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Spiritual Maturity

Livin’ my Best Life: What is it?

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I'm Livin' My Best Life

“I’m livin’ my best life!”

When you hear this statement, what comes to mind?  During a recent conversation with a dear friend, she shared that her son was visiting California.  When asked how he was enjoying his trip, he replied, “I’m livin’ my best life!”

Therein marks the genesis for this new series.  As I listen to radio talk podcasts and television talk shows, this statement is frequently given as a response to current living.  But what does it mean?  It is my intent to explore with you what “best life” looks like.  Viewed through both contemporary and biblical lenses, we hope that we as believers will walk away with a better understanding of the “best definition”.

The worldview of best life

In the 21st century we live in, we are continually bombarded with information.  This includes what “best life” looks like.

Reality television has given us an “upfront” yet distorted seat of what the best life looks like.  We can quickly access via our devices how celebrities and luminaries live their lives.  Unfortunately, these personalities have a great influence on how we think life is to be lived.  Right or wrong.

In the 20th century, we were busy trying to “keep up with the Joneses.”  This is the 21st century!  Forget about the Joneses!  Let’s keep up with the Kardashians, Housewives of whatever city, or the young people Growing up Hip Hop.  If I did not list your favorite “go to show” for seeing how the other half lives, I’ll let you fill in the blank.

Of course, these “made-for-tv” realities don’t show the other side of that golden coin.  We later see the impact of the “best life” played out in the media as we see broken relationships and the emotional carnage left behind.

Why is this important?

Our view of “best life” can impact every area of our life.  Pursuit of the best life (ill-defined) can lead us down paths that will result in bad decisions, unrealistic expectations, and wasted energy.  Even more risky is when the quest is for something that can never satisfy (Is. 55:2).

This best life journey usually begins with misleading us into believing how quickly we can have it.  Credit cards, payday loans, and quick financing make our best life just a click or signature away.  “Why wait when you can have it now?”

When taking a look at how specific types of debt have shifted since 2019, mortgage loans, auto loans, student loans and personal loans all reached new record highs. Student loan debt saw the largest growth (12%), followed by mortgage debt (7%) and personal loan debt (6%), according to Experian data from Q3 2020.

 From a faith perspective, the pursuit of best life, creates spiritual tension for the believer.  We are told to seek first the kingdom of God first (Matt. 6:33) and to set our mind on things above (Col. 3:2).  Does that mean we cannot pursue our “best life”?  No.  Remember Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10).  That sounds like best life to me!

Best life guidelines

First, we as believers, operate from a different reality than the world.  Our reality is based on God’s goodness and God’s greatness.  We do not depend nor trust on material gain to experience our best life.  God is our exceeding, great reward (Gen. 15:1).  To focus on the “lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:15-17) can potentially lead us to sin and other moral failures.

Secondly, we remember our identity and who we are in Christ.   When we became believers, we were adopted into the kingdom of God (Eph. 1:5).  That new relationship came with many blessings and promises that provide for our livelihood (2 Pet. 1:3-4).  Best life is defined by what God has outlined in His Word.  The Holy Spirit uses that Word to reform (renew) our hearts and minds so that we look and act like Jesus.  When people look at us, they should see Jesus (not what we have or who we are).

Finally, we strive to achieve the purpose which God designed specifically for our lives.  Before the foundations of the world, God identified the purpose for our lives (Ep. 2:10).   The Holy Spirit empowers us to accomplish that purpose (Act 1:8).  It is our privilege to walk in God’s purpose.

More to come

Livin’ our best life is more than a catchy phrase or personal mantra.  When we speak of our best life, we are revealing what is most important to us.  It is also an indicator of who is in charge of our life.

In Colossians 3:1-4 (NLT), the Apostle Paul gives good advice on discovering our “real best life”:

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God’s right hand in the place of honor and power.  Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth.  For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.  And when Christ, who is your real life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.  

Eastertide

Never Forget Redemption!

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Another Easter.

