"Open criticism is better than unexpressed love."
Those of you who know me personally know that I’m a person soft-spoken when it comes to consideration for others. My husband has told me so many times, “Just cut to the chase! You will walk 5 miles around something to keep from just saying what’s really on your heart!” And he’s right…the “diplomatic me” has such a hard time even speaking the truth in love. The reason I’m better at writing than speaking is that I have time to more carefully choose my words. It’s a gift and a hindrance all in one.
God has created as diverse a palate of persona
lities as He has variations in the colors of our skin, for reasons far above our understanding. Not all of us would make good trial lawyers or drill sergeants…thank heavens I am neither!
Still, when pondering the above Scripture today, I thought of families and the need for expressed love. Most of us have at least one parent or grandparent from whom words of love trickled rather than flowed. It’s just not easy for some people to say those “three little big words.” Grandma was very, very open in her feelings. She praised hard but when circumstances called for it, she could come down hard on you like a hammer…but she did both from a heart abounding in love! Grandpa was the strong, silent type who was better at action love than spoken love; but he loved strongly and we all felt it without question. When he did actually say he loved you, it really meant something special. My parents were both the same way, Mom being more open and Dad being more reserved. Another lesson in itself, and I think that certain ministers like Bishop T.D. Jakes have such a high calling in teaching men how to open up and be more expressively loving toward their spouses and children.
The most tragic young people (who often grow up to be adults with emotional issues) I know of are ones who honestly don’t know either way, through word or deed, that they’re loved. They may get open criticism on a daily or even hourly basis; but no underlying affection to let them know the rebuke is spoken for their good -- and not just as a weapon to beat down their spirits. Still other kids wind up with every conceivable toy, gadget, or privilege to do whatever they wish, but wonder in their hearts whether it’s just a means to keep them “out of their parents’ hair.” They’re left without the security of knowing that love has built safe boundaries around them.
Remember, how we as parents treat our children establishes in them some mindset—good or bad—of how they perceive their Heavenly Father. As a matter of fact, as child abuse and neglect go, the cruelest thing that can be done to injure one of God’s little ones is simply not to love him or her…or to love in secret without ever giving that child the satisfaction of feeling and knowing that love in a tangible way. Conversely, there are also many young people and adults who withhold affection from their parents for one reason or another, waiting instead to utter a delayed “I love you” over an open casket or to a stone memorial with a name and date on it. Lack of love accounts for nearly every sin in the Bible, if you get right down it. How fractured we can be...how much we need Jesus to get it right!
Scripture Of The Day: "Open criticism is better than unexpressed love." - Proverbs 27:5
Showing posts with label fruit of the Spirit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fruit of the Spirit. Show all posts
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Doing Inventory
Travel can be wonderful. But business travel is generally more like death by paper cuts. Last week I landed and was still a bit famished even after the eight tiny pretzels snack I was graciously given in flight. So I began to peruse the food options. I spotted a smoothie stand and that sounded perfect. So I headed over and made my pick.
“I will have the Peanut Butter Zone smoothie.”
The worker turned and looked at the menu as if that order was a complete surprise. Maybe she thought she was being pranked for one of those cable shows. Perhaps I was making stuff up. She carefully examined the ingredients on the menu board and turned to me.
“We ain’t got no peanut butter.”
Disappointed but still determined I pushed on.
“Then I will have the Protein Power Berry smoothie.”
Slowly she turned to see what ingredients might be in this order which also appeared to take her by complete surprise.
“We ain’t got no protein powder.”
This is where I realized that I am making significant progress in my grace journey. This young lady would have had a very large dose of edgy sarcasm in previous beta editions of Dave Burchett faithwalk. But I bit my lip and simply said this.
“You might want to take those things off the menu if you don’t have them.”
Later I reflected on even that comment and felt a tinge of loving conviction from the Spirit. In my Christian example I have done exactly what this poorly trained worker did. As I have poorly represented Jesus I told people that many things were on the menu. A whole variety of spiritual fruit was listed boldly on the board. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc. I imagined a little parody of my concession experience.
Spiritually famished sojourner sees my fish cross bumper sticker. Since this is a sure sign of spiritual maturity the seeker boldly approaches and surveys the menu.
“I would like to have peace.”
I turn and examine my life. It is anxious. Frightened. No different from him.
“I don’t have much peace today.” (At least my grammar is a little better than the worker above)
The spiritual seeker looks a bit disappointed but is still hopeful.
“I would like some joy.”
Slowly I examine my life. Frustrated. Not content. A lot like my seeking friend.
“I don’t have any joy right now.”
It was so easy to demean a poorly trained employee representing a random smoothie company that frustrated me that day. Yet I expect grace when I, a poorly trained Christian, fail to represent Jesus and frustrate those I hope to bless.
Slowly I am beginning to comprehend grace. Good buddy Mark sent me this snippet from the book The Search For Significance by Robert S. McGee.
"Our true value is based not on our behavior or the approval of others but on what God's word says is true. Our behavior is often a reflection of our beliefs about who we are. It is usually consistent with what we think to be true about ourselves (Prov 23:7). If we base our worth solidly on the truths of God's word, then our behavior will often reflect His love, grace, and power. But if we base our worth on our abilities or the fickle approval of others, then our behavior will reflect the insecurity, fear, and anger that comes from such instability."
I have been learning the truth of those words in recent months. When I trust who God says I am I begin to stock the ingredients listed on the fruits of the Spirit menu board. God declares all of the following list to be true about me… a broken down TV director. And all of these things became true from the MOMENT I trusted Christ:
• I am forgiven. Col 2:13–14
• I am a child of God. John 1:2; Rom 8:15
• I received Christ's KIND of life, eternal: John 5:24
• I was delivered from Satan's domain and into the Kingdom of Christ: Col 1:13
• Christ came to dwell with me. Col 1:27; Rev 3:20
• I am a new Creation: 2 Cor 5:17
• I am declared righteous by God: 2 Cor 5:21
• I entered a love relationship w/ God: 1 John 4:9-11
• I am accepted by God: Col 1:19-22
Wow. I am wrapping my heart and mind around all of that this morning. I am filled with humility and gratitude for these unmerited gifts given to me that day and every day since. So if my imaginary encounter happens today I pray it will go a little more like this.
“Yes, I would like to have some joy.”
“Grande or Venti? I am overflowing with His abundant love today. Thanks for stopping by and letting me serve you.”
May I leave you with some familiar words from Paul? You can order freely from the menu through the power of the Holy Spirit. And the check has already been picked up by Christ.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another. (Galatians 5, NLT)
Dave Burchett is an Emmy Award winning television sports director, author, and Christian speaker. He is the author of When Bad Christians Happen to Good People and Bring'em Back Alive: A Healing Plan for those Wounded by the Church. You can reply by linking through daveburchett.com.
Scripture Of The Day: "By their fruits you will know them." - Matthew 7:20
“I will have the Peanut Butter Zone smoothie.”
The worker turned and looked at the menu as if that order was a complete surprise. Maybe she thought she was being pranked for one of those cable shows. Perhaps I was making stuff up. She carefully examined the ingredients on the menu board and turned to me.
“We ain’t got no peanut butter.”
Disappointed but still determined I pushed on.
“Then I will have the Protein Power Berry smoothie.”
Slowly she turned to see what ingredients might be in this order which also appeared to take her by complete surprise.
“We ain’t got no protein powder.”
This is where I realized that I am making significant progress in my grace journey. This young lady would have had a very large dose of edgy sarcasm in previous beta editions of Dave Burchett faithwalk. But I bit my lip and simply said this.
“You might want to take those things off the menu if you don’t have them.”
Later I reflected on even that comment and felt a tinge of loving conviction from the Spirit. In my Christian example I have done exactly what this poorly trained worker did. As I have poorly represented Jesus I told people that many things were on the menu. A whole variety of spiritual fruit was listed boldly on the board. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc. I imagined a little parody of my concession experience.
Spiritually famished sojourner sees my fish cross bumper sticker. Since this is a sure sign of spiritual maturity the seeker boldly approaches and surveys the menu.
“I would like to have peace.”
I turn and examine my life. It is anxious. Frightened. No different from him.
“I don’t have much peace today.” (At least my grammar is a little better than the worker above)
The spiritual seeker looks a bit disappointed but is still hopeful.
“I would like some joy.”
Slowly I examine my life. Frustrated. Not content. A lot like my seeking friend.
“I don’t have any joy right now.”
It was so easy to demean a poorly trained employee representing a random smoothie company that frustrated me that day. Yet I expect grace when I, a poorly trained Christian, fail to represent Jesus and frustrate those I hope to bless.
Slowly I am beginning to comprehend grace. Good buddy Mark sent me this snippet from the book The Search For Significance by Robert S. McGee.
"Our true value is based not on our behavior or the approval of others but on what God's word says is true. Our behavior is often a reflection of our beliefs about who we are. It is usually consistent with what we think to be true about ourselves (Prov 23:7). If we base our worth solidly on the truths of God's word, then our behavior will often reflect His love, grace, and power. But if we base our worth on our abilities or the fickle approval of others, then our behavior will reflect the insecurity, fear, and anger that comes from such instability."
I have been learning the truth of those words in recent months. When I trust who God says I am I begin to stock the ingredients listed on the fruits of the Spirit menu board. God declares all of the following list to be true about me… a broken down TV director. And all of these things became true from the MOMENT I trusted Christ:
• I am forgiven. Col 2:13–14
• I am a child of God. John 1:2; Rom 8:15
• I received Christ's KIND of life, eternal: John 5:24
• I was delivered from Satan's domain and into the Kingdom of Christ: Col 1:13
• Christ came to dwell with me. Col 1:27; Rev 3:20
• I am a new Creation: 2 Cor 5:17
• I am declared righteous by God: 2 Cor 5:21
• I entered a love relationship w/ God: 1 John 4:9-11
• I am accepted by God: Col 1:19-22
Wow. I am wrapping my heart and mind around all of that this morning. I am filled with humility and gratitude for these unmerited gifts given to me that day and every day since. So if my imaginary encounter happens today I pray it will go a little more like this.
