"Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God" (Rev 3:2 NIV) An on-line friend paraphrased this scripture: You are a masterpiece waiting to be finished. Webster's defines masterpiece as: a work done with extraordinary skill.
At the end of time, when our lives are about to end, we will no doubt look back and remember all the things we did and didn't do, that we "should" or "shouldn't" have done. In movies, when a person passes away they show their lives flashing before their eyes. If your life were to flash before your eyes this morning, what would you see?
Certainly we all have regrets--some profound. There are bound to be many happy memories as well (if we are fortunate). I take this scripture to be an admonition on how to live our lives in the time we have remaining. We waste time and energy if we dwell on our grief, our losses, our regrets. Rather, we should grow from those experiences--and remember that God brought us through them. We are strenghtened and our resiliency and faith are increased once we move from the past to looking toward tomorrow.
My friend reminds us that we are created in God's image and likeness - e.g., masterpieces. God went to a lot effort to create us and he doesn't want to miss out on the opportunity to spend eternity with us! As this is the case, we really have no choice but to relish the time we have, to make the most of the days, the people, the situations that come into our lives. God loves us so very much and He even sends a warning: Wake up! He beseeches us, to wake up from the slumber of our mere humanity and begin living into the masterpieces He created us to be.
"[The Day Is Near] And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed" (Romans 13:11 NIV).
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
Showing posts with label Romans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Romans. Show all posts
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Not Ordinary, Not Insignificant
Sometimes a thought or even a full-blown idea pops into my head! This morning on my way to work, the words, "Not Ordinary, Not Insignificant" kept coming to mind.
My "take" on these incidences is that God wants me to minister to someone -- whether I know who the someone is or not. The important point is that God wants me to minister. So . . . here goes!
There are no doubt times/ situations/ people that can make us feel insignificant; when we consider the world's apparent definition of beauty/ success that we decide we are "just ordinary." Well, the world is wrong and the situations in which you find yourself are illusory and passing. You are NOT ordinary by any stretch of the imagination. And you are certainly NOT insignificant!
You were planned, hoped for, longed for, perfectly and exactly created in God's image and according to His plan and purpose! Perhaps I am speaking to my own past self! There have been times I did and said things I now regret -- at times when I felt my significance was dependent upon the approval of someone or some others. That was before I realized I am neither ordinary nor insignificant. How do I know this about myself and about you? We are "fearfully and wonderfully made!
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." (Psalm 139:13-16 NIV).
Do not for one minute believe what the world tells you! Don't listen to people who mean to bring you down to make themselves feel elevated. Don't believe what you see in the media! You are a fearfully and wonderfully made creation of the divine God!
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:2 NIV).
What you say and do is important. What you think and believe is significant. There is not a single "ordinary" thing about you or your existence. You are important in this world and for this world!
You are not ordinary, not insignificant. Speak up, speak out, live out loud! God believes you are not ordinary - but special; not insignificant - but of great value and with tremendous purpose.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
My "take" on these incidences is that God wants me to minister to someone -- whether I know who the someone is or not. The important point is that God wants me to minister. So . . . here goes!
There are no doubt times/ situations/ people that can make us feel insignificant; when we consider the world's apparent definition of beauty/ success that we decide we are "just ordinary." Well, the world is wrong and the situations in which you find yourself are illusory and passing. You are NOT ordinary by any stretch of the imagination. And you are certainly NOT insignificant!
You were planned, hoped for, longed for, perfectly and exactly created in God's image and according to His plan and purpose! Perhaps I am speaking to my own past self! There have been times I did and said things I now regret -- at times when I felt my significance was dependent upon the approval of someone or some others. That was before I realized I am neither ordinary nor insignificant. How do I know this about myself and about you? We are "fearfully and wonderfully made!
Do not for one minute believe what the world tells you! Don't listen to people who mean to bring you down to make themselves feel elevated. Don't believe what you see in the media! You are a fearfully and wonderfully made creation of the divine God!
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:2 NIV).
What you say and do is important. What you think and believe is significant. There is not a single "ordinary" thing about you or your existence. You are important in this world and for this world!
You are not ordinary, not insignificant. Speak up, speak out, live out loud! God believes you are not ordinary - but special; not insignificant - but of great value and with tremendous purpose.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
The Same Attitude and Mind as Christ
"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy" (Romans 15:1-9 NIV).
