Ambassador

"The LORD said to Moses,

'Speak to the Israelites and say to them:

I am the LORD your God.

You must not do as they do in Egypt,

where you used to live,

and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan,

where I am bringing you.

Do not follow their practices.

You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees.

I am the LORD your God.

Keep my decrees and laws,

for the person who obeys them will live by them.

I am the LORD.'"

Leviticus 18:1-5

Upon arrival in our new host country, my husband and I were required to take a class where we learned the importance of setting a good example for those who were watching us.  It was also important, as members of the U.S. Armed Forces, that we do not draw attention to ourselves, making us an easy target for terrorism.  As American citizens, we were no longer concerned with how our behavior influenced our own reputation, but as long as we lived in this foreign country, we were representatives of America.  Everything we did reflected upon our home nation.

In the same way, I belong to the Lord through faith in Jesus Christ.  As such, this world is not my home. (1 Corinthians 5:1-5) Instead, I have been placed in this foreign land with a mission.  Part of that purpose is that I represent the Lord and His Gospel. (2 Corinthians 5:20)  Consequently, my standards are high, not because I am better than anyone else or special in some way.  Instead, much is expected from me and my behavior because everything I do, every word I speak, and every place I visit is a reflection upon the One who called me.  (Isaiah 43:1, John 15:16)  Therefore, there are some things I must keep in mind.

Don't Go Back

Once I learned the new way, there was no reason to go back to my old habits.  Even though there was something pleasant about sitting in my comfortable chair positioned near the window of my bedroom, using the computer to record my thoughts and meditations far surpassed the joy of writing by hand with pen and paper.  When my family bought our first computer all those years ago, the convenience and efficiency of composing using word processing software soon replaced the archaic way of writing.

In a similar way, I am a new creation in Christ Jesus.  The old way of doing things is gone, replaced by the new.  (2 Corinthians 5:17)  Instead of being destined to live in my sinful ways, I now I able to overcome, stepping into the power God's grace and mercy provides to resist temptation and desire that which pleases God. (1 Corinthians 10:13,Romans 8:2, 31,Hebrews 4:16)

In the place of relying on my own understanding, making a list of pros and cons in order to decide which path I should take, God has given me the discernment of His indwelling Holy Spirit to guide me in the way of righteousness. (John 16:13-14, Romans 8:14, Proverbs 3:5-6)

While my success or failure used to depend upon my own abilities and effort, as a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ, I now rely on His grace to both give me the power to endure all things but also to equip me to accomplish the mission He lays before me.  (2 Corinthians 12:9)

I am called to live differently than I did before I knew the power of His saving grace.  (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)  Instead of relying on my old way of doing things; going back to the habits that used to comfort me, the pastimes that once brought me pleasure, or the worldly wisdom that at one time seemed so clever, I am now called into a new way that honors God.

Since I belong to God through faith in Jesus Christ, I must never go back to the ways I knew before Christ.  

Don't Give In

She said it was okay to fudge the numbers on the form.  I knew the tax accountant professed Christ as her Savior so I was tempted to follow her advice.  The discomfort I felt in the pit of my stomach, however, warned me against doing things her way.  Instead, I sought the Lord's guidance and He reminded me of how His love rejoices in the truth. (1 Corinthians 13:6)  Therefore, I decided to take a stand for what is right, recording the accurate figures and letting God provide for the exorbitant taxes I may end up paying.

I will find people within the body of Christ who are willing to compromise the values and standards set down by a holy God.  It is easy to get caught up in following suit in order to fit in or so that I will feel comfortable.  Instead, I would be wise to surround myself with those who encourage me to live a life worthy of the One who gave His life for me.  (Philippians 1:27, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Psalm 1:1-3)

While I may be tempted to buy into whatever a brother or sister is selling, I must always compare a message to what I find in God's Word.  Just because something sounds good does not mean it is godly.  Similarly, I must never take another's word simply because they profess Christ as Savior.  Instead, I would be wise to judge them by their fruit to know if the message is from God, or if it simply appeals to my sin nature. (Matthew 7:15-17)

I may want to leave behind my life of financial struggle so I easily accept it when I hear that God wants me to live a life of luxury.  If I am discerning, however, God's Spirit will remind me how difficult it is to serve God with the tempting lure of worldly riches tethering me down.  (Matthew 19:23-24)

