Plain Love

"'Though I have been speaking figuratively,

a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father.

In that day you will ask in my name.

I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf.

No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved

me and have believed that I came from God.

I came from the Father and entered the world;

now I am leaving the world

and going back to the Father.'

Then Jesus' disciples said,

'Now you are speaking clearly

and without figures of speech.'"

John 16:25-29

Every day she told him she loved him.  Not a day went by when she didn't express her love to her husband.  She thought of creative ways, big and small, in which she could show her devotion to the love of her life.  As his wife, she thought it her duty to help him become a better person.  She took it upon herself to gently point out where he could improve and what he could change to grow as a husband.  In her mind, their marriage was a good one; strong and loving.

Her husband, however, saw things differently.  He never felt accepted by his wife.  She always said she loved him, but she didn't respect his point of view or his beliefs.  It seemed she thought she was right and he was wrong, she was good enough and he was only tolerable.  Somehow, he just couldn't win with his wife.

Acceptance is a big part of love.  God, as the essence of love Himself, knows how to love unconditionally.  (1 John 4:8)  He loves me just the way I am, not waiting until I become who I should be before He'll take the risk of loving me.  No, His love is based on His character, not on my worthiness.  (Romans 5:8)

In the same way that the sacrifice Jesus made in dying on the cross for my sins demonstrates God's love for me, the sinner, I can show my love for God by accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior.  Placing my life in the hands of Jesus proves my love for God.  Only a sincere love would enable such faith.

I can only hope to love because God first loved me, and His love gives me the ability to love Him back.  (1 John 4:19)

Access to God

I remember when President Bush paid a visit to Ft Lewis when my husband was stationed there as a soldier in the U.S. Army.  I was given the opportunity to attend the event held in his honor where hundreds of soldiers and family members gathered inside a hangar eagerly anticipating his arrival.  After his speech, he exited the stage and made his way in front of the crowds.  Since I was in the second row, I was able to reach my hand out and receive a quick handshake.  Some people tried to say a few words, but the Secret Service agents pushed the president along swiftly.  

If I had wanted to receive a few moments to speak to the President, I would have had to go through specific and strict protocol, receiving permission from staff and undergoing a thorough background check.  Only after obtaining approval, would I get to talk to the most powerful man on earth.  Even then, it would be on certain terms and under a specific timetable.

Unlike world leaders, God is completely accessible to me as His child, at any time and any place.  I do not need special permission and clearance before I'm allowed into His presence.  As one who has accepted His Son as the One who was sent by God to deliver me from eternal damnation, I have full right of entry to the throne of grace. (Hebrews 4:16)

This means when I'm in trouble, I need not hide from Him but can accept the forgiveness and mercy He freely offers.  (Hebrews 10:19-23)  As one who can approach the holy God directly, I need not lose hope when all seems lost but can receive encouragement when I stand before Him.  If I need answers or assurance of my salvation, I can go frankly and honestly to Him and He will give me the truth.

When I love God through faith in Jesus Christ, I am granted direct access to God Himself.

Sonship

The door of our home is always open to anyone in our community who needs encouragement, love or the hope that Jesus offers.  For this reason, there are many who feel comfortable and at home in this house.  Sometimes, children will stop by our house for a hug and kind word even before they head home from school.  Because of the love of God, our house feels like home to a lot of people.

As much as others experience a sense of belonging when they walk across the threshold of this house, no one but family members can open up the refrigerator and grab a snack, or take the car keys and go for a ride.  There are some privileges that are meant only for family members.

In the same way, as a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ, I have been given the rights of a family member. (1 John 3:1)  I have the hope of being made into the very image of Christ Himself at the appointed time.  In the same way that I follow in an older sibling's footsteps, desiring to emulate them in all the ways that I admire, I am called to walk as Jesus walked.  Not, as sometimes I try to do, in my own strength and with my own understanding, but in the power of His Spirit who lives within me.  As I follow Him, He leads me down the narrow path that leads to life.  (Psalm 23:3, Matthew 7:14)

As an adopted child of God, I also have the responsibility to live my life in a way that honors God.  (Romans 11:17)  I do not mean that I need to try to be perfect or that I should attempt greatness for His sake.  What I do mean is that every part of my life should be tainted by His love.  As I look at those around me, I am to view them through His lenses and allow His love to flow through me.  In this way, He gets the glory for my life.   

