Doing As He Has Done

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34 (New International Version)

There are two instances in Scripture where we are told to do what Christ has done. One is to love as He loved and the other is to forgive as He has forgiven. Both entail our interaction with others. Whether or not the loving and forgiving is “deserved” in our eyes, whether or not the other person is receptive to either, whether or not it is easy, we are to do as He did. He asks (insists on) nothing of us that He has not already done for us…in example as well as in relationship. He loves and forgives us when we least deserved it, when we aren’t receptive or even aware of it, and when we aren’t the easiest to work with or through.

Yet, at the same time, He knows we are human and will be prone to failure. He knows we cannot do as He as done without His help because out of our flesh and personal ambitions we will experience what Peter experienced when he proclaimed several verses later that he would lay down his life for Christ. In himself, he thought he was already equipped to die a martyr’s death yet failed miserably that very night. It was the beginning of coming to the end of himself and years later he DID lay down his life for Christ but only because the ability came from Christ.

No matter what the command to us is, we are as incapable of mustering up the obedience up on our own. Without true heart change from God’s work and Spirit in us we will accomplish behavior modification at best and it will be short lived. It will be a continual strain which lacks joy and fruit. It will be as empty and non productive as the things we attempted to do before coming to Christ.

So where do we start? We start with humility before God. We acknowledge what it is He calls us to do and how in ourselves we are unable to do it. We ask for His strength in our weakness and His work to be done in us even with our fleshly tendencies. This is the essence of Philippians 4:13 which says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.“ As the opportunities arise to live out His commands we stay aware of our need of Him. He is not looking for or expecting perfection and neither should we. Progress and growth, my friends. Progress and growth.

Father, I am not able to do the least of Your commands without Your help. All that You tell me to do is only possible by Your grace and assistance. I need You. Amen.

Power of Your Love - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PLAWhr1o1A

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

I Cannot Ask for More

Give thanks to the LORD Almighty, for the LORD is good, His love endures forever. Jeremiah 33:11 (New International Version)

Due to my own insecurities and such, relationships can often be a struggle for me. Discontentment and discouragement find their way into the fibers of even my closest friendships. Yesterday, I asked the Lord to show me the reason for this. To show me what it was I was seeking. He was quick to respond and I was quick to see. It came down to a longing to be loved more by others. It didn’t matter how much I was already loved, I wanted more. More communication, more attention, more affirmation, more nurturing…more. Although it was a hard truth to acknowledge and confess it was a truth that gave birth to a precious truth for me.

While I may desire for others to love me more (show me more love), I can never say that about God. God’s love is complete already and He is unable to love me any more than He already does…..100%! Nothing can take it from me. Nothing can separate me from it. Nothing can diminish it or increase it.

While I cannot ask God to love me more than He already does, I can ask Him to help me receive His love more than I do. To see it, sense it, and live out of the abundance of it. To let it impact my life more fully and thus change me. That realization brought me full circle back to my dilemma with people.

It is not a matter of people needing to love me more but rather me needing to acknowledge the love that is already there. Although people are limited in their love and ability to show it, I must come to see , sense , appreciate , and receive what IS available. To allow their love to fill the places God intended it to fill and yet not confuse it with being a replacement of God’s love (which is limitless).

The hole and ache in my soul can only be filled by God and when I look to people to do the filling THAT is when the frustration, confusion, and struggle begin to surface. I don’t want to live the rest of my life like I have lived the past number of decades and I won’t if I let God show me my own heart as well as His heart. Change comes with truth and obedience which are always connected to God.

Father, I needed to hear the truth from You. Now that I have heard it, help me to live in that truth and in Your love. Amen.

How Can I Keep From Singing? - Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GPpx9oINsI&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

For Those in Need

Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, "Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?" But when Jesus heard this, He said, "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. Matthew 9:10-12 (New American Standard Bible)

It is interesting to see the different aspects and responses of the individuals mentioned in this passage. Tax collectors and sinners were drawn to Jesus and Jesus welcomed them. The Pharisees viewed them and Jesus with condemnation and disgust. Jesus spoke the truth. He came for those who needed Him. Everyone needs Him but not everyone sees their need of Him. Those who see their need come to Him. Those who do not see their need of Him remain at a distance. How we view our condition will determine which direction we will head.

There are two steps necessary to find help and healing for our areas of weakness as well as forgiveness for our sins. The first step is seeing the truth about ourselves and the second step is seeing the truth about God’s view of us. I have spent most of my Christian life attempting to put my best foot forward in hopes that failures and weaknesses would not be noticed. Admitting there was a problem was hard to do. I had hopes that within time things would just improve. What I didn’t realize was that anything I keep “hidden” keeps me in bondage.

