Some say we are human, therefore we sin. Not good since God created humans in his image as his Eikons (Greek word for image is transliterated, eikon). But as fallen humans, yes we do sin.
I know Christians who are sorry about their sins, but think that they can't help themselves. This is from an understandable, yet mistaken interpretation that we as Christians have two natures which are in a perpetual tug of war. And that according to Romans 7, we're going to do the bad we don't want to do, and we won't do the good we want to do; a tragic misinterpretation of that passage, which refers to all humankind in Adam, including Israel, under the law apart from the Spirit and grace.
There is that tension in this life in Jesus between moving in the direction of being conformed to the image of Christ, and instead being conformed to the pattern of this world/age. The two are polar opposites, but are experienced by us in Jesus in this life.
James minces no words about worldliness. And he tells us to grieve, mourn and wail over our sins. Not to accept them, but to humble ourselves before God. To grieve over our sins. And that as we do, God will lift us up.
We can't change ourselves, but we can confess our sins, knowing God will be faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
This is what I want to do. Instead of excusing sin, I want to meet it head on through Jesus by the Spirit, and in spite of all my weakness. I want to see God change my heart and make it more and more conformed to his heart.
Do I excuse any sin? Do I just chalk it up to being a sinner- which we have to acknowledge we are, since we do sin in this life-? Is sin something one can accept without consequences?
Or do I grieve over my sin before God, confess it to him, and want to by God's Spirit, put it to death?
Not a pleasant post, but not all of the Bible is pleasant. But it leads to a pleasant and good end for us, and for the world, in Shalom, in the true life through Jesus, that is real and enduring.
What might you like to add to this?
Showing posts with label repentance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label repentance. Show all posts
Friday, August 28, 2009
Friday, August 07, 2009
surrender
Surrender to God through Christ is important because we need to submit our wills to God's will, something at the heart of what Jesus showed us in his life and teaching.
Too often we see surrender as merely passive. We give up and give in, and then, so to speak, go with the flow. There is a true sense in which it is passive in that in true surrender we accept God's will and way for us, against our own will and way.
But surrender needs to be seen as also active. We actively pursue God's will, and seek to follow his ways. We seek to continue to unlearn the old "in Adam" as we seek to keep learning the new "in Christ."
Surrender involves joining a new side, and becoming active on that side. Finding a new way of life and purpose for living, that indeed gives us life through Jesus by the Spirit for God and for the world.
What have you found in your own life about surrender, or what would you like to add here?
Too often we see surrender as merely passive. We give up and give in, and then, so to speak, go with the flow. There is a true sense in which it is passive in that in true surrender we accept God's will and way for us, against our own will and way.
But surrender needs to be seen as also active. We actively pursue God's will, and seek to follow his ways. We seek to continue to unlearn the old "in Adam" as we seek to keep learning the new "in Christ."
Surrender involves joining a new side, and becoming active on that side. Finding a new way of life and purpose for living, that indeed gives us life through Jesus by the Spirit for God and for the world.
What have you found in your own life about surrender, or what would you like to add here?
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
where is our heart?
After Peter's denial of Jesus, and before Jesus reinstates Peter in love we read that once the disciples realized it was the risen Lord who was on the seashore, that Peter jumps into the water to get to Jesus.
The words from Michael Card's song, Stranger on the Shore (both recordings are great, but I especially like the original recording) come to mind:
Where is our heart? James speaks of the double-minded person, unstable in all they do. Peter tells us that now that our hearts are purified we are to love the brothers and sisters deeply.
The world says, "Follow your heart." But that's only good if your heart is leading you in a good direction. Left to ourselves our hearts always do go astray. But because of God's grace in Jesus and by the Spirit, God gives us a new heart, which can only be satisfied in finding itself at home in God through Christ. Meaning in God's good will.
So Peter ran, as only Peter would (though I know at least a couple of guys who remind me of Peter!). I'm sure there were tears in his eyes while Jesus was reinstating him, just as there had been at least after Peter denied Jesus. Peter could never be the same. Indeed a broken and contrite heart God will never despise.
What if we could get our way in our hearts at times? We can ask ourselves for a good test, Where is our heart in this? Our hearts can easily deceive us, and if we don't believe that, then we don't believe it when Scripture tells us repeatedly that we can deceive ourselves. I like the words of Rich Mullins in the song My Deliverer (from The Jesus Record):
What would you like to add to these words?
The words from Michael Card's song, Stranger on the Shore (both recordings are great, but I especially like the original recording) come to mind:
The one who had denied Him,This presents the question to us, Where is our heart? Though Peter had to be full of guilt and remorse because of his denials, there was still a living faith, hope and love that lingered. We can only imagine the peace and joy that settled on Peter, after the Lord reinstated him in love, and in spite of the Lord's words as to how he would die so as to glorify God. We are indeed called in this life to share in Christ's sufferings, if we are to share in his glory.
who had once walked on the water
Jumped in and swam to Him
to be confronted on the shore
Chorus
You need to be confronted
by the stranger on the shore
You need to have Him search your soul;
you need to hear the call
You need to learn exactly
what it means for you to follow
You need to realize
that He's asking for it all
Where is our heart? James speaks of the double-minded person, unstable in all they do. Peter tells us that now that our hearts are purified we are to love the brothers and sisters deeply.
The world says, "Follow your heart." But that's only good if your heart is leading you in a good direction. Left to ourselves our hearts always do go astray. But because of God's grace in Jesus and by the Spirit, God gives us a new heart, which can only be satisfied in finding itself at home in God through Christ. Meaning in God's good will.
So Peter ran, as only Peter would (though I know at least a couple of guys who remind me of Peter!). I'm sure there were tears in his eyes while Jesus was reinstating him, just as there had been at least after Peter denied Jesus. Peter could never be the same. Indeed a broken and contrite heart God will never despise.
