2 Corinthians 6:10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
Swallowing things have never been that hard for me. From childhood thinking watermelon seeds would grow in my stomach to an 8th grader who could inhale two Big Mac’s with fries on family road trips to visit relatives during the summer, I have never had much of a problem eating, swallowing and digesting. However, how you ever had a friend who would have a lump in their throat when it came time to swallow medicine that they needed? I remember a friend who refused to take what the doctor had prescribed to make him better. Only after much pleading and coaxing would he swallow the antidote.
Do you ever feel like life isn’t treating you fair? Your 1, 5, and 10 year plan has not worked out just the way that you wanted it to. After leaving college six years ago, my plans were to become a successful business man and hopefully being in the six figures by age 30 or 35. My goals were to have my family in a place of financial comfort where we wouldn’t have to think about making payments week to week or month to month. I wanted security in the temporal things of life. Then, I met Jesus on April 7, 2003. After shattering the self-sufficient and invisible view I had of my self, He showed me my depravity and sinfulness. At 2:20 in the morning, He regenerated my heart, and I was justified by faith in His work of redemption. That night, I picked up my cross and have been walking ever since.
Over the past year, I have been able to walk with Jesus through the valley of the shadow of death by losing my grandfather (77), our first hopes of a child (6 weeks, 1day), and my dad (48) a month ago. Though He is despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, He has been my best friend (Isaiah 53:3). He’s listened to my groaning, reminded me where they are, and comforted me on my first Father’s day and birthday without them. Over and over again, He reminds me that this life is not about my comfort. This life is so short and so fragile. You really could be here one day and gone the next. I guess in losing these close family members, I have been able to walk to the edge of eternity and begin grasping what Jesus meant by “eternal life.” My eyes have been opened, heart is being renewed, and mind is in awe of God who is Sovereign. He is so intricately detailing your life that you would be amazed at all the work He is doing behind the scenes to conform you into the image of His dear Son.
Even with this year of grief, I just got back from a 12-day Biblical Tour of Israel. This was planned last August, and the LORD knew exactly what I needed to get away and get closer to Him, His Word and the Land on which He placed His Name. Jesus was fully God and fully man. He walked with real people, in a real place, at a real time. We saw the ruins of the towns that Jesus ministered in around the Sea of Galilee, took a boat on the waters that He stilled, and walked in synagogues that He would have entered. We saw the gates and walls that Nehemiah restored in Jerusalem, the platform of the Temple, the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane. However, my favorite places were the Place of the Skull where Jesus died for our sins and the Garden Tomb that was completely empty. It’s hard to swallow the truth that God would love us so much that He would give His only begotten Son as the sacrifice for our sin. What a sorrowful and bitter cup of sin He drank on our behalf, but remember the victory of the third day! I do not know what trial you are going through right now, but I can point you to the One who can help you say, “as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing!”
Showing posts with label Truth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Truth. Show all posts
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Thursday, September 27, 2007
An Inconvenient Truth
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 3:19-21 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Have you ever had something embarrassing happen to you and you couldn’t bring yourself to admit it to anyone else? Isn’t it difficult to come out and confess that you may be wrong about something? Growing up, my dad placed a magnet on our refrigerator that said, “Hire a teenager while they still know everything.” We often feel like we are always right in every situation and sometimes find it hard to humble ourselves for the sake of truth. Most of the time, we can be like little children who will tell every story except for the truth.
While visiting the Red Cross one day, I can remember an incident that really opened my eyes to telling the truth. I had just signed in after reading the manual for those who donate blood. Before I could get to my seat, the nurse called me back. The only problem that I had was that I needed to use the restroom. I asked her if I could go quickly, and I did. Within 90 seconds, I had gone to the rest room and returned. The nurse responded, “That was fast. Did you make sure that you washed your hands?” She was laughing and making a joke out of it, but immediately, I said, “Of course, I washed my hands.” However, deep within, I knew that I had just told a lie, and I was caught by my conscience.
Over the past few weeks, Jesus has been teaching me that I need to watch my mouth and actions so that I do not lie to others. In Hebrews we read, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do” (Ch. 4:12-13). My heart had been pierced by God’s Word even though it was of small significance or consequence. God sees everything in my heart whether I deny it or not. Everyday, we can hide behind a smile, but our hearts can be so far from God.
Why do you think there is so much evil in the world today? Men and women just like me and you had rather lie about the truth rather than face the truth. God spoke to my heart and said if I can lie about the small things then it will be easy to lie about bigger things. Lying must be taken out at the root. Instead of allowing my conscience to be weighed down by the guilt, I asked the nurse to step aside so that I could speak to her. She was caught off guard when I told her that I had not washed my hands before entering the office. She easily forgave me, and my heart was set free. Though the consequence for this lie was small, it was large enough that Jesus had to die on the cross for my sins. James 2:10 says, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.”
