Tag Archives: obedience

Rehearsing God’s Mercy

January 31, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Rehearsing helps us remember.

When we hear the word “rehearse”, we conjure up visions of singing, dancing, or acting. A rehearsal is a preparatory event that is performed before the official public performance, as a form of practice. The intent of a rehearsal is to ensure that all details of the performance are adequately prepared and coordinated for presentation.

This Psalm is a timely rehearsal that help us to remember God’s loving protection and provision in our lives. It is a time that we reflect when God has shown His great mercy to us (Lam. 3:22-23). It is, then possible, by repeating God’s example, that we can begin to expand our mercy and our compassion to others. It is in preparing that we begin to conform to the image of Jesus (Rom. 12:2). We can begin to rehearse God’s mercy.

Rehearsing prepares.

In Psalm 106, the psalmist prepares the Jews who have returned from Exile by recounting the mercies extended by God to the nation of Israel. Can you imagine returning to your hometown after a 70-year absence?

Many of the older Jews had died in captivity; younger Jews had little to draw upon to refresh their memory of God’s love and provision for Israel during her glory days. Instead, they arrived to find burnt gates and broken walls.

Many would have forgotten God’s reason for allowing them to go into captivity. It was their habitual, sinful nature and rebellious lifestyle (v.43) that resulted in their 70-year banishment from Israel. It was the psalmist’s intent to prepare the returning Jews’ hearts and minds for spiritual revival—a return to God.

Rehearsing increases wisdom.

The Psalmist takes time to share with the returning Jews, the errors that contributed to their exile. Here are a few key learnings that are still appropriate for today’s believers.

- Confess and repent of your sins to avoid God’s judgment. “We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.” (v. 6)

- Seek God’s wisdom in all your decision making. “They soon forgot his works; they waited not for his counsel.” (v. 13)

- Eliminate complaints about what you don’t have and express gratitude for God’s provision.“They despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word: But murmured in their tents and hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD.” (vv.24-25)

Even in Israel’s rebellion and sin, God never failed to extend His mercy and grace (vv. 44-45).

“Nevertheless he (God) regarded their distress when he heard their cry. For their sake he remembered His covenant and showed compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love.”

Rehearsing makes for great testimonies.

If we were to “rehearse” God’s mercy in our life, what would we write? Would it be similar to Israel’s history reflecting a life pattern of sin and backsliding? Do we see evidence of God’s love and mercy regardless of our rebellion and spiritual failures? Take time to reflect on where you’ve come from and then write your own psalm reflecting when and how God’s love and mercy was extended to you.

Satan uses our memory to evoke shame and guilt for things we have done that were not God honoring. However, we can use our past errors as our testimony to others about the saving love of Christ. If we now walk under the guidance and direction of God’s Spirit, remembrance of our life B.C. (Before Christ) should not be an indictment against us but evidence of the immense love God has for us.

There is nothing better than living in God’s A.D. (Abundant Dominion). Let us continually rehearse God’s mercy in our hearts and minds as we prepare for effective service and kingdom building.

Advent/Christmas

What do you want for Christmas?

December 20, 2022 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Christmas past

What do you want for Christmas this year? What’s your ask? When I was a child, my anticipation of Christmas was so high. I remember the special journey to see the animated Christmas displays in the store windows in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. The shops on “Petticoat Lane” and the special baked goods at “The Cake Box”. There was no sitting on Santa’s lap and sharing our list of wants, but endless nights of looking at the special Christmas catalogue from Sears, J.C. Penney’s, and “Monkey Wards” (Montgomery Wards). What a wonderful and magical time!

But I’m no longer a child. To the contrary, I’m a grandmother and family elder. Now as I anticipate Christmas, I ask myself, what do I want? What are my choices? Things eternal or things of this world? Now I must look beyond Christmas Day with its torn wrapping paper and empty boxes. I want something that lasts beyond Christmas Day. Don’t you? As we close out this year, I invite you to join me in answering this question for yourself.

What’s on your list?