What if we could get our way in our hearts at times? We can ask ourselves for a good test, Where is our heart in this? Our hearts can easily deceive us, and if we don't believe that, then we don't believe it when Scripture tells us repeatedly that we can deceive ourselves. I like the words of Rich Mullins in the song My Deliverer (from The Jesus Record):
I will never doubt His promiseIf we're struggling in our hearts, the great penitential psalm, 51, is a good place to dwell. Like Peter we can find our heart's home back into the arms and joy of our Lord, then out into the world, in sevice to him.
though I doubt my heart, I doubt my eyes
What would you like to add to these words?
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
reinstated with love
After reflecting yesterday a bit on Peter's denials of our Lord, and on our denials, as well, today we take a look at Peter's reinstatement by our Lord. It ends up being a matter of love.
Of course Jesus, while telling Peter he'd deny him, also told him that when he turns in repentance, he is to strengthen his brothers. Peter had to remember those words. Then after Jesus' resurrection, the angels tell the witnesses at the empty tomb to go and tell the disciples "and Peter." Peter is explicitly mentioned, so that Peter gets the message that he indeed is included.
We come to the account in John, on the sea shore, where our Lord tells the disciples where to get the fish, as he prepares for a good fish "fry" on the beach. That had to bring back a vivid memory, to Peter. After they eat our Lord speaks to Peter. "Do you love me?" Although both agape, and phileo are used, most scholars today see them as interchangeable, as indeed they are, it seems, when reflecting on the Greek New Testament. So Jesus asks Peter three times if Peter loves him. And Peter each time says, he does, appealing in the end to Jesus' knowledge of him.
So as Peter denied Jesus three times, so Jesus asks him three times if he loves him. This breaks Peter's heart. Jesus tells Peter in the midst of this, to feed and take care of his sheep. Then he tells Peter how Peter will die, to glorify God.
At the heart of God's work for us in Christ, and our receiving of that gift is love. A love that hits us powerfully, initially. A love that works with us, in spite of us. A love which won't let us go, even when we do go astray. And a love that brings us back into God's arms in Christ. And gives us work to do, a task to finish, and the reason to live.
I'm glad for this unrelenting love, in my own life.
What might you like to add to these thoughts?
Of course Jesus, while telling Peter he'd deny him, also told him that when he turns in repentance, he is to strengthen his brothers. Peter had to remember those words. Then after Jesus' resurrection, the angels tell the witnesses at the empty tomb to go and tell the disciples "and Peter." Peter is explicitly mentioned, so that Peter gets the message that he indeed is included.
We come to the account in John, on the sea shore, where our Lord tells the disciples where to get the fish, as he prepares for a good fish "fry" on the beach. That had to bring back a vivid memory, to Peter. After they eat our Lord speaks to Peter. "Do you love me?" Although both agape, and phileo are used, most scholars today see them as interchangeable, as indeed they are, it seems, when reflecting on the Greek New Testament. So Jesus asks Peter three times if Peter loves him. And Peter each time says, he does, appealing in the end to Jesus' knowledge of him.
So as Peter denied Jesus three times, so Jesus asks him three times if he loves him. This breaks Peter's heart. Jesus tells Peter in the midst of this, to feed and take care of his sheep. Then he tells Peter how Peter will die, to glorify God.
At the heart of God's work for us in Christ, and our receiving of that gift is love. A love that hits us powerfully, initially. A love that works with us, in spite of us. A love which won't let us go, even when we do go astray. And a love that brings us back into God's arms in Christ. And gives us work to do, a task to finish, and the reason to live.
I'm glad for this unrelenting love, in my own life.
What might you like to add to these thoughts?
Monday, March 23, 2009
repentance that matters
According to Byard "repentance is a vanishing concept today, even in the church." We have mentioned something of this before, but what stood out to me yesterday, as we worked through some news paper articles for discussion on this is the truth that "the person repenting must have a firm purpose and a definitely expressed resolution immediately to break with this specific sin ('I have hated my iniquity')."
Byard talked at some length of how we can have deep emotions and sorrow over our sin, yet fall short of true, biblical repentance. And words spoken, or not spoken do matter. We looked at cases where the person made excuses, shifting the blame on someone else for the wrong they had done. Another expressed concern over the way their open sin was handled, while church leaders called on others not to judge.
So we're reminded that when we do sin against another we need to take full responsibility without excuses. And we need to express a resolve to not do the sin any longer, and to change. Of course grace is needed, but it's offered to all from God through Jesus Christ. And the church is called to hold sinners accountable for their sins.
This kind of teaching is needed. And as we hear it, it helps promote godliness in us all. While we examine our own lives and seek to prayerfully call those who have fallen into sin, to true repentance.
What would you like to share on this?
Byard talked at some length of how we can have deep emotions and sorrow over our sin, yet fall short of true, biblical repentance. And words spoken, or not spoken do matter. We looked at cases where the person made excuses, shifting the blame on someone else for the wrong they had done. Another expressed concern over the way their open sin was handled, while church leaders called on others not to judge.
So we're reminded that when we do sin against another we need to take full responsibility without excuses. And we need to express a resolve to not do the sin any longer, and to change. Of course grace is needed, but it's offered to all from God through Jesus Christ. And the church is called to hold sinners accountable for their sins.
This kind of teaching is needed. And as we hear it, it helps promote godliness in us all. While we examine our own lives and seek to prayerfully call those who have fallen into sin, to true repentance.
What would you like to share on this?
Monday, March 09, 2009
repentance, continued
By request, Byard continued on repentance, and there was much discussion.
What stood out for me is how true repentance must have a God-ward focus. In other words one is not repenting because they're sorry about some loss they've received through their actions. But only because it offended God. That indicates, as Byard pointed out, a love for God.
