“But by God’s grace I am what I am, and His grace toward me with not ineffective.” (1 Corinthians 15:10a CSB)
Personally experiencing the grace of God is one of the bedrock truths of who we are as Christians. Paul understood this truth with great depth as he tried to express the concept to the Corinthians. He recognized that his entire identity was shaped by the grace of God and bonded to the grace of God. He had once persecuted the church, but experiencing God’s grace “up close and personal” effectively changed him, his identity, and his entire life-orientation. The old had gone, and the new had come.
We also who have personally experienced God’s grace and continually do so have been shaped by it and are still being shaped by it. We are a work in progress. Grace has had its impact. And it still does. We are who we are by God’s grace. And what we will be continues to take shape. God alone knows what this is, and He will keep working on it.
Someone once asked Michaelangelo how he sculpted such beautiful pieces such as the Pieta. His response was, “I see the image in the rock and remove what doesn’t belong.” Sometimes God’s grace involves removal of what is not needed. Sometimes it involves adding what is.
We thank You, Lord, for Your grace and for the effectiveness it has in our lives. Amen.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
A National Trust
“The Lord is the strength of His people; He is a stronghold of salvation for His anointed.” (Psalm 28:8 CSB)
Americans swell with pride and emotion when we hear songs like, “God Bless the U.S.A.” Some of us well up with tears when we hear the national anthem or see an American flag. National pride is a great “feel-good.” Is it adequate, however, as a source of strength for a nation?
Americans greatly support our military. Young men and women even today are on battle fronts, putting their lives on the line on foreign soil for the sake of freedom and democracy. A strong military is a truly wonderful asset for a nation with positive values, but is it adequate as a source of strength for a nation?
Freedom is almost an indescribable wonder. So many peoples around our world are basically in pain because of the domination of tyrannical rulers. Many have never known what it means to be “pain free.” They tend to accept their status as is and can even refer to the small amount of freedom they have as freedom. To have the level of freedom we enjoy in America, however, is almost unparalleled elsewhere. But is freedom a source of strength for a nation?
There is only one real Source of strength for a nation, and that is the Lord. That nation whose national trust is in the Lord is the nation that knows what true strength is. That is the nation that is invincible.
Lord, Help our nation to return to You as its national Trust. Help us to see that true strength is found only to the degree that we trust in You our Strength. Amen
Americans swell with pride and emotion when we hear songs like, “God Bless the U.S.A.” Some of us well up with tears when we hear the national anthem or see an American flag. National pride is a great “feel-good.” Is it adequate, however, as a source of strength for a nation?
Americans greatly support our military. Young men and women even today are on battle fronts, putting their lives on the line on foreign soil for the sake of freedom and democracy. A strong military is a truly wonderful asset for a nation with positive values, but is it adequate as a source of strength for a nation?
Freedom is almost an indescribable wonder. So many peoples around our world are basically in pain because of the domination of tyrannical rulers. Many have never known what it means to be “pain free.” They tend to accept their status as is and can even refer to the small amount of freedom they have as freedom. To have the level of freedom we enjoy in America, however, is almost unparalleled elsewhere. But is freedom a source of strength for a nation?
There is only one real Source of strength for a nation, and that is the Lord. That nation whose national trust is in the Lord is the nation that knows what true strength is. That is the nation that is invincible.
Lord, Help our nation to return to You as its national Trust. Help us to see that true strength is found only to the degree that we trust in You our Strength. Amen
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The Spirit of Truth
“He is the Spirit of truth.” (John 14:17 CSB)
Jesus spoke to Nicodemus of the Spirit and the wind. “The wind blows where it will. You hear the sound of it, but you don’t know where is comes from or where it’s going. So it is with the Spirit.” In His statement, the word for “wind” and the word for “Spirit” are exactly the same in the Greek language. That may be one reason Nicodemus seemed a little confused.
Jesus spoke of the coming of a new Counselor, the Holy Spirit, to His disciples as He prepared them for His departure. He told them the Spirit would speak truth to them and remind them of all truth and would point them to Him. He would be the Enabler of the church, our Guide. He would dwell in us and unify us.
This is why we can say with the psalmist, “My heart is confident God… I will praise You, Lord… For Your faithful love is as high as the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. God, be exalted above the heavens; let your glory be over the whole earth.”
Today, may the Counselor, the “One Called Alongside” us, the Spirit of truth impart wisdom, strength, and blessings to each of us today as we walk with Him.
May it be so, Lord. Amen.
Jesus spoke to Nicodemus of the Spirit and the wind. “The wind blows where it will. You hear the sound of it, but you don’t know where is comes from or where it’s going. So it is with the Spirit.” In His statement, the word for “wind” and the word for “Spirit” are exactly the same in the Greek language. That may be one reason Nicodemus seemed a little confused.
