“Blessed are the poor in spirit, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.” (Matthew 5:3 CSB)
Sounds a little mysterious, doesn’t it? How can it be that someone who is poor in spirit is blessed? How does this make any sense? Consider that Jesus promised that those who believe in Him would have an eternal spring of water gushing up from within. Consider that He promised an abundant life in the Spirit. Yet here, He seems to be saying just the opposite. How are we to make sense of this?
Being spiritually poor is a perception. When someone comes to perceive in his or her heart the crushing reality of a spiritual bankruptcy, the reality of his or her desperation to know the Lord personally and deeply, there comes a turning to the Lord, a humbling of self before the Lord, and a seeking after the Lord, and invariably that results in finding the Lord and the kingdom of heaven. When that happens, this person is then turned into one who is spiritually prosperous, which is what the word “blessed” actually means.
We are blessed when we recognize our absolute eternal insignificance apart from a personal relationship with the Lord, because that recognition turns us to Him, and He then ushers us into the kingdom of heaven.
We thank You, Lord, for building a spiritually prosperous life from the ashes of what we once were, through the power of Your redemption. Amen.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Deception
“And no wonder! For Satan himself is disguised as an angel of light.” (1 Corinthians 11:14 CSB)
There is a fish in the lower, dark depths of the Pacific Ocean that has an antenna on its head with a glowing light on the end of the antenna. Its unsuspecting prey see the light and go to it, unable to see the danger that is attached at the other end. By the time they do see it, it’s too late.
Deception can take many forms. It may come into the form of misdirection, where someone is taken off target by a misrepresentation of truth. A similar form is disinformation, which essentially is an intentional lie that represents information as factual for the purpose of influencing decisions. Military and intelligence agencies around the globe have often used misdirection and disinformation to confuse their enemies.
In essence, this amounts to speaking a lie as if it is truth, presenting it as light. All forms of deception overlap, but the purpose is the same: to mislead and defeat.
Paul spoke of how Satan disguised himself as an angel of light. He said this in the context of talking about those who were “false apostles,” that is, those who presented themselves as apostles of Christ while, in fact, they were representatives of Satan, sent to mislead believers by presenting themselves as the true light.
So, how are we to know when what looks like the light is really not? First, we have to have already experienced the genuine light that comes from a personal relationship with the Lord by faith. Second, we have to watch the works of those who say they teach the light. If their works demonstrate inconsistency with what the Bible teaches, or if they teach something that does not exalt Christ, or if they attempt to lift man up to the level of Christ, then they cannot be of the light. Third, we have to stay in the word of God, so that the Holy Spirit can keep our minds and hearts tuned to the truth.
Lord, Help us today to not be misled by that which appears to be the light but really is not. Help us to remain firmly committed to the Lordship of Christ. Amen.
There is a fish in the lower, dark depths of the Pacific Ocean that has an antenna on its head with a glowing light on the end of the antenna. Its unsuspecting prey see the light and go to it, unable to see the danger that is attached at the other end. By the time they do see it, it’s too late.
Deception can take many forms. It may come into the form of misdirection, where someone is taken off target by a misrepresentation of truth. A similar form is disinformation, which essentially is an intentional lie that represents information as factual for the purpose of influencing decisions. Military and intelligence agencies around the globe have often used misdirection and disinformation to confuse their enemies.
In essence, this amounts to speaking a lie as if it is truth, presenting it as light. All forms of deception overlap, but the purpose is the same: to mislead and defeat.
Paul spoke of how Satan disguised himself as an angel of light. He said this in the context of talking about those who were “false apostles,” that is, those who presented themselves as apostles of Christ while, in fact, they were representatives of Satan, sent to mislead believers by presenting themselves as the true light.
So, how are we to know when what looks like the light is really not? First, we have to have already experienced the genuine light that comes from a personal relationship with the Lord by faith. Second, we have to watch the works of those who say they teach the light. If their works demonstrate inconsistency with what the Bible teaches, or if they teach something that does not exalt Christ, or if they attempt to lift man up to the level of Christ, then they cannot be of the light. Third, we have to stay in the word of God, so that the Holy Spirit can keep our minds and hearts tuned to the truth.
Lord, Help us today to not be misled by that which appears to be the light but really is not. Help us to remain firmly committed to the Lordship of Christ. Amen.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Quiet Confidence
“For the palace will be forsaken, the busy city abandoned… until the Spirit from heaven is poured out on us. … Then justice will inhabit the wilderness, and righteousness will dwell in the orchard. The result of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever.” (Isaiah 32:14-17 CSB)
Redemption is not just a noun; it’s a process. To see it, you have to back it all the way back. It begins with man’s arrogant rebellion. Man decides he can do without God, and that his own abilities are sufficient. God gets relegated to the corner in his life, if that. Or so he thinks. That’s when judgment comes crashing into his life. Blessing becomes elusive, and sorrow ensues and persists even when man inserts all sorts of “pain killers” into his life to try to ease the pain. Still the judgment is there. In the process, though, if repentance comes, then so does forgiveness, and God then pours out His Spirit, like a desert deluge. Life springs forth, particularly in the form of justice and righteousness. These lead to the renewal of peace. This right relationship then brings about “quiet confidence.”