Byard also noted how today in our society there is no agreed standard by which people can be held accoutable. Repentance among most any given group of people in our society therefore makes little or no sense. Everyone is doing what is right in their own eyes.
Part of the solution is for people to somehow get a vision of God. But that must begin with God's people. We can only understand God's law and the grace extended to us in Christ when we catch a glimpse of God, receiving a sense of God's holiness, sovereignty, goodness and love. We need to look to the "face" of Christ. In that face we see in contrast our sin, but we also see our salvation, God's love and forgiveness in Jesus.
That is why a true, healthy repentance- little by little (piece by piece, not dumped on one we've sinned against all at once) at the right times in God's timing does not shrink back from telling all: a frank, full confession. Only in that is there true and full salvation.
As I look at the handout we receive yesterday, I note that there may be more wisdom on this yet to come (the previous paragraph, one example). Our series on Ephesians continues to be interrupted, but considering repentance in depth anytime is a good thing, and is particularly fitting during Lent.
Anyone have a thought to add, or wonder about anything here?
Monday, March 02, 2009
more on repentance
Byard taught and reminded us well, yesterday, concerning repentance as he and Shalini his wife, gave us some helpful teaching related to Lent. Byard mentioned that the elements of true repentance are contritition (sorrow over our sin), confession and remuneration- can't recall the word he used here (making it right where we can, as Zaccheus did).
What I especially liked was the simple teaching that repentance is essentially a 180 degree turn of going from one direction in sin, to the opposite direction toward God. And that through Jesus Christ. A true message of repentance always leaves one with good news, the gospel. And never with a sense of condemnation. The good news being that Jesus became one of us in the Incarnation- God became human, lived the life we are to live before God but cannot, and died for us to take our place for our sins. And that he rose, and that by faith we die and rise with him, to a new life, which begins now, and someday is completed at the resurrection.
I wonder what our experiences of hearing repentance preached have been like. Have they left us with a deep sense of guilt and condemnation, with no answers? I remember when I was ten years of age, I went down to the men's restroom at our "church" and cried out in a loud voice to God over my sins. I found out later that others could hear me, even though they were upstairs and behind closed doors.
But did that acknowledgment by me do any good? Not at all. Because there was no gospel, no good news in it. I needed to understand that my salvation was not in my confession or repentance, but in Christ. Through Jesus I could then truly repent and begin a new life. But that was not to come until some seven years later.
What about you? Would any of you like to share from your own lives on this, or any thoughts?
Thursday, February 26, 2009
repentance
Repentance is another subject not popular in our culture. It is important, actually vital to our lives in God now. Without repentance there is no salvation. Of course one might push back at me with the truth that we are saved by grace through faith. And I agree. Only, this faith is a submissive faith, one that is obedient in receiving the message and then continuing on in a new life of obedience to God through faith.
Essentially I see repentance as a change of life. The word from the Greek in the New Testament means a change of mind, and that's important for starters. But unless that becomes a change of life, it really doesn't matter, because true repentance is about the whole person, and it involves a 180 degree change. And a change that is ongoing.
This has come alive in my life. In regard to a troubling relationship in which I harbored attitudes which I felt were justified, yet were not right. I struggled. But finally I acknowledged my sin to God and to the brother, and then I kept my mouth shut, seeking God's help in a number of ways. It's amazing, the new relationship I have now with this brother. And this entire scenario has impacted my life, I hope for good. So that I'll never be the same again. While realizing that God's work in me is ongoing, and a long way to go toward the goal of becoming more and more conformed to the image of Jesus.
Am I talking about sinless perfection here? Of course not! What I am getting at is that while being sorry for the right reason is good, it's not enough. While believing I'm wrong, that's not enough. What is needed is no less than a change of life. I must be quiet, pray, wait on God, and seek by the Spirit, to live in the new way in Jesus. I may have to get other Christians to pray for me, the first for me being my loving, faithful wife. And we may need counsel from some brother or sister.
And when we somehow get off track from the way in Jesus, we simply need to repent and ocnfess our sin sometimes to our pastor, or a good brother or sister, who can then tell us that we are forgiven in Jesus ("the power of the keys"- Luther, but more importantly, Jesus, here and here). We go in assurance of those words that our sins are indeed forgiven upon confession through the blood of Christ. And we pray "the Lord's prayer", or the "Our Father" prayer for the forgiveness of all sins we are not aware of.
So repentance is ongoing. And at the heart of it is change. Change for a new life! The life God has for us now, in Jesus.
What might you like to add to this?
Thursday, February 12, 2009
the gentle breeze of God
After a day which I interpreted as the hand of God on me for needed discipline, a difficult day indeed, yesterday was quite the opposite. It was like a gentle breeze engulfing one and changing the atmosphere inside and out. The life-giving, life-changing, grace-filled presence of the Spirit of God.
We need the hard days at times. Sometimes we need a good glimpse at ourselves. Or we just need some discipline from the Lord's hand. Such days prepare us for better days. We are humbled and seek to be repentant and really live out a repentant life. That is all part of the work of the Spirit for us as well. God doesn't let us go by the wayside when we go off the way of Jesus. And this is not only a "me and God" thing, but involves fellowship in the community of God in Jesus.
So it was a wonderful day. Those two days contrasted side by side something for me to remember. Most days have their ups and downs. But regardless, I want to learn to live more and more in the presence of God. And just rest in that presence, while growing and continuing to meet the challenges that come before me.
Of course I won't arrive. I'll have other times when God needs to get through to me over something. In small ways perhaps daily. But I'm speaking of obvious wrongs which God brings to our attention.
The gentle breeze of God. We are thankful for "the disturbing and comforting presence of the Spirit of God." (The Holy Spirit, by F. LeRon Shults and Andrea Hollingsworth, 10)
What would you like to add to this?