Is this our response on the Monday after Easter?  Many of us participated in several Lenten season activities that concluded with the celebration of Resurrection Sunday.   Now it’s time to put away the bunny baskets and hide the remainder of the candied eggs from our children (and ourselves).  But there is one thing we don’t want to put away until next year.  Recognition of God’s redemption.

For we believers, Resurrection Sunday is much more than the culmination of the 40-day Lenten season.  It’s more than a Sunday on the calendar in the spring.  Resurrection Sunday is celebrated in memory of the extraordinary price Jesus paid for not only our freedom (from sin, from death, from destruction) but also the greatest gift any person can ever receive (and Christ can only give)—eternal life.  Eternal life begins on earth and culminates when we return home to be with Jesus (John 17:3).

For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16, Amplified)

Just as the birth of Christ was orchestrated by God, so it was with His crucifixion and glorious resurrection (Genesis 3:15). Our understanding of God’s redemptive plan is critical knowledge that must be DAILY applied, integrated, and assimilated into our hearts, our minds, and our spirit (John 17:17-26).

The Best Plan

God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) fashioned a plan whereby “He Himself” would become human and finally resolve the problem of sin (1 Peter 2:24). But why did this plan require Jesus Christ to take on flesh and blood?

Therefore, since [these His] children share in flesh and blood [the physical nature of mankind], He Himself in a similar manner also shared in the same [physical nature, but without sin], so that through [experiencing] death He might make powerless (ineffective, impotent) him who had the power of death—that is, the devil. (Hebrews 2:14, Amplified)

Only Christ could satisfy the “righteous requirements” of the law (Romans 8:4).   The Mosaic Law demanded that blood be shed, in the form of an animal sacrifice for the “forgiveness of sin” (Hebrews 9:22). This process of sacrifice was repeated continuously, generation after generation, until Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 9:23-28).

Christ would be able to share in our humanity. He would be able to understand our weaknesses and temptations. As a partaker of flesh and blood, He “might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that He might make atonement for the sins of the people” (Hebrew 2:17).

Christ’s defeat of Satan would free believers from sin’s power (Romans 6:6-7).  It is in the destruction of Satan’s power that we are now able to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4).  We can live victoriously in and for Christ.

 Our Part in the Plan.

God’s salvation does not require us to lay down our physical life for Him but God does ask us to die, spiritually, to the control which our flesh, the world and Satan exert upon us.

The Apostles gave us hints as to the best way to live in the remembrance of redemption.  These are great scripture to use during your time of devotion and meditation.

Paul stated:  I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. (Galatians 2:20, Amplified)

Peter reaffirmed this thought in his letter to God’s scattered elect: Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh [and died for us], arm yourselves [like warriors] with the same purpose [being willing to suffer for doing what is right and pleasing God], because whoever has suffered in the flesh [being like-minded with Christ] is done with [intentional] sin [having stopped pleasing the world],  so that he can no longer spend the rest of his natural life living for human appetites and desires, but [lives] for the will and purpose of God. (1 Peter 4: 1-2).

How can we continue remembrance of God’s plan of redemption in 2025?  We can include in our daily devotions activities that recognize and acknowledge God’s gift of redemption.  Scripture memorization, meditation, and journaling are great starters.   Being intentional in our efforts will ensure we never forget what Jesus Christ has done and continues to do for us! (2 Corinthians 1:9-10)

Spiritual Maturity

Spiritual Sight: A Deeper Perspective, Part 1

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Seeing with Spiritual Eyes Part 1

An invitation

When I begin my daily devotions, I open with Psalm 119:18:  Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law. My favorite teacher, Alistar Begg, often begins his bible study sessions with this prayer, “Make the book come alive to me.”

Our intent is the same though our approach may differ. We invite the Holy Spirit to join us as our Teacher, as we seek God’s instruction for our life.   Doing this, we are better able to navigate in this post-modern world where there are no absolutes nor acceptable standards of rightness.

As we examine our current society, it appears what is right or wrong is left to the judgment of the individual. In the absence of a common standard of right and wrong, anything goes.