God had to help me see that I was like the person coming to a support group not wanting to admit where I needed help. Thinking He wanted perfection made me want to deny my imperfections because of shame, embarrassment, and pride. More than outward sins it was the sins of my heart, hidden agendas, and buried motives that chained my soul. Yet, I struggled to openly and honestly come to the One who possessed the keys to freedom. I tried to play make believe and dress up with the One who not only created me but knew me thoroughly and loved me unconditionally.

His answer? “Come to Me.” When I see my imperfections. “Come to Me.” When I see my addictions. “Come to Me.” When I see that I am not what I should be or even what I want to be. “Come to Me.” When the worst of me has the best of me. “Come to Me.” In essence what He is saying is, “Be among the tax collectors and sinners rather than among the Pharisees. Dine with me rather than remain aloof.” I am learning to find my seat at His table.

Father, with You I am free to be me. Free to see the truth. Free to admit the truth. Free to be set free by the truth. Amen.

It Wasn't Easy - Cece Winans
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVT9_ulYv2k&feature=related#sf

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

Who's in Control?

They promise them freedom, but they themselves are not free. They are slaves of things that will be destroyed. For people are slaves of anything that controls them. 2 Peter 2:19 (New Century Version)

The words stood out to me like a 4,000 watt neon sign……people are slaves to anything that controls them!!! It is the bottom line truth of any and all addictions. I have known such bondage and been a slave more times than I care to recall or recount. Bondage to relationships, food, attitudes of the heart, mindsets, and even legalism. I can tell when “it” is in control and when I am being controlled. Not good and not fun.

I begin this new year with a fresh realization of what I was enslaved to in 2010. It is not a time of beating myself up but rather of looking once again to the only One willing and able to set me free. In some areas, simply cooperating with Him is life changing in itself. For instance, I have changed my diet to include more protein and that has resulted is a freedom from the pull of opting for high carb foods. My energy level is up as my weight is once again heading down. For me, it was a relatively easy fix, and yet I still see it as cooperating with God.

Other areas are not as easy but every once in a while I gain some insight that previously eluded me. Bondage to a past relationship continues to be a daily issue for me. While I have changed some behavior the heart is still feeling the struggle. A friend recently gave me a nugget of truth I have pondered for the past few days. The desire to hold on to what I need to be freed from will only take place as I choose to embrace something new in my life. In other words, the pull will only weaken and eventually break off as I take a hold of what God is offering to me.

So what hinders me from doing that? The false belief that what I desire to hold on to is better than what God is choosing for me now. That false belief will only be conquered as I once again rest in the truth that His ways are higher than my ways and His thoughts are higher than my thoughts. He knows what is best. He knows what is needed in my life.

I want 2011 to be a year of unprecedented freedom for me. I want to fully embrace God and His plan for me. At the same time, I want to fully celebrate the person He has created me to be. That begins with reviewing who I am in Christ and all He is in me.

Father, may I stop longing for what was and take a hold of what is with all my heart and both my hands! Amen.

You Are Loved - Hope's Call
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkNUsZzBwi8

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

Christmas Moments

For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” 2 Corinthians 6:16 (New American Standard Bible)

This verse is the summation of Christmas for me. God coming to us in the flesh and then choosing to walk with us on a daily basis. Proclaiming to be our God and claiming us as His children. Every moment of every day! His invitations are many and His gifts are abundant. How personal and precious He longs our relationship to be with Him.

It was my joy, in past Christmas seasons, to attend a Christmas eve communion service at a church close to our home. All year I would anticipate the moment when I would kneel at the altar and take communion in a solitary moment with God. It never failed to bring me to tears as God’s holiness and gracious acceptance of me were so profound. It was a “tradition” God established between the two of us and I reveled in the moment.

Even though that particular communion service is no longer held, God continues to awaken me to His voice and heart. As I read some familiar passages I find myself hearing the words being spoken to and for me. Actually, they are to and for any child of His. God intends for His Word to come alive to us . Not to remain messages only for the people He originally spoke them to. I invite you to read the following words and receive them for yourself as well. Allow them to become a special gift to you from the God of the universe!

The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall over-shadow thee. (Luke 1:35) I am empowered by the same Spirit that impregnated the virgin Mary!

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:4) Because of Christ, I am allowed to behold God’s glory on a daily basis! Grace and truth abound!