We need the hard days at times. Sometimes we need a good glimpse at ourselves. Or we just need some discipline from the Lord's hand. Such days prepare us for better days. We are humbled and seek to be repentant and really live out a repentant life. That is all part of the work of the Spirit for us as well. God doesn't let us go by the wayside when we go off the way of Jesus. And this is not only a "me and God" thing, but involves fellowship in the community of God in Jesus.
So it was a wonderful day. Those two days contrasted side by side something for me to remember. Most days have their ups and downs. But regardless, I want to learn to live more and more in the presence of God. And just rest in that presence, while growing and continuing to meet the challenges that come before me.
Of course I won't arrive. I'll have other times when God needs to get through to me over something. In small ways perhaps daily. But I'm speaking of obvious wrongs which God brings to our attention.
The gentle breeze of God. We are thankful for "the disturbing and comforting presence of the Spirit of God." (The Holy Spirit, by F. LeRon Shults and Andrea Hollingsworth, 10)
What would you like to add to this?
Monday, December 29, 2008
coming back
I find God's grace amazing in how God not only converts sinners to his way, but how he brings them back in his grace time and time again. How many times in big and little ways do we get off the way onto our own way? Plenty. But God puts us back on, not with us kicking and screaming, but by his work of grace, so that we want to get on and are sorry when we fail to remain there.
What we do does matter. We need to keep that in mind. Sometimes that means confession, and I mean confession of sin to others and before God. If I sin in front of someone, then I need to confess it to God. On Saturday I was quite peeved as we were stuck in a parking lot in which we could hardly turn around due to snow drifts that had not been cleared out. I wasn't in the best of moods, because in spite of the good in the movie we saw, I was put off with all the wrong in it (But why should I be surprised? What should we expect from "the world" and from sinners?). And then this. But my words and attitude were quite unedifying to Deb, and when I saw how it was grieving her, I apologized and led us in prayer to God confessing my sin. We ended up continuing on with a nice day in celebrating her birthday.
But over other matters as well, I am thankful to see God's hand and heart of grace touching my life. So that I want to rise and sin no more. And I know I'll continue to need that grace throughout this earthly sojourn.
What would you like to add to these thoughts?
What we do does matter. We need to keep that in mind. Sometimes that means confession, and I mean confession of sin to others and before God. If I sin in front of someone, then I need to confess it to God. On Saturday I was quite peeved as we were stuck in a parking lot in which we could hardly turn around due to snow drifts that had not been cleared out. I wasn't in the best of moods, because in spite of the good in the movie we saw, I was put off with all the wrong in it (But why should I be surprised? What should we expect from "the world" and from sinners?). And then this. But my words and attitude were quite unedifying to Deb, and when I saw how it was grieving her, I apologized and led us in prayer to God confessing my sin. We ended up continuing on with a nice day in celebrating her birthday.
But over other matters as well, I am thankful to see God's hand and heart of grace touching my life. So that I want to rise and sin no more. And I know I'll continue to need that grace throughout this earthly sojourn.
What would you like to add to these thoughts?
Friday, October 17, 2008
lacking love
The church in Ephesus was surely known for its zeal for righteousness and truth, and even for God. It was a church which believed in the truth God has revealed in Scripture and in Jesus. And it believed in judging error both in what people believed and what people practiced.
Though Christ commended this, there was one problem which was threatening its very existence as a church. This church had left its first love. Somehow other things became more important than that. Somehow God was not loved with the pure, ardent devotion which real love involves. We are called in the first and greatest commandment to love God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind. The words in Revelation suggest that they left this love behind, something they did. But involved in that was likely the losing sight of God's holy love for them in Jesus. They had lost sight of the great love of God in Jesus. They were no longer acting in this love.
This is a danger for all of us in Jesus. It's not like if we do love that what else we do doesn't matter. Read on in the letters to the seven churches and you'll see other churches were in danger of no longer being a church because of other problems they weren't dealing with. But love is the first and greatest commandment. If we lack this love for God and for our neighbor, then anything else we do has a hollow ring to God.
I see zealous Christians who talk about the lack of truth and holiness in the church, and often seem to hold other Christians at arm's length. They talk about other Christians and churches derisively. I wonder if whether we love or not shows up in how we look at others and what we say about them. Those who know this deep, deep love of Jesus in their own life, will not throw stones at others who may be failing.
This must have been quite a shock to the church at Ephesus, to hear Christ threaten their very existence as a church over their lack of love. Even calling their love into question must have been a shock to them. But it was meant to be a wake up call for them, and can be for us as well. Do we really love Jesus? Those were life changing questions for Peter. And such a question is for us, as well. And what does such love involve? Yes, doing what God says, but there's more to it than that, because though the church at Ephesus was doing much of that, they were no longer doing what they had done out of love for Christ. God wanted that. A good question for me today, how have I departed from my first love? And why? Have I lost sight of God's love for us, for me- in Jesus? What do I no longer do that I used to do out of that love?
Any thoughts here?
Though Christ commended this, there was one problem which was threatening its very existence as a church. This church had left its first love. Somehow other things became more important than that. Somehow God was not loved with the pure, ardent devotion which real love involves. We are called in the first and greatest commandment to love God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind. The words in Revelation suggest that they left this love behind, something they did. But involved in that was likely the losing sight of God's holy love for them in Jesus. They had lost sight of the great love of God in Jesus. They were no longer acting in this love.
This is a danger for all of us in Jesus. It's not like if we do love that what else we do doesn't matter. Read on in the letters to the seven churches and you'll see other churches were in danger of no longer being a church because of other problems they weren't dealing with. But love is the first and greatest commandment. If we lack this love for God and for our neighbor, then anything else we do has a hollow ring to God.
