I am amazed once again this week as I study yet another account of God's providential hand on the life of a single beggar.
This week our text lays out a perfect illustration of the mercy, purpose and most importantly, the supremacy of God over all things. Even a debilitating disease such as lameness.
What fascinates me about this passage is that if we would be honest with ourselves we should be willing to admit that we are truly no different than this beggar sitting at the gate beautiful.
So many times in life’s journey we find ourselves desperate for God. There are points where I have discovered an endless sense of frustration and hopelessness unless Christ be not for me.
The thought of never being able to contribute to God's Kingdom due to past mistakes is a killer. Then we know there are many a people struggling with guilt and shame.
Perhaps you find yourself in a situation that is to secretive to announce, lest everything around you fall apart? Or maybe the marriage that has consumed your entire life has only become worse as the years press on and you feel stuck without hope?
Just maybe you are one with a disease and you're having to hold on to family and friends and to whatever shimmer of hope someone has given you?
Think with me a moment..
Was this beggars inability to help feed himself, or work and contribute to society out of God's sovereign control? Did this beggar somehow find himself off heavens radar for 40 years to just now be noticed?
God had a plan for him though it never ever seemed to have come to pass, until suddenly on a normal day of begging, God showed up.
We see several elements of the healing here that we can apply to our spiritual, emotional and physical infirmities and afflictions.
First, he had to be broken and humble. Next, he needed to be a willing participant to God's moving.(some of us find ourselves bitter or angry and resentful and unfortunately we will remain as we are with no hope in sight)
Then this beggar needed to look with expectancy, and finally, he needed to appropriate a measure of faith given to him from God to obey the Apostles orders to take hold of, and to rise.
(Never exercising muscles you have not used for years or even know about takes a tremendous amount of determination and trust in God.)
The result- he leaped up for joy and shouted praises to God! He became free and liberated.
If you are in a position of being pressed down hard upon the floor of your circumstance, show some contrition before God. Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up.
Just as He did for this beggar...so He shall do for you.
Do you believe this?
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
A firm grip (1 thess 3:8)
So often life seems to be like an ocean of perpetual trouble. Wave after wave and swell after swell all amounts to a persistent hardship. As the trials and temptations come, we always find ourselves within a heartbeat or two of either victory or defeat.
If you are like me you have asked God on a number of occasions- why all the tests? I have even answered my own question with; because you are such a sinner, that’s why! As if this is to bring any comfort to my situation, right?
We know however that God is good, and that there is nothing He will withhold from those who walk uprightly. Even the super saints better known as the Apostles had difficulties. This should be a great comfort to us in whatever we face today.
In the text before us, we read that the afflictions pressed so gravely against the Apostles and their companions that life became grievous. Satan hindered their work, all the while men scourge and beat them for the good news. What a day job, huh?
In suffering, we tend to hold on to any type of good news, especially when it comes as a result from the cause of our suffering.
Such was the case with Paul and the believers in Thessalonica.
Paul had sent Timothy to them only to find out that they were holding firm to their faith. This good news seemed to overshadow Paul’s dark imprisonment.
Nothing hurts the inner man more deeply then hearing that one of our brothers or sisters have given up on the race and have turned their backs on Christ. However, nothing brings more joy to our weary heart knowing that our brothers and sisters whom we may have lost contact with over time are still running, enduring and trusting. This makes our joy complete.
Standing firm in our faith can only be attributed to persevering in the effectual call provided by the Holy Spirit. Nevertheless, we have personal responsibility to follow hard, and to abide. Ask God to strengthen your grip today.
If you are like me you have asked God on a number of occasions- why all the tests? I have even answered my own question with; because you are such a sinner, that’s why! As if this is to bring any comfort to my situation, right?
We know however that God is good, and that there is nothing He will withhold from those who walk uprightly. Even the super saints better known as the Apostles had difficulties. This should be a great comfort to us in whatever we face today.
In the text before us, we read that the afflictions pressed so gravely against the Apostles and their companions that life became grievous. Satan hindered their work, all the while men scourge and beat them for the good news. What a day job, huh?
In suffering, we tend to hold on to any type of good news, especially when it comes as a result from the cause of our suffering.
