or any other reason you could offer...He accepts you "in Christ". Once you settle that issue, you will have no need to "prove yourself worthy" to God or anyone else and can labor unhindered by guilt or insecurity.
Live the Truth
On a piece of paper (or computer if you are paper challenged like me), write out some "facts" about yourself, circumstances, family background, financial position, career, talents, relationships (stay away from judgements... I know that can be hard). Make a note of the ones that can be reasonably changed, improved and those that are seemingly unchangeable. At the bottom of the page write the words "But by the grace of God I am what I am" and the words, "I am accepted right now in Christ". Make it a point each day this week to consiously trust the grace of God to work in and through each activity you perform.
All Sufficiency
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;
Ready your Heart
How can I give to the Lord when I can hardly pay my own bills? I just don't have time to minister yet I want to serve? Perhaps the questions are similar to what you've asked yourself recently. The context of this verse targets the idea of giving, whether it be money, time, service, etc. 2 Cor. 9:7 tells us that "each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver". Giving should not be a guilt response but rather a grace response knowing that "God is able". We probably do not have the time, money, or talent from our human perspective, but that's where God comes in...He offers grace so that you have "all sufficiency in everything", and that means "everything". Money, time, competence, ability...it's all included so you may "have an abundance for every good deed". My wife and I wanted to "get out more" but with three kids, it can be difficult. We tried a few babysitters in the neighborhood but they didn't last...we ran out of options, or so we thought. My wife prayed that God would work this out because "time for us" was definitely a "good deed". Well, she found a service on the internet that looked promising, but had few sitters in our area...by faith she "enrolled" in the service. After a few weeks, we now have more babysitter options than we've had in years and actually went out on a date, invited friends to a church marriage event and are are now able to attend a weekly small group meeting with folks from our church...His grace is sufficient "in everything". When our heart and goals align with His, verse 11 tells us we "will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God".
Set Your Mind
It's time we actually believe what we're reading, that "God is able"...do you really believe that truth? He IS able and willing "to make all grace abound to you". Set your mind on that truth this week. You may not "feel" sufficient" to do or go where God is leading, but choose by faith to receive His grace knowing that He is sufficient and will work His sufficiency in and through your life. Don't focus on the outcome, set your attention on Christ. It's possible the Lord has an entirely different "good deed" to work in and through you...allow that to happen and don't get stuck on your agenda; He may open doors in an entirely different direction to meet the very need you see! Remember, you're not out to perform for "extra" points from God...you've already got an A+ "in Christ", these "good deed (s)" in 2 Corin. 9:8 are Christ working and overflowing His Life through you.
Live the Truth
Do you sense God directing you to give of your time, money, or other resources? Is there a "good deed" in your life, marriage, family, church, ministry, etc. that you would like to see happen? Ask and receive God's grace and sufficiency while you begin taking small steps in that direction all the while open for God to redirect as He see's fit. When it comes to giving of your time and resources, I not only believe in sacrificial giving as the Lord directs but also "abundance giving" as 2 Cor 9:8 declares that "you may have an abundance for every good deed". We are a channel or vessel for the Life of Christ and His abundance to flow through and touch lives (our spouse, family, church, others). Where is God's grace abounding in your life? Perhaps that's a good place to begin your giving and "every good deed"?
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;
Ready your Heart
How can I give to the Lord when I can hardly pay my own bills? I just don't have time to minister yet I want to serve? Perhaps the questions are similar to what you've asked yourself recently. The context of this verse targets the idea of giving, whether it be money, time, service, etc. 2 Cor. 9:7 tells us that "each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver". Giving should not be a guilt response but rather a grace response knowing that "God is able". We probably do not have the time, money, or talent from our human perspective, but that's where God comes in...He offers grace so that you have "all sufficiency in everything", and that means "everything". Money, time, competence, ability...it's all included so you may "have an abundance for every good deed". My wife and I wanted to "get out more" but with three kids, it can be difficult. We tried a few babysitters in the neighborhood but they didn't last...we ran out of options, or so we thought. My wife prayed that God would work this out because "time for us" was definitely a "good deed". Well, she found a service on the internet that looked promising, but had few sitters in our area...by faith she "enrolled" in the service. After a few weeks, we now have more babysitter options than we've had in years and actually went out on a date, invited friends to a church marriage event and are are now able to attend a weekly small group meeting with folks from our church...His grace is sufficient "in everything". When our heart and goals align with His, verse 11 tells us we "will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God".
Set Your Mind
It's time we actually believe what we're reading, that "God is able"...do you really believe that truth? He IS able and willing "to make all grace abound to you". Set your mind on that truth this week. You may not "feel" sufficient" to do or go where God is leading, but choose by faith to receive His grace knowing that He is sufficient and will work His sufficiency in and through your life. Don't focus on the outcome, set your attention on Christ. It's possible the Lord has an entirely different "good deed" to work in and through you...allow that to happen and don't get stuck on your agenda; He may open doors in an entirely different direction to meet the very need you see! Remember, you're not out to perform for "extra" points from God...you've already got an A+ "in Christ", these "good deed (s)" in 2 Corin. 9:8 are Christ working and overflowing His Life through you.
Live the Truth
Do you sense God directing you to give of your time, money, or other resources? Is there a "good deed" in your life, marriage, family, church, ministry, etc. that you would like to see happen? Ask and receive God's grace and sufficiency while you begin taking small steps in that direction all the while open for God to redirect as He see's fit. When it comes to giving of your time and resources, I not only believe in sacrificial giving as the Lord directs but also "abundance giving" as 2 Cor 9:8 declares that "you may have an abundance for every good deed". We are a channel or vessel for the Life of Christ and His abundance to flow through and touch lives (our spouse, family, church, others). Where is God's grace abounding in your life? Perhaps that's a good place to begin your giving and "every good deed"?
Power of Christ
2 Corinthians 12:9
And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Ready your Heart
When we're sick or in trouble (or things just are going our way), one of the first things we do is cry out for help! Paul was no different; he suffered from a "thorn in the flesh" that many believe was some type of illness or disease effecting his eyes (thus some of his letters were penned by others as he dictated). Did this illness bother him...absolutely. He was asking for God's divine intervention and healing. Le's stop here for a moment. If you are experiencing some type of physical or emotional illness, talk with your heavenly Father. It's ok to be upset and even angry...acknowledging and releasing that anger in honest dialog with God is the first step in accepting His grace; it is a healthy response and doesn't bother God (he already knows if you're angry whether you tell Him or bottle it up inside...telling Him is actually better for the blood pressure). Paul cried out (three times in fact) and the Lord gently reminded Paul that His grace IS sufficent and in fact, "His power is perfected in weakness". Wow...here's where many of us drop the subject. God told Paul, in so many words, that He was not going to take this "thorn" away but instead, allow it to remain as a reminder for Paul to trust Christ. Not only was God's grace sufficient, His power was and is "perfected in weakness". I love Paul's response. Ok God, you are allowing this weakness in my life to reveal the power of God through me...I am going to boast about this weakness (not try and cover it up) so that Your power fully dwells in me and is magnifed through me. Is that your response? Or perhaps, like most of us, you'd rather hide, fix, or overcompensate for your weakness. I've been there and done that! God's power is perfected in our weakness (that word, by the way, is often translated illness, sickness and has at it's root without strength or unimpressive). I think some times we simply want to impress others instead of trusting the power and grace of God to work through us. Is there a "weakness" in your life that God has yet to "fix"? I pray you will trust God to work His grace and power through your weakness...if you can fix it that's great, but don't sweat, stew, stress or strive about it. Humble yourself and let God's power dwell and work mightly through you...for "when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corn 12:10).
Set Your Mind
This scripture represents yet another paradigm shift...power in weakness and boasting about my weakness is not standard thinking in our culture. Our mind set in this context should not be a focus on our weakness or problems but rather a focus on the power of Christ. When you get sick, lose a job, or experience any number of difficulties our natural tendency is to focus on the issue often to the exclusion of everything else. We feel inadequate, insignificant, rejected, a failure, and more. Does that tell you something? Could you and I have depended on our health, or things, or financial security for our acceptance or significance in life? The Lord wants us to realize we are accepted and significant "in Christ" apart from any of that stuff. "Weakness" will often drive us to the cross where we surrender all that we trusted for life and happiness...by faith we then receive all that God provided in Christ (forgiveness, love, acceptance, value, and so much more). Paul did not say, I've got a thorn so I'll just sit around and praise God and let someone else continue my work. He asked God to fix it and then continued his work taking pleasure that God was working through him and through his weakness. Weakness, difficulties, trials and tribulations are not necessarily a STOP sign but rather a YIELD sign...pause, pray and trust Christ as your life.
Live the Truth
It's interesting, in the next verse (2Cor. 12:10) Paul said "Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong". The word "content" actually conveys the idea of taking pleasure with weakness and boy does he expand on those weaknesses! The key phrase in this verse is "for Christ's sake". Now, don't glory in difficulties you bring on yourself...that's crazy. If you are experiencing illness, difficulties, persecutions or the rest do what's in your power to correct the issue but trust Christ with the results. His grace and power does not depend on our outward appearance, financial portfolio, or personal health. God allows various thorns in our flesh as reminders to trust His grace and power and not our own. This week, ask God to work His power through you as you boast and take pleasure in your unique circumstances and weakness.
And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Ready your Heart
When we're sick or in trouble (or things just are going our way), one of the first things we do is cry out for help! Paul was no different; he suffered from a "thorn in the flesh" that many believe was some type of illness or disease effecting his eyes (thus some of his letters were penned by others as he dictated). Did this illness bother him...absolutely. He was asking for God's divine intervention and healing. Le's stop here for a moment. If you are experiencing some type of physical or emotional illness, talk with your heavenly Father. It's ok to be upset and even angry...acknowledging and releasing that anger in honest dialog with God is the first step in accepting His grace; it is a healthy response and doesn't bother God (he already knows if you're angry whether you tell Him or bottle it up inside...telling Him is actually better for the blood pressure). Paul cried out (three times in fact) and the Lord gently reminded Paul that His grace IS sufficent and in fact, "His power is perfected in weakness". Wow...here's where many of us drop the subject. God told Paul, in so many words, that He was not going to take this "thorn" away but instead, allow it to remain as a reminder for Paul to trust Christ. Not only was God's grace sufficient, His power was and is "perfected in weakness". I love Paul's response. Ok God, you are allowing this weakness in my life to reveal the power of God through me...I am going to boast about this weakness (not try and cover it up) so that Your power fully dwells in me and is magnifed through me. Is that your response? Or perhaps, like most of us, you'd rather hide, fix, or overcompensate for your weakness. I've been there and done that! God's power is perfected in our weakness (that word, by the way, is often translated illness, sickness and has at it's root without strength or unimpressive). I think some times we simply want to impress others instead of trusting the power and grace of God to work through us. Is there a "weakness" in your life that God has yet to "fix"? I pray you will trust God to work His grace and power through your weakness...if you can fix it that's great, but don't sweat, stew, stress or strive about it. Humble yourself and let God's power dwell and work mightly through you...for "when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corn 12:10).