I have been so disturbed by the hate speech that seems to be so pervasive today! I undersand and fully accept that I am, indeed, pretty far to the "left" on the spectrum. There are many, many people with whom I disagree fundamentally. But I am a Christian, and these verses from Romans instruct me how to act towards others -- yes, even those with whom I disagree.
I absolutely and completely detest the language being used by some who call themselves Christian. I am far from and "ideal" Christian! I am a sinner born and living in sin. And I am utterly in awe of the fact that Christ died on the Cross for me! Did He die for you?
If we answer "yes" to this question, then how can we suggest that any other person on this earth is of less value to God than another? How can we claim to be so righteous that we can pass judgement on another? How can we say that one person is a sinner and so we should hate them -- and as one pastor recently advocated "round them up and lock them behind an electrified fence and wait for them to die"?
Whether or not I agree with someone's choice, decisions, or actions, I don't dare play God by judging them more sinful than am I! I pray for those who spout hate that they see the error in their ways. I pray for those who are living in ways with which I disagree. I pray most of all for myself--that I remember I am a Christian and I am called to live to higher standard than those who have not been saved.
" May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God" (Roman 15:5-7 NIV).
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
I have been so disturbed by the hate speech that seems to be so pervasive today! I undersand and fully accept that I am, indeed, pretty far to the "left" on the spectrum. There are many, many people with whom I disagree fundamentally. But I am a Christian, and these verses from Romans instruct me how to act towards others -- yes, even those with whom I disagree.
I absolutely and completely detest the language being used by some who call themselves Christian. I am far from and "ideal" Christian! I am a sinner born and living in sin. And I am utterly in awe of the fact that Christ died on the Cross for me! Did He die for you?
If we answer "yes" to this question, then how can we suggest that any other person on this earth is of less value to God than another? How can we claim to be so righteous that we can pass judgement on another? How can we say that one person is a sinner and so we should hate them -- and as one pastor recently advocated "round them up and lock them behind an electrified fence and wait for them to die"?
Whether or not I agree with someone's choice, decisions, or actions, I don't dare play God by judging them more sinful than am I! I pray for those who spout hate that they see the error in their ways. I pray for those who are living in ways with which I disagree. I pray most of all for myself--that I remember I am a Christian and I am called to live to higher standard than those who have not been saved.
" May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God" (Roman 15:5-7 NIV).
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
Monday, March 26, 2012
A Good Day to Play Soccer
Shortly I will head over to our church to attend a memorial service for a 14-year old child who grew up in our church family.
I am once again struck by the dichotomy of life - the sun is out after a dreary, rainy weekend. The sky is glorious, as I sit in my living room waiting to go over to church, I hear the birds chirping very intentionally, and have the deck doors open so I can enjoy the breeze. Yes, the sun came up today, just as it does every morning. And it will rise again tomorrow.
But today--this afternoon--we will grieve for a child who died so young. This day reminds me of all the Sundays he stood up to share with his church family about his weekend soccer games. He was delighted to have played -- never mattered if his team won or loss - just that he played and it was fun! (This was quite an accomplishment for a child with Asperger's who doesn't usually relish opportunities for public speaking.)
It's a beautiful day for a funeral. . . Perhaps that's not appropriate, but I rejoice that the child will be buried on a "good day for a soccer game" day. I'm glad the sun is shining to remind his parents, family and loved ones who will gather at the graveside that God does, indeed exist. I know the child is running and laughing and winning every soccer game in heaven. I just wish his parents could share in his delight.
They will have some long, lonely years before they will be reunited with their 14 year old son--their only child. But they will be - and I pray they dwell on that glorius truth as they begin to piece together the remainder of their lives here on earth.
My prayer is for them to feel God's love and care today. I am certain they are inconsolable. Only God and time can help them keep going, day by day.
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God" (Romans 8:18-21 NIV).
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
I am once again struck by the dichotomy of life - the sun is out after a dreary, rainy weekend. The sky is glorious, as I sit in my living room waiting to go over to church, I hear the birds chirping very intentionally, and have the deck doors open so I can enjoy the breeze. Yes, the sun came up today, just as it does every morning. And it will rise again tomorrow.
