Live in Christ

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,

continue to live your lives in him,

rooted and built up in him,

strengthened in the faith as you were taught,

and overflowing with thankfulness."

Colossians 2:6-7

Lao-tzu, an ancient Chinese philosopher, is credited with saying, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."  I can't get anywhere I want to go unless I start moving in the right direction. 

It's the same with living for Jesus: the first step is to accept Him as my Lord and Savior, inviting Him into my life so I can live in relationship with Him.  This, however, is only the first step.  For nearly 16 years after I made a profession of faith in Christ, I stopped right there, not moving one inch further on my journey of faith.  When I finally did get out of that rut, I found that life in Christ was so much more than just being saved; it was about living in Him and with Him, letting His love flow through me as I trusted Him with all things.  Suddenly, the journey had begun!

Dear reader, do not stop at the very beginning of this adventure.  Instead of just receiving Christ as your Savior, resting in the fact that you are saved, continue the journey and strive to live in Him, and you will find so much more!

Rooted and Built Up

She was beautiful and desirable.   His hormones surged as she brushed up against him, luring him with her seductive ways.  He was tempted to give in, after all, he was a young man with desires that had been put on ice for a long time.  What would it hurt?

These could have been the thoughts and struggles of Joseph as his master's wife attempted to entice him with her wily ways.  This man, however, was grounded in the truth of who God was to him: He was Lord of His life!  Therefore, Joseph said to the temptress, "How could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?"  (Genesis 39:9)

When I make Jesus Lord of my life, I am grounded in the Truth so I can stand firm, not wavering in my beliefs or giving into temptation.

Strengthened in Faith

She had nothing, yet she gave the most.  As her two small coins tinkled together, barely drawing the attention of those standing near the temple treasury, her faith made a mighty statement.  By placing all she had into God's hands, she was telling Him that she trusted Him to take care of her.  Her actions spoke volumes of who she believed God to be: her sole provider. (Mark 12:41-44)

In the same way, I can choose to trust God as I walk in faith with Jesus.  Either I can let the problems, like too many bills, wayward children, or health concerns overwhelm me.  Or I can move forward as if everything will be okay, knowing in my heart that God has already taken care of it.

When I make Jesus Lord of my life, I am strengthened in my faith so I can choose to believe He is the sovereign Source of all good things.

Overflowing with Thankfulness

"Thank you, Lord, for the fleas in this barracks room."  Betsie Ten Boom and her sister Corrie were putting 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 into practice as they endured the horrific conditions of Ravensbruck concentration camp located in northern Germany during World War II.  They had been imprisoned there due to their efforts to hide Jews in their home in Haarlem, the Netherlands.

The heart of a woman who would even think to thank God for such a nuisance and vessel of suffering as a flea is the heart of a woman who is looking for the good things God is doing.  When you seek Him, Jeremiah 29:13 says, you will find Him.  And He did not disappoint Betsie because soon she found the blessing of the fleas: The annoying pests kept the guards away so that she could hold Bible studies with the women in the crowded barracks without fear of discovery.

When I make Jesus Lord of my life, my heart becomes overflowing with thankfulness so I can focus on all the good that God is doing all around me.

It's easy to get stuck at the beginning of this journey of faith.  Instead of stopping before I've barely begun, though, I want to keep walking forward, striving to live with Christ and in Him.  When I take His ways seriously and I will find myself to be rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in faith, and filled beyond measure with a grateful spirit.  This is what it means to live in Christ!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep moving forward in faith.

When am I most apt to focus on the negative instead of letting my gratefulness show?

How do I waver in my faith, forgetting that my roots are strong?

Treasures

"My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart

 and united in love,

so that they may have the full riches

 of complete understanding,

in order that they may know the mystery of God,

namely, Christ,

in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom

 and knowledge.

I tell you this so that no one may deceive you

by fine-sounding arguments.

For though I am absent from you in body,

I am present with you in spirit and delight to see

how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is."

Colossians 2:2-5

Finding buried treasure has always been a great dream of mine.  As a kid, I would daydream about wandering around in the woods and stumbling upon a treasure map that would lead me to find a great chest of gold buried under ground.  I would think about how I would spend the money. . . yes, it would be great to find such a treasure.

As a follower of Christ, however, I do have a treasure through Christ that is much more valuable than gold.  This treasure cannot buy me possessions, trips or luxury of any kind.  Instead, it is the riches of God's wisdom and knowledge that offers something of eternal worth.