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child….and fell down, and worshipped him. (Matthew 2:11) When I truly see Jesus it always leads to worship!

Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:78-79) God in His tender mercy continues to shine light on my places of darkness and faithfully guides my feet in His way!

I affirm these truths and embrace them for myself. May your daily moments be full of joy as well!

Father, with each truth-gift I unwrap, I adore You as the Giver! May I continue to be changed by Your presence. Amen.

Spirit Song - Maranatha Singers & Evie Karlsson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqkvIhs7Ijg

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

Overshadowed By His Power

The Holy Spirit will come upon you , and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Luke 1:35 (New American Standard Bible)

When Mary wanted to know how she (as a virgin) would conceive the Son of God, an angel spoke these words to her. The impossible would be possible because of the Holy Spirit coming upon her and God’s power enveloping her. As a believer, it is imperative that I hear God speak these words to me as well. They become the ‘how to’ behind Philippians 4:13 which says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

I found it interesting that the word overshadow appears in only two other instances in Scripture. It is mentioned at the Mount of Transfiguration in reference to the cloud overshadowing Christ, Moses, and Elijah. And it is mentioned in Acts 5:15 when people placed sick people along the street desiring Peter’s shadow to overshadow them. But when I stop to think of the displays of God’s power throughout Scripture I see the essence of His Spirit and His power overshadowing people, circumstances, and events. God is still in the business of investing His power and strength in us in order to bring about His fruit, healing, restoration, salvation, and purpose.

Each of us step into this day with the need for God to intersect our world and intervene on our behalf. Whatever we are called upon to do will only be possible with His Spirit in and upon us and His power overshadowing us. It is His power and presence that supercedes our own. He must be predominant and preeminent in our life.

I want to bring this truth down to our every day life. What is it we must have God’s power to do….today? What is it we must ask God for the ability to do? It could be any number of things: witnessing, showing love, overcoming an addiction, embracing forgiveness, surviving a loss, standing in faith, overcoming a fear, taking a stand for righteousness, living outside comfort zones, changing jobs, extending a hand in friendship, breaking off an unhealthy friendship. The list is endless. But when I know God has put me in any number of situations I know the ability to do what He calls me to do is found in His Spirit working in me and His power overshadowing me. Overshadowing my weaknesses, my limitations, my fears, my hesitations. God will make sure I can do all things through Christ.

Father, life is less daunting when I hear You whisper Your promises to me. Amen.

Power of Your Love - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA4narr2wyE&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

Living With the Truth

After these days Elizabeth his wife became pregnant, and she kept herself in seclusion for five months, saying, “This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me, to take away my disgrace among men.” Luke 1:24, 25 (New American Standard Bible)

My Bible note says that “not only did lack of children deprive the parents of personal happiness, but it was generally considered to indicate divine disfavor and often brought social reproach.” In this verse, Elizabeth proclaimed the truth against all the wrong perceptions, misjudgments, and looks of disdain she had lived with for decades. She reveled in God’s favor for five months in seclusion. When she finally stepped out into her neighborhood the truth was obvious!

Many of us can relate with this aspect of Elizabeth’s life. We have all experienced the wrong interpretations of our life by those with limited sight, limited faith, and limited love. For too many years we allowed other people to define truth for us and felt it was necessary to align ourselves with their opinions. It felt safer to just go along with the multitudes. But the result was that we lived our Christian lives out of fear, disconnection with God, and performance.

In the spring of 2004, I learned that God’s love is not dependent on what I do and that His Word is alive and applicable to my life. I learned that He desires an intimate relationship with me whereby He directs my daily walk. His desire is that I look to Him for comfort, counsel, and wisdom. Learning that I could have a one on one relationship with the Creator of the universe completely changed the way I lived my Christian life.

Yet, all of that brought about a sense of being misunderstood, misjudged, or rejected by some brothers and sisters in Christ. It hurt when others looked down on the very things I had come to love. It tested the very truths I had come to embrace in my life. Although it was painful, I learned a valuable lesson through it. I had a choice to make on a daily basis. I could fold to the pressure, climb back in the box of well defined expectations, and resume an empty, performance based Christian life. OR I could live under the banner of “Christ alone” whereby my daily review of truth became, “Christ alone defines me. Christ alone guides me. Christ alone satisfies me. Christ alone transforms me. Christ alone molds me into the image of Himself.” I chose and still choose Christ alone!

Father, some will not understand or see Your work in me. I rest in the fact that You and I know the truth. I come to You each time. Amen.

In Christ Alone - Stuart Townend
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESlhrn8efl0&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.