Jesus spoke of the coming of a new Counselor, the Holy Spirit, to His disciples as He prepared them for His departure. He told them the Spirit would speak truth to them and remind them of all truth and would point them to Him. He would be the Enabler of the church, our Guide. He would dwell in us and unify us.
This is why we can say with the psalmist, “My heart is confident God… I will praise You, Lord… For Your faithful love is as high as the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. God, be exalted above the heavens; let your glory be over the whole earth.”
Today, may the Counselor, the “One Called Alongside” us, the Spirit of truth impart wisdom, strength, and blessings to each of us today as we walk with Him.
May it be so, Lord. Amen.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
In Jesus’ Name
“If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.” (John 14:14 CSB)
Somewhere along the way, somebody must have decided to add the phrase “in Jesus’ name” at the end of prayers before “amening” everything. Many of us do this now, as a result, without really thinking a thing about it, which is not likely what Jesus had in mind for this. Of course, this goes back to the verse above from John 14. The idea is that if we ask something of God in Jesus’ name, He will give it to us. The practice of adding this phrase to our prayers has produced in some folks, however, an attitude that borders on manipulation, maybe even on animism, where people attempt to control spiritual forces. Is that what Jesus had in mind when He said this to His disciples?
To ask “in Jesus’ name” means to ask as Jesus Himself would ask, which is to ask according to the will of God. It means to think through what you are asking for, being fully in tune with God, and to be as sure as you can be in faith that what you’re asking for is what Jesus would ask for. It means to ask with His integrity, to the degree that we can. And the key to it all is the Holy Spirit, who makes it possible for us to do that.
As you pray, ask the Holy Spirit to guide your thinking and help you be so fully in tune with the will of God that when you pray “in Jesus’ name,” you understand what you’re asking, and that it is in harmony with the will of God.
Indeed, Lord, that is our prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Somewhere along the way, somebody must have decided to add the phrase “in Jesus’ name” at the end of prayers before “amening” everything. Many of us do this now, as a result, without really thinking a thing about it, which is not likely what Jesus had in mind for this. Of course, this goes back to the verse above from John 14. The idea is that if we ask something of God in Jesus’ name, He will give it to us. The practice of adding this phrase to our prayers has produced in some folks, however, an attitude that borders on manipulation, maybe even on animism, where people attempt to control spiritual forces. Is that what Jesus had in mind when He said this to His disciples?
To ask “in Jesus’ name” means to ask as Jesus Himself would ask, which is to ask according to the will of God. It means to think through what you are asking for, being fully in tune with God, and to be as sure as you can be in faith that what you’re asking for is what Jesus would ask for. It means to ask with His integrity, to the degree that we can. And the key to it all is the Holy Spirit, who makes it possible for us to do that.
As you pray, ask the Holy Spirit to guide your thinking and help you be so fully in tune with the will of God that when you pray “in Jesus’ name,” you understand what you’re asking, and that it is in harmony with the will of God.
Indeed, Lord, that is our prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Cast Your Burdens
“Cast your burdens on the Lord, and He will support you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22 CSB)
A “burden” is generally a heavy object that has to be carried. A “beast of burden” is typically a donkey that carries heavy loads, or an ox that pulls a plow, or a horse that carries a rider. Carrying these heavy loads requires great energy that may be in short supply. Struggle and pain may be involved, and the only relief that comes is when the load is off-loaded.
People carry burdens of a different sort, but what is true of a beast of burden is essentially how those who carry a burden of heart or soul feel about it. The load is heavy. It takes a lot of energy that may not be there. Struggle and pain are often involved. But there is a difference. A beast of burden cannot do anything about the load it bears. We can.
We can cast our burdens on the Lord, and He will support or sustain us. In other words, we can bring our burdens before the Lord, and He will help us in one of at least two ways. First, He may help us “off-load” them. He may bring complete resolution to what burdens us, as He did with King Hezekiah. Hezekiah was burdened with illness, and God sent Isaiah to tell him to put his house in order since he was going to die. Hezekiah cast his burden on the Lord, and the Lord healed him.
Second, if God does not off-load our burdens, He will give us the strength to carry them and cope with them. Paul had his “thorn in the side.” Three times he asked God to remove it, but God simply said, “My grace is sufficient for you.” And God enabled Paul to live with that burden and to thrive in spite of it.
Lord, Help us today to cast our burdens on You and trust You with the outcome. Amen.
A “burden” is generally a heavy object that has to be carried. A “beast of burden” is typically a donkey that carries heavy loads, or an ox that pulls a plow, or a horse that carries a rider. Carrying these heavy loads requires great energy that may be in short supply. Struggle and pain may be involved, and the only relief that comes is when the load is off-loaded.