Such was the case with Paul and the believers in Thessalonica.
Paul had sent Timothy to them only to find out that they were holding firm to their faith. This good news seemed to overshadow Paul’s dark imprisonment.
Nothing hurts the inner man more deeply then hearing that one of our brothers or sisters have given up on the race and have turned their backs on Christ. However, nothing brings more joy to our weary heart knowing that our brothers and sisters whom we may have lost contact with over time are still running, enduring and trusting. This makes our joy complete.
Standing firm in our faith can only be attributed to persevering in the effectual call provided by the Holy Spirit. Nevertheless, we have personal responsibility to follow hard, and to abide. Ask God to strengthen your grip today.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Tap In
We exit 1 Thess. two with one last thought found in V.13.
When the true believers recieved the Word of God as truth and not from man, it found it's way into their heart only to work it's self out powerfully.
There is a lot nonsense in the world today.It would be hard pressed to number all of the philosophies, ideal's, and religions that dominate societies culture. It is almost as if the world is spinning in circles with so many belief systems, all of which point a way to some form of life or tranquility, or promise.
The Bible states in Ecclesiastes 3 that God has placed eternity into the hearts of man. This explains that man's great search began from the point of conception.
One man once said that every road leads to God, but only one road leads to heaven.
The Apostles had truth. The Apostles spoke truth, and desired only to be pleasing to God while doing so. Thankfully, the truth prevailed powerfully into the hearts that would recieve it, but not to everyone.
When one believes in the inspired Word of God, they become infused with the knowledge of truth, then powerfully transformed into the image of God through a process called sanctification. The truth of God is the cause for the transformation, and, one cannot not bear fruit if undertaken by it's power.
Seek to tap into Gods Word today and allow it to drive you into His presence. At that very moment you will find, like the believers in Thessalonica, a powerful transforming process begin in your heart, that will never dissappoint.
Tap In...
When the true believers recieved the Word of God as truth and not from man, it found it's way into their heart only to work it's self out powerfully.
There is a lot nonsense in the world today.It would be hard pressed to number all of the philosophies, ideal's, and religions that dominate societies culture. It is almost as if the world is spinning in circles with so many belief systems, all of which point a way to some form of life or tranquility, or promise.
The Bible states in Ecclesiastes 3 that God has placed eternity into the hearts of man. This explains that man's great search began from the point of conception.
One man once said that every road leads to God, but only one road leads to heaven.
The Apostles had truth. The Apostles spoke truth, and desired only to be pleasing to God while doing so. Thankfully, the truth prevailed powerfully into the hearts that would recieve it, but not to everyone.
When one believes in the inspired Word of God, they become infused with the knowledge of truth, then powerfully transformed into the image of God through a process called sanctification. The truth of God is the cause for the transformation, and, one cannot not bear fruit if undertaken by it's power.
Seek to tap into Gods Word today and allow it to drive you into His presence. At that very moment you will find, like the believers in Thessalonica, a powerful transforming process begin in your heart, that will never dissappoint.
Tap In...
Monday, April 26, 2010
Do you have the Truth?
We never came with words of flattery, nor did we seek glory from people
(1 Thess. 2:5,6a)
Dr James MacDonald recently tweeted this;
"I love my church because they can listen to a hard message, receive it ,and come back for more". Encouraged!
Truth- God's people can handle it. As a matter of fact, we want nothing less than the truth.
Now let's play the role of Pilate for a second and ask ourselves, what is truth? (John 18:38)
Well, Truth is absolute and authentic. Truth is unchanging. Truth is morally good. Truth is liberating.
As Christians, we anchor our feet in Truth and stand confidently upon it.
In John 14:6 Jesus claimed to be the Truth and the Life.
Jesus IS Truth we can trust.
Paul, Silas, and Timothy spoke truth into peoples lives, and never concerned themselves with the havoc it could have created to them personally. They chose not to flatter people with meaningless words in order to gain their approval, because they're intentions were never to seek popularity or self-promotion.
They also understood that Gods Word did not need their help in any way in order to have its perfect work carried out into the lives of those to whom it was delivered.