Harry & David suggests we warm hearts with festive gourmet gifts and Christmas gift baskets. That’s no surprise! “Do it Yourselfers” ensure us that handmade gifts will be received with joy: polaroid photo magnets (try finding a polaroid camera), beautifully packaged cookie mixes or pretty finger knit blankets. Who has the time?

Topping the list of the 23 “hottest cool gadgets” for Christmas is a Black Bird drone with camera for $99. “For the first time, ordinary people can capture crazy selfies and shots that were previously only possible with professional equipment.” I’m sure our neighbors and friends will love sharing in on this gift.

But what do people really want?

Here are some things to consider as you plan your gift shopping.

In an article entitled The Top 10 Things People Want in Life but Can’t Seem to Get, I was amazed in reading the responses to this informal survey that probed “critical life and career questions.” From my reading, I compiled (in their order of importance) the top five (5) areas people are feeling desperate about: happiness, money, freedom, peace, and joy. I’ve included a sixth, balance, since it is the focus of many Millennials and Genxers. What was surprising was that most of the items were intangible, subjective (what I can feel), and internal versus external.

In the aftermath of COVID (before the variants), people wanted “relationship”. A few verbatims are captured below recognizing the extraordinary power and satisfaction that can only be found through our connection with one another.

“Have a big family get together!”
“Go to a game and watch some sports!”
“See my mom in assisted living.”
“Make sure all my friends are cured too, then we’ll party!”

A new Barna Group report was released this month on trends in the Black church[1]. When asked what churchgoers wanted for their lives, the results were as follows:

84% wanted good health
83% wanted a close relationship with God
77% wanted to provide for their family
75% wanted a clear purpose for living

Note the focus of the three groups. They were primarily, intangibles, subjective, and internal.

What I want for Christmas 2022

Challenges will continue in 2023. Financial upheaval, political squabbles, shortages, rising social needs, hunger, and homelessness (regardless of the new names). What do we need? What do we want?

After conducting my personal survey among friends and family, I’ve created a revised “short Christmas list”. Many of the items on this list have been sermonized during this season of Advent. They are hope, peace, joy, and love.

- Hope—”expecting a better future for the world, our nation, and our families”
- Peace— “less hatred, division, and political strife”
- Joy— “more contentment and gratitude regardless of our situation”
- Love—”better relationships and greater compassion for others”

Reflecting on the various lists of “things” people desire, it is clear, God has already provided these and much more. Happiness, freedom, and balance. God will provide it. Relationship. God will be whomever we need in our life. Hope, peace, joy, and love. In Him and in His presence, we will find more than we need (Eph. 3:20-21). It is up to each of us to access our heavenly gifts through faith and obedience to God. In Christ, all these things are currently ours.

Below are my “gift lists” available to us through relationship with our Heavenly Father, Who only gives “good and perfect gifts” (James 1:17). God’s gifts last beyond the torn tissue and open boxes. They last beyond Christmas day through all of eternity. With God and in Christ, every day is Christmas.

Ephesians 1:3-17
2 Peter 1:3-18

[1] This report was created in partnership with Black Millennial Café, Urban Ministries, Inc., Compassion International to celebrate the legacy of the Black Church in America and to pursue racial justice inside and outside the Church. With that intent, there is no comparative study for White churches.

Spiritual Endurance

Throwback Wednesday: Recapturing Our Thoughts

October 26, 2022 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

A Great Read

I recently finished a book which has proven very insightful for me as I strive to be “more conformed” to the image of my Lord and Savior. The book is entitled, “Watchfulness: Rediscovering a Lost Spiritual Discipline, by Brian G. Hedges.

Hedges proposes that Christians could benefit spiritually by exercising greater “vigilance or watchfulness” over their hearts, minds, and souls. Why? To protect ourselves from Satan’s snares, the world’s bendings, and our flesh’s weakness. We need to be more intentional.

Throwback connection

With this book I mind, I thought it would be a great refresher to revisit for this Throwback Wednesday, “Recapturing Our Thoughts.”

Our thoughts are vulnerable to attack by the world and by Satan. Our flesh is continually weakened by marketing and media; by every sound byte we listen to.

Begin your “watchfulness journey” by recapturing your thoughts.