People carry burdens of a different sort, but what is true of a beast of burden is essentially how those who carry a burden of heart or soul feel about it. The load is heavy. It takes a lot of energy that may not be there. Struggle and pain are often involved. But there is a difference. A beast of burden cannot do anything about the load it bears. We can.
We can cast our burdens on the Lord, and He will support or sustain us. In other words, we can bring our burdens before the Lord, and He will help us in one of at least two ways. First, He may help us “off-load” them. He may bring complete resolution to what burdens us, as He did with King Hezekiah. Hezekiah was burdened with illness, and God sent Isaiah to tell him to put his house in order since he was going to die. Hezekiah cast his burden on the Lord, and the Lord healed him.
Second, if God does not off-load our burdens, He will give us the strength to carry them and cope with them. Paul had his “thorn in the side.” Three times he asked God to remove it, but God simply said, “My grace is sufficient for you.” And God enabled Paul to live with that burden and to thrive in spite of it.
Lord, Help us today to cast our burdens on You and trust You with the outcome. Amen.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Dressing Up
“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 13:14a CSB)
If you live in a very cold climate like Alaska and need to go outside, before you leave your warm house you put on a coat. Then probably another one. And maybe even another one. If you are in the military, before you report for duty, you put on your uniform, which has to be worn properly. If you work around radiation, before you engage in your work, you put on your lead-lined radiation suit. Before you go swimming, you put on swimwear. We all put on some sort of apparel every day, and we do so for three specific reasons: protection, identity, and appropriateness.
Like putting on clothing, we are to “put on” the Lord Jesus Christ. We do so for protection against the temptations of the world and the flesh. We do so because it identifies us as belonging to Him and serving as His witnesses. And we do because it is the most appropriate clothing for one who belongs to Christ. It is the right thing to do.
As we approach this day and any day, may we put on the Lord Jesus Christ so that we may live effectively and bring glory to Him.
Lord, In faith we commit this day to You and seek to honor You. Amen.
If you live in a very cold climate like Alaska and need to go outside, before you leave your warm house you put on a coat. Then probably another one. And maybe even another one. If you are in the military, before you report for duty, you put on your uniform, which has to be worn properly. If you work around radiation, before you engage in your work, you put on your lead-lined radiation suit. Before you go swimming, you put on swimwear. We all put on some sort of apparel every day, and we do so for three specific reasons: protection, identity, and appropriateness.
Like putting on clothing, we are to “put on” the Lord Jesus Christ. We do so for protection against the temptations of the world and the flesh. We do so because it identifies us as belonging to Him and serving as His witnesses. And we do because it is the most appropriate clothing for one who belongs to Christ. It is the right thing to do.
As we approach this day and any day, may we put on the Lord Jesus Christ so that we may live effectively and bring glory to Him.
Lord, In faith we commit this day to You and seek to honor You. Amen.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Why This Sacrifice?
“When they arrived at the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on the right and one on the left.” (Luke 23:33 CSB)
Why couldn’t God simply forgive us without Jesus having to go to the cross? It would seem so much simpler and involve far less pain to just leave the crucifixion out altogether and say, “You’re forgiven.”
Several reasons make that impossible. First, the absolute holiness of God and the justice of God require our condemnation and destruction. Our minds are incapable of grasping the reality and validity of this, but God’s perfect holiness cannot permit sin. It requires the destruction of anyone who violates it.
Second, if God were to simply say, “You’re forgiven,” we would have no real appreciation of what our forgiveness cost Him. That would say to us that sin is no big deal, that it’s important, but that in the long run sin is ok. The cross communicates the cost.
Third, the cost of our forgiveness communicates the love behind the event, the motivation of God’s heart. In the cross we see God’s compassion for His lost children, His desire to provide us with an opportunity for eternal life, and His invitation to faith.
Lord, What You have done for us, for me, is still beyond my ability to comprehend. All I can do is accept this in faith and thank You for it, and then live my life in honor of You. Amen
Why couldn’t God simply forgive us without Jesus having to go to the cross? It would seem so much simpler and involve far less pain to just leave the crucifixion out altogether and say, “You’re forgiven.”
Several reasons make that impossible. First, the absolute holiness of God and the justice of God require our condemnation and destruction. Our minds are incapable of grasping the reality and validity of this, but God’s perfect holiness cannot permit sin. It requires the destruction of anyone who violates it.
Second, if God were to simply say, “You’re forgiven,” we would have no real appreciation of what our forgiveness cost Him. That would say to us that sin is no big deal, that it’s important, but that in the long run sin is ok. The cross communicates the cost.
Third, the cost of our forgiveness communicates the love behind the event, the motivation of God’s heart. In the cross we see God’s compassion for His lost children, His desire to provide us with an opportunity for eternal life, and His invitation to faith.
Lord, What You have done for us, for me, is still beyond my ability to comprehend. All I can do is accept this in faith and thank You for it, and then live my life in honor of You. Amen
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