Complete Understanding

They always say if you want to really understand a topic, teach it.  There is nothing like preparing to lead a class that tests your knowledge and pushes you to greater understanding.  While this kind of intellectual understanding is important, it cannot be applied to my walk with Christ.  In God's kingdom, being unified with Christ and His body, the church, and keeping a godly attitude leads to a different kind of insight; a kind of discernment that helps me to trust God even though I don't fully comprehend the purpose or plan for a certain situation.

Oswald Chambers sheds some light on this concept when he talked about the partnership between faith and obedience.  He said, "Faith is not intelligent understanding, faith is deliberate commitment to a Person where I see no way."  Whether or not I go where God is leading me has everything to do with my allegiance to Him and my belief that He is a God who will do right by me.  

In this way, I gain the riches of complete understanding as I fully embrace His role as Shepherd and mine as loyal, dependent sheep.  Appreciating God's sovereign nature means I give up my desire to know the details and instead leave it all in His hands.  Instead of leaning on my own understanding, I comprehend the fact that God is in control and then show it through my actions.

One of the treasures I gain through Christ is the ability to walk in the light with the full knowledge that His character will not allow Him to fail in His task of guiding me.

Know God

He used such cryptic language and puzzling phrases.  The small band of men knew they loved their leader, but the things that were coming out of his mouth were just plain mysterious.  Jesus told His disciples He was leaving but that they could not go with Him.  Then He said He was preparing a place for them, but that they would come later and that they know the way to where he is going. When Thomas asked for clarification, Jesus said He is the way, the truth and the life.  Huh?  (John 13:36-14:6)

There is no doubt that the ways of God are mysterious. (Isaiah 45:5) The awesome thing about growing closer in relation to God through faith in Jesus Christ is that He gives us the opportunity to know Him!  (Romans 12:2, Philippians 3:10)  As I read His word, He reveals nuggets of wisdom, opening my eyes to the truth found there. (2 Timothy 3:16)  Walking with Him as I grow through the struggles of life gives me the chance to experience His compassionate comfort, His strength that holds me up and a feeling of peace that makes no sense. (2 Corinthians 1:3, Psalm 46:1,  Philippians 4:6-7)

Another of the treasures I gain through Christ is the chance to discover the mysterious ways of a holy God who loves me.

Protection

It sounded too good to be true.  Every day could feel like a Friday, with that joyous anticipation of the weekend soon to come if only I would reprogram my mind to think positively and choose happiness.  The problem with this philosophy, is that it places the burden of change upon me, a sinful human with a heart blackened by sin.

As a follower of Christ, my main goal in life is to glorify God in the way I live.  Instead of focusing on how I can be happy and comfortable, I want to pay attention to submitting myself to Him as He chisels away all selfish desires until He is all I want.  He can only get the glory for my positive attitude if it is a work of His hand in my yielded life, not when it is simply as a result of my own effort.

If I want to stand strong for the truth of the Gospel, I need some protection against carefully crafted teachings that sound good and appeal to my flesh, but that stand in opposition to God's ways.

I am easily deceived when I use my own mind to decipher the dozens of messages that bombard my consciousness on a daily basis.  If I instead use the treasure of the wisdom and knowledge that comes through Christ, trusting Him to show me which principles are from Him and which are not, then I will fall under His protective wing.

One of the most important treasures I gain through Christ is the protection of His discernment to help me stand against the deceptive teachings that are so intriguing to my flesh.

I may not have a treasure map with the promise of untold wealth, but I do have the riches of God through faith in Christ at my disposal.  There is the complete understanding of the heart that spurs my faith on, the opportunity to know a God whose ways are so much higher than my own, and a measure of protection against all the fine-sounding philosophies that inundate my consciousness.  With these kind of treasures, what more could I want?

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep my eyes on the treasure chest of Christ instead of the wealth of this world.

When am I easily deceived by teachings that don't glorify God?

How do I not trust God because I haven't made a commitment to Jesus?

    

A Life Worthy

"So we have not stopped praying for you

since we first heard about you.

We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will

and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Then the way you live will always honor

and please the Lord,

and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit.

All the while,

you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need.

May you be filled with joy,

always thanking the Father.

He has enabled you to share

in the inheritance that belongs to his people,

who live in the light."