Even more importantly, no area of my heart is to be off limits to my Father, and no secrets should be kept from Him.  Instead, I am to live as an open book before Him, granting Him full access to all of me.  As I live in this way, when others observe my life they will praise their Father in heaven.  (Matthew 5:16)

When I love God through faith in Jesus Christ, I am granted all the rights and responsibilities of a child.

Understanding

There are some things people outside of my family don't understand about us.  They don't get the weird nicknames we have for each other, or our tradition of keeping Sunday as a family day of rest.  They also don't comprehend our inside jokes and have no appreciation of the things that make us laugh the hardest.  Some things are only for family to understand.

In the same way, children of God have received revelation regarding the things of God.  As we read His Word, His Spirit teaches, enlightens and ministers truth.  Only those who are getting to know God through faith in Jesus Christ can truly understand God's intent of scripture.  As I move through life, He shows me what I need to know at the time I need to know it.  

Conversely, if I did not have the benefit of the Holy Spirit to guide me, the Word of God would make little sense to me.  It would seem dry, out of date and irrelevant to my life.  Instead, it is the bread of life (Deuteronomy 8:3), the power of God (Romans 1:16) and never returns void but accomplishes what God intended. (Isaiah 55:11)  This comprehension and appreciation comes from God.

Jesus tried to explain this concept to the Jews who did not accept Him as Messiah.  He said that they did not understand what He was teaching because their father was the devil. (John 8:43-44)  We tend to listen to whom we follow.  If I am committed to God through faith in Jesus, then I'll recognize His voice and understand His teaching.  If, however, I am bent on living my life my own way, to please myself and maintain control over my own life, then my father is Satan who is the ruler of this world.  I can't live for me and live for Jesus, it just doesn't work that way.  (Matthew 12:30)

When I love God through faith in Jesus Christ, I am granted understanding of His Word through the power of the Holy Spirit.

If I claim to love God I will accept His Son as my Lord and Savior.  When I enter into this relationship of faith through grace, I am granted direct access to God, the rights and responsibilities of sonship  and the understanding of Holy Scripture.  In this way, His love will be made plain in my life, both to me and to those who observe me.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can take advantage of the free admittance I have to my heavenly Father's throne and keep close to Him.

When do I live as God's enemy instead of as His child?

What am I hiding from God that I'm afraid He'll be disappointed or angry about, even though He already knows all about it? 

Counselor

"'Now I am going to him who sent me,

yet none of you asks me,

Where are you going?

Because I have said these things,

you are filled with grief.

But I tell you the truth:

It is for your good that I am going away.

Unless I go away,

the Counselor will not come to you;

but if I go, I will send him to you.

When he comes,

he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin

and righteousness and judgement:

in regard to sin,

because men do not believe in me;

in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father,

where you can see me no longer;

and in regard to judgment,

because the prince of this world now stands condemned.'"

John 16:5-11

We stood in the driving, cold rain with only an overhead shelter protecting us from the elements.  The weather mirrored our feelings as a faithful few gathered to say good-bye to a husband, father, son, brother, co-worker and friend.  Tears mingled with the rain as we walked back to our vehicles, the somber graveside service behind us.  Now began the difficult task of working through our grief and moving on without him.  Things would never be the same.

The disciples must have underwent similar feelings of loss as Jesus forewarned them of His impending departure.  I'm sure they wondered how they would live their lives without His physical presence.  Who would teach them?  Who would guide them?  How would they survive?  Would their faith falter?

Anticipating their worries, Jesus promised a Helper who would always be there to help them.  In order for this ever-present Spirit to be sent to those who follow Him, though, Jesus would have to return to His Father.  Out of the grief and suffering came the salvation of man, but also the gift of the Holy Spirit, our Counselor.

Conviction of Sin

I am a sinner saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ.  The reality of my identity must always be at the forefront of my mind, lest I grow self-righteous.  When I see areas of sin in others, it stands out like a beacon to me, tempting me to enlighten then of their wrongdoing and point them to the path of righteousness.

Jesus, however, taught another way to live in peace with one another.  Through His redemptive work on the cross, I am made right with a holy God.  Now, through the blood of Jesus, I am like a priest who can access God directly, without going through a middle-man or an intercessor.  I have my own personal relationship with my Creator.  