I see zealous Christians who talk about the lack of truth and holiness in the church, and often seem to hold other Christians at arm's length. They talk about other Christians and churches derisively. I wonder if whether we love or not shows up in how we look at others and what we say about them. Those who know this deep, deep love of Jesus in their own life, will not throw stones at others who may be failing.
This must have been quite a shock to the church at Ephesus, to hear Christ threaten their very existence as a church over their lack of love. Even calling their love into question must have been a shock to them. But it was meant to be a wake up call for them, and can be for us as well. Do we really love Jesus? Those were life changing questions for Peter. And such a question is for us, as well. And what does such love involve? Yes, doing what God says, but there's more to it than that, because though the church at Ephesus was doing much of that, they were no longer doing what they had done out of love for Christ. God wanted that. A good question for me today, how have I departed from my first love? And why? Have I lost sight of God's love for us, for me- in Jesus? What do I no longer do that I used to do out of that love?
Any thoughts here?
Monday, March 24, 2008
don't give up, don't give in
In seeking to live out the faith we have in Jesus, we're often tempted to give up and give in to either that which is plainly contrary to God's revealed will from Scripture and in Jesus, or probably more likely, we're tempted to give in to something less, not really pressing towards the goal in Jesus to which we're called.
The call of God in Scripture is clear, and it's challenging, and it's goal is nothing less than the moving to complete conformity to Christ himself. It's a goal not only of us as individuals, but as those together in Jesus. So that I must not be only concerned about myself, but I must also be concerned about my brother and sister in Jesus.
Sometimes we're just plain overcome in our weakness or sin. This is when we have to stop in our tracks, repent and look to God for his help as we seek to get back into his will and working for us, in Jesus. When we see another brother or sister who may be struggling, then we need to pray for them, and seek to be present for them, primarily in listening, and afterwards, perhaps offering some prayerful words of counsel or instruction along with prayer. And we need to be open to such help ourselves.
What is most important here is just the point, when we're "under it", and we will be at times, then we must not give up and give in. We must instead look to God. Read a book from Scripture (I read Philippians Sunday afternoon from The Message and found it helpful).
What have you found to be true in this that can help us?
The call of God in Scripture is clear, and it's challenging, and it's goal is nothing less than the moving to complete conformity to Christ himself. It's a goal not only of us as individuals, but as those together in Jesus. So that I must not be only concerned about myself, but I must also be concerned about my brother and sister in Jesus.
Sometimes we're just plain overcome in our weakness or sin. This is when we have to stop in our tracks, repent and look to God for his help as we seek to get back into his will and working for us, in Jesus. When we see another brother or sister who may be struggling, then we need to pray for them, and seek to be present for them, primarily in listening, and afterwards, perhaps offering some prayerful words of counsel or instruction along with prayer. And we need to be open to such help ourselves.
What is most important here is just the point, when we're "under it", and we will be at times, then we must not give up and give in. We must instead look to God. Read a book from Scripture (I read Philippians Sunday afternoon from The Message and found it helpful).
What have you found to be true in this that can help us?
Monday, March 10, 2008
the gospel
Gospel means "good news". This is the message of the Story we read from Scripture, from Genesis through Revelation. It is the Story of creation, fall, redemption, new creation. It is a Story of a love that will not let us go, and that would have everyone repent and believe this good news.
God in Christ comes, becomes one of us- fully human. To bruise, or crush the serpent's head, to take our death on himself- paying the penalty for our sins by his death on the Cross. Resurrected to new life so that all who put their faith in him can begin to know this new life even now and forever. Ascended to the right hand of the Father, so that the Holy Spirit can be poured out on those who believe, so that they can be a witness. And to return so that what has begun now in Jesus, in God's kingdom coming to earth in him, can be completed and fulfilled, in all its glory.
This must begin with each one of us. There is a law in ourselves that we can't escape. We would like to, but we can't. We know that how we live and how we ought to live are more often than not, two different things. It does no good to say that, "No one can be perfect." That's true. But beside the point, here.
The point is that we don't measure up to what we know is right and good. We are special as human beings, created in God's very image. Yet we have departed from living accordingly, and violate what we know to be true. We often neither do the good we should do, or refrain from doing what we shouldn't.
The remedy for us is Jesus Christ. He is the perfect image of God, and by faith in him we are being renewed back into that image. This involves getting back to what we were created for, in the first place. For relationships, with God and with each other. For good work, doing what God has designed for each one of us to do, in our unique, God-given capacities.
The gospel is good news, and it's an ongoing good news for us all. That there's forgiveness for our sins, that we're not left to ourselves and the dead end ways we take. All found in Jesus.
See this excellent post: Is Our Gospel Too Small? from Bob Robinson.
God in Christ comes, becomes one of us- fully human. To bruise, or crush the serpent's head, to take our death on himself- paying the penalty for our sins by his death on the Cross. Resurrected to new life so that all who put their faith in him can begin to know this new life even now and forever. Ascended to the right hand of the Father, so that the Holy Spirit can be poured out on those who believe, so that they can be a witness. And to return so that what has begun now in Jesus, in God's kingdom coming to earth in him, can be completed and fulfilled, in all its glory.
This must begin with each one of us. There is a law in ourselves that we can't escape. We would like to, but we can't. We know that how we live and how we ought to live are more often than not, two different things. It does no good to say that, "No one can be perfect." That's true. But beside the point, here.
The point is that we don't measure up to what we know is right and good. We are special as human beings, created in God's very image. Yet we have departed from living accordingly, and violate what we know to be true. We often neither do the good we should do, or refrain from doing what we shouldn't.