Colossians 1:9-12 NLT

I regularly meet with a young lady who is a new believer in Christ.  Every time we get together, God amazes me through what He is doing in the heart of this high school freshman.  This week she shared how God is giving her an understanding of His Word unlike anything she has ever experienced.  

You see, my sweet young friend has always struggled with Attention Deficit Disorder and has always seen school as a challenge.  The Bible, however, is a different story.  When she reads, she comprehends.  She looks forward to opening her beloved pink Bible and eagerly awaits what God will show her each day.  She says studying the Bible is easy while studying schoolwork has always been hard.

God gives each one of us as His children a similar kind of insight into the truths found in His Word.  Why does He give us this wisdom and understanding?  Is it so I can live a successful, happy life?  I would submit that there is so much more than this!

Producing

The master went away, entrusting his treasure with three of his servants.  To each he gave according to their abilities.  When he returned from his lengthy trip, he found a curious thing;  to those whom much had been given, he found that they rose to the occasion and an abundance was returned to him.  But to the one whom the master had given the minimum, he came home to find that the servant had fearfully buried his allotment, afraid to lose what little he had. (Matthew 25:14-30)  

I have also been given talents, abilities and possessions.  The way I view these blessings tells me how closely I am related to my Lord and Savior.  If I think of them as gifts given to enrich my own life, I'm seeing things from my own point of view.  But if I consider these blessings as investments in God's kingdom which are meant to be used to bear fruit, then I am thinking in a godly way.

Whether it is the fruit of the Spirit or the evidence seen of a life transformed, fruit is a natural extension of being connected to Jesus. (Galatians 5:22-23, 2 Corinthians 5:17, John 15:2)

Growing

I would not call myself an expert gardener, but I have some experience growing all kinds of vegetation.  One thing that I have learned over the years is that the preparation of the soil is the most time consuming part of the process of gardening, and is considered to be the most important element in giving the plant a good start and ensuring a healthy life.  

In a similar way, I must also pay attention to the condition of my heart as the medium in which God plants the seed of His life within me.  As Jesus told in the parable of the sower, if I am hard-hearted, the Gospel will not even penetrate my being and has no chance to take root.  Another danger is if my reception of His Word is not deeply rooted but only superficial, the first trial that comes my way will be the end of my faith.  Then there is the possibility that I could let the worries and distractions of life choke out the good news that Jesus is waiting to speak into my life. (Luke 8:4-15)

It is important that I prepare the soil of my heart to give the Word of Life the best possible chance to grow and mature.  Then I will more intimately know Him and His ways, and better understand how He works in my life and in the lives of those around me.

Growth in the knowledge and understanding of God is to be expected when I prepare my heart by being willing to receive all He has for me.

Strengthening

Anyone who lives in a mobile home knows that their house is not a safe place be during a tornado watch.  Emergency warning systems urge us to go to the nearest substantial shelter, move to an interior, windowless room on the lowest floor and hunker down until the watch is over.  

Without a strong foundation, any shelter is not safe in a storm of this kind.  Likewise, in order for me to weather the difficulties God allows into my life, I will need to build on the truth of the Gospel.  As I stand firm on this solid ground, God gives me the power in which to be strengthened for whatever will come my way.  

Not only will God give me the fortitude to keep from being blown away, but He will also give me the ability to keep a positive attitude as I trust God to bring good through the trials.

God gives me the power with which to give me the strength to withstand any storm that comes my way, and to experience peace in the midst of the worst.

When I get closer to God, like my young friend is, I experience a deep wisdom and understanding that can only be explained as from Him.  This is not just for my own benefit, but so that I will be shown as His by the fruit I bear, make Him known in the way I grow in the knowledge of His ways and His kingdom, and bring glory to Him as I stand strong with a song on my lips through the highest waves of life.  Yes, this is a life worthy to be lived!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can see beyond what I can gain from God's blessings and instead ask what more He has for me.

When do I stunt my own growth by looking for worldly wisdom instead of God's?

How is my present situation bringing glory to God?

It's all God

"Dear friends,

you always followed my instructions when I was with you.

And now that I am away,

it is even more important.

Word hard to show the results of your salvation,

obeying God with deep reverence and fear.

For God is working in you,

giving you the desire

and the power

to do what pleases him."