It is also easy for me to accept when a brother or sister tells me how God wants me to be happy.  Since I desire to feel fulfilled in a life virtually free from struggles, I readily believe.  When I go to God seeking the truth, however, I find that it is my character that most concerns Him.  Therefore, I learn to cherish the difficulties, knowing that God is using the ups and downs in life to refine me and mold me into the shape He desires for me. (Romans 5:3-5)

There are many messages floating around the body of Christ which do not line up with His Word.  If I am to stand firm in the truth that I've been taught, it is important that I don't blindly follow the latest Pied Piper who spouts their own brand of christianity. (1 Corinthians 16:13)  Instead, I would be wise to stick closely to the lessons taught by Christ, adhering only to His Gospel.

Since I belong to God through faith in Jesus Christ, I must never give in to the deceptive teachings being disguised as truth.

Don't Give Up

Why am I doing this?  Are these kids even hearing any of the lessons I'm teaching?  Their attitudes seem to be getting worse, not better.  Maybe I should just give up; what's the use?  

These are some of the thoughts that used to float through my mind during a hard day of teaching neighborhood children in the free afterschool program ministry my family used to run out of our home.  When my daughters and I focused on the outward behavior of the children, we were often tempted to quit.  When we redirected our focus on God and His purposes, however, we found our attitudes quickly improved.

It is easy to want to throw in the towel when I expect to see results or some kind of fruit from my labor in the Lord.  Most times, however, God wants me to be faithful to the calling He has placed on my life, leaving the outcome in His hands.

Therefore, I can learn to love God and His ways, seeking to walk with Him and please Him above all things. When I live my life according to His Word, I can prepare myself for attack or disappointment, knowing that I don't belong to the world in which I live.  (John 15:19) Then, when persecution comes, I will not feel discouraged.  Or, when the inevitable ridicule rears it's ugly head, I won't be surprised.  Or, when I fail to see anything good coming out of my efforts, I'll keep true to my calling. 

Since I belong to God through faith in Jesus Christ, I must never give up on the mission God has placed in my life.

God has placed a high standard for those who belong to Him.  Lest I begin to think too highly of myself, I must remember this is not because I'm more special than others or that I'm somehow better.  Instead, this expectation is so that I will reflect well upon the One whose name I am so closely identified to.  For this reason, I must never go back to my old ways, resist the urge to compromise the Truth, and stand firm in the mission God has called me to complete.  In these ways I will represent the holiness of God to a world that expects very little from us.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remember Who I represent.

When do I easily give in when a friend lowers her principles?

How do I give up when the going gets tough?

Guard Against Disbelief

"See to it,

brothers and sisters,

that none of you has a sinful,

unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.

But encourage one another daily,

as long as it is called "Today,"

so that none of you may be hardened by sins' deceitfulness.

We have come to share in Christ,

if indeed we hold our original conviction

 firmly to the very end."

Hebrews 3:12-14

The car broke down on the way home from Bible study.  My nephew is graduating from high school on the other side of the country.  The IRS wants their money, as does my daughter's expensive college.  These are a few of the challenges I am facing.  I can either let them distract me from Jesus and discourage me to the point of despair as I turn toward the problem and away from God, or I can rest securely in the knowledge that God allowed these difficulties into my life for a reason.  His purposes are always good so I can trust Him, if I choose, no matter how impossible things seem. (Romans 8:28)

In this world, its easy to let circumstances, trials and tribulations turn me away from God.  In order to stop this natural slide away, I must guard against unbelief.  As Oswald Chambers said, "Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading."

Encourage

It seemed like nothing was going right that day.  I received a notice of insufficient funds in our checking account, the final straw on an overwhelming load of unforeseen financial struggles.  As I spoke to the customer service agent from the creditor whose payment had overdrawn our account, she explained to me how the automatic payment had not been stopped as I had been reassured it had the week before.  I felt the pressure of the past year of monetary woes come crashing down upon my head.  Sheesh!  Can I get a break here?  

Then our gracious Father sent me some encouragement from the most unlikely place.  When I called the bank to let them know we'd be a little late on our insurance payment, a sister in Christ took my call.  She asked me how things were really going and I revealed my frustration, telling her how I felt that right when I thought we were getting our finances under control, something else would happen.  I felt discouraged to say the least.