The remedy for us is Jesus Christ. He is the perfect image of God, and by faith in him we are being renewed back into that image. This involves getting back to what we were created for, in the first place. For relationships, with God and with each other. For good work, doing what God has designed for each one of us to do, in our unique, God-given capacities.
The gospel is good news, and it's an ongoing good news for us all. That there's forgiveness for our sins, that we're not left to ourselves and the dead end ways we take. All found in Jesus.
See this excellent post: Is Our Gospel Too Small? from Bob Robinson.
Friday, March 07, 2008
coming to
We read of the prodigal son that when he came to himself, or his senses, then he realized, or at least had enough sense to leave his dilapidated life behind, and return to his home.
Coming to. It's an important part of the work of the Holy Spirit of God in our lives, in Jesus. We need that grace at work in our hearts and lives, so that we can have that strong sense that we want to continue on in our Lord.
What happens before that? When we're lost, as all of us Christians are sometimes. Faith then can do many things. Faith presses on in seeking God diligently and expecting to be rewarded in doing so. But, as you recall in Jesus' story of the prodigal or lost son, at the heart of this coming to is relationship. The lost son humbly acknowledges that he is not worthy to be a son, but hopes to be received as a servant. But deep down inside, he must have had hope that his father would receive him back with love. Little did he know.
How great is the Father's love for us! It is so wonderful, and we must ever remember that. In Jesus, we must hold out for that love, always and ever, no matter what. May that love in Jesus fill each and everyone of us. That we might keep "coming to", knowing that God in Christ is ever there for us, with a heart of love far greater than we can conceive or take in.
What have you learned about this, or would like to add here?
Coming to. It's an important part of the work of the Holy Spirit of God in our lives, in Jesus. We need that grace at work in our hearts and lives, so that we can have that strong sense that we want to continue on in our Lord.
What happens before that? When we're lost, as all of us Christians are sometimes. Faith then can do many things. Faith presses on in seeking God diligently and expecting to be rewarded in doing so. But, as you recall in Jesus' story of the prodigal or lost son, at the heart of this coming to is relationship. The lost son humbly acknowledges that he is not worthy to be a son, but hopes to be received as a servant. But deep down inside, he must have had hope that his father would receive him back with love. Little did he know.
How great is the Father's love for us! It is so wonderful, and we must ever remember that. In Jesus, we must hold out for that love, always and ever, no matter what. May that love in Jesus fill each and everyone of us. That we might keep "coming to", knowing that God in Christ is ever there for us, with a heart of love far greater than we can conceive or take in.
What have you learned about this, or would like to add here?
Thursday, March 06, 2008
dialing down
One of our greatest enemies is pure expectation, and I mean the kind that revolves around our wish list, having to do with our perceived needs, wants and feelings. Not that these things aren't important in their place, but they're out of place in us humans, because of sin. They displace God himself: Father, Son and Spirit. And the irony is that in the end they're only really satisfied and fulfilled in God. Which means we must leave the old path of pursuing our needs, wants in accordance with our feelings, behind.
What we need, of course it begins in Jesus, and apart from him this won't happen...., but what we need to do is to "dial down." I mean we need to put our perceived needs, wants and feelings into the hands of God. As we do that, displacing them so that the Triune God through Christ becomes the center, than we'll find that our desires eventually begin to be fulfilled.
This is not easy in this life where sin is simply turning good things into idols so that those good things, no longer received as from their Creator, God, end up sending us down a long and winding dead end path. We may get what we want, but we'll have lost something of ourselves, of our true humanity, in the process. So that what is left is less satisfying to ourselves and others around us.
To dial down for me means to quit my own expectations about life, or what anything in life ought to be. Instead I need to see what is already there and present as gifts from God. And I need to give thanks to God, worshiping only him.
We can do so only in prayer. We need to give our wills over to God and embrace his will, even when we don't understand or maybe just don't like it. Dialing down will end up getting us in on the real good, while failing to do so will see the good not last forever. In God through Jesus the real good does last forever. And better still- along with that- we'll be lost in wonder, love and praise for our God.
This is a process, and like everything else in this life involves growth on our part which will involve repentance from our old ways and repeatedly so, faith open to God's ways in Jesus so that we increasingly are on that path and grow. So that we become more and more confirmed in this.
What do you think about dialing down?
What we need, of course it begins in Jesus, and apart from him this won't happen...., but what we need to do is to "dial down." I mean we need to put our perceived needs, wants and feelings into the hands of God. As we do that, displacing them so that the Triune God through Christ becomes the center, than we'll find that our desires eventually begin to be fulfilled.
This is not easy in this life where sin is simply turning good things into idols so that those good things, no longer received as from their Creator, God, end up sending us down a long and winding dead end path. We may get what we want, but we'll have lost something of ourselves, of our true humanity, in the process. So that what is left is less satisfying to ourselves and others around us.
To dial down for me means to quit my own expectations about life, or what anything in life ought to be. Instead I need to see what is already there and present as gifts from God. And I need to give thanks to God, worshiping only him.
We can do so only in prayer. We need to give our wills over to God and embrace his will, even when we don't understand or maybe just don't like it. Dialing down will end up getting us in on the real good, while failing to do so will see the good not last forever. In God through Jesus the real good does last forever. And better still- along with that- we'll be lost in wonder, love and praise for our God.
This is a process, and like everything else in this life involves growth on our part which will involve repentance from our old ways and repeatedly so, faith open to God's ways in Jesus so that we increasingly are on that path and grow. So that we become more and more confirmed in this.
What do you think about dialing down?
Thursday, January 24, 2008
when we get off track
One of the most challenging problems I run up against for myself, is how easy it is for me to get off track in regard to my relationship with God in Christ. The great thing about this, though, is that God is ever present for us, in Jesus. And we can just as readily get back on track, as we got off. But we must want and choose this. This must be nothing less than a passion for us. Not only a belief. And we must also do so as soon as we realize this. To stay off track is to increasingly make it harder to get back on track.