Philippians 2:12-13 NLT

The sound of birds singing praises to their Maker woke me early that Spring morning.  I arose, stepping foot into the awakening garden, feeling the softness of new blades of grass beneath my feet,  observing the buds opening here, the bright, cheery blossoms there.  As I examined the ground, it seemed to be coming to life with new growth: Blooms of the crocus trumpeted the end of Winter, Azaleas bursting forth with the hope of soon-to-come blankets of color, and even the weeds rising up from the seemingly dead earth show forth the hand of God.  There is no greater time than Spring to see that everything can be attributed to God.

When I look beyond nature and into my heart, I discover that even my desire to please God comes from Him.  I have it not in me to want to do the right thing, no matter what I think.  My sinful nature pushes me away from Him, but His loving Spirit constantly draws me.  As I notice how He works within me, it is evident that He gets all the glory for the great things He has done in my heart, life and in the world at large.

Moves my Heart

Much was needed for the sacred garments of the Levites, the performance of required rituals, and for the building of the Tabernacle itself.  The nation of Israel had received the law from God through their leader Moses.  Now they knew what was expected of them from a holy God, and they also realized the task that lay before them in undertaking this large project.  The first step after hearing the plan from God was to collect the necessary materials.  Moses must have thought of the enormity of this venture and wondered how it would all come together.

Then God did His work on the hearts of the people.  Exodus 35:20-24 describes how He stirred the hearts and moved the spirits of the people, prompting them to bring not only offerings to the Lord, but also all the materials needed for the Tabernacle.  It said, "Both men and women came, all whose hearts were willing" came to offer everything from richly colored thread to acacia wood. (Exodus 35:22a NLT)  There was no need for Moses to worry; God moved the hearts of the people to do that which pleased Him.

In the same way, God moves my heart to value Him above all things.  Instead of doing things that I think I should do, He gives me the desire to know Him more.  Oswald Chambers wrote about how easy it is to work toward the wrong goal.  He said when I focus on Christian work instead of on Christ, I'm evading my true purpose in maintaining my friendship and loyalty to Him.   "Instead of being friends of the Bridegroom, we may become amateur providences, and may work against Him whilst we use His weapons."

God moves my heart to desire a relationship with Jesus above everything else.

Changes my Will

She used to only care about herself and her needs; especially the emotional ones.  Consequently, she jumped from one man to another, seeking what could not be found in any mortal.  All that was left of her life was a skeleton of what she had once dreamed it could be.  How did she end up here, ostracized and the town's laughing stock, forced to visit the well in the heat of the day for fear of humiliation at the hand of the backbiting women who gathered there in the cool of the morning? (John 4:1-42)  The Samaritan woman had hit bottom.

Then she met Jesus.  As she heard and accepted the message of the Living Water that would forever quench that deep-seated need inside of her, the transformation began.  Instead of thinking about herself, she thought of all the townspeople who needed to know this Messiah as much as she did.  God had changed her will from wanting only to look out for herself to desiring to make Him famous.

In the same way, He changes my will so that I desire Him to be able to get His way.  Instead of seeing people who are living messed up lives, I perceive an opportunity to introduce those who are lost in darkness to the One who will make all things right.

God changes my will from only being concerned with my own happiness to desiring to make Jesus known to those around me.

Driven to Love

His heart was black with hate.  If it is the last thing I do, I will wipe these wretched people off the face of the earth.  He thought it the highest calling to beat, arrest and even kill the followers of Christ. (Acts 9:1-19)  Saul saw himself as a true follower of God and the Christians as his enemy.  

Soon, however, Jesus set Him straight by confronting Saul on the road to Damascus as he was on his way to arrest many believers.  Saul, who then became Paul, saw the truth of his actions and became one of those he used to persecute.  Instead of being obsessed with going after believers, he became driven to love all people in the name of Jesus.

The God of love who snatched me from the jaws of death as surely as He did Paul, has given me a deep well of compassion that springs up inside of me.  Suddenly, things I used to never think of doing, like reaching out to a drunk, showing kindness to a stripper or giving up something valuable for one who is in need becomes second nature.

God makes me driven to love those around me who live in a world devoid of compassion.

Everything comes from God and there is nothing for which I can take credit.  He moves my heart to align more with His, changes my will to desire what He desires and drives me to love like He does.  Everything good in my life is from Him and I can take no credit for any of it.  Because of this, I can point to all the good in my life and say with conviction, "It's all God!"

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remember to keep God front and center.

How do I naturally shy away from those who look different from me and fail to let God love through me?