But today--this afternoon--we will grieve for a child who died so young. This day reminds me of all the Sundays he stood up to share with his church family about his weekend soccer games. He was delighted to have played -- never mattered if his team won or loss - just that he played and it was fun! (This was quite an accomplishment for a child with Asperger's who doesn't usually relish opportunities for public speaking.)
It's a beautiful day for a funeral. . . Perhaps that's not appropriate, but I rejoice that the child will be buried on a "good day for a soccer game" day. I'm glad the sun is shining to remind his parents, family and loved ones who will gather at the graveside that God does, indeed exist. I know the child is running and laughing and winning every soccer game in heaven. I just wish his parents could share in his delight.
They will have some long, lonely years before they will be reunited with their 14 year old son--their only child. But they will be - and I pray they dwell on that glorius truth as they begin to piece together the remainder of their lives here on earth.
My prayer is for them to feel God's love and care today. I am certain they are inconsolable. Only God and time can help them keep going, day by day.
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God" (Romans 8:18-21 NIV).
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Be Set Free From Your Infirmity
"and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God" (Luke 13:11-13).
"When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them" (Luke 7:36-38 NIV).
Spiritual bondage is the state of being spiritually bound so that you cannot function or live the way you were designed to function and live . . . The root cause of the spiritual problem is idolatry in one form or another. (wiki.answers.com)
All of us are in bondage to somone or something. We all worship "false gods." God makes it very clear He does not want to share our affection or adoration with any other person or thing! And yet, because we are human, we cannot help ourselves. Even when we know we are in bondage to this sin, we often feel powerless to break the bond.
But God, in the form of Jesus Christ, swoops in to help us. Because He became human, He understands our human propensity to sin--and our weakness in the flesh to break our bondage. When we face our sinfulness, we are like the woman with the alabaster jar--offering that thing which keeps us in bondage up to God--that which keeps us from a right relationship with Him.
"Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory" (Romans 8:12-17 NIV).
My prayer for you is that you call out to God, begging Him to help you break the bondage of sin. And that you rejoice that you are an heir of God and co-heir with Christ.
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
"When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them" (Luke 7:36-38 NIV).
Spiritual bondage is the state of being spiritually bound so that you cannot function or live the way you were designed to function and live . . . The root cause of the spiritual problem is idolatry in one form or another. (wiki.answers.com)
All of us are in bondage to somone or something. We all worship "false gods." God makes it very clear He does not want to share our affection or adoration with any other person or thing! And yet, because we are human, we cannot help ourselves. Even when we know we are in bondage to this sin, we often feel powerless to break the bond.
But God, in the form of Jesus Christ, swoops in to help us. Because He became human, He understands our human propensity to sin--and our weakness in the flesh to break our bondage. When we face our sinfulness, we are like the woman with the alabaster jar--offering that thing which keeps us in bondage up to God--that which keeps us from a right relationship with Him.
"Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory" (Romans 8:12-17 NIV).
My prayer for you is that you call out to God, begging Him to help you break the bondage of sin. And that you rejoice that you are an heir of God and co-heir with Christ.
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Free Gift
I love freebies! I enjoy couponing and generally participating in all things frugal! I jump at any opportunity get something free almost to the point of obsession--they are almost irrestible!
This morning I was reading Paul's letter to the Romans and I was reminded of the words of young man I knew several years ago. He said, "I just think Jesus is irrestible." Wow! Doesn't that make you stop and think? And I agree - to be a bit crass: Jesus is the best freebie this sin-filled world has ever received--that I have ever received!
Paul is passionately in love with Jesus as well - Jesus is clearly irrestible to Him, too. Sometimes when we're in a the midst of difficult situation, having a hard time making it through our current circumstances, or dreading some future event, we forget about the freedom we have in Christ - and through Him. We have no need for fear or worry or dread. Rather, we have the free gift of grace, which is the source of our hope!
"For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)" (Romans 8:22-25 NLT)
There's a saying quoted often: Freedom isn't free. In the case of our human existence, as it applies to the United States, this is a valid statement. In the heavenly realms, though, it really is "free" in that all we have to do is accept Jesus' irrestible gift: the sacrifice of our sins on the Cross. He died so our sin would die, and he rose so we would be made new. In spite of mankind; even knowing that two thousand years later, we would still be seeking after other, lesser gifts, He gave us the free gift of grace.
