We are coming into the time of year where we consider again the death and resurrection of Jesus. One day I sat and focused on the cross we have in the middle of our church. I pondered what the cross really means to me as a follower of the One who died on it?
It means that I center my life on Jesus and the lifestyle of the cross.
I pictured myself standing beneath his Cross with the crowd of people who were there. I see the blood dripping from his wrists, his brow and his feet. Because I have drawn near the Cross this blood falls upon me. It washed over my head and body. It penetrates deep into me and flows over my mind, my heart and my spirit.
His blood cleanses me from all sin. My mind is cleansed. My heart is cleansed. My spirit is cleansed. This cleansing reveals the deep desires of my self that are still crammed into my life. The desires of the flesh infect me and call out to me. The power of his blood can cleanse me of my self and sever its power over me.
Then I reflected on the fact that I am called to take up my Cross. The Cross has a way of putting his life into my perspective. What does it mean to me to live the cross lifestyle of Jesus?
The Cross means that I submit to God and not me (Jesus prayed: “Let this cup pass from me, but not my will but Yours be done.”).
The Cross means that I trust totally IN God – not in me.
The Cross means that the past, present and future are placed within God’s hands.
The Cross means humiliation – Jesus was stripped naked.
The Cross means that I give up all I have – they took away Jesus’ clothes.
The Cross means my wrists and feet are pinned to the Cross by nails – I am going nowhere.
The Cross means I bleed for others – I give my life to God for Him to use to grow His Kingdom.
The Cross means that I forgive.
The Cross means everything of my life is placed in God’s hands
The Cross brings death and the Cross brings life – There is a resurrection!
The power for victory in our lives lies not in us, it lies in Jesus. We must be willing and place ourselves under the power of his blood as it flows from his Cross. When this happens, the power of the world, the flesh and the devil is broken. We begin to walk in the freedom and the victory that Jesus gives.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
God is good!
What do you really believe about God? We can quote the many Scriptures describing God. We can reflect back what our theology teaches us about God. But the question remains to be answered, “What do I really believe about God?” What we believe about God is seen in how we live our lives more than in just what we say.
Do I believe that God is really good? Perhaps we need to consider what we think is “good.” Who defines what is good? How do I determine what is good? Is something good because it brings me health or wealth? Is something good when I laugh and feel good about myself? Are things good because they happen just like I want them to? Are not these all very subjective definitions of good? So if I believe that God is good does that mean that I believe it because he does things MY way?
Have you ever had something good happen then later on discover it was really bad? Or vice versa, something came across bad but it turned out great? Does this mean that my definition of good and bad have changed?
I realize that this comes across as a very philosophical discussion. However, it does affect our understanding of God. If I believe that God is good then the definition of goodness cannot be what I define as good. The Scripture repeatedly tells us that God is good, so all that God does and allows must be good. Joseph was sold into slavery, lied about by his employer’s wife, sent to prison for 10 to 12 years. Yet he told his brothers: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Gen 50:19-20 NIV It appeared to be evil for many years, but it was for the good. The good of the entire known world of his day.
I believe in the real goodness of God, as God defines it. The journey of my life will take me though mountains and valleys. Now I know that wherever God leads me it is good! What people intend for evil, God intends for good. What the devil tries to work against me, God can work for good.
God may mysteriously lead us into his purposes at times, through darkness and obscurity. Knowing he is good means we can trust in his goodness and love regardless of what we face. Living out the goodness of our God means we walk this journey of life in safety even if it takes us into the shadows. We rest in the peace of God, rejecting anxiety because God is really good.
Do I believe that God is really good? Perhaps we need to consider what we think is “good.” Who defines what is good? How do I determine what is good? Is something good because it brings me health or wealth? Is something good when I laugh and feel good about myself? Are things good because they happen just like I want them to? Are not these all very subjective definitions of good? So if I believe that God is good does that mean that I believe it because he does things MY way?
Have you ever had something good happen then later on discover it was really bad? Or vice versa, something came across bad but it turned out great? Does this mean that my definition of good and bad have changed?