“Yes, I would like to have some joy.”
“Grande or Venti? I am overflowing with His abundant love today. Thanks for stopping by and letting me serve you.”
May I leave you with some familiar words from Paul? You can order freely from the menu through the power of the Holy Spirit. And the check has already been picked up by Christ.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another. (Galatians 5, NLT)
Dave Burchett is an Emmy Award winning television sports director, author, and Christian speaker. He is the author of When Bad Christians Happen to Good People and Bring'em Back Alive: A Healing Plan for those Wounded by the Church. You can reply by linking through daveburchett.com.
Scripture Of The Day: "By their fruits you will know them." - Matthew 7:20
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Ripe For The Picking
I cleared U.S. customs at the Miami international airport recently. It was my first point of entry back into the country after a mission trip to Jamaica. The customs agents’ job is to make sure nothing harmful or potentially dangerous is brought into the country. Good thing I didn’t try to sneak any illegal fruits in my luggage! What I did bring home was a riper appreciation for the Fruit of the Spirit.
Anyone who has been on the mission field knows it’s not easy. Often you must step away from your cozy life of comfort to reach the poor and less fortunate. Go find the hungry and feed them. Locate the thirsty and give them a drink. Seek out the naked and clothe them. Look for the sick and those in prison and go visit them. As Jesus said in Matthew 25:40, “Whatever you have done unto the least of these my brothers, you have done it to me.”
That type of “love in action” requires being led by the Holy Spirit. In Galatians 5:22-23, the apostle Paul lists the Fruit or the evidence of the Spirit. The one bunch of nine attributes is love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. These are the ripe, fruitful qualities true Christians should be producing as we mature spiritually.
So a key question today is, are you ripe enough to be picked? Right now, could God pick you to represent Him well, or “trust with trouble?” It’s easy to go to church, lift holy hands and sing “how I love Jesus.” Any unripe, immature Christian can do that. But then comes the pruning and perfecting through the word of God and life’s challenges. That’s the Holy Spirit’s job. And He expects growth. So check the fitness of your fruit:
Do you “love your neighbor as yourself” as Christ commanded us to do in Matthew 22:39? Remember, love is patient and kind. It envies no one. It’s never boastful, conceited, rude nor selfish. Love is never quick to take offense. It does not keep score of wrongs. It does not take pleasure in the sins of others. That’s love. And love is just the first attribute of the Holy Spirit.
Pick patience: Are you working on being more patient with your agitating co-workers? How about gentleness? What are you doing to be less abrasive and more gentle with your spouse? Do your children witness you flying off the handle? Or are you allowing the Holy Spirit to teach you to master self-control?
The ultimate mission of the Holy Spirit is to conform us into the image of Jesus Christ. That way we are fit for the father’s use, prepared to do His good works, according to 2 Timothy 2:21b.
Those good works might be on foreign soil or on a familiar street in your neighborhood. Where ever they are, grow where you are planted. Let your life reproduce the Fruit of the Spirit every day. And you’ll be ripe for God’s picking every time.
Scripture Of The Day: “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” - Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
Anyone who has been on the mission field knows it’s not easy. Often you must step away from your cozy life of comfort to reach the poor and less fortunate. Go find the hungry and feed them. Locate the thirsty and give them a drink. Seek out the naked and clothe them. Look for the sick and those in prison and go visit them. As Jesus said in Matthew 25:40, “Whatever you have done unto the least of these my brothers, you have done it to me.”
That type of “love in action” requires being led by the Holy Spirit. In Galatians 5:22-23, the apostle Paul lists the Fruit or the evidence of the Spirit. The one bunch of nine attributes is love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. These are the ripe, fruitful qualities true Christians should be producing as we mature spiritually.
So a key question today is, are you ripe enough to be picked? Right now, could God pick you to represent Him well, or “trust with trouble?” It’s easy to go to church, lift holy hands and sing “how I love Jesus.” Any unripe, immature Christian can do that. But then comes the pruning and perfecting through the word of God and life’s challenges. That’s the Holy Spirit’s job. And He expects growth. So check the fitness of your fruit:
Do you “love your neighbor as yourself” as Christ commanded us to do in Matthew 22:39? Remember, love is patient and kind. It envies no one. It’s never boastful, conceited, rude nor selfish. Love is never quick to take offense. It does not keep score of wrongs. It does not take pleasure in the sins of others. That’s love. And love is just the first attribute of the Holy Spirit.
Pick patience: Are you working on being more patient with your agitating co-workers? How about gentleness? What are you doing to be less abrasive and more gentle with your spouse? Do your children witness you flying off the handle? Or are you allowing the Holy Spirit to teach you to master self-control?
The ultimate mission of the Holy Spirit is to conform us into the image of Jesus Christ. That way we are fit for the father’s use, prepared to do His good works, according to 2 Timothy 2:21b.
Those good works might be on foreign soil or on a familiar street in your neighborhood. Where ever they are, grow where you are planted. Let your life reproduce the Fruit of the Spirit every day. And you’ll be ripe for God’s picking every time.
Scripture Of The Day: “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” - Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Apples and Oranges
There is a commonly-used idiom in American culture, “you’re trying to compare apples to oranges”, which speaks to the incompatibility of two items or objects that really should not be compared to one another. In conversation, someone may attempt to compare one vehicle to another, and the other person would brush off their comparison with, “they don’t even compare. That’s like comparing apples to oranges.” The examples are endless - with technology, clothing, buildings, recreational activities, entertainers, speakers, and even culinary delights.
I think there’s another category that these unfair comparisons apply, and that is the Fruit of the Spirit. For example, it is great to meet nice people with great qualities, but at no point should we put their qualities on the same level of the Fruit of the Spirit. The manifestation of the Fruit of the Spirit in the life of the believer is the result of a powerful transformation that has taken place in the life of a person. It is so transforming that if not for the Fruit of the Spirit, the person who would otherwise have been calloused, inconsistent, and unapproachable is now developing into a well-rounded individual in which the power of God is operating in their life.
Why the difference between the two? More pointedly, when you meet a nice person who has great natural qualities, although admirable, they get the credit only. When you meet a person who is exemplifying the fruit of love (without strings attached), joy (without external influence), peace (regardless of the chaos around them), longsuffering (when the average person would have given up), kindness (to those that others would have discounted), goodness (above and beyond the call of duty), faithfulness (that seems unreasonable and unshakeable), gentleness (handling people and situations with the humbleness of care), and self-control (that is measured with gracefulness and submissive engagement), you must know that these are reflections of the Power of God in that persons’ life and not their own doing. It becomes clear that God is at work in their life. When you see this, God gets the credit not the person.
It also becomes evident that the Holy Spirits’ influence in the life of the believer becomes an evangelistic tool to others that the Holy Spirit can dramatically affect anyone that is willing for Him to influence them. This becomes a powerful statement of what is and what could be. Individuals no longer minimize the effects of the Holy Spirit to just a self-help approach or ‘do it yourself’ exploitation. It reflects a Process of Transformation in which God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit creatively coordinate and engage in the life of the submitted believer who was a hopeless and misguided life wanderer into a purposeful and powerful life changer.
Finally, there is a higher value of the results of the Fruit of the Spirit at work than just being a nice person. Notice what Matthew 6: 19-20 (Message) says, ““Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars.” There becomes a “heavenly-mindedness” that shifts the focus from just people to something much bigger. There becomes a shifting in focus from living life successfully according to culture, to a standard of success guided by God’s Word. There is a shift from human abilities to divine empowerment. It becomes clear that God is at work on multiple people in multiple ways with multiple, ripple effects. It should be the goal of every believer that the fruit of the Spirit is ripe, full-grown, developed, and cultivated in every season of their lives. The results will be sweet to taste and inviting to witness.
It sounds comparable, but I’m not sure that it is. The self-help nice person that is compared with the fruitful believer seems like it is on the same level and appears like an innocent comparison, but it is really like comparing apples and oranges.
Scripture of the Day: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23
I think there’s another category that these unfair comparisons apply, and that is the Fruit of the Spirit. For example, it is great to meet nice people with great qualities, but at no point should we put their qualities on the same level of the Fruit of the Spirit. The manifestation of the Fruit of the Spirit in the life of the believer is the result of a powerful transformation that has taken place in the life of a person. It is so transforming that if not for the Fruit of the Spirit, the person who would otherwise have been calloused, inconsistent, and unapproachable is now developing into a well-rounded individual in which the power of God is operating in their life.
Why the difference between the two? More pointedly, when you meet a nice person who has great natural qualities, although admirable, they get the credit only. When you meet a person who is exemplifying the fruit of love (without strings attached), joy (without external influence), peace (regardless of the chaos around them), longsuffering (when the average person would have given up), kindness (to those that others would have discounted), goodness (above and beyond the call of duty), faithfulness (that seems unreasonable and unshakeable), gentleness (handling people and situations with the humbleness of care), and self-control (that is measured with gracefulness and submissive engagement), you must know that these are reflections of the Power of God in that persons’ life and not their own doing. It becomes clear that God is at work in their life. When you see this, God gets the credit not the person.