Set Your Mind
This scripture represents yet another paradigm shift...power in weakness and boasting about my weakness is not standard thinking in our culture. Our mind set in this context should not be a focus on our weakness or problems but rather a focus on the power of Christ. When you get sick, lose a job, or experience any number of difficulties our natural tendency is to focus on the issue often to the exclusion of everything else. We feel inadequate, insignificant, rejected, a failure, and more. Does that tell you something? Could you and I have depended on our health, or things, or financial security for our acceptance or significance in life? The Lord wants us to realize we are accepted and significant "in Christ" apart from any of that stuff. "Weakness" will often drive us to the cross where we surrender all that we trusted for life and happiness...by faith we then receive all that God provided in Christ (forgiveness, love, acceptance, value, and so much more). Paul did not say, I've got a thorn so I'll just sit around and praise God and let someone else continue my work. He asked God to fix it and then continued his work taking pleasure that God was working through him and through his weakness. Weakness, difficulties, trials and tribulations are not necessarily a STOP sign but rather a YIELD sign...pause, pray and trust Christ as your life.
Live the Truth
It's interesting, in the next verse (2Cor. 12:10) Paul said "Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong". The word "content" actually conveys the idea of taking pleasure with weakness and boy does he expand on those weaknesses! The key phrase in this verse is "for Christ's sake". Now, don't glory in difficulties you bring on yourself...that's crazy. If you are experiencing illness, difficulties, persecutions or the rest do what's in your power to correct the issue but trust Christ with the results. His grace and power does not depend on our outward appearance, financial portfolio, or personal health. God allows various thorns in our flesh as reminders to trust His grace and power and not our own. This week, ask God to work His power through you as you boast and take pleasure in your unique circumstances and weakness.
Nullifying the grace of God
Galatians 2:21
I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.
Ready your Heart
I find it amazing that so many of us live such mediocre Christian lives. What happened to the power...the victory...the overcoming love. It looks like the grace of God has been choked in the lives of so many. How can that happen? In this passage Paul gives some insight into that very issue.Paul testifies to the Galatians that he will not "nullify the grace of God". He will not lose the power and victory of God through Christ by returning to a Law based mindset. What was going on here? Some of the Galatians were pursuing righteousness by obeying the Law. They were looking for God's approval, acceptance and love by obeying a set of religious rules and principles. I believe that mindset is rampant today. Churches, both Protestant and Catholic, are filled with folks trying to reach God or obtain righteousness or feel better about themselves by attending church, serving in 10 different ministries, obeying various principles or adhering to specific standards. Nothing wrong with serving or attending and the like, the porblem is why you are doing it. Do you really think that by all that activity (or keeping the rules) you will gain God's favor or get extra credit? If you honestly do, let me offer you some good news. You can get off that activity, rule keeping treadmill. When you place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ for forgiveness of your sin and receive His free gift of eternal life, you are immediately and forever accepted, loved and forgiven. You can not add to it or take away from it...it is a package deal and freely given to you "in Christ". In fact, when you go back and put yourself under a kind of rule-based existence, you actually "nullify the grace of God"...you make God's grace ineffective in your daily life. Why? Because you can't mix Law and grace. Once you add even the slightest bit of Law to your Christian life, grace can no longer operate in that area (it is now under the rule of Law). The rule of Law depends on you...you efforts, your striving, your faithfulness, your strength, your wisdom, your righteousness, etc. Would you rather have that or by grace through faith experience the victory and overcoming love and power through Christ? It's your choice.
Set Your Mind
Are you living your life in such a way that "Christ died needlessly"? Do you "need" God or are you pretty well self-sufficient? Perhaps you have a "system" that's seems to be working for you to keep all the balls up in the air. For some believers, keeping the Law or a set of rules/standards IS the Christian life; their identity (or how they define themselves) is based on some type of performance, the happiness of their marriage, the security of their job, their background, training and/or experience in a certain area. The problem arises when one or two of the balls start dropping and crisis begins...God seems absent from the picture. We must take an honest evaluation at the many areas of our life and say with Paul, "I [will] not nullify the grace of God...." God is looking for our complete surrender, not our assistance. Too often we want the equation to be me + God; the real equation is God's grace + nothing. So what's my role? My role is to believe...receive...trust. I do not need to attain righteousness, He provided that righteousness "in Christ" (it's hard to improve on that). You may not act righteous but the truth is you ARE righteous in Him (He will take care of matching your behavior with your true, righteous identity in His time). Believe the truth about who God is and what He has already done for you "in Christ"; take that same amount of time you've wasted on pursuing God's approval and love and simply rest, meditate and muse on the truth that you are loved and accepted already "in Christ" apart from any performance...that's called grace!
Live the Truth
Is God's grace nullified in your life today? Perhaps there's a specific area or two you have "tried to get under control" with limited success. Let me encourage you today that righteousness does not come through the Law (or self discipline, self help, or any other rule-based system that depends on self). Allow the grace of God to work through you to experience God's victory in His way and His time. Does that mean I sit back and do nothing and presto I am victorious. Well, believe it or not, once in a while God does miraculously do that, but more often than not, it's a process of trusting God. During that process you will most likely fail again in a specific area...the enemy will tell you that you're a failure and this grace stuff doesn't work. Don't listen. This "grace stuff" is not a magic pill, it's a new way we relate to God "in Christ". When you fail, God does not condemn or brow beat you, He simply says I have already forgiven you so get up and let's keep going...you already have the victory so let's walk in it. It takes time to learn how to walk, so give yourself a break and enjoy His grace (He already enjoys the new you).
I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.
Ready your Heart
I find it amazing that so many of us live such mediocre Christian lives. What happened to the power...the victory...the overcoming love. It looks like the grace of God has been choked in the lives of so many. How can that happen? In this passage Paul gives some insight into that very issue.Paul testifies to the Galatians that he will not "nullify the grace of God". He will not lose the power and victory of God through Christ by returning to a Law based mindset. What was going on here? Some of the Galatians were pursuing righteousness by obeying the Law. They were looking for God's approval, acceptance and love by obeying a set of religious rules and principles. I believe that mindset is rampant today. Churches, both Protestant and Catholic, are filled with folks trying to reach God or obtain righteousness or feel better about themselves by attending church, serving in 10 different ministries, obeying various principles or adhering to specific standards. Nothing wrong with serving or attending and the like, the porblem is why you are doing it. Do you really think that by all that activity (or keeping the rules) you will gain God's favor or get extra credit? If you honestly do, let me offer you some good news. You can get off that activity, rule keeping treadmill. When you place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ for forgiveness of your sin and receive His free gift of eternal life, you are immediately and forever accepted, loved and forgiven. You can not add to it or take away from it...it is a package deal and freely given to you "in Christ". In fact, when you go back and put yourself under a kind of rule-based existence, you actually "nullify the grace of God"...you make God's grace ineffective in your daily life. Why? Because you can't mix Law and grace. Once you add even the slightest bit of Law to your Christian life, grace can no longer operate in that area (it is now under the rule of Law). The rule of Law depends on you...you efforts, your striving, your faithfulness, your strength, your wisdom, your righteousness, etc. Would you rather have that or by grace through faith experience the victory and overcoming love and power through Christ? It's your choice.
Set Your Mind
Are you living your life in such a way that "Christ died needlessly"? Do you "need" God or are you pretty well self-sufficient? Perhaps you have a "system" that's seems to be working for you to keep all the balls up in the air. For some believers, keeping the Law or a set of rules/standards IS the Christian life; their identity (or how they define themselves) is based on some type of performance, the happiness of their marriage, the security of their job, their background, training and/or experience in a certain area. The problem arises when one or two of the balls start dropping and crisis begins...God seems absent from the picture. We must take an honest evaluation at the many areas of our life and say with Paul, "I [will] not nullify the grace of God...." God is looking for our complete surrender, not our assistance. Too often we want the equation to be me + God; the real equation is God's grace + nothing. So what's my role? My role is to believe...receive...trust. I do not need to attain righteousness, He provided that righteousness "in Christ" (it's hard to improve on that). You may not act righteous but the truth is you ARE righteous in Him (He will take care of matching your behavior with your true, righteous identity in His time). Believe the truth about who God is and what He has already done for you "in Christ"; take that same amount of time you've wasted on pursuing God's approval and love and simply rest, meditate and muse on the truth that you are loved and accepted already "in Christ" apart from any performance...that's called grace!
Live the Truth
Is God's grace nullified in your life today? Perhaps there's a specific area or two you have "tried to get under control" with limited success. Let me encourage you today that righteousness does not come through the Law (or self discipline, self help, or any other rule-based system that depends on self). Allow the grace of God to work through you to experience God's victory in His way and His time. Does that mean I sit back and do nothing and presto I am victorious. Well, believe it or not, once in a while God does miraculously do that, but more often than not, it's a process of trusting God. During that process you will most likely fail again in a specific area...the enemy will tell you that you're a failure and this grace stuff doesn't work. Don't listen. This "grace stuff" is not a magic pill, it's a new way we relate to God "in Christ". When you fail, God does not condemn or brow beat you, He simply says I have already forgiven you so get up and let's keep going...you already have the victory so let's walk in it. It takes time to learn how to walk, so give yourself a break and enjoy His grace (He already enjoys the new you).