When do I most notice the way He has transformed me?

Shine as a Star

"Dear friends,

you always followed my instructions 

when I was with you.

And now that I am away,

it is even more important.

Work hard to show the results of your salvation,

obeying God with deep reverence and fear.

For God is working in you,

giving you the desire

and the power to do what pleases him.

Do everything without complaining or arguing,

so that no one can criticize you.

Live clean, innocent lives as children of God,

shining like bright lights in a world full of

crooked perverse people.

Hold firmly to the word of life;

then, on the day of Christ's return,

I will be proud that I did not run

the race in vain and that my work was not useless."

Philippians 2:12-16 NLT

It was so dark that I could not see a thing, no matter how long I let my eyes adjust.  I carefully felt around me, trying to gain my bearings.  Where am I? I wondered groggily.  The fog of sleep still enveloped my mind, making even the simplest of thoughts difficult.  Then it all came flooding back when my hand touched my sleeping bag and the scent of canvass filled my nostrils.  Oh, that's right.  I'm camping.

As my mind came awake, the need to relieve myself overpowered the dread of a trek to the latrine so I groped for my flashlight.  As the dim beam pierced the inky blackness, the darkness suddenly seemed less formidable.  Even a small amount of light immensely improved the surroundings.

In the same way, I am a light that can shine into the shadows of the world that does not have the advantage of the Truth of the Gospel.  How can I shine into this darkness where Evil rules?

Work Out

It didn't make sense.  God said he would be the father of many nations, but he and his wife weren't getting any younger and still they were childless.  How will all families on earth be blessed through me when it looks like my name will end at my death? (Genesis 12:2-3)

Even though Abraham had a lot about which to be skeptical and he doubted for a time when he took matters into his own hands (Genesis16:1-2), in the end, Abraham trusted God and yielded to His plan.  In the same way, I can trust God's plan for my life, yielding to His sovereign work as He moves all the pieces into place in order that His name will be glorified. 

This means I must be sensitive to His leading, waiting when I sense the need, and acting when His Spirit moves me.  I also need to develop a reverence for God and His absolute sovereignty as well as to His holy nature.  Expecting to be able to understand the details of His plan is unreasonable.  Part of faith is trusting without seeing how things will work out but knowing without a doubt that they will work out.

I shine my light in a dark world who has no hope or purpose when I let God have His way both in the big decisions and in the small details.

Spotlight

I remember the Whiners on the older episodes of Saturday Night Live.  No matter the circumstances, this family always saw the negative side of things and were never shy about making their displeasure known.

As one who has been saved by the grace of God through the sacrifice Jesus willingly made on the cross, I have no need to whine and complain.  Instead, I have everything to look forward to in Christ!  Consequently, my attitude should reflect this hope I have been given.

To change my outlook, it is necessary for me to focus on the good that God is doing all around me.  In order to guard myself from falling into the trap of whining and complaining that comes so easily to my sinful nature, I must intentionally look for the fruit of God's handiwork.  As Isaiah said, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?"  (Isaiah 43:18-19)

God is constantly bringing life into what seems like a hopeless situation, but in order to notice what He is doing, I have to pay attention.

I shine my light into a dark world who has no hope or purpose when I adopt a thankful spirit that looks for the good that God is doing.

Hold Out

His Father's Word was always on His lips.  Whenever He entered a situation, whether it be in the desert to be tempted by Satan, or in the Temple when people were looking for wisdom, Jesus often used Scripture to encourage, instruct and preach.  His words brought life to every situation.

As His follower, I am called to use God's Word in much the same way, holding it out before me as I go through my day.  Is my coworker down?  I can lift her spirits with the hope found in God's Word.  When a friend is confused, the truth of scripture lends a sense of discernment and adds godly perspective to any situation.  If a family member is ready to give up, the Gospel can bring a new-found purpose.

God said through the prophet Isaiah that His Word is similar to the life-giving precipitation He sends to water the earth, resulting in fruit for us to eat.  In the same way, His Word always accomplishes the purpose for which He sent it. (Isaiah 55:10-11)  A well placed word of encouragement from scripture will bring about results we never could have imagined.

I shine my light into a dark world who has no hope or purpose when I hold out the Word of life to lift up those who need help.