Spiritual Endurance

The Theology of Suffering: Purpose and Possibilities, Part 2

October 11, 2022 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Just the Facts

We understand that suffering is a part of life. As we know, suffering is not part of God’s original divine plan but is a result of sin. Because of that, Christians acknowledge that we live in a sinful, “fallen world.” As believers, our response to suffering—pain, distress, and hardship—is shaped by two key factors. First, our trust in God (Ps. 62:5-8) and secondarily, our Christian worldview (Eccl. 9:11).

An “enlightened” response

The Bible also informs our response to suffering. Although it offers no “magic pill” to overcome pain and distress, it does reveal how God operates on our behalf during difficult times (2 Cor. 1:3-5). Jesus demonstrated how man can operate knowing he will suffer. For Jesus, suffering was needful and “purposeful” (Heb. 2:10). It resulted in the salvation of mankind and the elimination of the power of sin (Heb. 2:14-15). In His suffering and death, Jesus modelled for us His trust in and obedience to God.

How we choose to respond to our suffering will determine its purpose and possibility in our life. As I said earlier, our response to suffering can either make us “better or bitter”, it all depends on our trust in God and our worldview. These create an enlightened, faith-based response.

Better or bitter?

In 2010, a well-known Bible teacher and speaker, Joni Eareckson Tada was diagnosed with breast cancer. The thing that made this news so heart wrenching for me was the fact that Joni had for the last 43 years lived as a quadriplegic—and now this? Questions raced in my mind. “How much suffering can a person take?” She dedicated her life to Christ and helping others—and now this? The old cliché came to mind. “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Can any good come from suffering?

Certain types of suffering may result from our own wrong choices or because of the wrong choices and acts of others. But regardless of the cause (sin), it is our personal response that really matters. A faith-based response will not only enable us to cope during the suffering but also rekindle our hope (2 Cor. 4:7-9). It will also strengthen our resolve and build our resiliency (2 Cor. 4:15-17).

Suffering—purpose and possibility

Our suffering is purposeful. As a ship is proven seaworthy by the beating of the waves and the whipping of the winds, likewise, our suffering aids us in becoming mature Christians.

The Apostle Peter states that after we have “suffered a while, we will be perfect, established, strengthened and settled” (1 Pet. 5:10). Paul eloquently witnessed to the value of his many suffering experiences and the future reward of his obedience and faith: “I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18).

How we respond to suffering is a witness to the power of God and His sustaining Presence (The Holy Spirit) in our life. It will result in His praise, honor, and glory (1 Pet. 1:6-7).

Our suffering offers possibilities. Possibilities is defined as “unspecified qualities of a promising nature”. In Latin, possibilis means “able to be done.” All things are possible, even in the midst of suffering, if we build our full reliance and trust in God. Is anything, including our suffering, too hard for God? (Jer. 32:27)

Possibilities build our hope. As Christ trusted Himself to His Father, so should we believers commit ourselves to our faithful Creator (1 Pet. 4:19). He remains our strong tower and defense regardless of the challenges we face. In addition, our hope is anchored in the firm expectation that we will reign in heaven with Christ (2 Tim. 2:12). We are to fix our eyes on Christ and the future He has for us, even though we may suffer all kinds of trials in these present times (2 Cor. 4:17-18).

Can any good come from suffering?

What would Joni Eareckson Tada say? How would the Apostles Paul and Peter respond? If we read their writings, we’d find they would answer yes. Why would they respond in that manner? Because they had developed the right theology of suffering.

That theology was not based on their current condition (suffering) but on their trust in God and their Kingdom worldview. We are told that in everything we are to give thanks (1 Thess. 5:18). That includes our suffering. We know that in that suffering experience we are guaranteed the presence of God to sustain us and the exceeding promise of His glory, both now and in the future.

Next week, we will conclude our study on suffering by answering this question, “Where is God in suffering?”

Our Faith Walk

What’s Going On?

August 2, 2022 ITWMinistries 1 Comment

What’s going on?

One of my favorite songs (past and present) is by American soul singer, songwriter, and producer Marvin Gaye.