If you have ever told a single lie, you are in need of God’s grace and forgiveness. Instead of walking around with guilt over your past, pain in your present and hopelessness in your future, go to Jesus, the way, the truth and the life, seeking restoration and peace. He has promised, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Sometimes, the truth seems rather inconvenient for a time; however, I had rather repent and be changed by God’s grace than to wake up at the end of my life and realize I had lived one big lie. As for me, I am resting in Christ’s finish work on the cross and remembering to wash my hands daily.
John 3:19-21 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Have you ever had something embarrassing happen to you and you couldn’t bring yourself to admit it to anyone else? Isn’t it difficult to come out and confess that you may be wrong about something? Growing up, my dad placed a magnet on our refrigerator that said, “Hire a teenager while they still know everything.” We often feel like we are always right in every situation and sometimes find it hard to humble ourselves for the sake of truth. Most of the time, we can be like little children who will tell every story except for the truth.
While visiting the Red Cross one day, I can remember an incident that really opened my eyes to telling the truth. I had just signed in after reading the manual for those who donate blood. Before I could get to my seat, the nurse called me back. The only problem that I had was that I needed to use the restroom. I asked her if I could go quickly, and I did. Within 90 seconds, I had gone to the rest room and returned. The nurse responded, “That was fast. Did you make sure that you washed your hands?” She was laughing and making a joke out of it, but immediately, I said, “Of course, I washed my hands.” However, deep within, I knew that I had just told a lie, and I was caught by my conscience.
Over the past few weeks, Jesus has been teaching me that I need to watch my mouth and actions so that I do not lie to others. In Hebrews we read, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do” (Ch. 4:12-13). My heart had been pierced by God’s Word even though it was of small significance or consequence. God sees everything in my heart whether I deny it or not. Everyday, we can hide behind a smile, but our hearts can be so far from God.
Why do you think there is so much evil in the world today? Men and women just like me and you had rather lie about the truth rather than face the truth. God spoke to my heart and said if I can lie about the small things then it will be easy to lie about bigger things. Lying must be taken out at the root. Instead of allowing my conscience to be weighed down by the guilt, I asked the nurse to step aside so that I could speak to her. She was caught off guard when I told her that I had not washed my hands before entering the office. She easily forgave me, and my heart was set free. Though the consequence for this lie was small, it was large enough that Jesus had to die on the cross for my sins. James 2:10 says, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.”
If you have ever told a single lie, you are in need of God’s grace and forgiveness. Instead of walking around with guilt over your past, pain in your present and hopelessness in your future, go to Jesus, the way, the truth and the life, seeking restoration and peace. He has promised, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Sometimes, the truth seems rather inconvenient for a time; however, I had rather repent and be changed by God’s grace than to wake up at the end of my life and realize I had lived one big lie. As for me, I am resting in Christ’s finish work on the cross and remembering to wash my hands daily.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Standing in Integrity
You have wearied the Lord with your words; Yet you say, “In what way have we wearied Him?” In that you say, “Everyone who does evil, Is good in the sight of the Lord, And He delights in them,” Or, “Where is the God of justice?” Malachi 2:17
Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us break their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, and distress them in His deep displeasure: “Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion.” Psalms 2:1-6
Have you ever felt like you were getting nowhere fast and everyone else around you seems to get all the breaks? If you are human like me, it is easy to get jealous and wonder ‘why can’t I skip ahead and follow the rest of the world’s philosophies.’ First of all, Christians are to be in the world but not of it. Secondly, the world’s ideas of living, climbing corporate ladders, and stepping on people to get to high positions are not part of the Way that Jesus left for us to follow. How can you and I live as a Christian in the midst of a self-centered generation that is only consumed with meeting the appetites of their flesh?
Recently, I visited an amusement park and noticed a situation that parallels a spiritual reality. While waiting in line for a water ride that had 5 flights of stairs, I saw two young boys beginning to weave through the crowd. We have all been taught since Kindergarten that cutting line is not right or fair, especially on amusement park rides with up to a hundred people waiting. The boys when up the stairs one by one telling everyone that their friends were waiting for them. Only a few people stopped and questioned them. A few minutes later a lifeguard was told and began chasing them up the stairs. It was hot, and I was hoping the lifeguard would catch them. Of course, they made it to the top and were apparently approved with a “boys will be boys mentality” by the lifeguard.