"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners" (Romans 5:3-6 NLT).
So many, including my family and I, are struggling with various life issues. It's all too easy to get wrapped up in worry, stress, anxiety, fear. In times of trouble, we need that "freebie" even more - and remember to take it, use it, own it - and pass on the good news to others.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified" (Romans 8:28-30 NIV).
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
This morning I was reading Paul's letter to the Romans and I was reminded of the words of young man I knew several years ago. He said, "I just think Jesus is irrestible." Wow! Doesn't that make you stop and think? And I agree - to be a bit crass: Jesus is the best freebie this sin-filled world has ever received--that I have ever received!
Paul is passionately in love with Jesus as well - Jesus is clearly irrestible to Him, too. Sometimes when we're in a the midst of difficult situation, having a hard time making it through our current circumstances, or dreading some future event, we forget about the freedom we have in Christ - and through Him. We have no need for fear or worry or dread. Rather, we have the free gift of grace, which is the source of our hope!
"For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)" (Romans 8:22-25 NLT)
There's a saying quoted often: Freedom isn't free. In the case of our human existence, as it applies to the United States, this is a valid statement. In the heavenly realms, though, it really is "free" in that all we have to do is accept Jesus' irrestible gift: the sacrifice of our sins on the Cross. He died so our sin would die, and he rose so we would be made new. In spite of mankind; even knowing that two thousand years later, we would still be seeking after other, lesser gifts, He gave us the free gift of grace.
"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners" (Romans 5:3-6 NLT).
So many, including my family and I, are struggling with various life issues. It's all too easy to get wrapped up in worry, stress, anxiety, fear. In times of trouble, we need that "freebie" even more - and remember to take it, use it, own it - and pass on the good news to others.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified" (Romans 8:28-30 NIV).
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Predestined to be like Jesus
"We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. And those whom he predistined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified" (Romans 8:28-30 NRSV).
Paul can be challenging to understand sometimes, but I like reading his writings (perhaps because he and I share a love of using more words than are sometimes necessary(?)). Paul writes from the viewpoint that what God knows and does in eternity appears to be a prior action - even though it is going on now - and will actually take place in the future.
In other words, while we will be called . . . justified . . . glorified at the end of time, it has already occured in eternity! God is so massive and His love so all-encompassing that neither He nor His love can be contained in time and space.
So if that is the case, why do I doubt His wisdom? Why do I struggle with situations in my life? How can I not be assured that God is in control? Always has been. Always will be. Since I believe in the certain future glory that awaits me in heaven, I have no need to worry about the past or the present. My future is assured! "What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?" (Romans 8:31 NRSV)
God is conforming us to the image and likeness of Christ so we can share in the glory of Christ. So, Paul considers the sufferings of the present not even worth complaining about because they couldn't possibly compare to the future glory that will be revealed to us as they were to Christ. That's so reassuring. And important to remember. Our future is certain! God waits for us with anticipation and longing--just as we wait for Him. That's called HOPE.
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
Paul can be challenging to understand sometimes, but I like reading his writings (perhaps because he and I share a love of using more words than are sometimes necessary(?)). Paul writes from the viewpoint that what God knows and does in eternity appears to be a prior action - even though it is going on now - and will actually take place in the future.
In other words, while we will be called . . . justified . . . glorified at the end of time, it has already occured in eternity! God is so massive and His love so all-encompassing that neither He nor His love can be contained in time and space.
So if that is the case, why do I doubt His wisdom? Why do I struggle with situations in my life? How can I not be assured that God is in control? Always has been. Always will be. Since I believe in the certain future glory that awaits me in heaven, I have no need to worry about the past or the present. My future is assured! "What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?" (Romans 8:31 NRSV)
God is conforming us to the image and likeness of Christ so we can share in the glory of Christ. So, Paul considers the sufferings of the present not even worth complaining about because they couldn't possibly compare to the future glory that will be revealed to us as they were to Christ. That's so reassuring. And important to remember. Our future is certain! God waits for us with anticipation and longing--just as we wait for Him. That's called HOPE.