I like how lost and miserable I feel when I'm off track. That indeed is an indication that I am. But getting off track can seem exhilerating or alright when we are doing that. Or it's like drifting. The point in this is that we're not following Jesus when we get off track. Our aim should be that we will follow him, no matter what, regardless of how we feel or what we're experiencing. And sometimes that will mean getting back on track in what could threaten to put us on a false track. This can happen often in many ways, seemingly small ways during one's day, and we have to learn to recognize this as it happens, so as to get back on, through realizing, acknowledging, repenting and by faith getting back on the Jesus way.
The way of Jesus. He kept on track himself, in following the road laid out for him, the road of the cross. A life of love and obedience to the Father. Only that kind of love can overcome all the false loves and idols we so easily become enamored by and even cling to. God help us to get back on track more and more readily. And to get off, less and less. That we might be among those who truly walk faithfully with God throughout our lives.
I like how lost and miserable I feel when I'm off track. That indeed is an indication that I am. But getting off track can seem exhilerating or alright when we are doing that. Or it's like drifting. The point in this is that we're not following Jesus when we get off track. Our aim should be that we will follow him, no matter what, regardless of how we feel or what we're experiencing. And sometimes that will mean getting back on track in what could threaten to put us on a false track. This can happen often in many ways, seemingly small ways during one's day, and we have to learn to recognize this as it happens, so as to get back on, through realizing, acknowledging, repenting and by faith getting back on the Jesus way.
The way of Jesus. He kept on track himself, in following the road laid out for him, the road of the cross. A life of love and obedience to the Father. Only that kind of love can overcome all the false loves and idols we so easily become enamored by and even cling to. God help us to get back on track more and more readily. And to get off, less and less. That we might be among those who truly walk faithfully with God throughout our lives.
Friday, January 18, 2008
worldly efficiency versus the Jesus Creed
At work the other day, in our often hectic activity, I was reflecting with a coworker and good friend on a pet peeve I have as to a small matter that would make matters much easier in regard to a maneuver we must make from time to time. In talking it over with him it dawned on me that in the entire matter, while I could be on the side of efficiency, I may not be on the side of Jesus, in this; I being the only one sinning in this. And I told my friend that.
We're told, in "the Jesus Creed" that we're to love God with all our being and doing, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. And the Jesus way is one of love and truth. While it is good and important for us to work well with all our hearts, it is never to be done at the expense of loving each other, or loving any other. Without this love, all our "right" activity is wrong, of course.
I was raised in a strong work ethic inherited from parents who experienced the hard times of the American Great Depression. And probably influenced somehow by the strong Protestant work ethic, which in its place is good. On top of all of this is at least the factor of an efficient American way of activity in getting the most bang for buck. And with all this, even for me as a Christian, one can fail to really follow Jesus.
So as I stood there in our work with my younger brother and friend, it was like a revelation hitting me, small as it was, yet large in significance. I had to tell myself to let it go. And instead of making an issue of it, accept the inefficiency. Maybe, in love, there could be a time and place to make a general suggestion. But even in the fast pace of work life, and perhaps especially there, we need to take care that we be followers of our Lord, loving God and loving others over all else.
What might this mean for you? Or what else might you add or tie in to this?
We're told, in "the Jesus Creed" that we're to love God with all our being and doing, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. And the Jesus way is one of love and truth. While it is good and important for us to work well with all our hearts, it is never to be done at the expense of loving each other, or loving any other. Without this love, all our "right" activity is wrong, of course.
I was raised in a strong work ethic inherited from parents who experienced the hard times of the American Great Depression. And probably influenced somehow by the strong Protestant work ethic, which in its place is good. On top of all of this is at least the factor of an efficient American way of activity in getting the most bang for buck. And with all this, even for me as a Christian, one can fail to really follow Jesus.
So as I stood there in our work with my younger brother and friend, it was like a revelation hitting me, small as it was, yet large in significance. I had to tell myself to let it go. And instead of making an issue of it, accept the inefficiency. Maybe, in love, there could be a time and place to make a general suggestion. But even in the fast pace of work life, and perhaps especially there, we need to take care that we be followers of our Lord, loving God and loving others over all else.
What might this mean for you? Or what else might you add or tie in to this?
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
fresh starts
Part of the newness we experience in Christ is to experience needed fresh starts. Of course we need to be endeavoring to be on the Jesus way and all that's involved in that.
There are times in our lives when we need major fresh starts. If we've been failing in regard to a major sin issue that has a grip on us. Or if we've had to work through the crisis of a broken relationship or have experienced the death of a loved one. Sometimes major fresh starts are needed for character breakthroughs. While gradual growth is the normal way of change in Jesus towards likeness to him, there are times when a character flaw in us can push us against a wall in which we meet face to face with the sheer necessity of change, or else- whether entirely fair or not. Of course in all of this, God's hand is at work in the lives of his children.
Also surely fresh starts as needed on a daily basis. God's mercies are said to be new every morning. These starts may be smaller, but they're big in keeping us in the way of the Lord and away from the inevitable sense of vanity, meaningless and transitoriness that makes us life in this world. We experience them in the Jesus way- the way of God's truth and life in Jesus, as we walk in that way.
What comes to your mind on this?
There are times in our lives when we need major fresh starts. If we've been failing in regard to a major sin issue that has a grip on us. Or if we've had to work through the crisis of a broken relationship or have experienced the death of a loved one. Sometimes major fresh starts are needed for character breakthroughs. While gradual growth is the normal way of change in Jesus towards likeness to him, there are times when a character flaw in us can push us against a wall in which we meet face to face with the sheer necessity of change, or else- whether entirely fair or not. Of course in all of this, God's hand is at work in the lives of his children.