It was released on May 21, 1971, by Motown Records. The narrative established by the songs is told from the point of view of a Vietnam veteran returning to his home country to witness hatred, suffering, and injustice. Gaye’s introspective lyrics explore themes of drug abuse, poverty, and the Vietnam War. He has also been credited with promoting awareness of ecological issues before the public outcry over them had become prominent (Mercy, Mercy Me).[1]

As I look around our nation and world, I ask the same question. What’s going on? And I even ask where is God in all this confusion? And why doesn’t God intervene? Such was the case with the prophet Habakkuk as he looked upon the nation of Judah.

The consequence of sin

The prophetic book of Habakkuk shares the dialogue between a “gracious God” and an “anxious prophet”. As is true with both the major and minor prophets, we are given great insight as to how a holy God deals with an unholy and rebellious nation.

Although the nation of Judah was God’s “covenant people” (Deut. 7:7), God was now prepared to meter punishment on them like they had never experienced. The prophet Habakkuk has been chosen for “such a time as this”—a time when time has runout!

Judah was guilty of extraordinary sins. Habakkuk inquired of God how long He would allow the wickedness of Judah to go unpunished. They would not go unpunished. God would use the nation of Babylon as His “chastening rod”.

We often think that our wrong behavior is not being seen by others. While that may be true for a moment, the fact is, God sees! What is done in the dark, will always come to light (Luke 8:17). Many of our ousted elected officials and fallen religious leaders can attest to that truth. However, there are always consequences for sin and it’s usually not good.

The cost of sin

God lists for Habakkuk the sins of Judah in five (5) “woes”. God “had” indeed taken notice of Judah’s crimes (Hab. 2:5-20). They included:

- - greed and aggression (vv. 5-8)
  - exploitation and extortion (vv. 9-11)
  - violence (vv. 12-14)
  - immorality (vv. 15-17)
  - idolatry (vv. 18-20)

We live in a world like Judah. Look at the woes! We sin both individually and collectively, as a nation. God’s standard for righteous living has not changed (Micah 6:8; Mal. 3:6). Does God see what we’re doing? Of course, He does (Ps. 33:13-14; Ps. 139:8-12). The question is, are we willing to deal with the consequences of our sins? Are we willing to accept the cost?

The cost is being realized as we see the immediate impact sin has on our children, our families, and our communities.

- The hungry. Hunger is a very real issue for 12% or 41 million people in the United States.
- The homeless. Why are people homeless? Because of “lack”! Lack of affordable housing, income, employment opportunities, and healthcare.
- The abused. Domestic violence. Sexual abuse. Human trafficking.

But what do these impacts have to do with sin? Re-read the “five woes” and see how they fit in our 21^st century culture. If we are not guilty by “commission”, perhaps we are culpable by “omission”—by what we don’t do to make life better for others (Prov. 3:27).

The just shall live by faith

Although God’s judgment was hard for Habakkuk to accept, he recognized the only “proper response” in the midst of this dilemma. He was “to live by faith, not by sight” (Hab. 2:4).

As we look at the world we live in, it is easy to be disillusioned and in despair. Just like Habakkuk, we may question how long God will tolerate sinful and evil behavior from both individuals and nations.

Regardless of who sits in the White House or State House, we as believers in Christ are to do our part to speak truth and justice. We are to engage in our world to represent Jesus as He ensures God’s will is accomplished (2 Cor. 5:15). We are to live by faith.

Like Habakkuk, we have an ordained purpose to accomplish (Eph. 2:10). We are to pursue our purpose trusting that God sees and is always in control. He is constantly, through every historic event moving us to His divine plan of salvation for mankind.

Knowing that, our purpose should not focus on our personal agendas. But instead let us join God in His plan. Like Habakkuk and Esther and all those who have gone before us, we were created for such a time as this. Let us not be in despair but let us “go forth” in the strength of the Lord (Ps. 71:16).

[1] Wikipedia

Victorious Living

Losing Our Mind

July 26, 2022 ITWMinistries

Losing our Mind

In the 90’s there was a commercial that declared “a mind is a terrible thing to waste.” Its intent was to encourage the pursuit of higher education.

Unfortunately, a politician, hoping to win “kudos” and votes with potential constituents misquoted this saying resulting in the statement, “a mind is a terrible thing to lose.” That politician was not re-elected.