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Wide Open Spaces of God's Grace and Love
"By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us--set us right with him, make us fit for him--we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he had already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand--out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise. There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary--we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit" (Romans 5:1-5 (MSG), 4-5 RSV)!Wow! I haven’t ever read this version of Romans! Romans can be bit convoluted -- Paul thinks, and writes(!) like I often do, a kind of free flowing, wordy discourse. This paraphrase made it a bit easier to understand, I think. What Paul is saying is that we may think we’re acting alone in accepting Christ as our Savior. The truth is: God’s already taken the first step--He’s all ready for us! We thought we were planning a surprise party, but guess what? The surprise is ours!
I think of the story of the Prodigal Son--we are so much like that younger son, aren’t we? We go plodding down the road that leads us to the father‘s house, head hung down, beaten down physically, emotionally, spiritually, and determine we’ll finally admit we are unable to live without our Father--and we are willing to live on his property as a servant, rather than be without him. Rather than assigning the wayward child to the servant’s quarters, the Father runs, jubilantly to his child. He is so excited he can’t wait for the child to come the entire way home. He leaps and runs and calls out in joy, welcome home! That’s how God is too! We think it’s all our idea to turn our lives over to Christ. But guess what? Christ already cleared the way for us!
And there’s more! We continue to rejoice because once we accept Christ as our savior -- life only gets better! Oh, we will certainly have problems, struggles, probably even some heavy burdens to bear. But we know we are no longer alone. We know we have our Savior to bear our burdens with us. He is our constant companion, laboring with us that last mile to the Father. He holds us up, lest we stumble and fall before we reach our destination. He is there for us through it all and will never, ever leave us alone. Reason indeed to continue rejoicing!
Passionate patience. I like that term. When I’m in that state, my husband calls it restlessness. And that’s what it is. Not only is God excited about what He’s doing in me, I’m anxious for Him to reveal it, so I can get to it! I am, admittedly, more passionate than I am patient, but God works with me anyway! I long to run out in the “wide open spaces of God’s grace and love.” Jesus leads us there. And there’s more! “we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!” It almost sounds like those “infomercials” that air late at night: But wait! There’s even more! For a limited time only, you get twice the bargain. The difference is, we’ve already got it!
I hope in light of the amazing grace of God, you will remain alert for whatever God wants of you next. And that you will rejoice with me because, we know that “suffering produces endurance, . and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.”
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Overcome evil with good
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:20 NIV).
"And the LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Satan answered the LORD, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it."Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason" (Job 2:2-3 NIV).
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
"And the LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Satan answered the LORD, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it."Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason" (Job 2:2-3 NIV).
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
Friday, March 12, 2010
Grace Abounds
"Therefore as sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all men sinned -- sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the effect of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification. If, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:12-17 NRSV).In other words: God’s grace turns our world upside down! It’s just not logical to be loved in spite of our sin! It doesn’t make sense that no matter how defiant and disobedient we are, God loves us all the more! How can that be?! It seems so improbable that God in the form of Jesus Christ would walk the earth among us and stand in silence before his accusers. Why didn’t he defend himself? Why didn’t he lift his eyes to heaven and call out to his Heavenly father! Why?
Why did he do that? Why would anyone? It is inexplicable to be loved so powerfully! It is unfathomable that a God so big would love us so very much. It is unimaginable that we are of such great value to one so great and mighty! The One who made the earth and placed the stars in the sky--the One who waits for us in heaven -- Alpha and Omega -- is the One who watches over us and cares for us and loves us through this journey called life on earth.
But again, we must ask, “Why?” I don’t know! I love my children beyond description -- and my husband. I would certainly die for any of them. But would I die for you? Would I silently walk up that hill to be hung on a cross for my neighbor across the street? Or for the person in the check out line at the grocery store? Or the mechanic who works on my car? Would you?
I hope you spend today reveling in truth that Jesus died for you.
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
Monday, February 8, 2010
Co-Heirs With Christ
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do: sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, . . .in order that the just requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the spirit of sonship. When we cry, "Abba! Father!" it is the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. (Romans 8:1-4, 14-17 RSV)
“The law” becomes our salvation, our source of strength, our life-sustaining guide when it is intertwined with the fact of Jesus Christ. We obey the law because of our love for Christ. We have the desire to obey, now, not out of fear of retribution alone, but out of gratitude for the gift of Jesus.