Riches of His grace
Ephesians 1:7
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace
Ready your Heart
When I was growing up, I used to think of God's grace contingent on my performance. Doesn't God help those who help themselves? Nothing could be further from the truth! We were separated from God and by His grace, apart from anything we could do or even promise to do, God redeemed us through faith in Jesus Christ. Basically, he paid the price of our sin to get us back in fellowship with Himself. Why did He redeem us? Perhaps He knew how great we could be? or, maybe He had some eternal obligation to do so? From what I see in scripture, He simply wanted to be in relationship with you and I...He loved us and redeemed us because of His grace. It's time we stop trying to get right with God and realize we ARE right with God "in Christ". No need to check off the boxes any more to make sure you get God's acceptance or blessing. You see, grace is not a result of pushing the right God buttons to get an extra boost of blessing...grace is God's favor and love toward you and I. Believe it...receive it...rest in it. What's exciting here is that God not only did redeemed us, He forgave us "in Christ"! Have you been trying to earn forgiveness? You can't do it...you either ARE forgiven or you ARE NOT forgiven. If you accepted Christ as your Savior, you ARE forgiven (past, present and future). But wait, what if I don't confess? My friend, you were forgiven at the cross, your confession does not buy you forgiveness any more than your obedience buys you acceptance and love (and I hope you realize at this point obedience does not earn you any brownie points with God). You ARE forgiven, loved and accepted right now. It's called "the riches of His grace". You don't have just a little grace, Eph 1:8 says God lavished you with grace...it's overflowing. You are rich with His grace and guess what, it was all part of the package "in Christ". When you are on top of the world and everything is going right in your life, God's grace is there; when your life seems to fall apart and you don't know why, God's grace is there. When you gave in to that last temptation, God's grace is right there. You can't escape it...in fact, when you sin, there's even more grace to let you know how much God loves you in spite of your failure. Recognize the riches of His grace and don't fall into the performace trap of trying to earn what you already have "in Christ".
Set Your Mind
If you have accepted Christ as Savior, you are redeemed and forgiven...PERIOD. God's grace is so rich you can never improve on your redemption or forgiveness although we often try and do just that! Have you ever found yourself saying "I've got to get back or get right with God"? Have you ever begged God to forgive you and then make some promise or commitment to hedge your forgiveness bet? What happens? We develop a list of things to do to get right with God (more memory verses, bible study, serving others, etc) and start down that performance trail. How 'bout that promise or commitment? We either forget it in a few hours or start with good intentions only to break it a few days later (and feel guilty about that as well). What's going on here? We are attempting to earn what God's grace has freely given! We have been brainwashed in our performance driven, reward based culture that says you get out what you put in or effort = reward. Believe the truth of God's word...you are redeemed and forgiven and lavished with God's grace. Don't try and earn it, enjoy it!
Live the Truth
This week, meditate on Ephesians 1:7. The key words in this verse are "in Him"...notice it does not say "because of my efforts or confessions or obedience" but "in Him we have..." Make a list or think through ways you have tried to "get right with God" or earn His forgiveness. In most cases your actions are probably good things to do! So what's the problem? The problem is "why" are you doing them? You do NOT have to do any of them for God to love and accept you...you have that redemption and forgiveness "in Him". If you choose to read, pray, serve or whatever, do it THANKING God for His grace; do it out of fullness not out of a misguided need to gain His love or approval. Living life by His grace is liberating...you serve because you want to not because you have to; you read, go to church, memorize and study because you enjoy it, not to earn any more points with God (you have all the points you need "in Christ").
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace
Ready your Heart
When I was growing up, I used to think of God's grace contingent on my performance. Doesn't God help those who help themselves? Nothing could be further from the truth! We were separated from God and by His grace, apart from anything we could do or even promise to do, God redeemed us through faith in Jesus Christ. Basically, he paid the price of our sin to get us back in fellowship with Himself. Why did He redeem us? Perhaps He knew how great we could be? or, maybe He had some eternal obligation to do so? From what I see in scripture, He simply wanted to be in relationship with you and I...He loved us and redeemed us because of His grace. It's time we stop trying to get right with God and realize we ARE right with God "in Christ". No need to check off the boxes any more to make sure you get God's acceptance or blessing. You see, grace is not a result of pushing the right God buttons to get an extra boost of blessing...grace is God's favor and love toward you and I. Believe it...receive it...rest in it. What's exciting here is that God not only did redeemed us, He forgave us "in Christ"! Have you been trying to earn forgiveness? You can't do it...you either ARE forgiven or you ARE NOT forgiven. If you accepted Christ as your Savior, you ARE forgiven (past, present and future). But wait, what if I don't confess? My friend, you were forgiven at the cross, your confession does not buy you forgiveness any more than your obedience buys you acceptance and love (and I hope you realize at this point obedience does not earn you any brownie points with God). You ARE forgiven, loved and accepted right now. It's called "the riches of His grace". You don't have just a little grace, Eph 1:8 says God lavished you with grace...it's overflowing. You are rich with His grace and guess what, it was all part of the package "in Christ". When you are on top of the world and everything is going right in your life, God's grace is there; when your life seems to fall apart and you don't know why, God's grace is there. When you gave in to that last temptation, God's grace is right there. You can't escape it...in fact, when you sin, there's even more grace to let you know how much God loves you in spite of your failure. Recognize the riches of His grace and don't fall into the performace trap of trying to earn what you already have "in Christ".
Set Your Mind
If you have accepted Christ as Savior, you are redeemed and forgiven...PERIOD. God's grace is so rich you can never improve on your redemption or forgiveness although we often try and do just that! Have you ever found yourself saying "I've got to get back or get right with God"? Have you ever begged God to forgive you and then make some promise or commitment to hedge your forgiveness bet? What happens? We develop a list of things to do to get right with God (more memory verses, bible study, serving others, etc) and start down that performance trail. How 'bout that promise or commitment? We either forget it in a few hours or start with good intentions only to break it a few days later (and feel guilty about that as well). What's going on here? We are attempting to earn what God's grace has freely given! We have been brainwashed in our performance driven, reward based culture that says you get out what you put in or effort = reward. Believe the truth of God's word...you are redeemed and forgiven and lavished with God's grace. Don't try and earn it, enjoy it!
Live the Truth
This week, meditate on Ephesians 1:7. The key words in this verse are "in Him"...notice it does not say "because of my efforts or confessions or obedience" but "in Him we have..." Make a list or think through ways you have tried to "get right with God" or earn His forgiveness. In most cases your actions are probably good things to do! So what's the problem? The problem is "why" are you doing them? You do NOT have to do any of them for God to love and accept you...you have that redemption and forgiveness "in Him". If you choose to read, pray, serve or whatever, do it THANKING God for His grace; do it out of fullness not out of a misguided need to gain His love or approval. Living life by His grace is liberating...you serve because you want to not because you have to; you read, go to church, memorize and study because you enjoy it, not to earn any more points with God (you have all the points you need "in Christ").
Grace to help
Hebrews 4:16
Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Ready your Heart
What's the first thing you do when you're in need, facing a difficult situation, or unsure of the future? Probably like me you begin to focus on solutions...options...a potential way out! Sometimes, however, we do the exact opposite...we deny any problem exists and ignore the need or situation. The Lord has a different answer for us today summed up in the word "grace". It's interesting that immediately before this verse we find the author of Hebrews discussing the fact that Jesus was tempted "in all things as we are, yet without sin". Are you in "need" right now? Are you facing a temptation that seems to overwhelm you? Are you looking for "help" in your relationship, finances, career or more? Why not "draw near "to the "throne of grace"? Many do not draw near to God because they see Him as a harsh Judge or strict Task Master...how do you view the Lord? Is He the One who sits on the "throne of grace" or the seat of judgement? If you've accepted Christ as Savior, all judgement was passed at the cross...there is no more condemnation, judgement or punishment...it is finished! You can draw near with confidence that all is forgiven and only God's grace and love awaits you. How do you draw near to God? Well, there are a number of ways! In prayer, perhaps the Word of God, meditation on who He is and who you are in Him, uplifting music and worship, and so many more. Most likley it will be some combination where you draw near to the Lord and simply express your need. You can be confident that the Lord understands right where you're coming from and has mercy and grace sitting on ready. I find it interesting that we "receive mercy" and "find grace". We all understand mercy...God's compassion where we don't get what we deserve; we receive his mercy with grateful hearts! Unfortunately, many walk away from the throne at this point; they feel good, they've received God's mercy and they go out to conquer their need, crisis or situation on their own. Don't stop with just mercy, His throne is one of grace where we receive not only mercy but discover God's power and love to work in and through us in the midst of the crisis. So, what is this "grace to help in time of need"? It's simply God's favor, blessing, power, love and peace to uphold and empower you in the midst of the crisis...all wrapped up in the person of Jesus Christ.
Set Your Mind
When you come to the throne are you stoping at mercy or taking the next step to find grace? There are some who begin to understand grace but for some reason or another, reject it! It sounds too good to be true! It's too simple! What's the problem? Well, you can't earn grace...no amount of obedience will buy it or activate it in your life and that is counter to what the world teaches and many churches for that matter. The moment you mix grace with any works you just lost grace! Grace is all God and nothing of me. When you find grace, you're discovering His power, His love, His peace, His wisdom, His righteousness, His victory, His freedom and so much more...it's everything you already have "in Christ" but will take a lifetime to fully uncover! Don't believe the lie that "if it is to be it's up to me" or "me and God are a majority"...God doesn't need our help, He desires our surrender! Start now...the more you come to the throne of grace the more you discover about who Christ is and who you really are "in Him".
Live the Truth
Take some time to evaluate how you view God? Does God accept you and love you apart from any performace or action on your part? Is His love and approval conditional on your obedience? You will never find grace to help if you can not draw near to the throne of grace. Write down how you have viewed God in the past and then, read Romans 8:31-39 to discover how God sees you...does that change your opinion of God just a bit! Ask the Lord to reveal Himself to you. Realize that NOTHING can separate you from the love of God in Christ (Rom. 8:39) and come to the throne with confidence to receive mercy and find grace. If you find a list of things to do or perform to receive God's grace you're at the wrong throne! God's grace is wrapped up in the person of Jesus Christ...take time to discover and unwrap the riches that are yours "in Christ" and you will find "grace to help in time of need".
Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Ready your Heart
What's the first thing you do when you're in need, facing a difficult situation, or unsure of the future? Probably like me you begin to focus on solutions...options...a potential way out! Sometimes, however, we do the exact opposite...we deny any problem exists and ignore the need or situation. The Lord has a different answer for us today summed up in the word "grace". It's interesting that immediately before this verse we find the author of Hebrews discussing the fact that Jesus was tempted "in all things as we are, yet without sin". Are you in "need" right now? Are you facing a temptation that seems to overwhelm you? Are you looking for "help" in your relationship, finances, career or more? Why not "draw near "to the "throne of grace"? Many do not draw near to God because they see Him as a harsh Judge or strict Task Master...how do you view the Lord? Is He the One who sits on the "throne of grace" or the seat of judgement? If you've accepted Christ as Savior, all judgement was passed at the cross...there is no more condemnation, judgement or punishment...it is finished! You can draw near with confidence that all is forgiven and only God's grace and love awaits you. How do you draw near to God? Well, there are a number of ways! In prayer, perhaps the Word of God, meditation on who He is and who you are in Him, uplifting music and worship, and so many more. Most likley it will be some combination where you draw near to the Lord and simply express your need. You can be confident that the Lord understands right where you're coming from and has mercy and grace sitting on ready. I find it interesting that we "receive mercy" and "find grace". We all understand mercy...God's compassion where we don't get what we deserve; we receive his mercy with grateful hearts! Unfortunately, many walk away from the throne at this point; they feel good, they've received God's mercy and they go out to conquer their need, crisis or situation on their own. Don't stop with just mercy, His throne is one of grace where we receive not only mercy but discover God's power and love to work in and through us in the midst of the crisis. So, what is this "grace to help in time of need"? It's simply God's favor, blessing, power, love and peace to uphold and empower you in the midst of the crisis...all wrapped up in the person of Jesus Christ.
Set Your Mind
When you come to the throne are you stoping at mercy or taking the next step to find grace? There are some who begin to understand grace but for some reason or another, reject it! It sounds too good to be true! It's too simple! What's the problem? Well, you can't earn grace...no amount of obedience will buy it or activate it in your life and that is counter to what the world teaches and many churches for that matter. The moment you mix grace with any works you just lost grace! Grace is all God and nothing of me. When you find grace, you're discovering His power, His love, His peace, His wisdom, His righteousness, His victory, His freedom and so much more...it's everything you already have "in Christ" but will take a lifetime to fully uncover! Don't believe the lie that "if it is to be it's up to me" or "me and God are a majority"...God doesn't need our help, He desires our surrender! Start now...the more you come to the throne of grace the more you discover about who Christ is and who you really are "in Him".
Live the Truth
Take some time to evaluate how you view God? Does God accept you and love you apart from any performace or action on your part? Is His love and approval conditional on your obedience? You will never find grace to help if you can not draw near to the throne of grace. Write down how you have viewed God in the past and then, read Romans 8:31-39 to discover how God sees you...does that change your opinion of God just a bit! Ask the Lord to reveal Himself to you. Realize that NOTHING can separate you from the love of God in Christ (Rom. 8:39) and come to the throne with confidence to receive mercy and find grace. If you find a list of things to do or perform to receive God's grace you're at the wrong throne! God's grace is wrapped up in the person of Jesus Christ...take time to discover and unwrap the riches that are yours "in Christ" and you will find "grace to help in time of need".
Eternal Life
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ready your Heart
Over the next four weeks our discussion will center around what we have "in Christ". Before we accepted Christ as Savior, our scripture for today says that we earned "death". Death was the payment for sin. What is this "death"? Defining death is similar to defining darkness. In the absence of light you have darkness, likewise, in the absence of life is death. You can not make darkness, you can only remove the light. In the same way God did not create death; death was a result of sin and separation from Life. I've heard it said many times that sinners need forgiveness...well, that's half right. A forgiven dead person is still dead...what we need is Life! When you and I accepted Christ as Savior, we received forgivness AND eternal life. Why is this important? We work so hard to find meaning and purpose in life; we struggle, strain and stress to protect so much of what we define as life...our reputation, status, position, power, career, ministry, and more. As believers, we have eternal Life...the struggle is over! The sad truth, however, is that many believers through their own efforts continue to pursue this never ending goal of discovering meaning, purpose and life not realizing what they already have "in Christ". Let me be the first to tell you, there is no amount of service, ministry, good works, etc. that will give you life...it is a "free gift" from God through Jesus Christ. Any sense of satisfaction you receive in your external pursuit for life, as good as it may be, is temporary at best. It's hard to improve on "eternal life"...life that never stops, never quits, doesn't get old or mundane, and in the truest sense of the word has no beginning and no end! Eternal life is NOT just a destination, it is a Person...the person of Jesus Christ. Eternal Life is IN Christ Jesus in fact, Jesus said in John 14:6 that He is "the way, the truth and the life". Jesus is OUR LIFE. Do we really believe we can find any more purpose or meaning outside of Jesus who made the heavens and the earth, knows our heart, numbers every hair and names every star in the heavens? It's interesting how Rom. 14:23b defines sin? "...whatever is not from faith is sin". If we are NOT operating out of faith and dependence on Christ as our Life, no matter what our life or works look like good or bad, we're operating in sin and death. Choose Life.
Set Your Mind
As one who has accepted Christ as Savior, are you searching for meaning, purpose and life? Your search and struggle is over! You found it or better, you found Him! Mediate on the truth of Rom. 6:23 and John 14:6...receive His Life as your life and let go of the substitutes. Of course, there's nothing wrong with serving, pursuing goals, or ministry but don't work those areas to gain life; minister, serve and work out of the fullness of His Life. Some counselors will use the term "secondary gain"...are you trying to gain something from your good works to fill up some empty place or are you giving out of your fullness in Christ. Meditate on the truth that His Life is your life; you are joined in union with Christ and He is your Life. You can rest from the "pursuit of happiness" and bask in His unspeakable joy; you can run and not be weary, you can walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31). It's amazing how much you can enjoy this life on earth once you cease your searching and striving and simply receive the Life you already have in Christ.
Live the Truth
Take time this week to identify how you attempt to get, protect or defend your life? Are you tired yet? How are you pursuing meaning and purpose in life? Is it fulfilling, is it lasting or do you have to continue the pursuit for the effects and sense of satisfaction to last? Some of your efforts may look very good and even spiritual but they are, by definition, YOUR efforts. We look for life and when we find some sense of satisfaction we vigorusly defend and protect it...I'm asking you to give it up and receive His eternal Life and purpose and meaning in Christ. Rest, work, give, enjoy in and through His Life, not in order to get life. As Luke 17:33 says “whoever seeks to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it" and Matt. 16:25 “for whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it".
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ready your Heart
Over the next four weeks our discussion will center around what we have "in Christ". Before we accepted Christ as Savior, our scripture for today says that we earned "death". Death was the payment for sin. What is this "death"? Defining death is similar to defining darkness. In the absence of light you have darkness, likewise, in the absence of life is death. You can not make darkness, you can only remove the light. In the same way God did not create death; death was a result of sin and separation from Life. I've heard it said many times that sinners need forgiveness...well, that's half right. A forgiven dead person is still dead...what we need is Life! When you and I accepted Christ as Savior, we received forgivness AND eternal life. Why is this important? We work so hard to find meaning and purpose in life; we struggle, strain and stress to protect so much of what we define as life...our reputation, status, position, power, career, ministry, and more. As believers, we have eternal Life...the struggle is over! The sad truth, however, is that many believers through their own efforts continue to pursue this never ending goal of discovering meaning, purpose and life not realizing what they already have "in Christ". Let me be the first to tell you, there is no amount of service, ministry, good works, etc. that will give you life...it is a "free gift" from God through Jesus Christ. Any sense of satisfaction you receive in your external pursuit for life, as good as it may be, is temporary at best. It's hard to improve on "eternal life"...life that never stops, never quits, doesn't get old or mundane, and in the truest sense of the word has no beginning and no end! Eternal life is NOT just a destination, it is a Person...the person of Jesus Christ. Eternal Life is IN Christ Jesus in fact, Jesus said in John 14:6 that He is "the way, the truth and the life". Jesus is OUR LIFE. Do we really believe we can find any more purpose or meaning outside of Jesus who made the heavens and the earth, knows our heart, numbers every hair and names every star in the heavens? It's interesting how Rom. 14:23b defines sin? "...whatever is not from faith is sin". If we are NOT operating out of faith and dependence on Christ as our Life, no matter what our life or works look like good or bad, we're operating in sin and death. Choose Life.
Set Your Mind
As one who has accepted Christ as Savior, are you searching for meaning, purpose and life? Your search and struggle is over! You found it or better, you found Him! Mediate on the truth of Rom. 6:23 and John 14:6...receive His Life as your life and let go of the substitutes. Of course, there's nothing wrong with serving, pursuing goals, or ministry but don't work those areas to gain life; minister, serve and work out of the fullness of His Life. Some counselors will use the term "secondary gain"...are you trying to gain something from your good works to fill up some empty place or are you giving out of your fullness in Christ. Meditate on the truth that His Life is your life; you are joined in union with Christ and He is your Life. You can rest from the "pursuit of happiness" and bask in His unspeakable joy; you can run and not be weary, you can walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31). It's amazing how much you can enjoy this life on earth once you cease your searching and striving and simply receive the Life you already have in Christ.
Live the Truth
Take time this week to identify how you attempt to get, protect or defend your life? Are you tired yet? How are you pursuing meaning and purpose in life? Is it fulfilling, is it lasting or do you have to continue the pursuit for the effects and sense of satisfaction to last? Some of your efforts may look very good and even spiritual but they are, by definition, YOUR efforts. We look for life and when we find some sense of satisfaction we vigorusly defend and protect it...I'm asking you to give it up and receive His eternal Life and purpose and meaning in Christ. Rest, work, give, enjoy in and through His Life, not in order to get life. As Luke 17:33 says “whoever seeks to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it" and Matt. 16:25 “for whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it".