Because of this new-covenant relationship, formed through Christ's obedience to His Father's will even unto death, God can speak directly into my life.  As I walk in the light, keeping step with His Spirit, He leads me down paths of righteousness for His namesake. (Galatians 5:18, Psalm 23:3)  He never leads me into sin, but instead cultivates His fruit in me.(v 22-23) In His time, He reveals areas of sin which I need to surrender to Him for His glory. (v 24)

Many times I get this mixed up. Either I expect someone around me to notify me when I'm off-track, or I think it's my job to do the same for others.  In reality, this is the role of God's Spirit.  I like how Oswald Chambers explained it: "One of our severest lessons comes from the stubborn refusal to see that we must not interfere in other people's lives. . . When you do have to give advice to another, God will advise through you with the direct understanding of His Spirit; your part is to be so rightly related to God that His discernment comes through you all the time for the blessing of another soul."

My sole job is to keep in-tune with God, walking in step with Him so that I'll recognize and respond to His correction in my thoughts, words, and actions.  Additionally, when I'm rightly related to Him, I will only speak into another's life under His direct guidance.  When I am grieved by someone's indiscretion, I can be sure that God is taking care of it in the same way He does for me.

Jesus returned to His Father so the Counselor could come and remind me constantly that I am a sinner saved by grace.

Reveals Righteousness

I can spend a lifetime trying to impress God.  My heart desires to do His will, living my life in a way that pleases Him.  As time goes on, though, I see how futile are my efforts. Try as I might, I just can't do right. (Romans 7:19)

Thankfully, Jesus came to free me from slavery to my sinful nature.  The One who is truly righteous and holy took the punishment for my transgressions, freeing me from the bondage of sin and death.  As I entered into a relationship with Christ, accepting the salvation offered through faith, His righteousness became mine.  In the eyes of God, my sin is covered by the cleansing blood of Jesus, making me appear to Him as holy and pure.

Apart from Jesus, however, I am not sinless.  Instead, I am plagued with this flesh of selfish desires.  I am not capable of living right.  How then can I ever hope to please God, pursuing perfection and maturity in this life? (1 Peter 1:16)

Jesus did not leave me helpless in the futility of my sinful flesh.  Instead, He left me with a Counselor, the Holy Spirit, who brings a righteousness into my heart.  As I walk in step with Him, paying attention to His leading, He will produce fruit in my life; fruit that reveals the nature of God Himself.  Then I will notice the ability to love the unlovable. A joy will fill my being in the midst of strife when I let His Spirit lead.  Peace will rule my soul as His Spirit has His way in my life.  

When I let God's Spirit direct my paths, I'll discover a new-found patience and tolerance for others. As the Spirit takes the lead, kindness, goodness and gentleness will flow out of my naturally cruel, wicked and rough exterior.  Where once fear, doubt and self-indulgence ruled, God's Spirit makes way for authentic, faithful, and self-controlled living.

I cannot fake righteousness.  Instead, it is only revealed in my life through the exposure of the characteristics of the indwelling Spirit.  As He works to chisel away more of my flesh, then more of His righteousness is made known.

Jesus returned to the Father so the Counselor could come and empower me to live in a way that pleases Him.

Demonstrates Judgement

Murder.  Kidnapping.  Sex Trafficking.  Child Pornography.  Drug Addiction.  Alcoholism.  These are a few examples of the evils of the world in which we live.  The fallout from the work of the Evil One is all around me.  Lives are shattered, hearts are broken, families are fragmented, children are suffering.  If I didn't know any better, I'd think that Satan had won.

Through the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life, however, the guilt and punishment awaiting the Prince of this world has been made plain.  I can rest assured that he will get what's coming to him and that no sin will go unpunished.  For those who follow Jesus, He took that punishment.  But for those who refused His saving grace, the eternal death sentence has been handed down.

As the great deceiver and author of evil, Satan has nothing but bondage, suffering and torment to look forward to for all of eternity. (Revelation 20:10)  God is a just God.

How does this affect me as I live my life in the here and now?  I can trust that God will not let injustice pass unnoticed.  When it seems evil is winning, I can remind myself that God's judgement over Satan is coming.  During the times when I feel overwhelmed with the hurting and suffering caused by the darkness of this world, I can trust God to bring justice in the end.