They knew the Truth, and their job duty was to give it out boldly and practically, and then leave the rest to God.
What a shame it is today to hear people profess Christ but fail to speak the truth about Him.
True Christians speak truth even if it wounds the heart, because true Christians receive the implanted word and bear fruit because of it.
A liar on the other hand speaks words to pacify the sinning soul. A liar preaches his or her agenda using the name of Christ for their own personal gain.
Rejoice today that we have great biblical examples like Paul, Silas and Timothy. These men not only spoke the truth, but believed it so much so that they exemplified it in their daily lives to the point of becoming willing participants of self-sacrifice.
Do you have the Truth?
(1 Thess. 2:5,6a)
Dr James MacDonald recently tweeted this;
"I love my church because they can listen to a hard message, receive it ,and come back for more". Encouraged!
Truth- God's people can handle it. As a matter of fact, we want nothing less than the truth.
Now let's play the role of Pilate for a second and ask ourselves, what is truth? (John 18:38)
Well, Truth is absolute and authentic. Truth is unchanging. Truth is morally good. Truth is liberating.
As Christians, we anchor our feet in Truth and stand confidently upon it.
In John 14:6 Jesus claimed to be the Truth and the Life.
Jesus IS Truth we can trust.
Paul, Silas, and Timothy spoke truth into peoples lives, and never concerned themselves with the havoc it could have created to them personally. They chose not to flatter people with meaningless words in order to gain their approval, because they're intentions were never to seek popularity or self-promotion.
They also understood that Gods Word did not need their help in any way in order to have its perfect work carried out into the lives of those to whom it was delivered.
They knew the Truth, and their job duty was to give it out boldly and practically, and then leave the rest to God.
What a shame it is today to hear people profess Christ but fail to speak the truth about Him.
True Christians speak truth even if it wounds the heart, because true Christians receive the implanted word and bear fruit because of it.
A liar on the other hand speaks words to pacify the sinning soul. A liar preaches his or her agenda using the name of Christ for their own personal gain.
Rejoice today that we have great biblical examples like Paul, Silas and Timothy. These men not only spoke the truth, but believed it so much so that they exemplified it in their daily lives to the point of becoming willing participants of self-sacrifice.
Do you have the Truth?
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Are you a man pleaser?
So we speak not to please men, but to God who test our hearts. 1 Thess 2:4
One of the greatest temptations that often comes upon God’s servants is the desire for position.. This self- centered ambition is always problematic for newbie’s, and can even find it’s way among the mature.
The root of position is covetousness.
When we focus our attention upon others, we always begin to want what they have, and, want to be treated the same way. We feel that we deserve the attention, and so begins the long arduious journey of self- promotion.
Our idea’s, our plans, our vision, our goals, our gifts, our whatever, becomes our agenda.
However, our text reveals to us that we do not see a desire for position in the lives of these faithful stewards of God.
Thankfully, they willfully choose not to be men pleasers, and, the only position Paul & co wanted was to be right with God.
They took the high road, that lead to the low road. The low road never brings about popularity, and if it does, it is not the kind that self is ever interested in.
Jeremiah 17:5 says that pleasing men will bring about a curse, and it will never become what you envision it to be.. Men are sinners and men will always fail you, and the sad truth is that, if you are trying to please man, you are living a duplicitous life.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look wholly at his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.
By this you will never be disappointed.
One of the greatest temptations that often comes upon God’s servants is the desire for position.. This self- centered ambition is always problematic for newbie’s, and can even find it’s way among the mature.
The root of position is covetousness.
When we focus our attention upon others, we always begin to want what they have, and, want to be treated the same way. We feel that we deserve the attention, and so begins the long arduious journey of self- promotion.
Our idea’s, our plans, our vision, our goals, our gifts, our whatever, becomes our agenda.
However, our text reveals to us that we do not see a desire for position in the lives of these faithful stewards of God.
Thankfully, they willfully choose not to be men pleasers, and, the only position Paul & co wanted was to be right with God.
They took the high road, that lead to the low road. The low road never brings about popularity, and if it does, it is not the kind that self is ever interested in.