Isaiah uses the term “quiet confidence” on more than one occasion. Always it involves peace and righteousness and the Spirit of God. Confidence never requires bravado’s support. Genuine confidence is the kind that comes from God and is placed in God. It doesn’t need to be fanned into flames, because it is an eternal flame of quiet confidence born of redemption.
Lord, We commit this day and each day to You in the quiet confidence that comes from Your Spirit. Amen.
Redemption is not just a noun; it’s a process. To see it, you have to back it all the way back. It begins with man’s arrogant rebellion. Man decides he can do without God, and that his own abilities are sufficient. God gets relegated to the corner in his life, if that. Or so he thinks. That’s when judgment comes crashing into his life. Blessing becomes elusive, and sorrow ensues and persists even when man inserts all sorts of “pain killers” into his life to try to ease the pain. Still the judgment is there. In the process, though, if repentance comes, then so does forgiveness, and God then pours out His Spirit, like a desert deluge. Life springs forth, particularly in the form of justice and righteousness. These lead to the renewal of peace. This right relationship then brings about “quiet confidence.”
Isaiah uses the term “quiet confidence” on more than one occasion. Always it involves peace and righteousness and the Spirit of God. Confidence never requires bravado’s support. Genuine confidence is the kind that comes from God and is placed in God. It doesn’t need to be fanned into flames, because it is an eternal flame of quiet confidence born of redemption.
Lord, We commit this day and each day to You in the quiet confidence that comes from Your Spirit. Amen.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Fragrance
“For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To some we are a scent of death leading to death, but to others, a scent of life leading to life. And who is competent for this?”
The aroma of coffee in the morning is so inviting. It gets our attention, and we go looking for it. To some the aroma of coffee can be nauseating. I guess it depends on what you like or don’t like.
Fragrance. The “fragrance of Christ” we are. Our walk with Him gives off an aroma. Those who know Him and those open to Him find it inviting. Those hostile to Him are repulsed.
Who is up for such a thing? Anyone who thinks he or she can handle this must not be in touch with reality. Or maybe they are inexperienced when it comes to hostility toward Christ. Being the fragrance of Christ in our world is a crushing responsibility. It is a wonderful thought, an affirming thought in the context of the Christian community, of course, but we have not the strength to bear up under the load of being regarded as the scent of death. Being the fragrance of Christ among those who know Him, that we can handle, but being regarded as the scent of death, being viewed as repugnant because of our relationship with Jesus, we are not sufficient for that. Our only option is total dependence on Jesus for His strength. Only He can give us the strength. He is able to make us stand.
Lord, We are who we are in You because of You. We rejoice that we are regarded as the fragrance of Christ, even though that is the scent of death to some. We humble ourselves before You and proclaim our total dependence on You for this task. To You alone we stand or fall. Amen.
The aroma of coffee in the morning is so inviting. It gets our attention, and we go looking for it. To some the aroma of coffee can be nauseating. I guess it depends on what you like or don’t like.
Fragrance. The “fragrance of Christ” we are. Our walk with Him gives off an aroma. Those who know Him and those open to Him find it inviting. Those hostile to Him are repulsed.
Who is up for such a thing? Anyone who thinks he or she can handle this must not be in touch with reality. Or maybe they are inexperienced when it comes to hostility toward Christ. Being the fragrance of Christ in our world is a crushing responsibility. It is a wonderful thought, an affirming thought in the context of the Christian community, of course, but we have not the strength to bear up under the load of being regarded as the scent of death. Being the fragrance of Christ among those who know Him, that we can handle, but being regarded as the scent of death, being viewed as repugnant because of our relationship with Jesus, we are not sufficient for that. Our only option is total dependence on Jesus for His strength. Only He can give us the strength. He is able to make us stand.
Lord, We are who we are in You because of You. We rejoice that we are regarded as the fragrance of Christ, even though that is the scent of death to some. We humble ourselves before You and proclaim our total dependence on You for this task. To You alone we stand or fall. Amen.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Affections
“You are not limited by us, but you are limited by your own affections.” (2 Corinthians 6:12 CSB)
Some of the believers at Corinth were extremely libertarian in their views and lifestyles. Paul tried in his letters to help them understand that this was neither the way of Christ nor the meaning of what it means to be free in Christ. He tried to help them see its destructiveness to them. Undoubtedly, either some of them responding by accusing Paul of trying to control them, or else Paul anticipated that they would. Thus, he stated that he was not limiting them or trying to control them. Then he went beyond that idea and noted that what really limited them was their own affections. Their what? Their affections.
So, what is an “affection”? An affection is an object of your desire, something you like and enjoy, something you value and are willing to expend money, time, or energy to obtain. It is what you treasure. Treasure… Does that remind you of something Jesus said? It went like this, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” What we treasure or value is what tends to limit or control us.
One of the daily recalibrations we each must make comes from reflecting on what we value. That will determine more than anything else what we do and how our day goes.