Jesus returned to the Father so the Counselor could come to demonstrate His judgement over Satan.

I hear a lot being said about Jesus and His role in my salvation, but I cannot overlook the importance of the Holy Spirit who convicts me of my sin, produces His righteous fruit in my life, and displays the judgement that Satan has awaiting him.   In the words of the 19th century missionary to China, "We have given too much attention to methods and to machinery and to resources, and too little to the Source of Power, the filling with the Holy Ghost."  The Counselor is my constant companion and supply of power:  Without Him, I am impotent.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust completely in God's Spirit to equip and empower me to live for Him.

How do I try to take on His role of convicting by pointing out sin in others, thus getting in the way of God's Sovereign work?

When do I feel despair at the work Satan is doing around me?      

Rise from the Dust

“Wake up, sleeper,
   rise from the dead,
   and Christ will shine on you.”

Ephesians 5:14

"I can do all this through him

who gives me strength."

Philippians 4:13

"I can't do this anymore."

I have heard many in utter despair whisper these words of hopelessness.  Out of a place of sheer misery I have used this phrase.  It is often the last thought before someone takes their own life.  "I give up. . . .I can't do this anymore. . . "

I despair when I don't recognize the goodness and power of God all around me.  The feelings of hopelessness overwhelm and threaten to drown me, as if there is nothing that can pluck me out of the engulfing waters of depression.

God, however, has promised to keep my head above the waters.  He has exhorted me in Isaiah 43:1b-2 to, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you."

When I feel I am living in the dust, being trampled on by the hardships of life, there are some things I can do to rise from the shadows so Christ's light will shine upon me.

Fill Up

There are many things in this life that I can choose to fill up on.  I can find my fulfillment in work, my relationships, my family, my hobbies or in attaining the latest gadgets. 

All of these things will disappoint.  I cannot truly find fulfillment until I am filled with the Spirit of the One who created Me, who knows my purpose, and who gives my life meaning.  

To be filled with God's Spirit, however, I have to empty myself of me.  This does not mean I become someone other than myself.  Instead, it means that I surrender my will in exchange for God's will.  It means I let go of fleshly desires that lead away from God.  It means I become less and He becomes more, resulting in a more authentic me, as God intended me to live.   

Jesus is not a bully.  He does not force His way into anyone's life.  Instead, He patiently stands at the door of my heart, waiting for me to invite Him in and be Lord of my life.

God's Spirit dwelling within me will give me a sense of purpose and produce His fruit as evidence of His presence.

When I am feeling down, it may be because I am not filled up with the life-giving Spirit of God.

Exhort

It is often said that if you want to feel better about your situation in life, it is good to reach out and help someone else.

In a similar way, it is important that I step outside of myself and take the time to support others with a Word of encouragement.  God did not place me on this earth to suffer alone.  Rather, He situated me in a Body which is designed to live in community.

For this reason, I remember that my suffering is not for nothing.  Instead, I can give praise to, "the God of all comfort,  who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.  For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ." (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

Exhorting others with the Word of God is essential to living a life of abundance.

Sing

Every morning I hear the sound of birds singing their praises to God.  As a created creature, they are acting according to the programming God has placed inside of them.

Unfortunately for us, even though we are designed to praise God, we are also sinful beings who are easily overwhelmed with the troubles of this world.  Jesus warned us of this fact when He said, "In the world you will have tribulation;"  He did not, however, end the warning there.  He continued on by saying, "but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NKJV)

It is possible for me to sing praises to God in the midst of the storm.  Doing so will bring peace to my heart and give honor to God who is good despite my seemingly dire situation.  His goodness is not diminished by my circumstances, and giving Him praise is what I am designed to do. 

As I, "Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy." (Psalm 33:3) my heart will be transformed from a dark place of hopelessness to a dwelling of Light and thankfulness.

Life is hard and there are many times when I feel trampled upon by the cares of this life.  But filling up with God's Spirit, encouraging others with a His Word, and singing praises and thanks to Him will help me to rise from the dust and find a place in the light.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I will not let the worries of life consume me.

How do I let troubles be my main focus instead of training my eyes on God who is goodness and light?

When do I fail to support others because I am overwhelmed with my own troubles?