The Heart wants what the Heart wants

People reject a standard for truth because of their greater desire to do “that which seems right in their own eyes”. But what is right?

A recent Barna Research study, The End of Absolutes: America’s New Moral Code, found no agreement on the definition of morality today.

What is it based on? Where does it come from? How can someone know what to do when making moral decisions? According to a majority of American adults (57%), knowing what is right or wrong is a matter of personal experience. This view is much more prevalent among younger generations than among older adults. Three-quarters of Millennials (74%) agree strongly or somewhat with the statement, “Whatever is right for your life or works best for you is the only truth you can know,” compared to only 38 percent of Elders. And Millennials (31%) are three times more likely than Elders (10%) and twice as likely as Boomers (16%) and Gen-Xers (16%) to strongly agree with the statement.  

People want “what they want” including freedom to choose what fits their preference and lifestyle, even if it means disobedience to God.  [1]

The need to see spiritually

What then are we to do? It is critical that we as followers of Jesus Christ, develop an “eye” for what is truth versus what is error (1 John 4:1).  We began this discussion in our series on spiritual discernment.  However, during these end times, we must be even more intentional, vigil, and alert by honing our “spiritual sight”.  (1 Pet. 1:13).

This 21st century challenge is similar to what the Disciples and the early Church faced. They encountered a society that was “hostile” to the things of God and where men “leaned to their own understanding” (Prov. 3:5).

The Disciples had to develop a “new view” of the world. Jesus taught them that view in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). It was the “Kingdom view”. Believers would have to “see” things differently than the rest of the world.  They would learn to develop their spiritual sight.

Through the leading of the Holy Spirit, the Disciples ultimately proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ. They participated in ushering in the Kingdom of God.  We have that same opportunity today.

Time to Practice

I invite you to “a deeper perspective” of God’s Word by using your spiritual sight. Following are (3) scriptures to read and meditate on this week. Feel free to use different translations and paraphrases. Get your journal out as you read and invite the Holy Spirit to join you.

Jeremiah 5:21-29

Matthew 6:22-23

1 Corinthians 2:13-16

Answer these questions for each scripture you read:

  1. How does this scripture relate to my personal walk with God?
  2. How does it influence my view of 21st century society?
  3. What “new” insight did the Holy Spirit reveal to me in this scripture?

[1] Spiritual Discernment:  Light for Darkened Eyes

Spiritual Maturity

Jesus: The One for the 21st Century

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Jesus: The One for the 21st Century

Is Jesus the One for the 21st century?

Yes, He is! I say that not based on my feelings or opinion but on what God has said about Who He is and how He operates in this fallen world.  I continue to use the phrase, “fallen world” to direct our attention to the condition that has led us to the pain and suffering we are experiencing in the world.  And that condition is sin.

It is easy to wonder why God isn’t more active in resolving the difficulties we face in our world.  Know this!  God cares and engages in every aspect of our lives (Matt. 10:29-31).  However, man’s “free will” allows him to choose those things that, many times, are outside God’s will and not in the best interest of others (which includes the world).

We often look to God to “zap the bad” and make it disappear.  Unfortunately, that isn’t how it works in a fallen world.  That’s why it is valuable to draw near to God (James 4:8) so that we can better understand His ways and His works.   When we do that, we can begin to understand why Jesus is the One for today.

What are our options?

So what have been our “options” to address the challenges of 21st century living?  We’ve tried to legislate, to mandate, and to regulate, just to name a few.  New beliefs, creeds, and convictions, offer no long-term solution to the various world crises we face.  No person, political platform, nor social movement has moved us closer to “the good life”, harmony or peace.  These are not the right solutions for our sin problem.

Why not choose Jesus?  Choose Him not for solving all the problems we experience during difficult time.  Nor for miracles Jesus can perform to address our human needs.  But choose Jesus because He is the One.  He is the One God has ordained to address the issue of sin and to give us life—life now and life in eternity.