It also becomes evident that the Holy Spirits’ influence in the life of the believer becomes an evangelistic tool to others that the Holy Spirit can dramatically affect anyone that is willing for Him to influence them. This becomes a powerful statement of what is and what could be. Individuals no longer minimize the effects of the Holy Spirit to just a self-help approach or ‘do it yourself’ exploitation. It reflects a Process of Transformation in which God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit creatively coordinate and engage in the life of the submitted believer who was a hopeless and misguided life wanderer into a purposeful and powerful life changer.
Finally, there is a higher value of the results of the Fruit of the Spirit at work than just being a nice person. Notice what Matthew 6: 19-20 (Message) says, ““Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars.” There becomes a “heavenly-mindedness” that shifts the focus from just people to something much bigger. There becomes a shifting in focus from living life successfully according to culture, to a standard of success guided by God’s Word. There is a shift from human abilities to divine empowerment. It becomes clear that God is at work on multiple people in multiple ways with multiple, ripple effects. It should be the goal of every believer that the fruit of the Spirit is ripe, full-grown, developed, and cultivated in every season of their lives. The results will be sweet to taste and inviting to witness.
It sounds comparable, but I’m not sure that it is. The self-help nice person that is compared with the fruitful believer seems like it is on the same level and appears like an innocent comparison, but it is really like comparing apples and oranges.
Scripture of the Day: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23
Saturday, August 25, 2012
A Fruit that Produces Gold
Romans 5:3-5 tells us, We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. We do have a hope! Through the process of patience, our hope is that we and things are not going to remain the same. There is a song that says, "Please be patient with me, God is not through with me yet. When God gets through with me I shall come forth, I shall come forth as pure gold!" But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. (Job 23:10). Do you want to be a gold production? Yes I do! Then you have to let this fruit of the Spirit called patience; have its perfect work and way in your life!
Scripture of the Day: "Not only so, but we[a] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." - Romans 5:3-5
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Love, Hiding in Your Heart?
Open criticism is better than unexpressed love. Proverbs 27:5 (God’s Word translation)
Those of you who know me personally know that I’m a person soft-spoken when it comes to consideration for others. My husband has told me so many times, “Just cut to the chase! You will walk 5 miles around something to keep from just saying what’s really on your heart!” And he’s right…the “diplomatic me” has such a hard time even speaking the truth in love. The reason I’m better at writing than speaking is that I have time to more carefully choose my words. It’s a gift and a hindrance all in one.
God has created as diverse a palate of personalities as He has variations in the colors of our skin, for reasons far above our understanding. Not all of us would make good trial lawyers or drill sergeants…thank heavens I am neither!
Still, when pondering the above Scripture today, I thought of families and the need for expressed love. Most of us have at least one parent or grandparent from whom words of love trickled rather than flowed. It’s just not easy for some people to say those “three little big words.” Grandma was very, very open in her feelings. She praised hard but when circumstances called for it, she could come down hard on you like a hammer…but she did both from a heart abounding in love! Grandpa was the strong, silent type who was better at action love than spoken love; but he loved strongly and we all felt it without question. When he did actually say he loved you, it really meant something special. My parents were both the same way, Mom being more open and Dad being more reserved. Another lesson in itself, and I think that certain ministers like Bishop T.D. Jakes have such a high calling in teaching men how to open up and be more expressively loving toward their spouses and children.
The most tragic young people (who often grow up to be adults with emotional issues) I know of are ones who honestly don’t know either way, through word or deed, that they’re loved. They may get open criticism on a daily or even hourly basis; but no underlying affection to let them know the rebuke is spoken for their good -- and not just as a weapon to beat down their spirits. Still other kids wind up with every conceivable toy, gadget, or privilege to do whatever they wish, but wonder in their hearts whether it’s just a means to keep them “out of their parents’ hair.” They’re left without the security of knowing that love has built safe boundaries around them.
Remember, how we as parents treat our children establishes in them some mindset—good or bad—of how they perceive their Heavenly Father. As a matter of fact, as child abuse and neglect go, the cruelest thing that can be done to injure one of God’s little ones is simply not to love him or her…or to love in secret without ever giving that child the satisfaction of feeling and knowing that love in a tangible way. Conversely, there are also many young people and adults who withhold affection from their parents for one reason or another, waiting instead to utter a delayed “I love you” over an open casket or to a stone memorial with a name and date on it. Lack of love accounts for nearly every sin in the Bible, if you get right down it. How fractured we can be...how much we need Jesus to get it right!
Scripture Of The Day: "Open criticism is better than unexpressed love." - Proverbs 27:5 (God’s Word translation)
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Are You Ripe for the Picking?
I cleared U.S. customs at the Miami international airport recently. It was my first point of entry back into the country after a mission trip to Jamaica. The customs agents’ job is to make sure nothing harmful or potentially dangerous is brought into the country. Good thing I didn’t try to sneak any illegal fruits in my luggage! What I did bring home was a riper appreciation for the Fruit of the Spirit.
Anyone who has been on the mission field knows it’s not easy. Often you must step away from your cozy life of comfort to reach the poor and less fortunate. Go find the hungry and feed them. Locate the thirsty and give them a drink. Seek out the naked and clothe them. Look for the sick and those in prison and go visit them. As Jesus said in Matthew 25:40, “Whatever you have done unto the least of these my brothers, you have done it to me.”
That type of “love in action” requires being led by the Holy Spirit. In Galatians 5:22-23, the apostle Paul lists the Fruit or the evidence of the Spirit. The one bunch of nine attributes is love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. These are the ripe, fruitful qualities true Christians should be producing as we mature spiritually.
So a key question today is, are you ripe enough to be picked? Right now, could God pick you to represent Him well, or “trust with trouble?” It’s easy to go to church, lift holy hands and sing “how I love Jesus.” Any unripe, immature Christian can do that. But then comes the pruning and perfecting through the word of God and life’s challenges. That’s the Holy Spirit’s job. And He expects growth. So check the fitness of your fruit:
Do you “love your neighbor as yourself” as Christ commanded us to do in Matthew 22:39? Remember, love is patient and kind. It envies no one. It’s never boastful, conceited, rude nor selfish. Love is never quick to take offense. It does not keep score of wrongs. It does not take pleasure in the sins of others. That’s love. And love is just the first attribute of the Holy Spirit.
Pick patience: Are you working on being more patient with your agitating co-workers? How about gentleness? What are you doing to be less abrasive and more gentle with your spouse? Do your children witness you flying off the handle? Or are you allowing the Holy Spirit to teach you to master self-control?
The ultimate mission of the Holy Spirit is to conform us into the image of Jesus Christ. That way we are fit for the father’s use, prepared to do His good works, according to 2 Timothy 2:21b.
Those good works might be on foreign soil or on a familiar street in your neighborhood. Where ever they are, grow where you are planted. Let your life reproduce the Fruit of the Spirit every day. And you’ll be ripe for God’s picking every time.
Scripture Of The Day: “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” - Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
Anyone who has been on the mission field knows it’s not easy. Often you must step away from your cozy life of comfort to reach the poor and less fortunate. Go find the hungry and feed them. Locate the thirsty and give them a drink. Seek out the naked and clothe them. Look for the sick and those in prison and go visit them. As Jesus said in Matthew 25:40, “Whatever you have done unto the least of these my brothers, you have done it to me.”
That type of “love in action” requires being led by the Holy Spirit. In Galatians 5:22-23, the apostle Paul lists the Fruit or the evidence of the Spirit. The one bunch of nine attributes is love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. These are the ripe, fruitful qualities true Christians should be producing as we mature spiritually.
So a key question today is, are you ripe enough to be picked? Right now, could God pick you to represent Him well, or “trust with trouble?” It’s easy to go to church, lift holy hands and sing “how I love Jesus.” Any unripe, immature Christian can do that. But then comes the pruning and perfecting through the word of God and life’s challenges. That’s the Holy Spirit’s job. And He expects growth. So check the fitness of your fruit:
Do you “love your neighbor as yourself” as Christ commanded us to do in Matthew 22:39? Remember, love is patient and kind. It envies no one. It’s never boastful, conceited, rude nor selfish. Love is never quick to take offense. It does not keep score of wrongs. It does not take pleasure in the sins of others. That’s love. And love is just the first attribute of the Holy Spirit.
Pick patience: Are you working on being more patient with your agitating co-workers? How about gentleness? What are you doing to be less abrasive and more gentle with your spouse? Do your children witness you flying off the handle? Or are you allowing the Holy Spirit to teach you to master self-control?
The ultimate mission of the Holy Spirit is to conform us into the image of Jesus Christ. That way we are fit for the father’s use, prepared to do His good works, according to 2 Timothy 2:21b.
Those good works might be on foreign soil or on a familiar street in your neighborhood. Where ever they are, grow where you are planted. Let your life reproduce the Fruit of the Spirit every day. And you’ll be ripe for God’s picking every time.
Scripture Of The Day: “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” - Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
Apples and Oranges
There is a commonly-used idiom in American culture, “you’re trying to compare apples to oranges,” which speaks to the incompatibility of two items or objects that really should not be compared to one another. In conversation, someone may attempt to compare one vehicle to another, and the other person would brush off their comparison with, “they don’t even compare. That’s like comparing apples to oranges.” The examples are endless - with technology, clothing, buildings, recreational activities, entertainers, speakers and even culinary delights.
I think there’s another category that these unfair comparisons apply, and that is the Fruit of the Spirit. For example, it is great to meet nice people with great qualities, but at no point should we put their qualities on the same level of the Fruit of the Spirit. The manifestation of the Fruit of the Spirit in the life of the believer is the result of a powerful transformation that has taken place in the life of a person. It is so transforming that if not for the Fruit of the Spirit, the person who would otherwise have been calloused, inconsistent and unapproachable is now developing into a well-rounded individual in which the power of God is operating in his or her life.