God, however, held things firmly under His control.  Out of 18,000 who answer the phones at our bank, God directed me to her.  This godly woman showed her application of Hebrews 10:24, 25 as she gave me word after word of positive affirmation, all the while pointing me to the Truth. "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching."  

I hung up the phone that day with an attitude adjustment and a renewed hope in my heart.  I can take a lesson from my new friend and look for ways to build others up in their faith as I go through my life. Wherever I go, there is always someone who is struggling and in need of some fine-tuning of their focus.

To help guard against the natural tendency to turn away from God, I must always be ready to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Put off Old Self

She lost a lot of weight and looked like a whole new person.  With a change in dietary habits and a new active lifestyle, this woman had transformed her body.  One day she had occasion to wear a business suit so she chose her favorite tweed ensemble.  Unfortunately, with her new body, her old clothes no longer fit and she resembled a little girl trying on her mother's clothing.

Just as a new wardrobe is necessary after a large weight loss, it is equally as absurd for me as a new creation in Christ to continually go back to my old way of thinking, doing and reacting.  In order to keep from being corrupted by sin as I fall back into my natural ways, I will need to purposefully put off my old self.

The Apostle Paul explains it this way in Ephesians 4:22.  He says, "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

I can't continue to live for Christ while still letting my sin nature dominate.  Instead, I must set aside the things my selfish nature desires and let God transform my mind to think more like Him.  This new creation God has formed will desire only the things of God; if only I will place it on like a new wardrobe.

To help guard against the natural tendency to turn away from God I must purposefully put off my old self and step into the new me who is in Christ.

Hold Firmly to New

I had just finished my run and held our Labrador's leash loosely in my hand.  Standing on the front porch of our home, relishing the feeling of accomplishment as I let me heart rate return to normal, the peace of the moment was suddenly broken by severe pain in my right hand.  The loop at the end of the leash had caught on my ring finger, bending it into an unnatural position as man's best friend darted in pursuit of a squirrel.    "You dumb dog!"  I yelled as I retrieved the exuberant canine from his position at the bottom of the tree on which the wily rodent had just retreated.

As I sat in the hospital later that morning waiting for an x-ray of my dislocated finger, I regretted the fact that I had not held firmly to the leash.  If I'd kept a better grip on the strap, I wouldn't be in this predicament.

Satan is kind of like our dog: He is constantly trying to pull me off my feet with surprise ambushes, clever attacks and cunning traps.  In order to stand firm in my faith, I must have a strong grip on all the lessons God has taught me.  

I will go through times when I just don't feel the presence of the Lord.  It is especially important during these desert periods to remind myself of the Truth, re-positioning my grasp of the certainties I know to be true so I won't fall away.

To help guard against the natural tendency to turn away from God, I must purposefully keep a strong grip on the teachings of Christ.

In this world it is easy to get distracted from God, feel discouraged to the point of despair and turn away from God.  In order to stay close to my Lord, it is important for me to encourage others in their walk, put off my old ways and hold firmly to the new self that is found in Christ.  It is then that I will be actively guarding against the disbelief that comes so naturally.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can stay focused on the One I love as He leads me.

When do I get distracted from God by all the cares of this world?

How am I most vulnerable to falling away from God?      

Spirit of Life

"Therefore,

there is now no condemnation for those

who are in Christ Jesus,

who do not live according to the sinful nature

but according to the Spirit,

because through Christ Jesus

the law of the Spirit of life

set me free from the law of sin and death.

. . .Who is he that condemns?

Christ Jesus, who died--more than that,

who was raised to life--

is at the right hand of God

and is also interceding for us.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

Shall trouble or hardship or persecution

or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

. . .No, in all these things we are more than conquerors

through him who loved us."

Romans 8:1-2, 34-35, 37

I've heard stories of people who thought they could have it all;  There is the con man who lures a woman into falling in love with him so he can take advantage of her vulnerable state and bilk her of all her assets.  Or there are the businessmen who entice politicians to pass laws that would benefit their company.  Then there are the women who claim to stand for a woman's right to make her own health care decisions but deny that same privilege to their unborn child.  In every case, these people tried to act one way but live another.  Their hypocrisy betrayed their true master: Self.