Jesus knew.

Jesus knew He was the One.  As He arrived in Nazareth, He entered the synagogue on the sabbath day and stood up to read (Luke 4:16-21).  He read from the Old Testament book of Isaiah that prophesied of the abundant life that would be available to those who would believe and follow the promised Messiah (Isa. 61:1-2).

The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me to  preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives and  recovery of sight to the blind,  To set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.

Jesus concluded His reading with a statement meant to remove any doubt as to who He was (Luke 4:21). “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”  Jesus was the promised Messiah. Jesus was the One.

Recognizing The One

Are we poor in spirit?  Disappointed, distraught, and discouraged? Are we brokenhearted, blinded, and held captive by the world’s promise of a better life?

In our humanity, we are continually looking for someone or something to manage the challenges we face.  In God’s economy, believers understand that Jesus is The One.

  • Who better to guide us and to help us through the challenges that lie ahead than The One who is omniscient! The all-knowing One who can see today, tomorrow and into eternity.
  • Who better to protect us than the one who is omnipotent? All powerful. Not like the impotent idols we think will secure our life: wealth, status, or relationships.  All these and more, we foolishly depend on to make us feel safe and secure.
  • Who better to provide for both our spiritual and physical needs than the One who is omnipresent—”everywhere present”. Where can we go that Jesus is not with us? (Ps. 139:7-10)

Jesus is the great I Am.  Bread of life (John 6:35).  Light (John 8:12).  The Door (John 10:9).  The Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14).  Resurrection and Life (John 11:25).  The Way, Truth, and Life (John 14:6). The Vine (John 15:1, 5).

Jesus is the One!  He is the One we need right now for the challenges we are facing.  Jesus is the Only One.

Victorious Living

On the Road to God’s New Thing

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The Road to New Things

A road by any other name

A road is literally defined as a wide way leading from one place to another. We often think of roads as access to new opportunities of commerce or development, such as the road to success.

A road can also describe a series of events or a course of action that will lead to a particular outcome. In the book, The Road Less Traveled, M. Scott Peck uses “road” figuratively to describe the sometimes hard and often painful process of change. Peck uses the “road less traveled” as a illustration of the journey this requires.

Jeremiah’s  road

In Jeremiah 31, the prophet speaks to the people of God in Babylon to prepare them for a “road”—both literally and figuratively—that would return them to their own land after their 70-year exile.

Jeremiah’s message is clear. They are not to be afraid or lose heart. They are to be focused with a firm resolution to rebuild the nation of Israel.

In Jeremiah 31:22,  Israel is called to refrain from falling back into their old rebellious habits as God creates “a new road”  to their salvation—a “new thing” that had never been done before (or since).

How long wilt thou go about, O thou backsliding daughter? for the LORD hath created a new thing in the earth, A woman shall compass a man.  

Failure on the road

Israel is warned against potential backsliding which is interpreted as “faithless”. In the past both Israel and Judah had consistently failed to “holdfast” to God and depend solely on Him for their every need. (Job 27:6) The results was always disastrous as proven by the conquest of both nations.

Where are we placing our faith? Is it in people—elected officials, family members, or friends?  Are we dependent on things—bank accounts, social status, or professional affiliations? Do we believe only in ourselves—our intellect, looks, or personality? When Jesus returns, will He find  us faithfully following Him on the new road? (Luke 18:8)

With God on the road to new things

Israel is encouraged to trust God, Who would create a “new thing”—interpreted as strange and surprising—in the earth. God would create a woman who would “compass” or protect man.

Many interpreters understand this “new thing” to be the incarnation of Jesus Christ.  A woman, the Virgin Mary, enclosed in her womb the Might One. This was to be their incentive.

They would know that with their return from exile came the promise of not only their physical restoration but also the spiritual blessing of the Mighty God (Is. 9:6). God would not cast off His people but bless them. This was to be their assurance.

What is the road for us today?

How do we  to live in the knowledge of this “new thing”?  Knowing the blessings of being in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14).