No Condemnation
Romans 8:1
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Ready your Heart
Our enemy is so cunning...he entices, manipulates and lies leading us into sin and once we're there, heaps upon us the worst arrow he could throw...condemnation (it's a one-two punch). More than any other weapon in Satan's arsenal, condemnation debilitates the believer leaving them with a sense of hopelessness, unable to move forward and experience victory. Condemnation, by it's very definition, shifts the discussion to thoughts like "why/how could I do such a thing" or "what did I fail to do that caused me to fall" or "I'm no good and I'll never change". What a tactic? Do you see the subtlety? The focus is all on I, me, my action or inaction...brilliant! When was the failure or victory all about you or I? It's a trap! Sure, I made the choice but the failure is the power of sin that dwells in me (but is not me) and the victory we celebrate is found only "in Christ"...it's not about what I do or don't do! I believe our enemy allows us to experience a pseudo victory in our own strength where we are strutting about following principles and legalistic rules we believe protect and secure our victory until he's ready to knock us down (he gives us enough rope of legalistic principles to hang ourself)...at that point, the condemnation strategy is exponentially effective. Take hold of this truth..."there is now NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Wait, you don't know my past...NO condemnation. But you don't know what I just did?...NO condemnation. You're too easy on sin...NO condemnation. Jesus gave His life for our sin and took our condemnation...I would not call that easy on sin, I would call that the finished work of the cross. Since God does not condemn us, He's not impressed with our self-condemnation or self-loathing...in fact, it's almost like a slap in the face, like the cross wasn't enough. Most folks understand, to some degree, the idea of forgiveness but the fact that I am NOT condemned escapes so many. We must break the stronghold of condemnation and believe the truth...I am forgiven, loved, accepted and NOT condemned. The cross settled it all...you are now free to live as the new creation "in Christ" that God created when you first believed. When you fall, fail or screw-up, confess and agree with God regarding the failure and joyfully thank him for His forgiveness and acceptance provided at the cross. Jesus is not our accuser, He is our Redeemer...and it is finished. You are NOT condemned.
Set Your Mind
What's going on in your thinking? Is your head filled with thoughts around your failure, your worth or lack thereof, your incompetence, or any of a million other condemning thoughts? It is vital that you get hold of your thinking. Remember, Romans 8:1 is on the heels of Romans 7 where Paul described his own struggles and battle in his mind. His pen puts a stake in the ground with our verse for this week..."there is now no condemnation". Get your focus off of YOU and I and back onto Christ...His victory...His Life...His grace...His forgiveness...His love...His acceptance. The opposite of condemnation is not forgiveness, but rather justification and righteousness. There is now justification and righteousness for those who are in Christ Jesus...put your name in there and let that sink in this week (there is now righteousness for Vernon who is in Christ Jesus). Monitor your thinking and refuse any and all thoughts of condemnation...they are not from God.
Live the Truth
Take about 10 minutes sometime this week and record your inner most thoughts and beliefs about yourself...how do you see yourself? Any condemnation hanging around? If so, no wonder the enemy is having a field day...meditate on Romans 8:1 and ask God to reveal how it applies in your life. The accusations and condemnation can come from a variety of sources...yourself, old belief systems you grew up with, your spouse or family members, friends, coworkers, you name it. Don't receive those thoughts...shout the truth if you have to until you REALLY believe and accept it as true for you. This is not the power of positive thinking, it is the power of God's truth. In your worst failure, God says "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus". As Jesus told the woman caught in the midst of adultery in John 8:11, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.” This one truth, once received, will free you to live as the holy, righteous child God created you to be...and if you happen to fail yet again, well, I think you know what I'm going to say. That's right...no condemnation.
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Ready your Heart
Our enemy is so cunning...he entices, manipulates and lies leading us into sin and once we're there, heaps upon us the worst arrow he could throw...condemnation (it's a one-two punch). More than any other weapon in Satan's arsenal, condemnation debilitates the believer leaving them with a sense of hopelessness, unable to move forward and experience victory. Condemnation, by it's very definition, shifts the discussion to thoughts like "why/how could I do such a thing" or "what did I fail to do that caused me to fall" or "I'm no good and I'll never change". What a tactic? Do you see the subtlety? The focus is all on I, me, my action or inaction...brilliant! When was the failure or victory all about you or I? It's a trap! Sure, I made the choice but the failure is the power of sin that dwells in me (but is not me) and the victory we celebrate is found only "in Christ"...it's not about what I do or don't do! I believe our enemy allows us to experience a pseudo victory in our own strength where we are strutting about following principles and legalistic rules we believe protect and secure our victory until he's ready to knock us down (he gives us enough rope of legalistic principles to hang ourself)...at that point, the condemnation strategy is exponentially effective. Take hold of this truth..."there is now NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Wait, you don't know my past...NO condemnation. But you don't know what I just did?...NO condemnation. You're too easy on sin...NO condemnation. Jesus gave His life for our sin and took our condemnation...I would not call that easy on sin, I would call that the finished work of the cross. Since God does not condemn us, He's not impressed with our self-condemnation or self-loathing...in fact, it's almost like a slap in the face, like the cross wasn't enough. Most folks understand, to some degree, the idea of forgiveness but the fact that I am NOT condemned escapes so many. We must break the stronghold of condemnation and believe the truth...I am forgiven, loved, accepted and NOT condemned. The cross settled it all...you are now free to live as the new creation "in Christ" that God created when you first believed. When you fall, fail or screw-up, confess and agree with God regarding the failure and joyfully thank him for His forgiveness and acceptance provided at the cross. Jesus is not our accuser, He is our Redeemer...and it is finished. You are NOT condemned.
Set Your Mind
What's going on in your thinking? Is your head filled with thoughts around your failure, your worth or lack thereof, your incompetence, or any of a million other condemning thoughts? It is vital that you get hold of your thinking. Remember, Romans 8:1 is on the heels of Romans 7 where Paul described his own struggles and battle in his mind. His pen puts a stake in the ground with our verse for this week..."there is now no condemnation". Get your focus off of YOU and I and back onto Christ...His victory...His Life...His grace...His forgiveness...His love...His acceptance. The opposite of condemnation is not forgiveness, but rather justification and righteousness. There is now justification and righteousness for those who are in Christ Jesus...put your name in there and let that sink in this week (there is now righteousness for Vernon who is in Christ Jesus). Monitor your thinking and refuse any and all thoughts of condemnation...they are not from God.
Live the Truth
Take about 10 minutes sometime this week and record your inner most thoughts and beliefs about yourself...how do you see yourself? Any condemnation hanging around? If so, no wonder the enemy is having a field day...meditate on Romans 8:1 and ask God to reveal how it applies in your life. The accusations and condemnation can come from a variety of sources...yourself, old belief systems you grew up with, your spouse or family members, friends, coworkers, you name it. Don't receive those thoughts...shout the truth if you have to until you REALLY believe and accept it as true for you. This is not the power of positive thinking, it is the power of God's truth. In your worst failure, God says "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus". As Jesus told the woman caught in the midst of adultery in John 8:11, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.” This one truth, once received, will free you to live as the holy, righteous child God created you to be...and if you happen to fail yet again, well, I think you know what I'm going to say. That's right...no condemnation.
His doing
1 Corinthians 1:30
But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption.
Ready your Heart
Let's give credit where credit is due...you and I did not "will" or "believe" ourselves into Christ. We responded in faith to the message of the gospel and God took action! It was "by His doing [we] are in Christ Jesus." Guess what...living the Christian life is no different, it is "by His doing" and not our striving. Sometimes we forget that fact. We often get caught up with this idea of "doing". We ask pseudo-spiritual questions like "what have you done for God lately?" or look inward and ask "what must I do to overcome this problem or sin". "Doing" is not the answer, in fact, it's part of the problem. "Doing" does not set you free, "the truth will set you free" [John 8:32]. We live in such a "doing" culture and in so many cases we've forgotten how to receive. Look at the passage for this week and the surrounding verses..."by His doing [we] are in Christ"; Christ became our wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. The sad news is that many of us are trying to make it through this life trusting our own wisdom or looking to modify our behavior to become more righteous to God...we struggle and strive to become what God has already done "by His doing". Are you tired yet? Perhaps you're working on your sanctification setting up Biblical principles to live by...well, what will it be "your doing" or "His doing"? It could be you've blown it bad in a relationship or a particular failure has your Christian experience and/or testimony in ruins...what do you do? Well, let's try a different question...what do you believe? Our passage today tells us that Christ is our "redemption"...do you really believe that truth? He is our redemption...get a hold of that one. He is your redemption right now for whatever circumstance you face today. Remember, our redemption came only through the cross and that's where you must travel in your experience to realize His redemption in your circumstances. Are you willing to go to the cross and die to your own way or are you still trying to make life work, overcome sin, get free or more in your own strength perhaps with a few Bible verses mixed in for good measure. As counter culture this idea may sound, learn to simply by faith receive His grace...His wisdom, His righteousness, His sanctification and His redemption. Our doing and our way will never match nor even come close to the miracle of His doing in our life...take a risk and a rest and receive what He has already done in you and soon you'll be amazed what He can do and accomplish through you.
Set Your Mind
What a subtle deception we often fall prey to in our daily walk with Christ...what am I doing for Christ today. We focus on activity or method or rules or anything that I can control to make life work. Well there's a big issue...control. Most of us want to feel in control of our lives...our destiny. Although we wouldn't admit it too loudly, it gives us something to boast about when I can testify to what I did for God or my career or my financial situation. It's interesting in these verses that God chooses the weak and the foolish "so that no man may boast before God" [1 Corinthians 1:26-29]. It's time to adjust our thinking. Set your mind on the truth that "by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption". Letting go of our old "doing" mindset means I lose control and trust Christ for the "doing" and that's not easy. How do I get to that point? Well, more often than not it comes through painful trials, tribulations and circumstances (we can be hard headed at times can't we)...some call it brokenness. In fact, it may look foolish or weak and that's exactly where God wants us because when we are weak, He is strong! Allow God to renew your thinking around "His doing" and avoid the performance trap of trying to achieve what can only be received by His grace.
Live the Truth
Answer a few questions...what are you trying to achieve right now? Is that goal possibly driven by a need for more security or sense of satisfaction or significance and personal value? It may be time to step back a minute...is this "your doing" to meet a need God has already satisfied "in Christ"? Are you looking to "overcome" in a particular area yet never seem to find lasting victory? Perhaps it's been "your doing" and not "His doing". At the moment of our belief in Christ, God completes an incredible transaction placing us "in Christ" where our old self is crucified and a new self is raised up with Christ. The process is the same for our experience but often takes a little longer...the Lord allows us to come to the end of our resources taking us to the cross in our experience where we finally let go and die to our own ways of overcoming in life or making life work. It's at that point where we begin to experience His resurrection power in and through our life...it becomes "His doing" working in and through us for His glory.
