This week, on Wednesday, July 4, we will celebrate the official birthday of the United States of America. We will live in a country that is not very old in comparison to many other countries of the world.
After 231 Years of Freedom, what can we learn?
Freedom is an amazing blessing. It carries many truths as we observe it’s impact on our life. 4 elements will help as we dissect freedom, to see how it affects us today. The freedom today we enjoy as Americans, and the freedom that the believing child of God experiences in their lives are similar.
If we would get the full benefit and experience of the freedom we enjoy as a nation, and as a people of God, we must understand we were…
1. Set Free from…
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. Romans 8:2
What is needed in this phase is reflection—thinking back over your life, and where it would be without freedom you found in Christ. It is those who have been forgiven of much that love much, Jesus said. What has the Lord Jesus set you free from?
2. Set Free to …
“don’t you know that as many of us were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism unto death, that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so, we should walk in newness of life.” Rom 6:4
It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
There are enemies that would hinder, rob, divert, or conquer our freedom, and return us to slavery.
“but now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back againto the weak and worthless elemental things to which you desire to be enslaved all over again?”
What is required of us at this phase is discipline. It is not going to happen on it’s own, without our doing our part. There is responsibility laid upon us to stay strong, to stay in the Word, to continue doing what we know we should do, and continue to be what He has saved us to be. “ if you continue in My word, then are you my disciples….” This takes discipline.
3. Set Free by…
If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly… God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved fromGod’s wrath through Him.” Romans 5:6-9
What is required of us here is gratitude. Fully realizing all His done and set you free from, and in gratitude letting your life be a prayer of thanksgiving for your salvation.
Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." Luke 7:47
4. Set Free for…
walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; Col 1:10
For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well. 2Ti 1:5
“now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself… and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ…” 2 Cor. 5:18-20
What is needed of us here is perseverance. Fighting against the enemies of our freedom, realizing not only ours, but the generations to come are depending on our faithfulness. Just as we depended on those who went before us, others are depending on us. Will we be found faithful?
Friday, June 29, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Getting a Handle on My Pain
Getting a Handle on our Pain
Luke 22:31-32
1. A Description of Pain
4 primary words used in Bible:
"tribulation"
"trials"
"sufferings"
"distress"
2. The Sources of Pain
Satan, as here, is seen seeking Peter. That's what he later says-- Satan, as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour...
World-- Jesus said in the world we would have tribulation..
Self--we sometimes have pain and difficulties due to decisions and life-styles we have chosen. In a word, we are reaping a harvest of sin. These things going on in our life are direct result of "sin" sown in the field of our life. We forget that wild oats are the only seed that never have crop failure.
3. The Purposes of Pain—when we want to ask why
__Validates______ our faith
" these things have come so that your faith ... may be proved genuine..." (1 Peter 1:7 NIV)
Expands our faith –
"you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance ..." (James 1:3 NIV)
Purifies our faith
These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire... 1 Peter 1:7
Activates our faith
who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:4
Focuses our faith
These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
1 Peter 1:7
For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 2 Cor 4:17
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18 (NIV)
Luke 22:31-32
1. A Description of Pain
4 primary words used in Bible:
"tribulation"
"trials"
"sufferings"
"distress"
2. The Sources of Pain
Satan, as here, is seen seeking Peter. That's what he later says-- Satan, as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour...
World-- Jesus said in the world we would have tribulation..
Self--we sometimes have pain and difficulties due to decisions and life-styles we have chosen. In a word, we are reaping a harvest of sin. These things going on in our life are direct result of "sin" sown in the field of our life. We forget that wild oats are the only seed that never have crop failure.
3. The Purposes of Pain—when we want to ask why
__Validates______ our faith
" these things have come so that your faith ... may be proved genuine..." (1 Peter 1:7 NIV)
Expands our faith –
"you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance ..." (James 1:3 NIV)
Purifies our faith
These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire... 1 Peter 1:7
Activates our faith
who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:4
Focuses our faith
These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
1 Peter 1:7
For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 2 Cor 4:17
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18 (NIV)
Saturday, June 16, 2007
What Can I learn from Jesus' Sufferings?