• We live attentively in God’s presence. God is creating new opportunities for us.  However, we must listen for His voice and watch where He is working. (2 Chronicles 16:9)

• We live expectantly in God’s provision. God has provided all that we need to live godly lives and to accomplish His purpose in our lives. (2 Peter 1:3-8)

• We live faithfully in God’s purpose. As the elect of God we live by faith. We do not backslide or “draw back unto perdition” but trust that He who began this “good work in us” is able to complete it. (Philippians 1:6)

Our journey to understanding “new things” has hopefully provided incentive and inspiration to walk in the divine purpose God has created for our lives. When we as believers trust God and understand God’s reason for “new things”, we can move forward joyfully in faith and confidence.

Victorious Living

Living the Beatitude Life: Kingdom Rich

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Reality living in God’s Kingdom

If the television industry is to be remembered for anything, it will be the birth of “reality” programming.  Since its entrance into our entertainment schedule, the number of reality shows and spin offs have grown exponentially compared with other television venues.   While these programs are marketed as “reality”, the truth of the matter is that their plots are carefully staged. Their view of reality was no more than “staged possibility”.

However, when Jesus stated that, “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God,” (Matthew 5:3), He was presenting to the world a new reality.  A reality that was both available and possible to those who accepted Him as their Lord and Savior.  Upon accepting Christ’s invitation, believers become citizens of His kingdom and usher in a new reality for living.

The Believer’s reality

The promises (the blessedness) of the Beatitudes are available to believers only.  In fact, to unbelievers the propositions put forth in the Beatitudes appear illogical and irrational.  This should not surprise us.  The preaching of Christ (and His teachings) is “to them that are perishing foolishness” (1 Corinthians 1:18).  The world’s wisdom is based on the standards of a different king.  His name is Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4).

The believer’s reality is not based on man’s wisdom, but on that which the Holy Ghost teaches.  The natural man (unbeliever) cannot understand these things because they are spiritually discerned.  The privilege of the poor in spirit and the possession of the kingdom of heaven are reserved only for those who believe (1 Corinthians 2:12-14).

Privilege and possession

The privilege of being poor in spirit comes from understanding the need for salvation AND a Savior.  In recognizing our sinfulness and depravity, our poverty of spirit is exposed.  We cry out like Paul, “Oh wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?”  (Romans 7:24) The reality of our personal brokenness should not drive us to increased darkness.  Instead, it should invite us to the life-giving light of Jesus.  It is there that true forgiveness is possible, and spiritual transformation can begin (Colossians 1:20-22).

The possession of the kingdom of heaven can only be properly understood by knowing the King.  As believers, our reality acknowledges that our Lord and King is Jesus Christ.   In Him, we live, move, and have our meaning (Acts 17:28).  God is transcendent (beyond or above the range of human experience) and omniscient (everywhere all the time).  We live continually in His presence.  While Jesus reigns exalted with God in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:20), His rule still extends to us as we physically live in this fallen world.

Why are believers happy?

First, because we know our sins have been forgiven (Ephesians 1:7).  We no longer need to hide in the shame and the fear of our past lives.  Jesus has made it possible for us to become part of the citizenship of heaven (1 Peter 2:9).  This position comes with both privilege and power that exceed any temporary position we might hold on earth.

Second, believers not only enjoy benefits as citizens of God’s kingdom now but look forward to even more blessings in eternity (Ephesians 2:12, 18,19).   It is this reality that incent us to live holy and soberly within His kingdom (Titus 2:12).

Finally, the believer’s position in God’s kingdom can never be withdrawn or loss.  Nothing can separate us from God’s presence.  Our present and future realities are guaranteed.  It has been secured by the blood of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:18)

Living the “beatitude life” makes us kingdom rich. It results in peace that passes all understanding, indescribable joy, and love that covers a multitude of sins.  The Beatitudes witness to the extraordinary gifts that awaits us who live faithfully for Jesus.