When I commit my life to Jesus, I reap an everlasting benefit in freedom from death and hope for an eternal home with Him.  I am also promised a powerful bond with the love of Christ that nothing can break.  Is there anything that is expected of me?  If I truly experience His love can I go on living as if nothing has happened, continuing in my old ways?

If I truly have invited Jesus into my life to act as my Lord and Savior, then I will experience the Spirit of a whole new life.

Sinful

The caterpillar crawled along the leaf, munching it's crunchy goodness to feed his belly and nourish his fast-growing body.  He is limited in his mobility by his long, accordion-like body and multiple tiny legs, keeping him on the one plant where his mother first laid his egg.  He can never travel and see the world around him until he emerges from the pupa, or chrysalis as an entirely new creature.  The miraculous metamorphosis that takes place transforms him from a plump, awkward larva to a graceful, attractive butterfly.  Now he can live as the creature God intended for him to become.

In the same way, I am transformed into a new creature when I commit to Jesus as my Lord.  As the Amplified Bible interprets 2 Corinthians 5:17, "The old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed away."

My past sins, former way of thinking, and previous state as an enemy of God are all part of the old me. (Isaiah 1:18, Romans 12:2, Colossians 1:21)  If I choose to continue living my way, however, as if nothing has changed, it is as if I am not even saved.  I am still acting as one who is sinful and hostile to God. (Ephesians 4:22)

When I have a chance to react in love when treated poorly, then, I go back to my old ways and lash out in anger and self-righteousness.  I think, How dare you treat me that way!  The opportunity to show the compassion and mercy of God is lost.

When God sends a hurting soul who needs guidance and comfort, I retreat to my old position of sticking to my schedule and placing my tasks before my calling.  The chance I had to administer   reassurance through the truth found in God's Word was lost.

When things look hopeless and my circumstances seem impossible, I do as I always have and fret about what could happen, turning my body into a mass of pain and suffering.  The opening God had provided for me to trust Him passed right on by.

I must realize that as a believer in Christ Jesus, I must purposefully turn away from my old way of thinking, speaking and acting.  These are parts of my old self.  If I insist on living the way I used to live, it is important for me to understand that I will reap what I sow.  (Galatians 6:7)  God will not protect me from the consequences of my actions because He shows no favoritism. (Romans 2:9-11)  I am held accountable for how I choose to live. (2 Corinthians 5:10)

To live as if I've received the new life promised to me, I must put off the old, sinful ways.

Control

My husband received a remote-controlled helicopter from his brother last year for his birthday.  After charging the battery, we took it outside to take it for a spin.  It was pretty fun trying to raise it up in the air and make it hover without crashing into something (or someone).  The frustrating part, however, was that only one person could control the craft at a time.  

Just as this small model could only have one pilot at a time, so my life can only submit to one lord.  If I insist on acting as that leader, then God cannot.  The thing about God is that He is not a bully.  He does not force His way into my life, demanding His rightful place.  Instead, He is a gentleman, waiting for me to invite Him.  

When I see trouble coming down the pike and take immediate action in order to avoid disaster, I've left God out in the cold, denying Him the lordship I claim to have given Him.

When I go after what I want without a thought to God's sovereign plan, I've given control to myself instead of the Master Planner.

When I seek the advice of others when relationships turn sour but fail to acknowledge God, I deny the only One who can mend a broken heart and heal the wounds that drive people apart.

Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters.  Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other." (Matthew 6:24a)  If I claim to follow Jesus, I must let Him lead or I betray the identity of my true master: Me!

To live as if I've received the new life promised to me, I must give God control of all things.

Sonship

My sister and her husband are foster parents.  Every time they take in a child, whether it be for the short term or the long haul, they consider the youngster to be their own son or daughter.  Bloodline or length of time spent in their family matters not.  Instead, the love of God compels them to include any child that is taken in as a part of the family.

Similarly, God's love offers a place for me in His family.  There are no requirements of time served, righteousness obtained or abilities mastered.  On the contrary, I am invited because I trust in Jesus as my Savior.  The blood Jesus shed on the cross is the only prerequisite for entrance into this kinship.