I realize that this comes across as a very philosophical discussion. However, it does affect our understanding of God. If I believe that God is good then the definition of goodness cannot be what I define as good. The Scripture repeatedly tells us that God is good, so all that God does and allows must be good. Joseph was sold into slavery, lied about by his employer’s wife, sent to prison for 10 to 12 years. Yet he told his brothers: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Gen 50:19-20 NIV It appeared to be evil for many years, but it was for the good. The good of the entire known world of his day.
I believe in the real goodness of God, as God defines it. The journey of my life will take me though mountains and valleys. Now I know that wherever God leads me it is good! What people intend for evil, God intends for good. What the devil tries to work against me, God can work for good.
God may mysteriously lead us into his purposes at times, through darkness and obscurity. Knowing he is good means we can trust in his goodness and love regardless of what we face. Living out the goodness of our God means we walk this journey of life in safety even if it takes us into the shadows. We rest in the peace of God, rejecting anxiety because God is really good.
Monday, February 04, 2008
What if...
Let’s play, “What if…”
What if there came a knock at your door one day and you opened it and found Jesus standing there? Would you invite him in? Would you wonder what magazine was lying on the table or what TV show was playing?
What if you invited Jesus into your home? He entered in and sat on your couch. As his eyes drifted over the interior, what would you be thinking? He is noticing how dirty my walls are. He is looking at those dust bunnies in the corner. I know I am not a very good house keeper. Would you begin to feel like a failure? Would you consider that you are not good enough to have Jesus in your house?
What if Jesus looked deeply into your eyes? You sense his piercing gaze travel straight to your heart. He knows your every thought, every desire, every failing, every act and every word. Would you cringe and try to hide your remorse?
Yet, what if Jesus said, “Yes, my child, I know what TV show was playing. I know your struggles with your thought life. I understand your anger at being rejected. I recognize that you want to be more handsome, more athletic and wealthier. I came to tell you that I love you. You are very special to me.”
What if Jesus walked across the room to where you sat, placed his hands on your head and hugged you to himself? In the depths of your heart, all the pain, the loss, the emptiness and struggle suddenly broke free. The tears flowed down your cheeks. You discover the freeing nearness of the gracious Lover of us all. You might just realize that he was not criticizing you. He just wanted to be near you and care for you.
What if you decided that Jesus really does love you like this, that he longs to be close to you and walk with you through the mountains and valleys of life? You would then change the channel on the TV. You could live out the truth that sets you free. You would be gracious to those who have injured you. You begin to enjoy the gift of each day. You celebrate the life that you are blessed with. You enjoy the journey Jesus has you on. Life becomes a wonderful adventure.
And what if ….Wait a minute….Is that a knock I hear at your door?
What if there came a knock at your door one day and you opened it and found Jesus standing there? Would you invite him in? Would you wonder what magazine was lying on the table or what TV show was playing?
What if you invited Jesus into your home? He entered in and sat on your couch. As his eyes drifted over the interior, what would you be thinking? He is noticing how dirty my walls are. He is looking at those dust bunnies in the corner. I know I am not a very good house keeper. Would you begin to feel like a failure? Would you consider that you are not good enough to have Jesus in your house?
What if Jesus looked deeply into your eyes? You sense his piercing gaze travel straight to your heart. He knows your every thought, every desire, every failing, every act and every word. Would you cringe and try to hide your remorse?
Yet, what if Jesus said, “Yes, my child, I know what TV show was playing. I know your struggles with your thought life. I understand your anger at being rejected. I recognize that you want to be more handsome, more athletic and wealthier. I came to tell you that I love you. You are very special to me.”
What if Jesus walked across the room to where you sat, placed his hands on your head and hugged you to himself? In the depths of your heart, all the pain, the loss, the emptiness and struggle suddenly broke free. The tears flowed down your cheeks. You discover the freeing nearness of the gracious Lover of us all. You might just realize that he was not criticizing you. He just wanted to be near you and care for you.
What if you decided that Jesus really does love you like this, that he longs to be close to you and walk with you through the mountains and valleys of life? You would then change the channel on the TV. You could live out the truth that sets you free. You would be gracious to those who have injured you. You begin to enjoy the gift of each day. You celebrate the life that you are blessed with. You enjoy the journey Jesus has you on. Life becomes a wonderful adventure.
And what if ….Wait a minute….Is that a knock I hear at your door?
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