Why the difference between the two? More pointedly, when you meet a nice person who has great natural qualities, although admirable, they get the credit only. When you meet a person who is exemplifying the fruit of love (without strings attached), joy (without external influence), peace (regardless of the chaos around them), longsuffering (when the average person would have given up), kindness (to those that others would have discounted), goodness (above and beyond the call of duty), faithfulness (that seems unreasonable and unshakeable), gentleness (handling people and situations with the humbleness of care), and self-control (that is measured with gracefulness and submissive engagement), you must know that these are reflections of the Power of God in that person’s life and not their own doing. It becomes clear that God is at work in their life. When you see this, God gets the credit, not the person.
It also becomes evident that the Holy Spirit’s influence in the life of the believer becomes an evangelistic tool to others that the Holy Spirit can dramatically affect anyone that is willing for Him to influence them. This becomes a powerful statement of what is and what could be. Individuals no longer minimize the effects of the Holy Spirit to just a self-help approach or ‘do it yourself’ exploitation. It reflects a Process of Transformation in which God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit creatively coordinate and engage in the life of the submitted believer who was a hopeless and misguided life wanderer into a purposeful and powerful life changer.
Finally, there is a higher value of the results of the Fruit of the Spirit at work than just being a nice person. Notice what Matthew 6: 19-20 (Message) says, “Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars.” There becomes a “heavenly-mindedness” that shifts the focus from just people to something much bigger. There becomes a shifting in focus on living life successfully according to culture to a standard of success guided by God’s Word. There is a shift from human abilities to divine empowerment. It becomes clear that God is at work on multiple people in multiple ways with multiple, ripple effects. It should be the goal of every believer that the fruit of the Spirit is ripe, full-grown, developed, and cultivated in every season of their lives. The results will be sweet to taste and inviting to witness.
It sounds comparable, but I’m not sure that it is. The self-help nice person that is compared with the fruitful believer seems like it is on the same level and appears like an innocent comparison, but it is really like comparing apples and oranges.
Scripture Of The Day: "So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature." - Galatians 5:16 (NIV)
I think there’s another category that these unfair comparisons apply, and that is the Fruit of the Spirit. For example, it is great to meet nice people with great qualities, but at no point should we put their qualities on the same level of the Fruit of the Spirit. The manifestation of the Fruit of the Spirit in the life of the believer is the result of a powerful transformation that has taken place in the life of a person. It is so transforming that if not for the Fruit of the Spirit, the person who would otherwise have been calloused, inconsistent and unapproachable is now developing into a well-rounded individual in which the power of God is operating in his or her life.
Why the difference between the two? More pointedly, when you meet a nice person who has great natural qualities, although admirable, they get the credit only. When you meet a person who is exemplifying the fruit of love (without strings attached), joy (without external influence), peace (regardless of the chaos around them), longsuffering (when the average person would have given up), kindness (to those that others would have discounted), goodness (above and beyond the call of duty), faithfulness (that seems unreasonable and unshakeable), gentleness (handling people and situations with the humbleness of care), and self-control (that is measured with gracefulness and submissive engagement), you must know that these are reflections of the Power of God in that person’s life and not their own doing. It becomes clear that God is at work in their life. When you see this, God gets the credit, not the person.
It also becomes evident that the Holy Spirit’s influence in the life of the believer becomes an evangelistic tool to others that the Holy Spirit can dramatically affect anyone that is willing for Him to influence them. This becomes a powerful statement of what is and what could be. Individuals no longer minimize the effects of the Holy Spirit to just a self-help approach or ‘do it yourself’ exploitation. It reflects a Process of Transformation in which God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit creatively coordinate and engage in the life of the submitted believer who was a hopeless and misguided life wanderer into a purposeful and powerful life changer.
Finally, there is a higher value of the results of the Fruit of the Spirit at work than just being a nice person. Notice what Matthew 6: 19-20 (Message) says, “Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars.” There becomes a “heavenly-mindedness” that shifts the focus from just people to something much bigger. There becomes a shifting in focus on living life successfully according to culture to a standard of success guided by God’s Word. There is a shift from human abilities to divine empowerment. It becomes clear that God is at work on multiple people in multiple ways with multiple, ripple effects. It should be the goal of every believer that the fruit of the Spirit is ripe, full-grown, developed, and cultivated in every season of their lives. The results will be sweet to taste and inviting to witness.
It sounds comparable, but I’m not sure that it is. The self-help nice person that is compared with the fruitful believer seems like it is on the same level and appears like an innocent comparison, but it is really like comparing apples and oranges.
Scripture Of The Day: "So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature." - Galatians 5:16 (NIV)
Sunday, September 26, 2010
More Good Stuff: Travel and Faith
The Loneliest Phone Booth on Earth
Environmental Graffiti
America's Best Dude Ranches
TravelandLeisure.com
Point of View
Gluing, hacking, and the realities of corporate programming
Cardus: equipping and connecting the next generation of Christian leaders
Cityscape View of World’s 30 Largest Cities
SmashingUSA.com
Get Around in Style – Great Metro Maps of the World
NileGuide
Environmental Graffiti
America's Best Dude Ranches
TravelandLeisure.com
Point of View
Gluing, hacking, and the realities of corporate programming
Cardus: equipping and connecting the next generation of Christian leaders
Cityscape View of World’s 30 Largest Cities
SmashingUSA.com
Get Around in Style – Great Metro Maps of the World
NileGuide
Friday, August 27, 2010
Gifts Of The Spirit
By Dr. Frederick K.C. Price
Many people make the mistake of lumping together speaking with tongues with the gift of divers kinds of tongues, one of the nine gifts of the Spirit recorded in 1 Corinthians 12. They are not the same manifestation; yet some people and churches say that speaking with tongues and the gift of tongues are one and the same, and use that as an excuse to get out of doing what the Word of God declares.
You need to be careful about what translation of the Bible you read, because many versions of the Bible were translated by people who do not believe in speaking with tongues, or that speaking with tongues is for every Believer. For example, here is how 1 Corinthians 14:2 is translated in The Living Bible:
But if your gift is that of being able to "speak in tongues"....
The way this verse is translated is incorrect, because when you are filled with the Spirit and speak with other tongues, it is not the gift of tongues. The translator is injecting a theological point of view to show that since not everyone has the same gift, not everyone has to speak with tongues. It can seem like a very clever argument to people who are not well-versed in the Word of God.
Let me show you where all the confusion has come from on this point. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Paul writes:
There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
Paul is talking here about the gift of different or divers kinds of tongues. The gift of tongues is for public assembly, and should always be accompanied by the companion gift of interpretation of tongues. The rare exception to this is when God speaks to an individual through the person doing the speaking. In other words, one person will speak with the gift of tongues, but to the person to whom the message is addressed, it will be in a language he or she will understand.
Notice also that Paul says, "To one is given the word of wisdom." That means the word of wisdom is not given to everyone. Neither is any of the other gifts of the Spirit, including the gift of divers kinds of tongues.
Now read 1 Corinthians 12:28:
And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
What Paul is describing in this verse are the ministry gifts. There is another rendering of these gifts in the fourth chapter of Ephesians, and if you compare the lists in both of these scriptures, you will find they are the same, with one notable exception.
Notice, Paul starts out by saying apostles. Apostles are people, and they are a ministry gift. Then he says prophets. Prophets are people. Next, he says teachers, and teachers are people. But then Paul says miracles, gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. These are not people. However, they are tools that equip the people to stand in the offices of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher.
The gifts of the Spirit are not for everyone in the Body of Christ. They are actually for the ministry gifts God places in the Church. Nevertheless, every person in the Body of Christ who is filled with the Spirit may on occasion be used by the Spirit in any one of the manifestations of these nine gifts.
Speaking with tongues, on the other hand, is for your personal spiritual enrichment. It does not need an interpretation like the gift of tongues does, because it is simply you speaking to God. An easy way to remember the difference between speaking with tongues and the gift of tongues is that speaking with tongues is man talking to God; it goes from earth to heaven. The gift of tongues, on the other hand, comes from heaven to earth, because it is God speaking through man to other men.
Scripture Of The Day: "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them..." - Romans 12:6
Dr. Frederick K.C. Price is the founder and pastor of Crenshaw Christian Center West in Los Angeles and CCC East in Manhattan. To obtain more information about his ministry, please call (800) 927-3436 or visit http://www.faithdome.org.
Many people make the mistake of lumping together speaking with tongues with the gift of divers kinds of tongues, one of the nine gifts of the Spirit recorded in 1 Corinthians 12. They are not the same manifestation; yet some people and churches say that speaking with tongues and the gift of tongues are one and the same, and use that as an excuse to get out of doing what the Word of God declares.
You need to be careful about what translation of the Bible you read, because many versions of the Bible were translated by people who do not believe in speaking with tongues, or that speaking with tongues is for every Believer. For example, here is how 1 Corinthians 14:2 is translated in The Living Bible:
But if your gift is that of being able to "speak in tongues"....
The way this verse is translated is incorrect, because when you are filled with the Spirit and speak with other tongues, it is not the gift of tongues. The translator is injecting a theological point of view to show that since not everyone has the same gift, not everyone has to speak with tongues. It can seem like a very clever argument to people who are not well-versed in the Word of God.
Let me show you where all the confusion has come from on this point. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Paul writes:
There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
Paul is talking here about the gift of different or divers kinds of tongues. The gift of tongues is for public assembly, and should always be accompanied by the companion gift of interpretation of tongues. The rare exception to this is when God speaks to an individual through the person doing the speaking. In other words, one person will speak with the gift of tongues, but to the person to whom the message is addressed, it will be in a language he or she will understand.
Notice also that Paul says, "To one is given the word of wisdom." That means the word of wisdom is not given to everyone. Neither is any of the other gifts of the Spirit, including the gift of divers kinds of tongues.