There is no doubt that this world is dark.  Thankfully, though, I need not adopt the attitude of those around me who do not have the advantage of the Truth of the Gospel.  Instead, it is important that I work out my own salvation, keep a positive, grateful attitude, and make it a habit to use the Word of God to instruct, encourage and guide those who need help.  In this way I will shine like a star in the night sky!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can purposefully look for the good things God is going all around me.

When do I focus more on the negative instead of the positive?

How am I using my own common sense to counsel others instead of the Word of God?

The Bottom Line

"It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry,

but others out of goodwill.

The latter do so out of love,

knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.

The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition,

not sincerely,

supposing that they can stir up trouble for me

while I am in chains.

But what does it matter?

The important thing is that in every way,

whether from false motives or true,

Christ is preached.

Because of this I rejoice."

Philippians 1:15-18

His name was widely known throughout the world.  He worked hard; not so much to further God's kingdom but mostly to build an empire for himself.  Upon every advertisement for his ministry appeared his photo and credentials.  Everything seemed to be about him and his following.

Even though this preacher gave the impression that he was all about fame and fortune, setting himself against the values portrayed in the Word of God, there was one thing that could not be disputed:  This man preached of Christ and Him crucified.  Whether people came to his church because they were drawn by the luxurious surrounding or simply wanted to be a part of a popular movement, they all heard the Gospel preached.  

It is easy to be irritated or turned off by such displays of greed and worldly values, but God can use even people whose hearts are in the wrong place to further His kingdom through the preaching of the Gospel of Christ.  Of this we can rejoice!

Personality

By all accounts he was conceited, demanding and overconfident.  He thought the world was his for the taking; there for his benefit.  Whatever he desired, he expected to receive.  In short, he was a pompous, arrogant brat.

Despite his grating personality, Samson was God's chosen tool to bring judgment upon the Philistines.  (Judges 14:4, 15:14-15)  God can use anyone to accomplish His mission, not just the pleasant, likable people.  

Sometimes, the Lord uses those with outrageous behavior, annoying traits or even subdued styles.  Whatever the approach used, however, the only thing that matters is whether or not the truth of the good news of Jesus Christ is proclaimed.  This must be my prime focus.  

I must be on guard because there are instances when I am in danger of being blinded to an untruth.  This occurs when I'm captivated by a charming performer, paying more attention to the persona of the one speaking and completely overlooking the message he is sending.

The bottom line is the message that is being delivered, not the personality of the one who communicates it.

Mode

God used many means to deliver his messages to His people as recorded in the Bible.  Sometimes He used a prophet to do strange things like lie on his side for 390 days as a symbol and sign to the nation of Israel.  (Ezekiel 4:4-5)  Other times He sent His angels to deliver important messages like when Gabriel appeared before Mary and Joseph to inform them of Jesus' upcoming birth.  (Luke 1:26-38,  Matthew 1:20-25)  There were even times when God spoke directly to man like when He gave the law to Moses.  (Exodus 20-31)  Whatever the mode He chose, however, the message was still from God.

It is no different than today.  Sometimes God uses great preachers who command a stadium filled with thousands while other times He speaks to the heart of the listener.  Whichever way He chooses, the result is the same: the message of truth is proclaimed.  

It is my job to focus on the content and not get carried away with paying too much attention to how it's delivered.  Sometimes, I can be impressed with large numbers and flashy styles and forget to listen for substance.

The bottom line is the message that is being delivered, not the mode God uses to convey it.

Method

Sometimes they preached the coming of the kingdom of God to large crowds while other times they taught the scripture, sparking a deep, philosophical discussion.  Many times, though, they spoke one-on-one to the people who had gathered around them.  Whichever method they used, the Apostles communicated the message of the Gospel across to those who were interested.  (Acts 2-4, 7-8)

Today, the good news of Jesus Christ is also passed on using different methods.  Some may prefer using a personal testimony as they proclaim the message of Jesus Christ's sacrifice that saves us from eternal death through faith, illustrating the change He has made in their lives.    Other times, a specific technique may be used to take someone through a series of scriptures that lead them to a certain conclusion about Jesus.  Many times a deliverer simply trust in God's Spirit to supply the words that will touch others, leading them to Christ.

Whichever method is used, the bottom line is that the message of Jesus Christ and Him crucified is expressed.