 



Life Sucks!



“ 'I have told you these things,

so that in me you may have peace.

In this world you will have trouble.

But take heart!

I have overcome the world.' ”

John 16:33

I, like all humans, have a lot of problems.  My body is wearing out as I grow older, money is tight, family relationships are strained at times, people can be mean and hurtful, friends move away, loved ones die. . . and this is not  to even mention that my belief in Jesus places me in conflict with the principles of this world.  Put this all together, and the conclusion is that life is hard!  

But we can't say we weren't warned.  Jesus prepared us for the opposition we would receive from those who don't know Him.  But we can take comfort in knowing that He has gone before us, and in conquering the power of death and sin when He died on the cross, He also conquered our problems.   All the difficulties that I face in this world have already been defeated by Jesus!  There is nothing I can face that Jesus has not already succeeded in conquering. 

Jesus warned us about the harsh realities of following Him in a world that hates Him.  He did this so that we would ultimately understand the power that is within us.

The World Hates Us

It was important for Jesus to help us understand that we won't be accepted by those who don't know Him.  In America, persecution is limited to financial retribution or shunning, banishment or exclusion from certain segments of society.  But in other parts of the world, persecution means forced labor, poor living conditions, arrests, beatings and even death.  There is no mistaking that the world hates us as much as it hated Jesus when He walked the earth.

Why would anyone want to follow One who puts me in that position of being hated?  "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) Jesus is my only hope for a relationship with my Father in heaven, and deliverance from the penalty of death my sin earns.  Without Jesus, I have an eternity devoid of all good and filled with unthinkable suffering. 

Hatred from the world is a small price to pay for this unspeakable gift!  But how can I withstand the difficulties without buckling under the pressure or spend my life huddled in the corner like a quivering mass of gelatin?

We are Conquerors

Living in a world that opposes everything I believe in does not mean I have to live my life in fear or as a second-class citizen.  In my heart, I can go through the difficulties of life with the quiet confidence that Jesus displayed.  He did not panic, lash out in anger, or run away from His accusers.  This is because He knew the plan, and He knew that in the end, His love wins!

The apostle Paul addressed the root of this attitude of triumph.  In Romans 8, his words remind us that nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.  Not trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword. (v 35)  That pretty much covers anything we can face during a lifetime.  Knowing that the overwhelming love of God is constantly with me can give me courage.  And that is how I can face my problems as a conqueror.

When I think of a conqueror, I imagine a Roman soldier living in Jesus' time.  Even though he is from a foreign land, he would exhibit an attitude of confidence and assurance, knowing that Caesar and the entire Roman Army would back him up.  He had a sense of security and authority given to him as a member of the conquering force in that strange place so far from home.

This is to be my attitude as a follower of Christ in this foreign land.  I have God and His sovereign power to back me up!  He has given me a sense of security and authority as a member of the conquering force.  That is why Paul could teach us that in the face of the difficulties of this life, "in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." (Romans 8:37)  Jesus' love conquered all so I need not fear.

Even though I am a conquering, I do have enemies.  And these enemies will stop at nothing to try to defeat me.  How can I have any hope this side of heaven?

Greater Power Within

I used to compete in bodybuilding.  One year, I was sponsored by one of the top gyms in my region.  Their name (Powerhouse) held clout in the bodybuilding community and being associated with them, I felt the power of being one of their competitors.  Sure enough, when it came time for the judging, I placed higher than I ever had, due in part to the sponsorship of Powerhouse.

Imagine having the most powerful Being, the Creator of all things, living within you!  Reading in 1 John 4:4, we learn that we can live with confidence in Satan's domain because, "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."

I have the authority of the very power of God to guide me through the evil of this world.  Satan and his angels can try to bring me down, but their power pales in the face of that which is in me through faith in Christ Jesus.  I must always remember that in the end, "every knee should bow, 

Living life in this world is difficult.  As one pastor of a megachurch in my home state of Washington would often say, "Life Sucks!"  But we are not without hope, even thought he world hates us, we are more than conquerors and have the power of God within us.  Then I can confidently say,  "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13)

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I would remember the power that is within me when I am overwhelmed by that which is around me.

How do I focus too much on the problems, forgetting that I have the solution within me?

When do I live as the conquered, instead of as a conqueror through faith in Jesus?