But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption.
Ready your Heart
Let's give credit where credit is due...you and I did not "will" or "believe" ourselves into Christ. We responded in faith to the message of the gospel and God took action! It was "by His doing [we] are in Christ Jesus." Guess what...living the Christian life is no different, it is "by His doing" and not our striving. Sometimes we forget that fact. We often get caught up with this idea of "doing". We ask pseudo-spiritual questions like "what have you done for God lately?" or look inward and ask "what must I do to overcome this problem or sin". "Doing" is not the answer, in fact, it's part of the problem. "Doing" does not set you free, "the truth will set you free" [John 8:32]. We live in such a "doing" culture and in so many cases we've forgotten how to receive. Look at the passage for this week and the surrounding verses..."by His doing [we] are in Christ"; Christ became our wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. The sad news is that many of us are trying to make it through this life trusting our own wisdom or looking to modify our behavior to become more righteous to God...we struggle and strive to become what God has already done "by His doing". Are you tired yet? Perhaps you're working on your sanctification setting up Biblical principles to live by...well, what will it be "your doing" or "His doing"? It could be you've blown it bad in a relationship or a particular failure has your Christian experience and/or testimony in ruins...what do you do? Well, let's try a different question...what do you believe? Our passage today tells us that Christ is our "redemption"...do you really believe that truth? He is our redemption...get a hold of that one. He is your redemption right now for whatever circumstance you face today. Remember, our redemption came only through the cross and that's where you must travel in your experience to realize His redemption in your circumstances. Are you willing to go to the cross and die to your own way or are you still trying to make life work, overcome sin, get free or more in your own strength perhaps with a few Bible verses mixed in for good measure. As counter culture this idea may sound, learn to simply by faith receive His grace...His wisdom, His righteousness, His sanctification and His redemption. Our doing and our way will never match nor even come close to the miracle of His doing in our life...take a risk and a rest and receive what He has already done in you and soon you'll be amazed what He can do and accomplish through you.
Set Your Mind
What a subtle deception we often fall prey to in our daily walk with Christ...what am I doing for Christ today. We focus on activity or method or rules or anything that I can control to make life work. Well there's a big issue...control. Most of us want to feel in control of our lives...our destiny. Although we wouldn't admit it too loudly, it gives us something to boast about when I can testify to what I did for God or my career or my financial situation. It's interesting in these verses that God chooses the weak and the foolish "so that no man may boast before God" [1 Corinthians 1:26-29]. It's time to adjust our thinking. Set your mind on the truth that "by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption". Letting go of our old "doing" mindset means I lose control and trust Christ for the "doing" and that's not easy. How do I get to that point? Well, more often than not it comes through painful trials, tribulations and circumstances (we can be hard headed at times can't we)...some call it brokenness. In fact, it may look foolish or weak and that's exactly where God wants us because when we are weak, He is strong! Allow God to renew your thinking around "His doing" and avoid the performance trap of trying to achieve what can only be received by His grace.
Live the Truth
Answer a few questions...what are you trying to achieve right now? Is that goal possibly driven by a need for more security or sense of satisfaction or significance and personal value? It may be time to step back a minute...is this "your doing" to meet a need God has already satisfied "in Christ"? Are you looking to "overcome" in a particular area yet never seem to find lasting victory? Perhaps it's been "your doing" and not "His doing". At the moment of our belief in Christ, God completes an incredible transaction placing us "in Christ" where our old self is crucified and a new self is raised up with Christ. The process is the same for our experience but often takes a little longer...the Lord allows us to come to the end of our resources taking us to the cross in our experience where we finally let go and die to our own ways of overcoming in life or making life work. It's at that point where we begin to experience His resurrection power in and through our life...it becomes "His doing" working in and through us for His glory.
Always led in triumph
2 Corinthians 2:14
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.
Ready your Heart
Is victory a normal part of your Christian experience? Are you experiencing God's freedom and grace in your personal life and relationships? I know for so many years I struggled to "achieve" victory and worked hard to grab a piece of the overcoming life. It took many years to let go of my own way and trust Christ as my victory (even after understanding some of God's truth regarding my true identity in Christ). 2 Corinthians 2:14 reminds us that God "always leads us in triumph in Christ". Our victory is only "in Christ" and in Him, we are ALWAYS led in triumph. What is this triumph? Webster describes this particular word in Roman antiquity as a magnificent and imposing ceremonial performed in honor of a general who had gained a decisive victory over a foreign enemy. The general was allowed to enter the city crowned with a wreath of laurel, bearing a scepter in one hand, and a branch of laurel in the other, riding in a circular chariot, of a peculiar form, drawn by four horses. He was preceded by the senate and magistrates, musicians, the spoils, the captives in fetters, etc., and followed by his army on foot in marching order. The procession advanced in this manner to the Capitoline Hill, where sacrifices were offered, and victorious commander entertained with a public feast
As we understand the truth that our victory has been secured in Christ, we will stop trying to achieve it and simply walk in the victory and triumph in Him. It is finished...the battle is won. But wait...why am I failing in so many areas? Well, often times we don't believe and accept the fact that the battle is won. Our enemy, although defeated, deceives us into believing the war is raging and he's the favorite and we fall for that lie time after time! He reminds us of our failures and cunningly misdirects us away from the victory parade "in Christ". Don't be naive...Satan will use every angle of deceit and half-truths to pollute your thinking and belief system away from the simplicity that is Christ. As Paul told the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians 11:3, "I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ". Do not accept the lies of the enemy. You have overcome "in Christ"...stop trying to "make it happen", it is finished. No need to build a fortress of Biblical principles to keep you from falling...Christ is our strong tower and defense. As you and I learn to rest in our Savior and His overcoming Life, the "sweet aroma" of Christ, our knowledge of Him and His grace manifests through us and trust me, people will see the difference.
Set Your Mind
Our mindset is so often on ourselves..."how can I" or "what must I" or "tell me what to do"! It's natural to think that way which is why the Lord constantly reminds us to renew our minds. We need to get out of the natural and jump into the supernatural. Check your thinking. What do you hear in your thoughts. Are you constantly wondering "what must I do" or "why do I fail" or "here's what I'm gonna do next"? Remember what Paul said in Romans 8:6, "For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace". Get your focus off of your way (or flesh) and focus on Christ and His way ("[His] yoke is easy and [His] burden is light" Matt. 11:30). Take some time to meditate on the truth of the FINISHED work of Christ. Receive the truth that you are free, victorious and complete "in Christ". Your actions and emotions may not align with the truth at this point, but it doesn't make the truth any less true; our experience is simply a reflection of what we believe.
Live the Truth
Have you every watched someone trying to play a sport...they focus on how they hold the racket or club, is their elbow straight, what about their court position??...you can see them straining to remember everything to do. Now watch a pro...what a difference, every move seems to flow effortlessly. It's the same way with christians. Some are striving and straining to live a victorious christian life while others seem to gracefully live in victory. Where are you? Are you straining to live and overcome by watching every move you make or allowing the "Master" and His life to effortlessly flow through you. When you're tempted, worried, tired, distraught or just dealing with the every day stresses of life, rest in the truth of His victory and march confidently in His triumph over the enemy. It is no longer I, but Christ...!
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.
Ready your Heart
Is victory a normal part of your Christian experience? Are you experiencing God's freedom and grace in your personal life and relationships? I know for so many years I struggled to "achieve" victory and worked hard to grab a piece of the overcoming life. It took many years to let go of my own way and trust Christ as my victory (even after understanding some of God's truth regarding my true identity in Christ). 2 Corinthians 2:14 reminds us that God "always leads us in triumph in Christ". Our victory is only "in Christ" and in Him, we are ALWAYS led in triumph. What is this triumph? Webster describes this particular word in Roman antiquity as a magnificent and imposing ceremonial performed in honor of a general who had gained a decisive victory over a foreign enemy. The general was allowed to enter the city crowned with a wreath of laurel, bearing a scepter in one hand, and a branch of laurel in the other, riding in a circular chariot, of a peculiar form, drawn by four horses. He was preceded by the senate and magistrates, musicians, the spoils, the captives in fetters, etc., and followed by his army on foot in marching order. The procession advanced in this manner to the Capitoline Hill, where sacrifices were offered, and victorious commander entertained with a public feast
As we understand the truth that our victory has been secured in Christ, we will stop trying to achieve it and simply walk in the victory and triumph in Him. It is finished...the battle is won. But wait...why am I failing in so many areas? Well, often times we don't believe and accept the fact that the battle is won. Our enemy, although defeated, deceives us into believing the war is raging and he's the favorite and we fall for that lie time after time! He reminds us of our failures and cunningly misdirects us away from the victory parade "in Christ". Don't be naive...Satan will use every angle of deceit and half-truths to pollute your thinking and belief system away from the simplicity that is Christ. As Paul told the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians 11:3, "I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ". Do not accept the lies of the enemy. You have overcome "in Christ"...stop trying to "make it happen", it is finished. No need to build a fortress of Biblical principles to keep you from falling...Christ is our strong tower and defense. As you and I learn to rest in our Savior and His overcoming Life, the "sweet aroma" of Christ, our knowledge of Him and His grace manifests through us and trust me, people will see the difference.
Set Your Mind
Our mindset is so often on ourselves..."how can I" or "what must I" or "tell me what to do"! It's natural to think that way which is why the Lord constantly reminds us to renew our minds. We need to get out of the natural and jump into the supernatural. Check your thinking. What do you hear in your thoughts. Are you constantly wondering "what must I do" or "why do I fail" or "here's what I'm gonna do next"? Remember what Paul said in Romans 8:6, "For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace". Get your focus off of your way (or flesh) and focus on Christ and His way ("[His] yoke is easy and [His] burden is light" Matt. 11:30). Take some time to meditate on the truth of the FINISHED work of Christ. Receive the truth that you are free, victorious and complete "in Christ". Your actions and emotions may not align with the truth at this point, but it doesn't make the truth any less true; our experience is simply a reflection of what we believe.