Now read 1 Corinthians 12:28:
And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
What Paul is describing in this verse are the ministry gifts. There is another rendering of these gifts in the fourth chapter of Ephesians, and if you compare the lists in both of these scriptures, you will find they are the same, with one notable exception.
Notice, Paul starts out by saying apostles. Apostles are people, and they are a ministry gift. Then he says prophets. Prophets are people. Next, he says teachers, and teachers are people. But then Paul says miracles, gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. These are not people. However, they are tools that equip the people to stand in the offices of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher.
The gifts of the Spirit are not for everyone in the Body of Christ. They are actually for the ministry gifts God places in the Church. Nevertheless, every person in the Body of Christ who is filled with the Spirit may on occasion be used by the Spirit in any one of the manifestations of these nine gifts.
Speaking with tongues, on the other hand, is for your personal spiritual enrichment. It does not need an interpretation like the gift of tongues does, because it is simply you speaking to God. An easy way to remember the difference between speaking with tongues and the gift of tongues is that speaking with tongues is man talking to God; it goes from earth to heaven. The gift of tongues, on the other hand, comes from heaven to earth, because it is God speaking through man to other men.
Scripture Of The Day: "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them..." - Romans 12:6
Dr. Frederick K.C. Price is the founder and pastor of Crenshaw Christian Center West in Los Angeles and CCC East in Manhattan. To obtain more information about his ministry, please call (800) 927-3436 or visit http://www.faithdome.org.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Greatest Of Them All
By Pastor James C. Matthews
One of the greatest and most underestimated provisions God has made available to us to make our lives fruitful and fulfilling is His love! Nothing we achieve or possess is worth anything unless we possess the love of God. The apostle Paul testified, "If I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing" (1 Cor. 13:3).
Love is the greatest commandment (Matt. 22:36-39), the greatest gift (1 Cor. 13:13), and the greatest of any spiritual fruit we can possess (Gal. 5:22). The perfect love of God casts out fear (1John 4:8) and covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). Love is both a "gift" and a "fruit" given by the Spirit of God to empower us to live life to its fullest!
I've discovered through years of ministering to people that many of them truly do not believe that God cares about their day-to-day well-being. They believe that getting saved and being spared the horrors of hell is all God has planned for them in this life. They mistakenly assume that "abundant life" is synonymous with the "after life."
This misconception causes many people to conclude that they must wait until they die to experience abundant life. They perceive life as something to be endured instead of something to be enjoyed. This is wrong! Jesus said that He came that we might have and enjoy life in abundance, to the full, till it overflows (John 10:10, Amp.). He came not only to save our souls but also to offer us a more abundant way of living that is full and overflowing.
In 3John 1:2, God expressed His will for our earthly lives when He stated through the pen of the apostle John, "I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers." God desires that we prosper and be fruitful in all respects. Can you receive this revelation? Well, it is the truth!
Armed with this revelation we should raise our expectations of life and pursue one that is full and overflowing. God wants us to do more than merely exist and endure life. He wants us to enjoy, prosper and live fruitful lives.
Understanding the preeminence of God's love and its impact on every area of our lives is essential to our living an abundant and fruitful life that glorifies God (John 15:8). When we possess and live according to God's love, we possess and live in God's best. We possess everything we need to succeed and prosper.
Jesus proclaimed that, "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). "Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love" (John 15:9). Jesus reveals that the effective agent that flows from Him to us and empowers us to live an abundant and fruitful life is the love of God. Everything flows from and depends upon the love of God!
The abundant life is more than an abundance of possession but engenders the concept of wholeness. Living the abundant life involves our being divinely directed, empowered and supplied to fulfill God's purpose for us in life. We must first possess abundance internally before it will manifest externally in our lives.
Abundance is the fruit of God's "agape" love. Agape is the limitless, selfless and overflowing love of God that transcends our sins, situations and stations in life. It makes our lives full, complete and worth living. In making our transition from our situation to our destination, we must be cognizant of the source of every blessing and success we experience along the way.
Without God's love in us, and our willingness to share this love with others, it all means nothing. Always remember that, "your situation, is not your destination--only preparation!
Excerpt from Pastor J.C. Matthews book "Your Situation is Not Your Destination." (Various scriptural references)
Scripture Of The Day: "If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit." - 1 John 4:12-13
Pastor James C. (J.C.) Matthews is the founder and Senior Pastor of the multi-cultural non-denominational Dunamis Life Ministries of Dallas, Texas. He is the author of Saved but Stuck: 30 Days to Personal Revival, I’ll Come… When I Get Myself Together, and My Situation Is Not My Destination - Only Preparation. http://www.jcmatthewsministries.com/…
One of the greatest and most underestimated provisions God has made available to us to make our lives fruitful and fulfilling is His love! Nothing we achieve or possess is worth anything unless we possess the love of God. The apostle Paul testified, "If I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing" (1 Cor. 13:3).
Love is the greatest commandment (Matt. 22:36-39), the greatest gift (1 Cor. 13:13), and the greatest of any spiritual fruit we can possess (Gal. 5:22). The perfect love of God casts out fear (1John 4:8) and covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). Love is both a "gift" and a "fruit" given by the Spirit of God to empower us to live life to its fullest!
I've discovered through years of ministering to people that many of them truly do not believe that God cares about their day-to-day well-being. They believe that getting saved and being spared the horrors of hell is all God has planned for them in this life. They mistakenly assume that "abundant life" is synonymous with the "after life."
This misconception causes many people to conclude that they must wait until they die to experience abundant life. They perceive life as something to be endured instead of something to be enjoyed. This is wrong! Jesus said that He came that we might have and enjoy life in abundance, to the full, till it overflows (John 10:10, Amp.). He came not only to save our souls but also to offer us a more abundant way of living that is full and overflowing.
In 3John 1:2, God expressed His will for our earthly lives when He stated through the pen of the apostle John, "I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers." God desires that we prosper and be fruitful in all respects. Can you receive this revelation? Well, it is the truth!
Armed with this revelation we should raise our expectations of life and pursue one that is full and overflowing. God wants us to do more than merely exist and endure life. He wants us to enjoy, prosper and live fruitful lives.
Understanding the preeminence of God's love and its impact on every area of our lives is essential to our living an abundant and fruitful life that glorifies God (John 15:8). When we possess and live according to God's love, we possess and live in God's best. We possess everything we need to succeed and prosper.
Jesus proclaimed that, "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). "Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love" (John 15:9). Jesus reveals that the effective agent that flows from Him to us and empowers us to live an abundant and fruitful life is the love of God. Everything flows from and depends upon the love of God!
The abundant life is more than an abundance of possession but engenders the concept of wholeness. Living the abundant life involves our being divinely directed, empowered and supplied to fulfill God's purpose for us in life. We must first possess abundance internally before it will manifest externally in our lives.
Abundance is the fruit of God's "agape" love. Agape is the limitless, selfless and overflowing love of God that transcends our sins, situations and stations in life. It makes our lives full, complete and worth living. In making our transition from our situation to our destination, we must be cognizant of the source of every blessing and success we experience along the way.
Without God's love in us, and our willingness to share this love with others, it all means nothing. Always remember that, "your situation, is not your destination--only preparation!
Excerpt from Pastor J.C. Matthews book "Your Situation is Not Your Destination." (Various scriptural references)
Scripture Of The Day: "If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit." - 1 John 4:12-13
Pastor James C. (J.C.) Matthews is the founder and Senior Pastor of the multi-cultural non-denominational Dunamis Life Ministries of Dallas, Texas. He is the author of Saved but Stuck: 30 Days to Personal Revival, I’ll Come… When I Get Myself Together, and My Situation Is Not My Destination - Only Preparation. http://www.jcmatthewsministries.com/…
Monday, August 23, 2010
The Best Gift
By Alan Riley
If travel in the mountains of North Georgia, you might pass by a church with the unusual name of Dewberry Baptist Church #2. If you drive on a little while longer, you will come upon another church called Dewberry Baptist Church. When I first encountered these two churches years ago, I asked a friend of mine who was the resident Baptist historian for North Georgia about it. His face lit up. "Oh, that's a great story. That church split over a chicken leg."
Well, now I was hooked. I had to hear the rest of the story. It is, as they say, a doozy! It seems that in the mid-1800s a controversy arose in the congregation of Dewberry Baptist Church about the doctrine of predestination. About half of the congregation had strong feelings about pro-predestination and the other half had very strong anti-predestination beliefs. At the height of the controversy, the two chief proponents - or antagonists might be a better description - of the two points of view were sitting across from each other at a covered dish dinner. At some point in the meal the non-predestination ringleader turned to the predestination ringleader and said, "You mean to tell me that before the beginning of time I it was predetermined that I was to eat this drumstick?" "Yes, brother, you were" replied the other.
The non-predestination leader then said, "HA!", threw the chicken leg across the room and walked out. About half of the church walked out with him. They started a new church, but did not want to give up the church name to "those people," so they named their new church Dewberry Baptist Church #2.
Today, many years later, the controversy is long forgotten, and the two churches get along wonderfully.
Have you ever noticed how easy it is for us to allow ourselves to get sidetracked by things that aren't even a blip on the radar in the grand scheme of eternal consequences? We all can tell horror stories that we have either experienced personally or have heard from someone who was there about churches splitting apart over the color of carpet, the shape of the chandeliers, the style of music, the pastor's salary, building programs, or any number of things that in the context of eternity are utterly meaningless.
This is exactly what motivated the Apostle Paul to write one of the most, if not the most beautiful passages in the entire Bible: I Corinthians 13. We know these four paragraphs of Paul's letter as "the love chapter," but many people don't realize the context in which it is placed. The gist of I Corinthians 13 is that if we as followers of Jesus Christ do not have love as our overarching goal, aim and passion, then we are worthless to the world and to the Kingdom.