Victorious Living

Living the Beatitude Life: An Introduction

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Living the Beatitude Life: An Introduction

A Return n to the Familiar.

Last week we shared our thoughts on peacemaking.  We used the Sermon on the Mount, more specifically, The Beatitudes, that are found in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 5:3-12).   Why did we choose them for our teaching?

While the behaviors outlined in the Beatitudes may not conform to the current “worldview”, they are none the less valid and profitable.  The Beatitudes are foundational truths for righteous living that transcend time.

21st century living through the lens of the Beatitudes is a challenge, to say the least.  They are counterculture, counter-intuitive, and just plain hard.  While living the “Beatitude life” may appear difficult, it is worth the effort in the end.

The key to living the Beatitude Life is in our understanding their benefits.   For the next few weeks, we will examine the Beatitudes and the “blessings” available to us right now.

“Nothing new under the sun.”

We believe the teachings contained in the Beatitudes are relevant and desirable for 21st century believers.  The behaviors described in the Beatitudes represent what life “in Christ” looks like in relationship to God and with our fellowman.

In Ecclesiastes 1:9, Solomon stated that “there was nothing new under the sun”.  He was not referring to the normal changes that occur over time in society.  We are continually learning and integrating new technology and innovation into our world.

What has not changed is the heart of man (Jeremiah17:9).  The influence of the world, of sin and the pulling of our flesh continues (1 John 2:16-17).  Time has not lessened the need for God’s plan of salvation.  Justification, regeneration, and sanctification—are needed as much in AD 2024 as they were needed in 1 AD.  The need will continue until Christ returns.

Supernatural power needed.

Once we become new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), we no longer are expected to live by the world’s dictates.  Instead, we are to pursue a righteous lifestyle like that demonstrated by Jesus Christ.

The behaviors chronicled in the Beatitudes, however, are not developed in the flesh.  They are supernaturally enabled.  Some believe the Beatitudes are behaviors we should strive to achieve.  No amount of striving can accomplish each of these controversial behaviors.  They are only possible through the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

Without the presence of the Holy Spirit, the Beatitudes make no sense, especially to the unredeemed world.  It is this third person of the Godhead that is responsible for the transforming work needed to live out the behaviors described in the Beatitudes (Philippians 2:13).

Stormie Omartian clarifies our response to the Holy Spirit’s power.

Know that once we have received Jesus, we can’t continue to live our old sinful lifestyle. Now that we have His Holy Spirit living in us, guiding us, and transforming us, we have no excuse.

Beatitude living is “supernatural living” that flows from a life lived in obedience to and trust in God.  Our behavior is reframed to see God and others with the eyes of Christ.

We’re not home yet.

The Beatitudes remind us that this world is not our final place of residency.   The kingdom of heaven is the reward that Jesus wants us to focus on.  In an age of instant gratification, rewards that come later are not usually sought after.

Knowing that we are “strangers and pilgrims” in this world, we must turn our attention to things that have eternal value (Colossians 3:1-2).  Therefore, we live in this world with different expectations on how life is to be lived.  Unfortunately, many believers, like unbelievers, focus on “life in this time” rather than “eternity with God”.

The Beatitudes are “rules of engagement” for followers of Christ. They are intimidating and antagonistic to accepted practices and beliefs of the world. True satisfaction and peace are only possible through Jesus Christ.  It is through Christ’s “blessedness” that true satisfaction and peace can be experienced—both now and through eternity.

Spiritual Maturity

Is There a Peacemaker in the House?

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Is there a Peacemaker in the House?

“Blessed are the peacemakers…”

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matt. 5:9, NRS).  Is peacemaking even possible in the 21st century?  The world is becoming more polarized every day and over every issue that surfaces in our life.  We are divided on everything from politics to the color of the school library.  Why is this so?

Is this the new model we are to use as we strive to live in a world marked by extraordinary diversity and constant change?

Is it a new anomaly caused by a world traumatized by the crises and the catastrophes of this new century: pandemics, wars, natural disasters, and human tragedies.