Live the Truth
Have you every watched someone trying to play a sport...they focus on how they hold the racket or club, is their elbow straight, what about their court position??...you can see them straining to remember everything to do. Now watch a pro...what a difference, every move seems to flow effortlessly. It's the same way with christians. Some are striving and straining to live a victorious christian life while others seem to gracefully live in victory. Where are you? Are you straining to live and overcome by watching every move you make or allowing the "Master" and His life to effortlessly flow through you. When you're tempted, worried, tired, distraught or just dealing with the every day stresses of life, rest in the truth of His victory and march confidently in His triumph over the enemy. It is no longer I, but Christ...!
By His grace, for His glory
Ephesians 1:6, 12
to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. ...to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.
Ready your Heart
Have you ever asked the question, “what is my purpose? Why am I here? What's this life all about?” I know I've pondered those questions many times. Ephesians 1 gives a peak inside the big picture of God's purpose. After giving a bit of context of where we fit in and God's awesome grace in adopting us into the family, verse 6 tells us that this whole process is “to the praise of the glory of His grace”; Paul continues in verse 12 that the ultimate goal is for us to be “to the praise of His glory”. So, how can I be to the praise of His glory? What do I have to do? Well, wrong question. You already are “to the praise of His glory” by virtue of being “in Christ”...you don't have to do anything. In fact, you probably need to stop trying so hard to discover your purpose and simply live it! If you want to experience and realize your purpose in this life, simply reflect His grace for His glory. OK...how? Well, as we surrender our way of handling life, meeting our needs, “working” our relationships and more to the living Christ in us, we experience the power of His grace. Remember, it's not so much what you accomplish, what ministry you build, how much money you make but rather, are you living “to the praise of the glory of His grace”. Is it all about you...your efforts, your achievements or all about God THROUGH you working His will however big or small. We get so caught up in asking the question what does God want me to do with my life that we forget to ask God to simply work through my life right now! I believe God is far more interested in working through you at this very moment than telling you what lies in store down the road. Nothing wrong with making plans or setting goals, but understand that your ultimate purpose does not lie in what you hope to achieve. Trusting the living Christ as your very life in all you do, say and achieve will sound out to the heavens “praise to the glory of His grace” freely given to those “in Christ”.
Set Your Mind
As a believer in Christ, you are already right in the middle of His purpose. Christ IS the purpose, “that is, the summing up of all things in Christ [Eph 1:10]”. Examine your thinking around the idea of purpose...are you constantly thinking about YOUR purpose in life? If so, perhaps it's time to take the focus off of YOU. You nor I are the center of all things! If God's purpose is “His glory” and “His grace” summed up “in Christ”, why struggle and search for something more? Could there be any greater purpose than Christ? Realize your purpose by resting in His grace. Every moment you trust Christ to express His Life through your word or deeds, you are living “to the praise of the glory of His grace” and experiencing Christ.
Live the Truth
Are you caught up in “discovering” your purpose? Is the discovery process paralyzing your walk in Christ? Maybe you lost your focus a bit not understanding where you fit in? I hope this week you realize that your purpose is wrapped up “in Christ". Tell the Lord that by faith you are surrendering your idea of purpose to His purpose, “that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.” Ask the Lord to express His very Life through your relationships, career, goal-setting, activities and anything else you may be “doing”. It is no accident you are where you are today...live and fulfill your purpose right now, right here by God's grace.
to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. ...to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.
Ready your Heart
Have you ever asked the question, “what is my purpose? Why am I here? What's this life all about?” I know I've pondered those questions many times. Ephesians 1 gives a peak inside the big picture of God's purpose. After giving a bit of context of where we fit in and God's awesome grace in adopting us into the family, verse 6 tells us that this whole process is “to the praise of the glory of His grace”; Paul continues in verse 12 that the ultimate goal is for us to be “to the praise of His glory”. So, how can I be to the praise of His glory? What do I have to do? Well, wrong question. You already are “to the praise of His glory” by virtue of being “in Christ”...you don't have to do anything. In fact, you probably need to stop trying so hard to discover your purpose and simply live it! If you want to experience and realize your purpose in this life, simply reflect His grace for His glory. OK...how? Well, as we surrender our way of handling life, meeting our needs, “working” our relationships and more to the living Christ in us, we experience the power of His grace. Remember, it's not so much what you accomplish, what ministry you build, how much money you make but rather, are you living “to the praise of the glory of His grace”. Is it all about you...your efforts, your achievements or all about God THROUGH you working His will however big or small. We get so caught up in asking the question what does God want me to do with my life that we forget to ask God to simply work through my life right now! I believe God is far more interested in working through you at this very moment than telling you what lies in store down the road. Nothing wrong with making plans or setting goals, but understand that your ultimate purpose does not lie in what you hope to achieve. Trusting the living Christ as your very life in all you do, say and achieve will sound out to the heavens “praise to the glory of His grace” freely given to those “in Christ”.
Set Your Mind
As a believer in Christ, you are already right in the middle of His purpose. Christ IS the purpose, “that is, the summing up of all things in Christ [Eph 1:10]”. Examine your thinking around the idea of purpose...are you constantly thinking about YOUR purpose in life? If so, perhaps it's time to take the focus off of YOU. You nor I are the center of all things! If God's purpose is “His glory” and “His grace” summed up “in Christ”, why struggle and search for something more? Could there be any greater purpose than Christ? Realize your purpose by resting in His grace. Every moment you trust Christ to express His Life through your word or deeds, you are living “to the praise of the glory of His grace” and experiencing Christ.
Live the Truth
Are you caught up in “discovering” your purpose? Is the discovery process paralyzing your walk in Christ? Maybe you lost your focus a bit not understanding where you fit in? I hope this week you realize that your purpose is wrapped up “in Christ". Tell the Lord that by faith you are surrendering your idea of purpose to His purpose, “that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.” Ask the Lord to express His very Life through your relationships, career, goal-setting, activities and anything else you may be “doing”. It is no accident you are where you are today...live and fulfill your purpose right now, right here by God's grace.
Fulfill your purpose
Acts 13:36
“For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep, and was laid among his fathers and underwent decay;”
Ready your Heart
I love the scripture for this week; it's almost like a passing comment in the midst of a grander thought around “the Christ” but yet is so insightful. Here we have King David, the very same one known by his great battle with Goliath years earlier (as well as many others) and further recognized for the many Psalms he wrote...he was, in fact, “a man after God's own heart”! Well, no wonder the scripture says here that he “served [or fulfilled] the purpose of God” after all his accomplishments, right? Often we think the great leaders are the one's fulfilling God's purpose, not us regular guys or gals. I believe God singled out David with this statement not because of his great achievements, but rather he loved and trusted his God. The scripture tells us that David not only accomplished great things, he also disobeyed God, committed adultry, murder and tried to cover it up. Of course, David confessed and came clean but not without consequences. Does this sound familiar? Perhaps you have messed up and wonder how you could ever fulfill God's will. Guess what...David fulfilled and “served the purpose of God” even with all that baggage. Your heavenly Father is not looking for a sinless servant (Jesus Christ took that responsibility) but rather a man or woman surrended to Him, just like David. Remember, at one point in David's life he was hiding in caves with not much of anything to his name...are you in that place? Another time he was facing an impossible situation against impossible odds (Goliath) that could cost him his life?...perhaps you can relate? At other times David was living like a king, well, he was the king!...maybe you're in this place. My point is that the “place” is irrelevant. Where is your heart? Your purpose is summed up “in Christ”...it's His purpose working through us for His will. If David, with all his ups and downs can “serve the purpose of God”, you and I can do the same.
Set Your Mind
I did not spend much time on the last part of that verse...“and was laid among his fathers and underwent decay”. I'm for exercise and balanced meals but the end result is the same for all of us (although exercise and balanced meals can ease the burden many times). Those who find purpose and fulfillment in and through themselves will not fulfill God's purpose...their accomplishments like their body will simply wither and decay. Fulfilling our purpose is not found in ourself or our accomplishments but in a submissive heart to God like David. Christ in you IS the ultimate purpose...allow Him to express His life through you in every activity big or small and that, my friend, is “serving the purpose of God”.
Live the Truth
What place are you in today? A good place? A scary place? An uncertain or lost place? Whatever place you are in, you can fulfill your purpose right now. Surrender this place and time in your life to God. Ask Him to work His will through you in this place. He may direct you out of this place post haste or may strengthen you by His grace to remain and simply find joy in Him. Your life is wide open to do and accomplish so many things, so you need not fret over the question of purpose, it's a devilish ploy to get you off track. Stay focused on Christ and His Life working in you, in this place, in each and every activity you choose to perform.
“For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep, and was laid among his fathers and underwent decay;”
Ready your Heart
I love the scripture for this week; it's almost like a passing comment in the midst of a grander thought around “the Christ” but yet is so insightful. Here we have King David, the very same one known by his great battle with Goliath years earlier (as well as many others) and further recognized for the many Psalms he wrote...he was, in fact, “a man after God's own heart”! Well, no wonder the scripture says here that he “served [or fulfilled] the purpose of God” after all his accomplishments, right? Often we think the great leaders are the one's fulfilling God's purpose, not us regular guys or gals. I believe God singled out David with this statement not because of his great achievements, but rather he loved and trusted his God. The scripture tells us that David not only accomplished great things, he also disobeyed God, committed adultry, murder and tried to cover it up. Of course, David confessed and came clean but not without consequences. Does this sound familiar? Perhaps you have messed up and wonder how you could ever fulfill God's will. Guess what...David fulfilled and “served the purpose of God” even with all that baggage. Your heavenly Father is not looking for a sinless servant (Jesus Christ took that responsibility) but rather a man or woman surrended to Him, just like David. Remember, at one point in David's life he was hiding in caves with not much of anything to his name...are you in that place? Another time he was facing an impossible situation against impossible odds (Goliath) that could cost him his life?...perhaps you can relate? At other times David was living like a king, well, he was the king!...maybe you're in this place. My point is that the “place” is irrelevant. Where is your heart? Your purpose is summed up “in Christ”...it's His purpose working through us for His will. If David, with all his ups and downs can “serve the purpose of God”, you and I can do the same.