The Corinthian Church had many problems, and one of them was that people were using the gifts of the Spirit, and tongues in particular as some sort of spiritual merit badge. Those who exercised the gift of tongues felt they were more spiritual than others, which apparently caused other people to seek earnestly after that gift so they, too would be considered spiritual. In chapter 12, Paul states clearly that God gives a variety of spiritual gifts to people so the church can function well. Just as the eye can't say to the hand, "I don't need you" we cannot say that one gift is more important, or spiritual than another.
At the end of chapter 12, Paul says, "I will show you a more excellent way." His next paragraph (what we know as Chapter 13) begins with, "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal..."
Here is what Paul is saying to you and me in those four brief paragraphs: All of the things that we would use to boast of our spirituality or advance the Kingdom are meaningless and worthless unless love rules our lives and our actions!
Want to be a spiritual giant? Let God's love consume you and guide everything that you do. See the world - and the church - through the eyes of Jesus and with the heart of God the Father. Love others as you are loved.
That is the most excellent way.
Alan Riley is Vice President for Ministry and Media Development for 316 Networks (http://www.316Networks.com), Streaming Faith’s sister media property. He can be found blogging at http://www.alansblog.com or more often opining in 140 characters or less at http://www.Twitter.com/AlanRiley.…
If travel in the mountains of North Georgia, you might pass by a church with the unusual name of Dewberry Baptist Church #2. If you drive on a little while longer, you will come upon another church called Dewberry Baptist Church. When I first encountered these two churches years ago, I asked a friend of mine who was the resident Baptist historian for North Georgia about it. His face lit up. "Oh, that's a great story. That church split over a chicken leg."
Well, now I was hooked. I had to hear the rest of the story. It is, as they say, a doozy! It seems that in the mid-1800s a controversy arose in the congregation of Dewberry Baptist Church about the doctrine of predestination. About half of the congregation had strong feelings about pro-predestination and the other half had very strong anti-predestination beliefs. At the height of the controversy, the two chief proponents - or antagonists might be a better description - of the two points of view were sitting across from each other at a covered dish dinner. At some point in the meal the non-predestination ringleader turned to the predestination ringleader and said, "You mean to tell me that before the beginning of time I it was predetermined that I was to eat this drumstick?" "Yes, brother, you were" replied the other.
The non-predestination leader then said, "HA!", threw the chicken leg across the room and walked out. About half of the church walked out with him. They started a new church, but did not want to give up the church name to "those people," so they named their new church Dewberry Baptist Church #2.
Today, many years later, the controversy is long forgotten, and the two churches get along wonderfully.
Have you ever noticed how easy it is for us to allow ourselves to get sidetracked by things that aren't even a blip on the radar in the grand scheme of eternal consequences? We all can tell horror stories that we have either experienced personally or have heard from someone who was there about churches splitting apart over the color of carpet, the shape of the chandeliers, the style of music, the pastor's salary, building programs, or any number of things that in the context of eternity are utterly meaningless.
This is exactly what motivated the Apostle Paul to write one of the most, if not the most beautiful passages in the entire Bible: I Corinthians 13. We know these four paragraphs of Paul's letter as "the love chapter," but many people don't realize the context in which it is placed. The gist of I Corinthians 13 is that if we as followers of Jesus Christ do not have love as our overarching goal, aim and passion, then we are worthless to the world and to the Kingdom.
The Corinthian Church had many problems, and one of them was that people were using the gifts of the Spirit, and tongues in particular as some sort of spiritual merit badge. Those who exercised the gift of tongues felt they were more spiritual than others, which apparently caused other people to seek earnestly after that gift so they, too would be considered spiritual. In chapter 12, Paul states clearly that God gives a variety of spiritual gifts to people so the church can function well. Just as the eye can't say to the hand, "I don't need you" we cannot say that one gift is more important, or spiritual than another.
At the end of chapter 12, Paul says, "I will show you a more excellent way." His next paragraph (what we know as Chapter 13) begins with, "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal..."
Here is what Paul is saying to you and me in those four brief paragraphs: All of the things that we would use to boast of our spirituality or advance the Kingdom are meaningless and worthless unless love rules our lives and our actions!
Want to be a spiritual giant? Let God's love consume you and guide everything that you do. See the world - and the church - through the eyes of Jesus and with the heart of God the Father. Love others as you are loved.
That is the most excellent way.
Alan Riley is Vice President for Ministry and Media Development for 316 Networks (http://www.316Networks.com), Streaming Faith’s sister media property. He can be found blogging at http://www.alansblog.com or more often opining in 140 characters or less at http://www.Twitter.com/AlanRiley.…
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Self-Control in All Things
By Brent Barnett
In ancient Greece, every year before and after the Olympic games were held, the Isthmian games took place in the city of Corinth. Those who won would receive a wreath made out of pine. No doubt those who participated in these games trained rigidly as the athletes of our day do for the Olympics. It takes strict discipline, sound eating habits, rigid training programs, a burning desire to win, and a persevering commitment to the task to prepare for an athletic event of this caliber. Those who compete at this level run to win, and in order to win, they must discipline their bodies. Self-control is a key component for victory.
In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul alludes to these athletic competitions when he says,
"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified."
Paul says that it makes no sense for a boxer to punch the air. His goal is to train so that he can land his punches, knock down his opponent, and win the match. In the same way, it makes no sense for a runner to deviate from the course and go for a stroll through the country. His mission is to stay on track within the boundaries and cross the finish line before everyone else. Winning will require self-control in all things, from the training and preparation to execution and performance on race day. Spiritually it makes no sense to view life as haphazard or to approach it carelessly. God has called us all to run a race, and we are in it to win it, or at least we should be. Paul viewed his commission to share the gospel as even more intense and serious than the training of a world-class athlete. He knew that a race has only one winner, and he lived the Christian life as if he wanted to get the most rewards possible for the sake of Christ.
What helps makes an athlete successful is the same thing that contributed to Paul's spiritual discipline- self-control. Paul speaks of disciplining his body to the point of making it his slave. The Greek word from which we translate the word self-control implies mastering fleshly passions and sensuous lusts. Just as an athlete has to discipline his mind, will, emotions, and body in order to perform at the highest level, a Christian must discipline his thoughts, behaviors, attitudes, and actions in order to bear abundant spiritual fruit. Self-control means that we don't make any provision for the flesh and its lusts (Romans 13:14). We don't do anything to aid and abet self. Rather, we yield to God by faith Who by His Spirit will enable us to live as new creations in Christ rather than as those who are enslaved to sin. We have been set free from being slaves to sin (Romans 6:6), and self-control is thus the process of continuing to reckon by faith that we are indeed free. This freedom will enable us to live out the fruit of self-control, which is discipline. A Christian who runs to win will thus be committed to studying God's Word, to meditating upon it, to praying, to serving, and to doing all that Christ has commanded us.
Too many Christians, either out of ignorance or a lack of faith, continue to live as if they are slaves to self. Their lives become mired with self-gratification, self-seeking, self-absorption, and self-righteousness. They might be able to control some behaviors, but they are themselves controlled by others. The beauty of self-control is that it is the absolute opposite of selfishness. It is the ability to, no matter what the circumstances, stand firm in righteousness, remaining strong in faith.
Life will riddle us with encumbrances, and Satan will fire temptations at us more often than we like. Self-indulgence gives into a little sin here and there, and self-righteousness abstains from sin for the purpose of glorifying self. Self-control, on the other hand, makes self a non-issue and serves Christ as Master over all areas of life. When this fruit of the Spirit is manifested in the lives of believers, they will be able to resist temptation, persevere under fire, and finish the race strongly. This requires discipline by the power of the Spirit so that we don't become disqualified in our Christian race due to sin. Sin saps the power of God working in and through us. If we want to win the crown of life, which is much greater and longer-lasting than the pine wreaths given to the Isthmian winners, we must have self-control.
We may never be professional athletes, but we can be world-class Christians if we have self-control in all things. Let us run to win, exercising the discipline characteristic of a champion.
Scripture Of The Day: "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." - Romans 13:14
Brenton M. Barnett is the founder of the free Bible teaching ministry, Relevant Bible Teaching, found on the web at http://www.relevantbibleteaching.com. He is also the author of Catch Fire: A Call to Spiritual Awakening. Brent’s greatest joys in life are his wife, Sarah, and daughter, Anneke.…
In ancient Greece, every year before and after the Olympic games were held, the Isthmian games took place in the city of Corinth. Those who won would receive a wreath made out of pine. No doubt those who participated in these games trained rigidly as the athletes of our day do for the Olympics. It takes strict discipline, sound eating habits, rigid training programs, a burning desire to win, and a persevering commitment to the task to prepare for an athletic event of this caliber. Those who compete at this level run to win, and in order to win, they must discipline their bodies. Self-control is a key component for victory.
In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul alludes to these athletic competitions when he says,
"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified."
Paul says that it makes no sense for a boxer to punch the air. His goal is to train so that he can land his punches, knock down his opponent, and win the match. In the same way, it makes no sense for a runner to deviate from the course and go for a stroll through the country. His mission is to stay on track within the boundaries and cross the finish line before everyone else. Winning will require self-control in all things, from the training and preparation to execution and performance on race day. Spiritually it makes no sense to view life as haphazard or to approach it carelessly. God has called us all to run a race, and we are in it to win it, or at least we should be. Paul viewed his commission to share the gospel as even more intense and serious than the training of a world-class athlete. He knew that a race has only one winner, and he lived the Christian life as if he wanted to get the most rewards possible for the sake of Christ.