Has something occurred in our spirit that now causes us to be more accepting of evil, combative, and defensive?

Is our commitment to peacemaking dead? Is there room in our world for peacemakers?

Do we need peacemaking?

What is the opposite of peacemaking?  The antonyms for peacemaking include the following:    inflammatory, offensive, provocative, aggravating, provoking, engaging, frustrating, abrasive.  Do many of these words describe the interactions we’re having these days?  We might sum them up with one word: STRIFE.  Strife can exist between strangers, friends, church members, or yes, even family.

The Apostle James shares the results of strife left unchecked (James 3:16, KJV).  “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” The Revised Standard Version paints an even clearer picture of the results of strife. “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”  Look around, what do we see?

Wherever there is disorder and evil work, we can be assured that Satan is in the mix.  He is the proverbial puppeteer behind the actions of those he uses for his destructive actions.  However, strife can be minimized and ultimately resolved by a peacemaker.

What does a peacemaker look like?

Peacemakers are intentional in creating opportunities that mirror God’s heart of peace in the world. They look for opportunities to both prevent potential conflicts and encourage peaceful relationships, even if it means personal sacrifice and self-deference (1 Cor. 9:22).

Those who are peacemakers are first and foremost people who understand and embrace God’s provision of peace.  They understand that peace is not the result of external factors or human effort but is the internal “heart work” of the Holy Spirit, who is daily conforming believers to the image of Christ, the Ultimate Peacemaker (Rom. 8:29).

Peacemakers strive to promote the kingdom of God.  As Christ demonstrated God’s peace in His ministry, we become peacemakers in this present age (Phil. 4:7). Peacemaking finds genesis in the heart of God.

Children of God are Peacemakers.

The peace that Jesus speaks to in this Beatitude is not a “natural” habit or disposition of man. This peace is imparted to us during the process of salvation (2 Cor. 5:17).  Practicing peacemaking is not easy in the natural or our flesh.  Yet it is more than possible in the Spirit (Gal. 5:22).

What adjective do people use to describe us?  Are we portrayed as bridge builders or wrecking balls?   Do we mirror God’s heart through our love and personal sacrifice?  Are we ready to be God’s peacemakers?

Spiritual Maturity

Practicing Watchfulness: Cultivating Watchfulness

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Watchfulness recap

Today we conclude our study on watchfulness.  Our first definition of watchfulness, to attend or to serve. was illustrated in the Parable of the Ten Virgins.  Five failed “to serve” because of their lack of preparation.  As believers we are warned to remain watchful and serve as we prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Next, watchfulness was defined as being on guard against temptation. Vigilance is synonymous with watchfulness.   It adds the thought of “careful watch for possible dangers or difficulties”.  In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus warned His disciples to “watch and pray’‘.  Jesus’ admonition is appropriate for 21st century disciples so that we might standfast in our faith.

Our final definition of watchfulness deals with our prayer life. Because of the effectiveness of prayer, it is important that we be alert as to when and where prayer is needed. Each day we are engaged in spiritual battle against the powers of darkness which seek to deceive, distract, and destroy us (Eph. 6:12).   It is critical that we be watchful and faithful in our prayers.

Watchfulness always begins with prayer!

How exactly do we cultivate watchfulness?

The first and most critical way to cultivate watchfulness is to prayerfully depend on the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:26-27 tells us that we do not know how to pray, BUT the Spirit helps us in our weakness. No amount of trying to watch will safeguard our lives or the lives of others if we lack the sustaining preserving influence of God’s Spirit.

In Jude 20-21, we are told to pray “in the Holy Spirit and keep ourselves in the love of God’”.  The manner or means by which we keep ourselves is by praying in the Holy Spirit (Eph. 6:18).

Use what God has given us

Secondarily, we cultivate a spirit of watchfulness by cherishing the grace we have received.  By cherishing, I mean that we live our life acknowledging and acting on the extraordinary power and gifts that are given to us as disciples of Jesus Christ.  That power is seen as we mature and grow in the knowledge of the Lord.