Mind management

In his letter to the church at Philippi, the Apostle Paul gives advice as to the best use of one’s mind. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5). In other words, we are to set aside our way of thinking and replace it with the same type of thinking as Jesus. And what is the results of doing this? Victorious living.

Victorious according to Webster is defined as having won a victory or characterized by victory. I’m not suggesting that our life will be perfect nor problem free. Our victory comes in the knowledge that Jesus has already overcome every situation we now face in our life (Heb. 4:15; 1 John 5:5). In Christ, we have everything we need to overcome the challenges of 21^st century living (2 Pet. 1:3-4, RSV).

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, that through these you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of passion and become partakers of the divine nature.

How do we obtain the mind of Christ?

To have a mind of Christ we must…

Be willing to exchange our position and our plans, for the purpose God has designed for our life. Christ willingly joined God in His plan of salvation for mankind (Eph. 1: 4-6).

Trust in God and believe that all things work together for good to those called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28).

Humble ourselves like Christ. Our intents and actions should seek “no personal reputation” nor gain (Phil. 2:6-8). Christ voluntarily set aside His privileges (“being in the form of God”) and accepted a lower status (“took on the form of a bondservant and made in the likeness of man”). Why? For us. That we might be released from the bonds of sin and have eternal life.

Our victory

Finally, to have the mind of Christ, we must be obedient. Obedience is the highest form of love. Because of our love for God, we must be willing to sacrifice our thoughts and actions to follow the instructions He has set before us (1 Sam. 15:22). Christ’s obedience was love of the highest caliber. Jesus was obedient even if it meant death by the worst possible punishment, death on the cross (Phil. 2:8).

Paul shares with the Philippians God’s reward for Jesus Christ’s “mind” (Phil. 2:9-10):

Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Possessing the mind of Christ will empower us to “pull down strongholds and cast down obstacles that hold themselves up above the knowledge of God. We can do this by bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Cor. 10:4-5)

“A mind may be a terrible thing to lose” unless you replace it with the mind of Christ. There is an old axiom that states, “You can’t lose what you never had.” Read the Gospel account of the Madman of Gadarenes (Mark 5:1-19) and see how losing your mind can change your life.

Our Faith Walk

Two Boats and a Helicopter

July 19, 2022 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

The choices we make

I’m sure you have heard the story about the man who faced imminent danger as a result of a flood that begun to ravage his community. The flood waters became higher, forcing him to retreat to the roof of his house. On two occasions, individuals in boats beckoned him to climb into their boats and save his life. But he refused and shouted back from his roof, “I’m a Christian! God will save me!”

Finally, the waters rose to the edge of the roof. Suddenly a helicopter appeared and begged the man to grab the dropped latter and be saved. Well, you know what happened! The man refused and ultimately died. When he entered heaven, he demanded to see God. “Why did you let me drown?” Instead of striking him down with a lightening bolt, God calmly replied, “Hey, I sent you two boats and a helicopter.”

As we face the challenges and problems in our life, we often fail to watch and follow the leads that God sends us. Many of these are given to us before we enter our trial. However, when we’re in that dire situation, so is God! God is there AND He wants us to use the resources He has provided for us. Such was the case with Moses as he faced his first hurdle upon leaving Egypt for the Promise Land (Exodus 14).

After Moses and the Israelites left Egypt, Pharoah had “seller remorse”. God hardened his heart and caused him to regret letting the Israelite slaves leave (S). He probably felt like he had been duped. Who would do the work that the Israelites did? Egypt’s economy would probably suffer, not to mention their quality of life—who would cook, clean, and serve them? So much for Pharoah right now, let’s return to Moses’ dilemma.

The dilemma

As Pharoah and his army approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, “Weren’t there enough graves in Egypt that you brought us out here to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt?”

The complaints escalated. Moses tried to reassure the Israelites that everything would be alright. He tried to coach them to “stand firm” and “be still”. God would fight for them! (Exod. 14:13-14). Moses told them that they would see the salvation of the LORD on that day. But all they could see were Egyptians bringing up the rear fast. They could not see God!