The whole crowd had watched the boys cut line in their impatience and self-centeredness. We knew it was not fair, but we had no power except for tell the truth. The truth always sets us free. As we stood by waiting our turn, the ride was shut down, because someone had gotten stuck near the end of the ride. The guards had to rescue the people, and guess who it was—the two little rascals that had skipped line. Now, they were being escorted by a manager and were given a first class trip to the top to ride again for their inconvenience. A lady in the crowd spoke up to the manger and said they had cut line. The boy’s conscience was trembling, but the manager could only go by what she was commanded. They were ushered to the top, and everyone knew they had gotten there through lying and cheating… It was not fair, but everyone waiting his or her turn had a clear conscience.
There are many lessons to be learned from this story. First of all, life does not always seem fair because we live with imperfect people with imperfect judgment. However, God sees everything and is full of justice and righteousness. Second, those who cheat sometimes get rewarded in this life, but will eventually get caught by God and often by man. Third, the fastest way to the top is opposed to the slow process of true growth of Christian character. Fourth as a Christian, we must be “holding faith, and a good conscience;” (1 Timothy 1:19a). Believe that God is who He says He is and trust His providential hand to guide you through school, work, parenting and your marriage. His ways are always right and true.
If you find yourself going no where fast in any part of your life, do not lower your integrity by cheating in the smallest ways. Stand firm in the truth and speak it in love even though others may be blazing past you in worldly standards. Remember that true spiritual growth takes time to develop, brings lasting joy and is energized by the promise of God giving grace to the humble. Life in a lot of ways is like a ride at the amusement park, it has its ups and downs, ins and outs, twists and turns, and is soon over. Live it to its fullest by understanding the Designer of it all.
Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us break their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, and distress them in His deep displeasure: “Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion.” Psalms 2:1-6
Have you ever felt like you were getting nowhere fast and everyone else around you seems to get all the breaks? If you are human like me, it is easy to get jealous and wonder ‘why can’t I skip ahead and follow the rest of the world’s philosophies.’ First of all, Christians are to be in the world but not of it. Secondly, the world’s ideas of living, climbing corporate ladders, and stepping on people to get to high positions are not part of the Way that Jesus left for us to follow. How can you and I live as a Christian in the midst of a self-centered generation that is only consumed with meeting the appetites of their flesh?
Recently, I visited an amusement park and noticed a situation that parallels a spiritual reality. While waiting in line for a water ride that had 5 flights of stairs, I saw two young boys beginning to weave through the crowd. We have all been taught since Kindergarten that cutting line is not right or fair, especially on amusement park rides with up to a hundred people waiting. The boys when up the stairs one by one telling everyone that their friends were waiting for them. Only a few people stopped and questioned them. A few minutes later a lifeguard was told and began chasing them up the stairs. It was hot, and I was hoping the lifeguard would catch them. Of course, they made it to the top and were apparently approved with a “boys will be boys mentality” by the lifeguard.
The whole crowd had watched the boys cut line in their impatience and self-centeredness. We knew it was not fair, but we had no power except for tell the truth. The truth always sets us free. As we stood by waiting our turn, the ride was shut down, because someone had gotten stuck near the end of the ride. The guards had to rescue the people, and guess who it was—the two little rascals that had skipped line. Now, they were being escorted by a manager and were given a first class trip to the top to ride again for their inconvenience. A lady in the crowd spoke up to the manger and said they had cut line. The boy’s conscience was trembling, but the manager could only go by what she was commanded. They were ushered to the top, and everyone knew they had gotten there through lying and cheating… It was not fair, but everyone waiting his or her turn had a clear conscience.
There are many lessons to be learned from this story. First of all, life does not always seem fair because we live with imperfect people with imperfect judgment. However, God sees everything and is full of justice and righteousness. Second, those who cheat sometimes get rewarded in this life, but will eventually get caught by God and often by man. Third, the fastest way to the top is opposed to the slow process of true growth of Christian character. Fourth as a Christian, we must be “holding faith, and a good conscience;” (1 Timothy 1:19a). Believe that God is who He says He is and trust His providential hand to guide you through school, work, parenting and your marriage. His ways are always right and true.
If you find yourself going no where fast in any part of your life, do not lower your integrity by cheating in the smallest ways. Stand firm in the truth and speak it in love even though others may be blazing past you in worldly standards. Remember that true spiritual growth takes time to develop, brings lasting joy and is energized by the promise of God giving grace to the humble. Life in a lot of ways is like a ride at the amusement park, it has its ups and downs, ins and outs, twists and turns, and is soon over. Live it to its fullest by understanding the Designer of it all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)