The Apostle Peter speaks of this growth in his letter to those believers scattered abroad because of their faith.  Peter knew they were suffering.  He wrote to encourage and remind them of what they possessed within them (2 Pet. 1:3,8, Amplified).

 For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through [a]true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence…For as these qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ.

God’s Word.  Our Walk.

We cultivate a spirit of watchfulness by persevering in the Word.  Reading God’s Word is not just a matter of routine.  It is a “spiritual necessity” if we are to understand God’s will and His way.  It is through the Word that the Holy Spirit imparts the grace and knowledge of God (1 Cor. 2:12).  Without it, we cannot hear!  Without it, we will not know!  (1 Cor. 2:14, 15)

Finally, we cultivate a spirit of watchfulness by developing a daily rhythm for walking with God.  There are varying thoughts on how believers do this. It ranges from following a daily routine of early morning devotion, to those who practice the presence of the Lord throughout the day.

It of course includes daily prayers: prayers of thanksgiving, supplication, and intercession (1 Tim. 2:1). It might include praise and worship, studying of the Word, which includes both meditation and memorization.  We may conclude our day in solitude and reflection.

Whatever “rhythm” we choose, the most important thing to remember is this:  God is the focus.  Developing a daily rhythm of walking with God is not about a “religious routine”.  It’s all about deepening our relationship with the Lord.

Watchfulness is important to us today. Even more than in the 1st century.  Look around and what do we see?  The world has failed to make good on the promise of a “better life” in the 21st century. But God, who never changes and is faithful, makes good on all His promises.  That’s why it is important to follow His leadership through the Holy Spirit.  This includes Jesus’ admonition to “watch and pray”.

The Holy Spirit

Meeting the Holy Spirit: From Head to Heart, Part 2

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From Head to Heart, Part 2

A transformative relationship.

To move the Holy Spirit from head to heart, we need a personal relationship with Him.  With the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we begin that relationship that will end with us being conformed to the image of Christ (sanctification).

Conforming to Christ’s image is God’s desire for us.  It is where our transformative relationship begins (Rom. 8:29).  We as believers cannot accomplish sanctification.  It is the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit.  We can, however, help or hinder His work in us.  It is important that we cooperate with the Holy Spirit. 

What does the relationship look like?

Our relationship with the Spirit begins with letting the Holy Spirit fill us with His mind.  Warren Wiersbe, noted theologian and teacher, gives insight into how our relationship with the Holy Spirit should operate.

It is not enough for us to have the Spirit; the Spirit must have us! Only then can He share with us the abundant, victorious life that can be ours in Christ. We have no obligation to the flesh, because the flesh has only brought trouble into our lives. We do have an obligation to the Holy Spirit, for it is the Spirit who convicted us, revealed Christ to us, and imparted eternal life to us when we trusted Christ. Because He is “the Spirit of Life,” He can empower us to obey Christ, and He can enable us to be more like Christ.[1]

Our personal relationship with the Holy Spirit requires that we empty ourselves OF OURSELVES.  Then there is room for the filling of the Holy Spirit.   Through His filling, we receive His power, His truth, His wisdom, and His love.  Over time, our relationship with the Holy Spirit will begin to “squeeze out” things of this world and the flesh.  Our desire for things “eternal” will take priority (Psa. 27:4).  Our decisions and behaviors will reflect the Spirit’s presence in our life (good fruit).

It’s all about the right perspective.

As we attempt to “find our voice” and “discover who we are”, we might lose sight as to our real purpose in life, which can only be defined by God (Eph.2:20).   The Holy Spirit helps us with our perspective.  He is our Helper.  He helps us to be who God created us to be. “God wants to lead you to places you cannot get to without Him, and He does that by the power of His Spirit.”[2]

[1] Warren Wiersbe, “To Be Series”.

[2] Stormie Omartian, Lead Me, Holy Spirit:  Longing to Hear the Voice of God.