Jeremiah 17:5 says that pleasing men will bring about a curse, and it will never become what you envision it to be.. Men are sinners and men will always fail you, and the sad truth is that, if you are trying to please man, you are living a duplicitous life.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look wholly at his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.
By this you will never be disappointed.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
You know what kind of men we proved to be among you.. 1 Thess 1:5
The life of Paul, Silas and Timothy exemplified the type of men we are to follow, if we are going to make any positive impact in the Body of Christ. It is true that we have many men and woman today God is using mightily in order to bring about great advancements in kingdom work. Find them, see what makes them tick, and follow them.
In Thesssalonica, Christians everywhere were compelled to preach the gospel because these three guys had lives sold out for Jesus Christ. The result was that this infection spread so fast it nearly became impenetrable. The world could stop this Jesus who was the Christ, nor even His servants for that matter.
We understand that it is the Holy Spirit's job alone to energize the fruit production in the life of a believer, but God uses the faithful witness of His chosen vessels to help aid in His divine purpose in the lives of fellow regenerates.
Everyone influences someone.The question you need to ask yourself is, whom am I influencing, and what are they doing because of my influence?
This is a good standard for measuring your own productivity.
In Thesssalonica, Christians everywhere were compelled to preach the gospel because these three guys had lives sold out for Jesus Christ. The result was that this infection spread so fast it nearly became impenetrable. The world could stop this Jesus who was the Christ, nor even His servants for that matter.
We understand that it is the Holy Spirit's job alone to energize the fruit production in the life of a believer, but God uses the faithful witness of His chosen vessels to help aid in His divine purpose in the lives of fellow regenerates.
Everyone influences someone.The question you need to ask yourself is, whom am I influencing, and what are they doing because of my influence?
This is a good standard for measuring your own productivity.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Are your tears genuine?
For you know that afterwards when he (Esau) desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, even though he sought it with tears.
Contrition is viewed by some as weakness. They say that God wants a manly man. I believe that contrition is formed in a man or woman whom God has genuinely broken, where in their desperation, tears of gratitude and adoration flow.
Esau had tears, but they were not produced because of genuine repentance, but rather they came as he understood the consequences of his rebellious heart. He could have cared less about his birthright, and so when his blessing had been taken away, he cried.
Our satisfaction is being in Christ. He is our blessing. There is no position or person or place that can take the place of intimacy with Jesus. Everything that comes after this are just added graces.
If my son inherits a car from me, he does so on account that he is my son, and I desire to bless him. If he should decide that he no longer wants to be my son, and rejects me a his father, then I take a way his last name and the car goes with it. It does not matter to me that he cries and is angry because he no longer gets the car. I am more hurt that he does not want to be my son any longer
I am thankful however, that once a son to the Father, always a son. Once He regenerates the darkness of your rebellious heart and seals you with His Holy Spirit, we are sure to inherit our blessing, and I am confident, though we walk away in sin, Father will bring us back to him. Esau was just not elected.
The next time you shed tears before God, make sure they are genuine.
Contrition is viewed by some as weakness. They say that God wants a manly man. I believe that contrition is formed in a man or woman whom God has genuinely broken, where in their desperation, tears of gratitude and adoration flow.
Esau had tears, but they were not produced because of genuine repentance, but rather they came as he understood the consequences of his rebellious heart. He could have cared less about his birthright, and so when his blessing had been taken away, he cried.
Our satisfaction is being in Christ. He is our blessing. There is no position or person or place that can take the place of intimacy with Jesus. Everything that comes after this are just added graces.
If my son inherits a car from me, he does so on account that he is my son, and I desire to bless him. If he should decide that he no longer wants to be my son, and rejects me a his father, then I take a way his last name and the car goes with it. It does not matter to me that he cries and is angry because he no longer gets the car. I am more hurt that he does not want to be my son any longer
I am thankful however, that once a son to the Father, always a son. Once He regenerates the darkness of your rebellious heart and seals you with His Holy Spirit, we are sure to inherit our blessing, and I am confident, though we walk away in sin, Father will bring us back to him. Esau was just not elected.
The next time you shed tears before God, make sure they are genuine.
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