What helps makes an athlete successful is the same thing that contributed to Paul's spiritual discipline- self-control. Paul speaks of disciplining his body to the point of making it his slave. The Greek word from which we translate the word self-control implies mastering fleshly passions and sensuous lusts. Just as an athlete has to discipline his mind, will, emotions, and body in order to perform at the highest level, a Christian must discipline his thoughts, behaviors, attitudes, and actions in order to bear abundant spiritual fruit. Self-control means that we don't make any provision for the flesh and its lusts (Romans 13:14). We don't do anything to aid and abet self. Rather, we yield to God by faith Who by His Spirit will enable us to live as new creations in Christ rather than as those who are enslaved to sin. We have been set free from being slaves to sin (Romans 6:6), and self-control is thus the process of continuing to reckon by faith that we are indeed free. This freedom will enable us to live out the fruit of self-control, which is discipline. A Christian who runs to win will thus be committed to studying God's Word, to meditating upon it, to praying, to serving, and to doing all that Christ has commanded us.
Too many Christians, either out of ignorance or a lack of faith, continue to live as if they are slaves to self. Their lives become mired with self-gratification, self-seeking, self-absorption, and self-righteousness. They might be able to control some behaviors, but they are themselves controlled by others. The beauty of self-control is that it is the absolute opposite of selfishness. It is the ability to, no matter what the circumstances, stand firm in righteousness, remaining strong in faith.
Life will riddle us with encumbrances, and Satan will fire temptations at us more often than we like. Self-indulgence gives into a little sin here and there, and self-righteousness abstains from sin for the purpose of glorifying self. Self-control, on the other hand, makes self a non-issue and serves Christ as Master over all areas of life. When this fruit of the Spirit is manifested in the lives of believers, they will be able to resist temptation, persevere under fire, and finish the race strongly. This requires discipline by the power of the Spirit so that we don't become disqualified in our Christian race due to sin. Sin saps the power of God working in and through us. If we want to win the crown of life, which is much greater and longer-lasting than the pine wreaths given to the Isthmian winners, we must have self-control.
We may never be professional athletes, but we can be world-class Christians if we have self-control in all things. Let us run to win, exercising the discipline characteristic of a champion.
Scripture Of The Day: "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." - Romans 13:14
Brenton M. Barnett is the founder of the free Bible teaching ministry, Relevant Bible Teaching, found on the web at http://www.relevantbibleteaching.com. He is also the author of Catch Fire: A Call to Spiritual Awakening. Brent’s greatest joys in life are his wife, Sarah, and daughter, Anneke.…
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Inventorying My Fruit of the Spirit Menu
By Dave Burchett
Travel can be wonderful. But business travel is generally more like death by paper cuts. Last week I landed and was still a bit famished even after the eight tiny pretzels snack I was graciously given in flight. So I began to peruse the food options. I spotted a smoothie stand and that sounded perfect. So I headed over and made my pick.
“I will have the Peanut Butter Zone smoothie.”
The worker turned and looked at the menu as if that order was a complete surprise. Maybe she thought she was being pranked for one of those cable shows. Perhaps I was making stuff up. She carefully examined the ingredients on the menu board and turned to me.
“We ain’t got no peanut butter.”
Disappointed but still determined I pushed on.
“Then I will have the Protein Power Berry smoothie.”
Slowly she turned to see what ingredients might be in this order which also appeared to take her by complete surprise.
“We ain’t got no protein powder.”
This is where I realized that I am making significant progress in my grace journey. This young lady would have had a very large dose of edgy sarcasm in previous beta editions of Dave Burchett faithwalk. But I bit my lip and simply said this.
“You might want to take those things off the menu if you don’t have them.”
Later I reflected on even that comment and felt a tinge of loving conviction from the Spirit. In my Christian example I have done exactly what this poorly trained worker did. As I have poorly represented Jesus I told people that many things were on the menu. A whole variety of spiritual fruit was listed boldly on the board. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc. I imagined a little parody of my concession experience.
Spiritually famished sojourner sees my fish cross bumper sticker. Since this is a sure sign of spiritual maturity the seeker boldly approaches and surveys the menu.
“I would like to have peace.”
I turn and examine my life. It is anxious. Frightened. No different from him.
“I don’t have much peace today.” (At least my grammar is a little better than the worker above)
The spiritual seeker looks a bit disappointed but is still hopeful.
“I would like some joy.”
Slowly I examine my life. Frustrated. Not content. A lot like my seeking friend.
“I don’t have any joy right now.”
It was so easy to demean a poorly trained employee representing a random smoothie company that frustrated me that day. Yet I expect grace when I, a poorly trained Christian, fail to represent Jesus and frustrate those I hope to bless.
Slowly I am beginning to comprehend grace. Good buddy Mark sent me this snippet from the book The Search For Significance by Robert S. McGee.
"Our true value is based not on our behavior or the approval of others but on what God's word says is true. Our behavior is often a reflection of our beliefs about who we are. It is usually consistent with what we think to be true about ourselves (Prov 23:7). If we base our worth solidly on the truths of God's word, then our behavior will often reflect His love, grace, and power. But if we base our worth on our abilities or the fickle approval of others, then our behavior will reflect the insecurity, fear, and anger that comes from such instability."
I have been learning the truth of those words in recent months. When I trust who God says I am I begin to stock the ingredients listed on the fruits of the Spirit menu board. God declares all of the following list to be true about me… a broken down TV director. And all of these things became true from the MOMENT I trusted Christ:
• I am forgiven. Col 2:13–14
• I am a child of God. John 1:2; Rom 8:15
• I received Christ's KIND of life, eternal: John 5:24
• I was delivered from Satan's domain and into the Kingdom of Christ: Col 1:13
• Christ came to dwell with me. Col 1:27; Rev 3:20
• I am a new Creation: 2 Cor 5:17
• I am declared righteous by God: 2 Cor 5:21
• I entered a love relationship w/ God: 1 John 4:9-11
• I am accepted by God: Col 1:19-22
Wow. I am wrapping my heart and mind around all of that this morning. I am filled with humility and gratitude for these unmerited gifts given to me that day and every day since. So if my imaginary encounter happens today I pray it will go a little more like this.
“Yes, I would like to have some joy.”
“Grande or Venti? I am overflowing with His abundant love today. Thanks for stopping by and letting me serve you.”
May I leave you with some familiar words from Paul? You can order freely from the menu through the power of the Holy Spirit. And the check has already been picked up by Christ.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another. (Galatians 5, NLT)
Dave Burchett is an Emmy Award winning television sports director, author, and Christian speaker. He is the author of When Bad Christians Happen to Good People and Bring'em Back Alive: A Healing Plan for those Wounded by the Church. You can reply by linking through daveburchett.com.
Scripture Of The Day: "By their fruits you will know them." - Matthew 7:20
Dave Burchett is an Emmy Award winning television sports director, author, and speaker. He is the author of When Bad Christians Happen to Good People and Bring’em Back Alive – A Healing Plan for those Wounded by the Church. Visit him at http://www.daveburchett.com
Travel can be wonderful. But business travel is generally more like death by paper cuts. Last week I landed and was still a bit famished even after the eight tiny pretzels snack I was graciously given in flight. So I began to peruse the food options. I spotted a smoothie stand and that sounded perfect. So I headed over and made my pick.
“I will have the Peanut Butter Zone smoothie.”
The worker turned and looked at the menu as if that order was a complete surprise. Maybe she thought she was being pranked for one of those cable shows. Perhaps I was making stuff up. She carefully examined the ingredients on the menu board and turned to me.
“We ain’t got no peanut butter.”
Disappointed but still determined I pushed on.
“Then I will have the Protein Power Berry smoothie.”
Slowly she turned to see what ingredients might be in this order which also appeared to take her by complete surprise.
“We ain’t got no protein powder.”
This is where I realized that I am making significant progress in my grace journey. This young lady would have had a very large dose of edgy sarcasm in previous beta editions of Dave Burchett faithwalk. But I bit my lip and simply said this.
“You might want to take those things off the menu if you don’t have them.”
Later I reflected on even that comment and felt a tinge of loving conviction from the Spirit. In my Christian example I have done exactly what this poorly trained worker did. As I have poorly represented Jesus I told people that many things were on the menu. A whole variety of spiritual fruit was listed boldly on the board. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc. I imagined a little parody of my concession experience.
Spiritually famished sojourner sees my fish cross bumper sticker. Since this is a sure sign of spiritual maturity the seeker boldly approaches and surveys the menu.
“I would like to have peace.”
I turn and examine my life. It is anxious. Frightened. No different from him.
“I don’t have much peace today.” (At least my grammar is a little better than the worker above)
The spiritual seeker looks a bit disappointed but is still hopeful.
“I would like some joy.”
Slowly I examine my life. Frustrated. Not content. A lot like my seeking friend.
“I don’t have any joy right now.”
It was so easy to demean a poorly trained employee representing a random smoothie company that frustrated me that day. Yet I expect grace when I, a poorly trained Christian, fail to represent Jesus and frustrate those I hope to bless.
Slowly I am beginning to comprehend grace. Good buddy Mark sent me this snippet from the book The Search For Significance by Robert S. McGee.
"Our true value is based not on our behavior or the approval of others but on what God's word says is true. Our behavior is often a reflection of our beliefs about who we are. It is usually consistent with what we think to be true about ourselves (Prov 23:7). If we base our worth solidly on the truths of God's word, then our behavior will often reflect His love, grace, and power. But if we base our worth on our abilities or the fickle approval of others, then our behavior will reflect the insecurity, fear, and anger that comes from such instability."