Lord, Show us how our own affections or values can limit who we are and how things go, and once we see this, help us then to recalibrate our values, so that what we value is the same as what You value. Amen.
Some of the believers at Corinth were extremely libertarian in their views and lifestyles. Paul tried in his letters to help them understand that this was neither the way of Christ nor the meaning of what it means to be free in Christ. He tried to help them see its destructiveness to them. Undoubtedly, either some of them responding by accusing Paul of trying to control them, or else Paul anticipated that they would. Thus, he stated that he was not limiting them or trying to control them. Then he went beyond that idea and noted that what really limited them was their own affections. Their what? Their affections.
So, what is an “affection”? An affection is an object of your desire, something you like and enjoy, something you value and are willing to expend money, time, or energy to obtain. It is what you treasure. Treasure… Does that remind you of something Jesus said? It went like this, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” What we treasure or value is what tends to limit or control us.
One of the daily recalibrations we each must make comes from reflecting on what we value. That will determine more than anything else what we do and how our day goes.
Lord, Show us how our own affections or values can limit who we are and how things go, and once we see this, help us then to recalibrate our values, so that what we value is the same as what You value. Amen.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Priests
“Nevertheless, to remind you, I have written to you more boldly on some points because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, serving as a priest of God’s good news.” (Romans 15:15-16 CSB)
A priest is someone who represents truth, performs functions prescribed by that truth, and serves the spiritual needs of others. He serves as a spokesman of the truth, an instructor of the truth, and as an intercessor on behalf of believers.
This is part of how Paul viewed himself in his apostolic commission. He was serving as a priest of the Lord’s gospel among the Gentiles.
Have you considered that this may be an approach the Lord would have you to take? Maybe all of us need to see ourselves serving in priestly ways in our fellowship. We represent Jesus and His gospel. We intercede on behalf of others before God when we pray. We speak the truth of the gospel to one another. We instruct others in the way of His truth, seeking to serve the deepest spiritual needs of those who know Him and walk with Him.
Today, may we all be encouragers of one another as we serve one another in some priestly way.
Lord, You give us one opportunity after another to serve You and serve others. Help us today to fulfill the role You have assigned us. Amen.
A priest is someone who represents truth, performs functions prescribed by that truth, and serves the spiritual needs of others. He serves as a spokesman of the truth, an instructor of the truth, and as an intercessor on behalf of believers.
This is part of how Paul viewed himself in his apostolic commission. He was serving as a priest of the Lord’s gospel among the Gentiles.
Have you considered that this may be an approach the Lord would have you to take? Maybe all of us need to see ourselves serving in priestly ways in our fellowship. We represent Jesus and His gospel. We intercede on behalf of others before God when we pray. We speak the truth of the gospel to one another. We instruct others in the way of His truth, seeking to serve the deepest spiritual needs of those who know Him and walk with Him.
Today, may we all be encouragers of one another as we serve one another in some priestly way.
Lord, You give us one opportunity after another to serve You and serve others. Help us today to fulfill the role You have assigned us. Amen.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Where the Spirit of the Lord Is
“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17 CSB)
One of the unique characteristics of our Christian faith is freedom. Some, of course, go too far in their understanding of this concept and take it toward an extreme liberality, meaning that you can live your life any way you want to without it mattering. But that isn’t the concept at all. In this idea there is freedom “from” and freedom “to.” We are given freedom from the tyranny and domination of sin, and we have freedom to walk with the Lord in the fellowship of His Spirit. Other religious belief systems are more about binding people up. Our faith is about setting people free to fulfill God’s purposes for them.
This freedom comes from the presence of the Holy Spirit. Wherever He is, there is freedom. And that freedom takes us to peace. The indwelling Holy Spirit produces this peace in us, and the more we focus on Him, the greater our peace. As Isaiah wrote, “Thou dost keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, for he trusteth in Thee.” (Isaiah 26:3)
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Thank You, Lord, for this freedom to walk away from sin and whatever else dominates our lives and to walk toward You so we can experience the peace that comes from reconciliation. Amen.
One of the unique characteristics of our Christian faith is freedom. Some, of course, go too far in their understanding of this concept and take it toward an extreme liberality, meaning that you can live your life any way you want to without it mattering. But that isn’t the concept at all. In this idea there is freedom “from” and freedom “to.” We are given freedom from the tyranny and domination of sin, and we have freedom to walk with the Lord in the fellowship of His Spirit. Other religious belief systems are more about binding people up. Our faith is about setting people free to fulfill God’s purposes for them.
This freedom comes from the presence of the Holy Spirit. Wherever He is, there is freedom. And that freedom takes us to peace. The indwelling Holy Spirit produces this peace in us, and the more we focus on Him, the greater our peace. As Isaiah wrote, “Thou dost keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, for he trusteth in Thee.” (Isaiah 26:3)
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Thank You, Lord, for this freedom to walk away from sin and whatever else dominates our lives and to walk toward You so we can experience the peace that comes from reconciliation. Amen.
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