A Poem my mother used to read to me that reminds me of how the Lord is able to take my pain and scars and make something of them:
The Touch of the Master's Hand
It was battered and scarred, And the auctioneer thought it hardly worth his while To waste his time on the old violin, but he held it up with a smile.
"What am I bid, good people", he cried, "Who starts the bidding for me?" "One dollar, one dollar, Do I hear two?" "Two dollars, who makes it three?" "Three dollars once, three dollars twice, going for three,"
But, No, From the room far back a gray bearded man Came forward and picked up the bow, Then wiping the dust from the old violin And tightening up the strings, He played a melody, pure and sweet As sweet as the angel sings.
The music ceased and the auctioneer With a voice that was quiet and low, Said "What now am I bid for this old violin?" As he held it aloft with its' bow.
"One thousand, one thousand, Do I hear two?" "Two thousand, Who makes it three?" "Three thousand once, three thousand twice, Going and gone", said he.
The audience cheered, But some of them cried, "We just don't understand." "What changed its' worth?" Swift came the reply. "The Touch of the Masters Hand."
And many a man with life out of tune All battered with bourbon and gin Is auctioned cheap to a thoughtless crowd Much like that old violin
A mess of pottage, a glass of wine, A game and he travels on. He is going once, he is going twice, He is going and almost gone.
But the Master comes, And the foolish crowd never can quite understand, The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought By the Touch of the Masters' Hand.
Myra Brooks Welch
Could there be a beauty, a faith, sweetness, a treasure, a blessing He wants for us that can only come through pain and difficulty?
Jesus knew what it was to face the awful darkness of soul and personal pain and suffering. Luke 22:53-- He experienced an hour of darkness, where it seemed the enemy had won.
Is there something for us, that we can learn when we face our "hour of darkness"? "In the world ye shall have tribulation", Jesus said.
What is it, during these difficulties, that we can learn. Is there something it can do in me that nothing else can do? If so, what is it?
1. It sharpens my spiritual eyesight—clears up my view
Col 1:18
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Col 3:11
a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.
1 Cor 15:28
And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
At times, the clouds of this world’s things, the fog of material things, preoccupations with worldly matters, good or necessary things can clutter my heart and hide Him who is the most important one of all. It kind dull my heart to His presence, His purpose, His priorities for my life. Difficulty has a way of reminding me of my priorities, and I can see what His will is for my life-- not my will...
Have you ever had a brush with death, or a near disaster, or a brush with the law? Some people have an experience like the birth of a child, and it is like a slap in the face-- it wakes them up to their poor choices and wayward lifestyle, and they see what God would have of their life.
In an instance, everything becomes clear—
Paul prayed 3 times for God to take away a "thorn in the flesh..." , but He refused, saying this would enable Him to provide something far greater-- a dependence on His grace:
2Co 12:9 -And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2. It strengthens my resolve to do His will
“nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done…”
Joh 12:27
"Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, 'Father, save Me from this hour '? But for this purpose I came to this hour.
It's easy to forsake what we know to be God's will for our lives. Decisions, choices made that set up on a path difficult to change, even life itself begins to happen and it's difficult to slow it down. God allows difficulties to get our attention and help us to find new resolve to do His will.
3. It shows me God’s great untapped blessing in many a life—other’s help
Luke 22:39-43
Jesus, in His darkest moment, wanted His friends with Him in the garden. We need others, and should not hide our pain from those who can be used of God to minister to us in our difficulty.
A friend, who’s wife died, said the greatest ministry to him was a friend, who took off days of work and came to be with him-- didn't say anything much, just hugged him, cried with him, and sat with him.
4. It reveals what can be my biggest struggle to a victorious life—other’s hurt—when I or a loved one suffers from pain inflicted by others.