He was just like us—tempted in every way—yet he did not succumb to his human instincts. I can’t help but think that he was able to resist sin not because of his divinity—but rather that he was able to avoid it because, in his humanity, he knew he had to rely upon the Father.
He suffered as a man. He was beaten and tortured in his human form. He was able to take it—the punishment for all our sins, because of his divinity. God gave him super-human strength to endure what he took upon himself. So how do we become like Christ? By calling upon the same God upon whom Jesus called.
We are heirs—fellow heirs with Christ. Wow! That means we’re “like Christ.” That we are afforded the same privileges and can expect the same reward: eternal life in heaven. To be like Christ is not easy! Remember, he called upon his father (Our Father) every time he needed to resist his human inclination to sin. Every time. Before he acted, he prayed. Before he chose a path, he turned the decision over to God. He called out to his “Abba,” his “daddy.” And the Abba God answered.
That’s our promise, too. That if we call out to him, he will answer. Thankfully, we also possess the spirit living within us. That spirit, sent by Abba God and our co-heir, his son, our brother, causes us to desire the path of righteousness. That spirit, and our gratitude to Abba God for sending his son, is why we keep at it, day after day, year after year. Our co-heir, our brother Jesus, is why we never give up. He gave us every part of his human self—and then reached deep down inside to reveal his divinity.
It's breathtaking to think about how passionately, deeply, completely God loves me; to be my daddy-God, to adopt me into a family where Jesus is my brother; to remember me in his will—as if I were his own from the beginning of time—Oh, yeah! I was! And so were you. We suffer the limitations of our human form, so that we may rejoice one day in our spiritual beings with Christ. He waits—the perfectly perfect big brother—to reach out a hand and hike us up that last little way to the top of the mountain. He waits—with our Abba, our Daddy-God.
I hope today you rejoice at being adopted into God’s family. And that you rely upon your brother Jesus to direct your speech and guide your actions as you look to the future inheritance you share with him.
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the spirit of sonship. When we cry, "Abba! Father!" it is the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. (Romans 8:1-4, 14-17 RSV)
“The law” becomes our salvation, our source of strength, our life-sustaining guide when it is intertwined with the fact of Jesus Christ. We obey the law because of our love for Christ. We have the desire to obey, now, not out of fear of retribution alone, but out of gratitude for the gift of Jesus.
He was just like us—tempted in every way—yet he did not succumb to his human instincts. I can’t help but think that he was able to resist sin not because of his divinity—but rather that he was able to avoid it because, in his humanity, he knew he had to rely upon the Father.He suffered as a man. He was beaten and tortured in his human form. He was able to take it—the punishment for all our sins, because of his divinity. God gave him super-human strength to endure what he took upon himself. So how do we become like Christ? By calling upon the same God upon whom Jesus called.
We are heirs—fellow heirs with Christ. Wow! That means we’re “like Christ.” That we are afforded the same privileges and can expect the same reward: eternal life in heaven. To be like Christ is not easy! Remember, he called upon his father (Our Father) every time he needed to resist his human inclination to sin. Every time. Before he acted, he prayed. Before he chose a path, he turned the decision over to God. He called out to his “Abba,” his “daddy.” And the Abba God answered.
That’s our promise, too. That if we call out to him, he will answer. Thankfully, we also possess the spirit living within us. That spirit, sent by Abba God and our co-heir, his son, our brother, causes us to desire the path of righteousness. That spirit, and our gratitude to Abba God for sending his son, is why we keep at it, day after day, year after year. Our co-heir, our brother Jesus, is why we never give up. He gave us every part of his human self—and then reached deep down inside to reveal his divinity.
It's breathtaking to think about how passionately, deeply, completely God loves me; to be my daddy-God, to adopt me into a family where Jesus is my brother; to remember me in his will—as if I were his own from the beginning of time—Oh, yeah! I was! And so were you. We suffer the limitations of our human form, so that we may rejoice one day in our spiritual beings with Christ. He waits—the perfectly perfect big brother—to reach out a hand and hike us up that last little way to the top of the mountain. He waits—with our Abba, our Daddy-God.
I hope today you rejoice at being adopted into God’s family. And that you rely upon your brother Jesus to direct your speech and guide your actions as you look to the future inheritance you share with him.
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
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