I have been learning the truth of those words in recent months. When I trust who God says I am I begin to stock the ingredients listed on the fruits of the Spirit menu board. God declares all of the following list to be true about me… a broken down TV director. And all of these things became true from the MOMENT I trusted Christ:
• I am forgiven. Col 2:13–14
• I am a child of God. John 1:2; Rom 8:15
• I received Christ's KIND of life, eternal: John 5:24
• I was delivered from Satan's domain and into the Kingdom of Christ: Col 1:13
• Christ came to dwell with me. Col 1:27; Rev 3:20
• I am a new Creation: 2 Cor 5:17
• I am declared righteous by God: 2 Cor 5:21
• I entered a love relationship w/ God: 1 John 4:9-11
• I am accepted by God: Col 1:19-22
Wow. I am wrapping my heart and mind around all of that this morning. I am filled with humility and gratitude for these unmerited gifts given to me that day and every day since. So if my imaginary encounter happens today I pray it will go a little more like this.
“Yes, I would like to have some joy.”
“Grande or Venti? I am overflowing with His abundant love today. Thanks for stopping by and letting me serve you.”
May I leave you with some familiar words from Paul? You can order freely from the menu through the power of the Holy Spirit. And the check has already been picked up by Christ.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another. (Galatians 5, NLT)
Dave Burchett is an Emmy Award winning television sports director, author, and Christian speaker. He is the author of When Bad Christians Happen to Good People and Bring'em Back Alive: A Healing Plan for those Wounded by the Church. You can reply by linking through daveburchett.com.
Scripture Of The Day: "By their fruits you will know them." - Matthew 7:20
Dave Burchett is an Emmy Award winning television sports director, author, and speaker. He is the author of When Bad Christians Happen to Good People and Bring’em Back Alive – A Healing Plan for those Wounded by the Church. Visit him at http://www.daveburchett.com
Monday, August 16, 2010
What is Falling From Your Tree?
By Sonique Sailsman
Most grade schools do not go into detail when teaching a child about trees. The lesson is usually broken down into parts of a simple tree. This lesson includes exploration of the trunk, branches and leaves. As they read books and explore the world around them they learn that different trees bear different fruits. They discover the apple, orange and pear tree. They learn about fruits being green, ripe or spoiled. They learn that some trees continually bear good sweet and ripe fruit and others are known for the rotten and spoiled fruit that fall from them.
As disciples of Christ when we decided to follow Jesus we signed up to be trees. Each tree bearing the fruit of the spirit which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control (Gal 5:22). These fruits take their individual times to ripen and show forth in our lives. Some of us may have more patience than others. However, that does not mean we do not continue to prune the branch on the patience limb and wait for God to manifest it. Gentleness may not be your strong suit but you know it is a fruit that must come from your tree. Being a person of peace and kindness are fruits and by this people will know you are a disciple of Christ (Matt 7:20).
If you are a person who saps the joy from any situation or you struggle to show love on a daily basis it is because your tree is bearing bad fruit. In this life we encounter situation that act as pesticide to our tree, making it look pretty on the outside but spoiling its taste. The ones receiving your fruit get a sour, bitter and unpalatable encounter with someone who professes to be a disciple of Christ.
Where many go wrong in their walk is trying to constantly TELL others about their lives as a Christian. If you are living your life bearing the fruits of the spirit it will be obvious to your fellow man that you are walking in the footsteps of Jesus. No need for a bumper sticker or a t-shirt announcing your status as a believer. Those things are superficial and can be purchased by anyone. Authenticity comes from others seeing you helping your brother or sister in Christ. It comes from you having self-control when you really want to let the store clerk know how you really feel. People are always taking note of how you respond when you are not in your “church clothes”.
The ways to rest assure that your tree continues to bear good fruit is to prune your branches and water your roots. Pruning in the human life includes removal of things that hinder us from growth; negative influences that choke out the sunlight (Christ) and hinder the water (the Word of God) from getting to our roots. This process may not be easy but it is definitely worth it to make sure that you remain a good tree bearing good fruit.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Galatians 5:22-23a NIV
A pediatric registered nurse, Sonique Sailsman teaches pediatric nursing both in the classroom and in a clinical environment. She has served in ministry since her time at the University of Miami. She enjoys writing short devotionals for friends and family just to encourage and edify.
Most grade schools do not go into detail when teaching a child about trees. The lesson is usually broken down into parts of a simple tree. This lesson includes exploration of the trunk, branches and leaves. As they read books and explore the world around them they learn that different trees bear different fruits. They discover the apple, orange and pear tree. They learn about fruits being green, ripe or spoiled. They learn that some trees continually bear good sweet and ripe fruit and others are known for the rotten and spoiled fruit that fall from them.
As disciples of Christ when we decided to follow Jesus we signed up to be trees. Each tree bearing the fruit of the spirit which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control (Gal 5:22). These fruits take their individual times to ripen and show forth in our lives. Some of us may have more patience than others. However, that does not mean we do not continue to prune the branch on the patience limb and wait for God to manifest it. Gentleness may not be your strong suit but you know it is a fruit that must come from your tree. Being a person of peace and kindness are fruits and by this people will know you are a disciple of Christ (Matt 7:20).
If you are a person who saps the joy from any situation or you struggle to show love on a daily basis it is because your tree is bearing bad fruit. In this life we encounter situation that act as pesticide to our tree, making it look pretty on the outside but spoiling its taste. The ones receiving your fruit get a sour, bitter and unpalatable encounter with someone who professes to be a disciple of Christ.
Where many go wrong in their walk is trying to constantly TELL others about their lives as a Christian. If you are living your life bearing the fruits of the spirit it will be obvious to your fellow man that you are walking in the footsteps of Jesus. No need for a bumper sticker or a t-shirt announcing your status as a believer. Those things are superficial and can be purchased by anyone. Authenticity comes from others seeing you helping your brother or sister in Christ. It comes from you having self-control when you really want to let the store clerk know how you really feel. People are always taking note of how you respond when you are not in your “church clothes”.
The ways to rest assure that your tree continues to bear good fruit is to prune your branches and water your roots. Pruning in the human life includes removal of things that hinder us from growth; negative influences that choke out the sunlight (Christ) and hinder the water (the Word of God) from getting to our roots. This process may not be easy but it is definitely worth it to make sure that you remain a good tree bearing good fruit.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Galatians 5:22-23a NIV
A pediatric registered nurse, Sonique Sailsman teaches pediatric nursing both in the classroom and in a clinical environment. She has served in ministry since her time at the University of Miami. She enjoys writing short devotionals for friends and family just to encourage and edify.
Joy From Within
By Dr. Michael Youssef
Polls and surveys consistently show that the top three things people want the most in life are love, happiness, and peace. So often we confuse happiness with joy. There is a difference.
Happiness is the result of getting what we want. We tell ourselves that we'll be happy when we get a newer home. Or life will be great if we get a promotion at work and a pay increase.
However, getting what we want only offers a temporary form of happiness that fades over time. We get our new home, and we are so happy until we realize that we, in order to remain happy, must have all the furniture and decorations to go with it. This kind of happiness is dependent on our circumstances, and can be accompanied with a fear that we may lose whatever it is we feel has made us happy.
Joy, however, is a fruit of the Spirit. It comes from within and not from external conditions. Jesus said that we are to abide in Him so that our joy can be complete (John 15:9-11). We can experience the joy of the Lord regardless of our circumstances because joy is dependent on our relationship with Jesus Christ.
The apostle Paul instructed the Philippians to rejoice always in the Lord (Philippians 4:4). While this group of believers was anxious about their material needs, Paul reminded them that their joy came from God. They were oppressed and persecuted by the Romans. They suffered economic hardships. Yet they had a reason to be joyful—their lives belonged to the Lord.
The world tries to persuade us that joy is found in material possessions, worldly achievements, and social status. However, true joy comes from the knowledge that we are saved through the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus.
Scripture Of The Day: "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love." John 15:9 (NIV)
Dr. Michael Youssef has been leading the way for people in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ for over 22 years. Dr. Youssef’s Leading The Way’s television and radio programs are broadcast in more than 20 languages, covering more than 200 countries. For more information about Dr. Michael Youssef, log onto http://www.leadingtheway.org.…
Polls and surveys consistently show that the top three things people want the most in life are love, happiness, and peace. So often we confuse happiness with joy. There is a difference.
Happiness is the result of getting what we want. We tell ourselves that we'll be happy when we get a newer home. Or life will be great if we get a promotion at work and a pay increase.
However, getting what we want only offers a temporary form of happiness that fades over time. We get our new home, and we are so happy until we realize that we, in order to remain happy, must have all the furniture and decorations to go with it. This kind of happiness is dependent on our circumstances, and can be accompanied with a fear that we may lose whatever it is we feel has made us happy.
Joy, however, is a fruit of the Spirit. It comes from within and not from external conditions. Jesus said that we are to abide in Him so that our joy can be complete (John 15:9-11). We can experience the joy of the Lord regardless of our circumstances because joy is dependent on our relationship with Jesus Christ.
The apostle Paul instructed the Philippians to rejoice always in the Lord (Philippians 4:4). While this group of believers was anxious about their material needs, Paul reminded them that their joy came from God. They were oppressed and persecuted by the Romans. They suffered economic hardships. Yet they had a reason to be joyful—their lives belonged to the Lord.
The world tries to persuade us that joy is found in material possessions, worldly achievements, and social status. However, true joy comes from the knowledge that we are saved through the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus.
Scripture Of The Day: "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love." John 15:9 (NIV)
Dr. Michael Youssef has been leading the way for people in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ for over 22 years. Dr. Youssef’s Leading The Way’s television and radio programs are broadcast in more than 20 languages, covering more than 200 countries. For more information about Dr. Michael Youssef, log onto http://www.leadingtheway.org.…
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