God's Spirit gives me the assurance of my place in His family, helping me to feel comfortable and at ease in this new position.  (Romans 8:16)  As I become accustomed to the ways of my Father, I grow in my desire to obey Him out of the love that grows in my heart.  When I do as He instructs, I find that my life is blessed in many ways.  Even though hard times come, my Father is always there for me, protecting me, guiding me and strengthening me.

Troubles that used to consume me, sending me into a frenzy of anxiety, now serve as opportunities to see the power of my Father.

Activities that used to bring much pleasure now are seen as an affront to the One whom I serve as I find other ways to find enjoyment.

Difficult circumstances come as I grow in my faith, but I learn that my Father sends them as a tool to grow my faith.

To live as if I've received the new life promised to me, I must live as a child of God.

When Jesus becomes my Lord and Savior that is not the end, but only the beginning.  From there I cannot continue to live in my old ways and retain control of my life and still call myself a follower of Christ.  Instead, I only move forward in the Spirit of life when I live as one who is adopted into the family of my heavenly Father.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will put off the old way of living and take on my new position in God's family.

When do I continue in old patterns without even trying to turn away from them?

How am I defiantly insisting on controlling my own destiny?  

Born for a New Life

"We were therefore buried with him

through baptism into death in order that,

just as Christ was raised from the dead

through the glory of the Father,

we too may live a new life."

Romans 6:4

When I was younger, I read a Stephen King novel called, "Pet Sematary."  The characters in this horror story learn of an ancient Micmac burial ground near their home where they foolishly bury their recently deceased pet cat.  The resurrected feline later returns home but is not quite the same: There is an unpleasant odor emanating from her body, her fur is disheveled, she seems to have developed a penchant for killing and tearing about small prey without consuming the flesh and her behavior is just plain strange.  Things go downhill from there.

Although I am not recommending this book or the practices found within, the premise is an interesting one: new life brings new characteristics.  While the change in temperament and personality of the "reborn" cat was disturbing, those that come from a new life through faith in Jesus are positive and godly.

As one who has been born again in Christ, I don't have to live the way I used to live.  Instead, I can live a new life! (John 3:3)

Led by the Spirit

Her life was busy and filled with many church activities.  She hungrily consumed all the Christian literature she could find, seeking to learn all she could about living for God.  Her desire to please Him drove her to say "yes" to every request for help from the church.  Even though her family complained that they missed her and the children cried when she left them with a sitter for the fifth time in a week, she felt the need to do her best for God.

This woman's zeal is misplaced.  Instead of being passionate about her relationship with Christ, she is nearly fanatical about her service for Him.  It is easy to find myself in this same predicament when I replace my devotion to Jesus and a desire to follow Him with a performance-based mentality.

Jesus noticed this same pattern occurring in the church at Ephesus.  He said that while they were very industrious, enduring trouble patiently, standing firm for the truth and enduring patiently, they have forgotten their first love: Christ.  (paraphrased from Revelation 2:1-4)

Jesus is to be the catalyst that drives my life.  As Oswald Chambers reminded, "We are not sent to battle for God, but to be used by God in His battlings.  Are we being more devoted to service than to Jesus Christ?"

If I am motivated by my own conscience, doing what I think I ought to do as a "good Christian," then I have forsaken my first love.

If I seek to do my best for God but leave Him out of the picture, then I have forsaken my first love.

If I am driven by guilt, jumping from activity to activity in order to make up for my sins, then I have forsaken my first love.

If Jesus is the Lord of my life and I aim to worship Him in the way that I live, then I will do only what He puts in my path as I follow Him and freely accept the love He has for me.

My new life in Christ inspires me to turn from my own plans, common sense and rationale, instead following my new lord: Jesus.

Created Anew

I enjoy watching makeover shows, whether it is a house, clothing style or way of life that is being renovated: Watching the old, unattractive, unhealthy stuff being removed and witnessing the transformation to the new is fascinating.  It's great to see how much of an improvement to someone's well-being a change can bring.

When I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior, dedicating my life to Him, I undergo a kind of makeover. Instead of using paint, shopping sprees and strenuous exercise, however, God initiates the change supernaturally through His Spirit. (Ephesians 4:22-24)  Although my new creation is from God, I must let go of the old and bring in the new: it doesn't happen automatically.