It is easy for me to discount the ministry of some because their personality is not to my liking, the mode they use seems too complicated or showy, or the method is not what I would use.  Instead of judging their style as wrong or getting caught up in style instead of content, I can take on the attitude of Paul and say, no matter the motive, I will rejoice that Christ and Him crucified is preached!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God to convey the Gospel using whichever vessel He chooses.

How do I work against the Gospel in the way I disregard certain believers because I don't like their personality or method?

When can I better support the preaching of the Gospel despite the chosen vessel God is using? 

The Dead made Alive

"Once you were dead because of your disobedience

and your many sins.

You used to live in sin,

just like the rest of the world,

obeying the devil

--the commander of the powers in the unseen world.

He is the spirit at work in the hearts

of those who refuse to obey God.

All of us used to live that way,

following the passionate desires

and inclinations of our sinful nature.

By our very nature we were subject to God's anger,

just like everyone else.

But God is so rich in mercy,

and he loved us so much,

that even though we were dead because of our sins,

he gave us life when he raised Christ

from the dead.

(It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!)

Ephesians 2:1-4 NLT

Zombies are quite popular these days.  Everywhere I turn I see movies and television shows, new and old, like Resident Evil, Abraham Lincoln vs. Zombies, The Walking Dead, Night of the Living Dead and Zombieland to name a few.  In each of these works of fiction, the dead have been brought back to life in some way but are no longer quite human.  

Thankfully, this is not at all what God had in mind when He gave me new life through Jesus Christ.  Even though I am considered to be like the living dead because of my sin and the punishment my transgressions deserve ( Romans 6:23, Colossians 2:13), the life God gives through faith in Jesus is much fuller and more meaningful than what the zombies must endure.

Objects of Wrath

Whatever pleasure one could think of could be found within the city walls.  Man lived for self gratification and life held no value or meaning.  People were used, abused and tossed aside as so much refuse.  Sodom and Gomorrah was on God's hit list as a place that vilified everything He deemed as good and wholesome, instead embracing the evil that so easily entangles the human soul. (Genesis 18:20-21,19:1-29)

As despicable and depraved as were the activities found in this ancient city, I am really no different than those living there.  My heart is equally as wicked. (Jeremiah 17:9)  As much as I like to think of myself as better than the most evil of people, in God's eyes, my sinful nature makes me His enemy deserving of punishment. (Colossians 1:21)

Just by me being human, I am placed on God's hit list as one who cannot please Him in my present state and who deserves the death penalty.

Alive in Christ

They did everything possible to make Him angry.  They disobeyed, didn't appreciate His provision, doubted His protection and constantly went their own way, wandering away from His teachings.  No one in their right mind would want to continue leading such an incorrigible group! 

No one, that is, except for God.  In His great love and mercy, He saved the Israelites from their own obstinance, time and time again.  There wasn't anything special about this nation that drove God to extend grace.  In fact, the case could be argued that these were the most undeserving of people.  Instead, it was the unfathomable grace of God that compelled Him to love as His nature dictates. (1 John 4:8)  

In the same way, I am saved from the consequences of my own sin by the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. (Romans 5:8)  Just as the Israelites were given another chance time after time, God's mercy toward me never ends.  As Jeremiah wrote in Lamentations 3:22-23, "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Just by God being God, I am made alive in Christ, even though I don't deserve such a gift.

Raised Up

When zombies come back to life, they are not really the same as they were before.  There is something missing; a sense of consciousness, self-awareness, and. . .well. . .life!  They might be walking around of their own accord but they could hardly be considered as alive.

When I am raised up with Christ from the grave where I am found dead in my sin, I enter into a new way of living; an abundant life where I experience the incomparable riches expressed in the kindness of God. (Ephesians 2:6-7, John 10:10, 1 Peter 1:3-4)  Instead of living like I used to live where what I wanted mattered most, God has given me the desire to live for Him. (Philippians 2:13)  In this way, I am made complete.

When I enter into a relationship with God based on faith in Jesus Christ, I am raised up with Him so I can experience the fullness of life that God has intended for me.

God has so much more for my life than what I can muster up on my own.  Once I realize I am unable to save myself from the death my sins earn for me, I can receive life through the mercy and love of God in sending Jesus to take my punishment for me.  In this way, I am then raised up with Christ where I experience an abundant life of meaning as I live in relationship with a loving God.  Now this is what I call the dead being made alive!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remember for what God has saved me.

When do I most tend to live for myself instead of God?

How do I think I can impress God with my efforts instead of accepting the gift of grace He offers?