His arrest, his denial
Father forgive them
Luke 6:35
But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Matt 5:11-12Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil * * against you falsely, for my sake *.Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Matt 5:44--But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Eph 4:32—be ye kind onw unto another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even as god for Christ sake has forgiven you
The Touch of the Master's Hand
It was battered and scarred, And the auctioneer thought it hardly worth his while To waste his time on the old violin, but he held it up with a smile.
"What am I bid, good people", he cried, "Who starts the bidding for me?" "One dollar, one dollar, Do I hear two?" "Two dollars, who makes it three?" "Three dollars once, three dollars twice, going for three,"
But, No, From the room far back a gray bearded man Came forward and picked up the bow, Then wiping the dust from the old violin And tightening up the strings, He played a melody, pure and sweet As sweet as the angel sings.
The music ceased and the auctioneer With a voice that was quiet and low, Said "What now am I bid for this old violin?" As he held it aloft with its' bow.
"One thousand, one thousand, Do I hear two?" "Two thousand, Who makes it three?" "Three thousand once, three thousand twice, Going and gone", said he.
The audience cheered, But some of them cried, "We just don't understand." "What changed its' worth?" Swift came the reply. "The Touch of the Masters Hand."
And many a man with life out of tune All battered with bourbon and gin Is auctioned cheap to a thoughtless crowd Much like that old violin
A mess of pottage, a glass of wine, A game and he travels on. He is going once, he is going twice, He is going and almost gone.
But the Master comes, And the foolish crowd never can quite understand, The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought By the Touch of the Masters' Hand.
Myra Brooks Welch
Could there be a beauty, a faith, sweetness, a treasure, a blessing He wants for us that can only come through pain and difficulty?
Jesus knew what it was to face the awful darkness of soul and personal pain and suffering. Luke 22:53-- He experienced an hour of darkness, where it seemed the enemy had won.
Is there something for us, that we can learn when we face our "hour of darkness"? "In the world ye shall have tribulation", Jesus said.
What is it, during these difficulties, that we can learn. Is there something it can do in me that nothing else can do? If so, what is it?
1. It sharpens my spiritual eyesight—clears up my view
Col 1:18
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Col 3:11
a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.
1 Cor 15:28
And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
At times, the clouds of this world’s things, the fog of material things, preoccupations with worldly matters, good or necessary things can clutter my heart and hide Him who is the most important one of all. It kind dull my heart to His presence, His purpose, His priorities for my life. Difficulty has a way of reminding me of my priorities, and I can see what His will is for my life-- not my will...
Have you ever had a brush with death, or a near disaster, or a brush with the law? Some people have an experience like the birth of a child, and it is like a slap in the face-- it wakes them up to their poor choices and wayward lifestyle, and they see what God would have of their life.
In an instance, everything becomes clear—
Paul prayed 3 times for God to take away a "thorn in the flesh..." , but He refused, saying this would enable Him to provide something far greater-- a dependence on His grace:
2Co 12:9 -And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2. It strengthens my resolve to do His will
“nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done…”
Joh 12:27
"Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, 'Father, save Me from this hour '? But for this purpose I came to this hour.
It's easy to forsake what we know to be God's will for our lives. Decisions, choices made that set up on a path difficult to change, even life itself begins to happen and it's difficult to slow it down. God allows difficulties to get our attention and help us to find new resolve to do His will.
3. It shows me God’s great untapped blessing in many a life—other’s help
Luke 22:39-43
Jesus, in His darkest moment, wanted His friends with Him in the garden. We need others, and should not hide our pain from those who can be used of God to minister to us in our difficulty.
A friend, who’s wife died, said the greatest ministry to him was a friend, who took off days of work and came to be with him-- didn't say anything much, just hugged him, cried with him, and sat with him.
4. It reveals what can be my biggest struggle to a victorious life—other’s hurt—when I or a loved one suffers from pain inflicted by others.
His arrest, his denial
Father forgive them
Luke 6:35
But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Matt 5:11-12Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil * * against you falsely, for my sake *.Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Matt 5:44--But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Eph 4:32—be ye kind onw unto another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even as god for Christ sake has forgiven you
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