If I continue in my old way of thinking, giving into worry, lust or deceitful thoughts, I am failing to shed my former skin.  Sin is no longer my only choice: I now have Jesus who will give me power to take captive every thought to glorify God.  (2 Corinthians 10:5, Philippians 4:8)

If I stay in my comfortable former pattern of seeking pleasure by giving in to overeating, worldly entertainment or obsessive social media, I am choosing to stay in my fleshly ways.  These sins need hold me no longer since I have the option of gaining my satisfaction in Jesus. (Psalm 37:4)

If I still make decisions based on what I think is right, using my own understanding, advice from others or selfish ambition to spur me along, I am acting as if I'm my own boss.  This old way is not my only alternative, as I now know the One who holds the blueprint for my life.  (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Instead of living to myself and what makes me happy, I now can take on my new mission; to glorify God by doing the good He has prepared especially for me to do!  (Ephesians 2:10)

My new life in Christ comes with a fresh purpose that brings new meaning to my days.

Knowledgeable in God

I read about an incident where a pastor was asked how he came to know God.  He said, "Son, I was driving down the road one day and heard birds chirping, and I knew then, I knew God." (from Share Jesus Without Fear by William Fay, pg 103)

While nature does give us insight into God's presence and character, it is not the same as actually getting to know Him personally through faith in Jesus Christ.  When I belong to Him through faith, I acquire a desire to know Him better.  The basics of my faith, drives me forward into His kingdom where I learn to live in a way that honors God.

When circumstances seem impossible as the bills mount, relationships crumble and grief threatens to engulf, I can live joyfully due to the hope I have in my God who is able.  All resources are at His disposal, no heart is too hard for Him to soften and comfort is His specialty. (Psalm 50:10, Psalm 51:10-12, 2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

When affliction comes, bringing with it fear and uncertainty, I will find courage at my disposal to move forward as I remember the fruit of persecution. (Hebrews 10:32-36, Romans 5:3-5)  From this suffering comes patient and unswerving endurance, maturity of character, and hope in eternity.  These are benefits gained nowhere else but in the school of difficulties.

For the times when I feel like giving up, I will stand firm in prayer, witnessing the hand of God as He moves in response to my pleas.  My faith grows as I see the ways He comes through, consistently meeting my needs and answering my prayers. (James 5:16)

My new life in Christ leads to a knowledge of God that brings with it the tools to live a godly life.

Thankfully, the transformation that occurs in my life as I begin anew in Christ is not like what was experienced in Stephen King's thriller.  Instead, I can choose to be led by God's Spirit, take on my new identity and take seriously the knowledge God gives me about His kingdom.  In this way I will truly see how I was born for a new life.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I will choose to pay attention to God's lead.

When do I go my way, ignoring God's teachings.

How am I doubting in God's ability to provide for my needs? 

Redeemed

Then I asked, “Who are you, Lord?”

“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” the Lord replied. 

“Now get up and stand on our feet.  I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you.  I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles.  I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”

Acts 26:15-18

When someone is an enemy, my natural tendency is to write them off, never imagining that they could be my greatest ally.  Thankfully, Jesus does not think this way!  If He did, none of us would have been redeemed by faith in Him.   My sin makes me an enemy of God, but in His great mercy, He offers reconciliation to me through Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross.  I can now be His friend! 

Get Up!

When Jesus called Paul, He identified the man as His persecutor, but did not waste any time listing his transgressions or condemning his actions.  Instead, Jesus instructed Paul to get up.

It is easy for me to feel weighed down by the guilt of past sins.  When I am faced with my Savior, my own wretchedness is all too evident.  It is natural for me to wallow in the pit of past failings.  But Jesus is calling me to get up out of the mire!  He has a plan for my life that I will miss if I don’t rise to the call.

Stand on Your Feet

Getting up out of the muck of past sins frees me to stand on the solid ground the gospel has placed beneath my feet.   I can now put the past behind me and move toward Jesus as He forms me into a new creation. 

I am no longer the same person who used to dwell down in the pit.  As a redeemed child of God I now stand on solid rock and need not slip back into past behaviors or strongholds of sin.  With the power of God’s Spirit within me, I am now able to stand on my feet!

The Ministry of Reconciliation

God is all about bringing His people back into a right relationship with Him.  He wants me to enjoy an intimate connection with Him and everything that happens in my life is with this ministry in mind.  