Also surely fresh starts as needed on a daily basis. God's mercies are said to be new every morning. These starts may be smaller, but they're big in keeping us in the way of the Lord and away from the inevitable sense of vanity, meaningless and transitoriness that makes us life in this world. We experience them in the Jesus way- the way of God's truth and life in Jesus, as we walk in that way.
What comes to your mind on this?
Friday, December 28, 2007
looking forward to the new year
If you're like me, New Year's Day is just a day off in which one is hopefully with family and can watch some decent college football (with hopefully some good reading). But beyond that New Year's Day doesn't take on much more significance to me than beginning a new calendar year, and getting used to writing a new date for the year: 2008 or 08 instead of 07.
And I'm not one given to New Year's resolutions. I can't remember any one I've actually made in particular, and it's not really in my understanding of how to live, particularly how to follow Christ. Though I know it's a custom in our culture.
What the turning of the calendar does remind me of is the periodic new, fresh starts we need in our lives, in Christ. There are times when we become aware that we need a change of heart, or a new working in our heart from God. This past year has been a year like that for me. And I've had one significant breakthrough after which I must by grace, keep heading in a long obedience in the same direction. I am in the midst of more change. It's hard, but good, as the Lord works on areas to make me more like himself.
This has not been done in a vacuum, nor is it being done so, but through others, and especially one who having shared their own story, through the blog world entered my story. And in the Lord has had, and continues to have an impact in my life which has been, and continues to be life changing. Isn't the blog world funny? Maybe not as surreal as some think it to be. It does seem like in "the real world" there are friends few and far between as well as opportunities in which through fellowship, life change can take place. But this is an important part of what the Jesus community is all about.
So I look forward to a new year in which God will be present in Jesus by the Spirit to us together, in our lives- through the good times and the bad times. That we will be present for each other, sharing our stories and God's working in our lives. And helping someone along their difficult way, through loving fellowship, listening, prayer and words of humble counsel.
I also look forward to another year, Lord willing- in which I will continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In which I will not only continue to change, but that by grace I'll be a different and better- in Jesus terms- person, all the way around. In quietness and confidence before our God.
What about you? Are you looking forward to a new year, and why- or why not?
And I'm not one given to New Year's resolutions. I can't remember any one I've actually made in particular, and it's not really in my understanding of how to live, particularly how to follow Christ. Though I know it's a custom in our culture.
What the turning of the calendar does remind me of is the periodic new, fresh starts we need in our lives, in Christ. There are times when we become aware that we need a change of heart, or a new working in our heart from God. This past year has been a year like that for me. And I've had one significant breakthrough after which I must by grace, keep heading in a long obedience in the same direction. I am in the midst of more change. It's hard, but good, as the Lord works on areas to make me more like himself.
This has not been done in a vacuum, nor is it being done so, but through others, and especially one who having shared their own story, through the blog world entered my story. And in the Lord has had, and continues to have an impact in my life which has been, and continues to be life changing. Isn't the blog world funny? Maybe not as surreal as some think it to be. It does seem like in "the real world" there are friends few and far between as well as opportunities in which through fellowship, life change can take place. But this is an important part of what the Jesus community is all about.
So I look forward to a new year in which God will be present in Jesus by the Spirit to us together, in our lives- through the good times and the bad times. That we will be present for each other, sharing our stories and God's working in our lives. And helping someone along their difficult way, through loving fellowship, listening, prayer and words of humble counsel.
I also look forward to another year, Lord willing- in which I will continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In which I will not only continue to change, but that by grace I'll be a different and better- in Jesus terms- person, all the way around. In quietness and confidence before our God.
What about you? Are you looking forward to a new year, and why- or why not?
Thursday, December 27, 2007
living in the desert
Related to yesterday's post, I think it's true that quite frequently, we in Jesus see ourselves living in a desert, in this existence. Often I feel spiritually dry, barren (fruitless), or sometimes petrified with fear or more likely even boredom.
Yet frequently I sense the Lord's presence, the Spirit moving- even if ever so lightly and just enough to recognize it- and the motivation to act in faith. This comes from God and his word, all in Jesus. Though the desert experience for some may be prolonged, it should not last forever. Not to judge Mother Teresa. But as a rule there should be a sense of oasis along the way, here and there. This is what I find in my own life, most every day. Some seasons of a dry spell last longer, but most have at least some refreshing and rest to them.
Living in the desert is to be a time and means of preparing the way for the Lord, first in one's own life, and then into the lives of others, helping them by our lives in their wilderness and desert experience. It is a place where we come before God as we are, and where God exposes our hearts so we can repent and find God's new life.
We should not despise the desert. It is part of life in this barren present world, not to be despised, but appreciated, as the Lord's tool for holiness and godliness in this present existence, and a precursor (or forerunner) to God's blessing in Jesus.
What have you found about living in the desert?
Yet frequently I sense the Lord's presence, the Spirit moving- even if ever so lightly and just enough to recognize it- and the motivation to act in faith. This comes from God and his word, all in Jesus. Though the desert experience for some may be prolonged, it should not last forever. Not to judge Mother Teresa. But as a rule there should be a sense of oasis along the way, here and there. This is what I find in my own life, most every day. Some seasons of a dry spell last longer, but most have at least some refreshing and rest to them.
Living in the desert is to be a time and means of preparing the way for the Lord, first in one's own life, and then into the lives of others, helping them by our lives in their wilderness and desert experience. It is a place where we come before God as we are, and where God exposes our hearts so we can repent and find God's new life.
We should not despise the desert. It is part of life in this barren present world, not to be despised, but appreciated, as the Lord's tool for holiness and godliness in this present existence, and a precursor (or forerunner) to God's blessing in Jesus.
What have you found about living in the desert?
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