Set Your Mind
I did not spend much time on the last part of that verse...“and was laid among his fathers and underwent decay”. I'm for exercise and balanced meals but the end result is the same for all of us (although exercise and balanced meals can ease the burden many times). Those who find purpose and fulfillment in and through themselves will not fulfill God's purpose...their accomplishments like their body will simply wither and decay. Fulfilling our purpose is not found in ourself or our accomplishments but in a submissive heart to God like David. Christ in you IS the ultimate purpose...allow Him to express His life through you in every activity big or small and that, my friend, is “serving the purpose of God”.
Live the Truth
What place are you in today? A good place? A scary place? An uncertain or lost place? Whatever place you are in, you can fulfill your purpose right now. Surrender this place and time in your life to God. Ask Him to work His will through you in this place. He may direct you out of this place post haste or may strengthen you by His grace to remain and simply find joy in Him. Your life is wide open to do and accomplish so many things, so you need not fret over the question of purpose, it's a devilish ploy to get you off track. Stay focused on Christ and His Life working in you, in this place, in each and every activity you choose to perform.
Conformed to His image
Romans 8:28-29
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;
Ready your Heart
As we have said before, our attention often times is directed so much on discovering MY PURPOSE (with ME in the middle) that we miss HIS PURPOSE altogether. We are “called according to His purpose”. What is His purpose? He explains it a variety of ways throughout scripture but here describes that we are to “be conformed to the image of His Son”. Now, here's what that does not mean! It does not mean we our called to imitate the behaviors of Jesus. It does not mean we are to mimic his physical appearance (not that we're really sure what that would look like). I believe it is best described in Phil 2:5-8, where we are encouraged to have the same mind or attitude as Christ where he “emptied Himself” ...“humbled Himself”...was “obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross”. It's time we focus on His purpose which typically leads us down the road to the cross, where we are broken and die to our own way, our own purpose and everthing we used to call “life”. God will fulfill His purpose with or with out our help; our opportunity is to surrender our purpose and exchange it for His purpose. So often we yearn to know our part of the story...where do we fit in. David, before he was king and in fact, quite young was told a major part he would play in God's plan. It was years before that part of the plan was realized yet David did NOT try and “make it happen” or “realize his purpose”, he simply trusted God and surrendered his way, his plan and his timing to the Lord. Unfortunately, we rarely get a “heads-up” on our future part in God's kingdom but perhaps that's a blessing.
Set Your Mind
Once we understand “that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” it becomes a bit easier to “let go” of our own agendas. The “good” in this passage does not necessarily mean a life absent of pain; it is the expression of God fulfilling His purpose in us...the conforming work of God where He causes “all things” in our life to “work together” for His purpose. Turn your thoughts and attention to “His purpose”; let your mind dwell on “conforming to His image”. Don't try and force it or make it or perform it...simply live it by allowing Christ to have his way and work His will in and through your life.
Live the Truth
This week, meditiate on Rom. 8:28-29 as well as Phil. 2:5-8. Ask the Lord to reveal and clarify His purpose to you. Take a moment to write down your high level agendas, purpose, aspirations, desires, etc. Don't throw them away, simply give them to the Lord and ask Him to throw away the ones that don't fit. Pursue your desires, unless God through His word or in your heart is leading elsewhere. The key here is to “let go” of fulfilling them...the journey in faith is more important than realizing your goal. If God want's the goal accomplished, you can not stop it; your overarching goal in each endeavor is to realize God's purpose in you along the way, a surrendered heart trusting Christ as your source and strength. What you accomplish along the way is icing on the cake.
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;
Ready your Heart
As we have said before, our attention often times is directed so much on discovering MY PURPOSE (with ME in the middle) that we miss HIS PURPOSE altogether. We are “called according to His purpose”. What is His purpose? He explains it a variety of ways throughout scripture but here describes that we are to “be conformed to the image of His Son”. Now, here's what that does not mean! It does not mean we our called to imitate the behaviors of Jesus. It does not mean we are to mimic his physical appearance (not that we're really sure what that would look like). I believe it is best described in Phil 2:5-8, where we are encouraged to have the same mind or attitude as Christ where he “emptied Himself” ...“humbled Himself”...was “obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross”. It's time we focus on His purpose which typically leads us down the road to the cross, where we are broken and die to our own way, our own purpose and everthing we used to call “life”. God will fulfill His purpose with or with out our help; our opportunity is to surrender our purpose and exchange it for His purpose. So often we yearn to know our part of the story...where do we fit in. David, before he was king and in fact, quite young was told a major part he would play in God's plan. It was years before that part of the plan was realized yet David did NOT try and “make it happen” or “realize his purpose”, he simply trusted God and surrendered his way, his plan and his timing to the Lord. Unfortunately, we rarely get a “heads-up” on our future part in God's kingdom but perhaps that's a blessing.
Set Your Mind
Once we understand “that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” it becomes a bit easier to “let go” of our own agendas. The “good” in this passage does not necessarily mean a life absent of pain; it is the expression of God fulfilling His purpose in us...the conforming work of God where He causes “all things” in our life to “work together” for His purpose. Turn your thoughts and attention to “His purpose”; let your mind dwell on “conforming to His image”. Don't try and force it or make it or perform it...simply live it by allowing Christ to have his way and work His will in and through your life.
Live the Truth
This week, meditiate on Rom. 8:28-29 as well as Phil. 2:5-8. Ask the Lord to reveal and clarify His purpose to you. Take a moment to write down your high level agendas, purpose, aspirations, desires, etc. Don't throw them away, simply give them to the Lord and ask Him to throw away the ones that don't fit. Pursue your desires, unless God through His word or in your heart is leading elsewhere. The key here is to “let go” of fulfilling them...the journey in faith is more important than realizing your goal. If God want's the goal accomplished, you can not stop it; your overarching goal in each endeavor is to realize God's purpose in you along the way, a surrendered heart trusting Christ as your source and strength. What you accomplish along the way is icing on the cake.
Eternal purpose
Ephesians 3:10-12
so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.
Ready your Heart
Is our life “in accordance with the eternal purpose” of God? Paul is explaining to the church at Ephesus that the Gentiles (non-Jews) are included in God's plan of redemption and that by God's grace he has been given the awesome opportunity to participate in the process. All of this was in accordance with the eternal purpose of God “which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord”. As we have mentiond the last few weeks, God's eternal purpose is summed up “in Christ”; that's why Paul prayed in Eph. 3:14-21 for the believers to be “strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man” and “to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.” Christ is the eternal purpose of God and we are “in Christ” and therefore right in the middle of His purpose. Our goal is to know Christ and understand His love for us as He works His will through our lives. As Paul prayed, God is “able to do” so much more than we could even imagine and those accomplishments are through Christ in us and not in our own strength. For my life to be aligned with the eternal purpose of God, I must abandon my concept of purpose and surrender to God's eternal purpose “in Christ”. In doing so, we have exchanged trusting our feeble resources for His abundant grace and realize that we have unhindered “boldness and confident access through faith in Him”.
Set Your Mind
What a concept! As a believer in Christ, you are right in the middle of God's will and purpose...don't think otherwise. Now, that's not to say that God's thrilled with every activity you're involved in but He is thrilled with you. Why? You are “in Christ”...you're His child and He loves you, period. For you to experience His freedom and grace you must align your purpose with His purpose, which is simply “Christ in you, the hope of Glory”. The scripture says it in so many ways but bottom line, you are created to be in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ and share His love with others. Of course, you might do that in and through a number of activities but never outside of a heart that's surrendered to God, trusting for His grace and power to manifest Christ through your life.
Live the Truth
Do you understand your purpose? Just remember that it centers “in Christ” ...His glory, His grace, His Life. Purpose is a foundational concept; it impacts, shapes, touches every aspect of our life and guides our vision, mission, and even our goals and objectives. Aligning with God's eternal purpose isn't so much answering the “what” question but rather the “how” question. How? Love and trust Christ in you to work and live through you as you accomplish your goals and objectives. He may change your goals or redirect your activities but His purpose remains the same. 1 John 3:8 says “the Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.” You fulfill and align with His pupose every moment you allow Christ to express His very Life through you. If Christ is not expressing His life through you, what or who's left to do so?
so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.
Ready your Heart
Is our life “in accordance with the eternal purpose” of God? Paul is explaining to the church at Ephesus that the Gentiles (non-Jews) are included in God's plan of redemption and that by God's grace he has been given the awesome opportunity to participate in the process. All of this was in accordance with the eternal purpose of God “which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord”. As we have mentiond the last few weeks, God's eternal purpose is summed up “in Christ”; that's why Paul prayed in Eph. 3:14-21 for the believers to be “strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man” and “to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.” Christ is the eternal purpose of God and we are “in Christ” and therefore right in the middle of His purpose. Our goal is to know Christ and understand His love for us as He works His will through our lives. As Paul prayed, God is “able to do” so much more than we could even imagine and those accomplishments are through Christ in us and not in our own strength. For my life to be aligned with the eternal purpose of God, I must abandon my concept of purpose and surrender to God's eternal purpose “in Christ”. In doing so, we have exchanged trusting our feeble resources for His abundant grace and realize that we have unhindered “boldness and confident access through faith in Him”.
Set Your Mind
What a concept! As a believer in Christ, you are right in the middle of God's will and purpose...don't think otherwise. Now, that's not to say that God's thrilled with every activity you're involved in but He is thrilled with you. Why? You are “in Christ”...you're His child and He loves you, period. For you to experience His freedom and grace you must align your purpose with His purpose, which is simply “Christ in you, the hope of Glory”. The scripture says it in so many ways but bottom line, you are created to be in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ and share His love with others. Of course, you might do that in and through a number of activities but never outside of a heart that's surrendered to God, trusting for His grace and power to manifest Christ through your life.
Live the Truth
Do you understand your purpose? Just remember that it centers “in Christ” ...His glory, His grace, His Life. Purpose is a foundational concept; it impacts, shapes, touches every aspect of our life and guides our vision, mission, and even our goals and objectives. Aligning with God's eternal purpose isn't so much answering the “what” question but rather the “how” question. How? Love and trust Christ in you to work and live through you as you accomplish your goals and objectives. He may change your goals or redirect your activities but His purpose remains the same. 1 John 3:8 says “the Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.” You fulfill and align with His pupose every moment you allow Christ to express His very Life through you. If Christ is not expressing His life through you, what or who's left to do so?