When I am going my own way, He will not rest until I have been brought back into the fold, once again following Him as my Shepherd.  The hard things that happen to me are not a punishment for me or meant to hurt me, but to draw me back to Him. 

During the time of the prophet Isaiah, God's people were in exile as a punishment for their unfaithfulness.  But God, in His great love for His own, promised that their place as His nation would be restored.  

As the people of God through faith in Jesus, we too can claim this promise made to the nations of Israel and Judah.  "Remember these things, Jacob, for you, Israel, are my servant.
I have made you, you are my servant; Israel, I will not forget you.  I have swept away your offenses like a cloud,  your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.” (Isaiah 44:21-22)

God does not lift me out of the quagmire of sin, standing me on solid ground in order to give me a comfortable and happy life.  He does this in order to reconcile myself with Him so that I can live for Him.

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I will live my life as one who belongs to God, seeking to please Him with my words and actions.

Where do I tend to easily slip back into past areas of sin?


Where do I forget the gospel, instead thinking I need to try to be good enough for God?

Soli Deo Gloria

". . .in all things God may be praised

through Jesus Christ.

To him be the glory

and the power

for ever and ever.

Amen."  

 1 Peter 4:11

In years past, the day after Christmas has been a let down.  After working so hard to prepare for Christmas by shopping, decorating, sending out cards, baking, wrapping presents, attending performances, filling stockings, etc., the day after seems anticlimatic.  But this year is different.  This year I didn't do one bit of shopping, and I noticed a difference in my heart.  When we sang the words, "You alone are worthy. . ." on Christmas Eve, it grieved my heart to realize that I had placed many things before Jesus.  In an effort to make Christmas special for my friends and family, I had forsaken the One for which Christmas exists.  In my heart, I had placed these other things on an altar and worshipped them.  Once Christmas was over, and those things were gone, a hole was left leading to a feeling of disappointment.

This year, there is no descent down from the peak reached through the frenzy of preparations.  Instead, I see that today is a day to celebrate!  Jesus has come!  And in His coming, I have hope.  Not just a hope of heaven, but a hope of a life filled with meaning and purpose that is overflowing with the glory of God! The day after is a day in which to rejoice.

Restoration  Before Jesus came, I had no hope of a relationship with a holy God.  In His holiness, He is set apart from all sin and perfectly free from sin.  I am sinful from birth and have no hope of living up to His standards of perfection.  In this way, I cannot enter into His presence as a sinful being.  But while I was still in my sinful state, Jesus came in order for Him to take my punishment so that my relationship with God is restored through faith in Jesus Christ!  The day after Christmas is a day to celebrate because I can experience a personal relationship with the One Who created me and loves me with a love I cannot comprehend!

Emancipation  Before Jesus came, I was bound to sin much as a slave is bound to his master.  The slave has no choice but to do as his master bids.  He can try to rebel, but in the end, the master will get his way.  The master owns the slave, who has no free will of his own.  Rather, his will belongs to that of his master.  This is like me with sin.  Before Jesus came, I had no will of my own, no choice but to do as the sin within me bid.  Thankfully, Jesus has set me free from this burden and now I have the opportunity to walk in the light, living as a child of light!  The day after Christmas is a day to celebrate because I can live as a child of light, free from the burden of sin!  I am free!

New Creation  Before Jesus came, I lived for myself and my own desires.  This led to an empty existence lacking in purpose and understanding of my worth in God's eyes.  But now I am made new.  All the old ways have passed away and I have been created in Christ to do good works!  Through the power of God's Spirit working within me, I am now capable of doing good, whereas before Christ I was only capable of sin.  The day after Christmas is a day to celebrate because I am made new, living a life of purpose and worth!

I will no longer feel let down after Christmas, because I know that my relationship with my Father in heaven has been restored, I have been emancipated from the bondage of sin in my life, and I am a new creation!  These are all reasons to celebrate all year long, thanks to Jesus, my Lord and Savior! 

As I begin this day, it is my prayer that I can keep this spirit of Christmas in my heart throughout the year.

Where have I placed other things, activities or beliefs above God?

How can I set aside my sinful nature and walk in the light?  What sin is coming between me and God?