As I read this passage, I saw myself when facing hard times and challenges. I tend to see only what I can look at with my physical eyes—loss of health, injustice, change in relationships, economic uncertainty.

It’s even harder for me to “be still”. I need to fix this situation and now. I see only me standing before the Red Sea. But all is not loss—I’ll tell you why in a few. Back to Moses.

“Any old help will do.”

I’m sure Moses cried to God. Exactly what he said is not included in the scripture text. But the Lord used this moment to speak directly to Moses. Was God going to tell him that help was on the way? Was He sending two boats and a helicopter?

The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward” (Exod. 14:15).

Moses probably thought, “Really? Red Sea before me and Egyptians behind me.” Sometimes when we pray, God’s answers don’t always make sense to us at first. But that’s where our faith in God—His greatness and His goodness—reinforces the need to obey His instructions (Heb. 11:1).

God gave Moses an answer he didn’t expect: “Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.” (Exod. 14:16)

Moses had the answer to His dilemma “right in his hand” PLUS the power of God. Moses and his staff would be the conduit God would use to not only deliver the Israelites but also glorify God. This act of deliverance would spread throughout the countryside including to the potential tribes in the Promise Land whom the Israelites would need to conquer (Exod. 14:18).

When you need help…

From this study, I came to the following conclusions about what to do when I need help.

1. Assess what I currently have available to address my problem. I will not only inventory what I have with my “physical eyes” (my mind and my intellect) but also with my “spiritual eyes”. When I read God’s Word, especially His promises and follow that with prayer, I can expect God to show me what to do. I have learned that God’s ways, methods, and timing are not the same as mine (Is. 55:8-9). THEY ARE BETTER!

1. “Lift up to God” the resources He has already provided for my solution. Moses failed to remember that God had told him that He would go with him on the journey to the Promised Land. He had forgotten how God used Moses’ staff in the court of Pharoah (Exod. 4:3). Sometimes I refuse to move forward until I have “all the information and answers”. When that happens, it is important for me to call to remembrance (Is. 46:9,10) where God has stepped in to join me in my battles (2 Chron. 20:6-7, 12).

1. Move forward. I am still learning each day to move forward when directed by God. I guess it’s part of being human. I am learning to move “more quickly” when God directs me and learning to trust Him more.

In my moments of prayer and meditation, I ask God to show me those areas of my life where I sin by being prideful or self-reliant. He uses that time together to gently redirect my attention away from my problems and look to Him. God is greater than any problem we may face and better equipped to solve them. Only God can guarantee our success!

When God created us, He not only placed His purpose within us but also placed the ability to complete that purpose (Phil. 1:6). As God prepares our path, He also prepares us for the path. It is our responsibility to believe, to trust, and then obey.

Conclusion

The next time you need help, deliverance, or an answer for life’s challenges, don’t always look for a miracle from God. He doesn’t need to come to our rescue. God is always with us. We daily live not in God’s miracles but by His lovingkindness and grace. He is there to help us see the resources He has already provided for our escape (Eph. 1:17-20).

Prayer: O Heavenly Father, grow within us the faith we need for the challenges we face. Train us to look at our problems as opportunities to partner with You in their resolution. Forgive us when we lean on our own understanding. Place in our heart an expectation that You are with us and will always act on our behalf. Lord, finally, help us to “Go forward” in Your name and by Your power. Amen

Lenten Season

What does the Cross mean to Me?

April 12, 2022 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

A time for reflection

The week before Easter is designated as Holy Week. We join Jesus as He journeys to the Cross. We experience His “human nature”, up close and personal. The Gospel writers invite us to listen in on the conversations and vicariously join the activities that will ultimately end on Good Friday on a cross.

Hopefully this week, we will engage in activities that expand our understanding of the sacrifice and suffering that Jesus experienced (Is. 53:5). It is also a time in which we can examine our obedience in following God’s will. Are we willing to sacrifice our life on the cross that lay before us? What does the Cross mean to me?

The Cross and I

What does the Cross mean to me? Is it an object on which Christ was crucified? Or is it a piece of jewelry that you wear? Our view of the Cross is critical in that it establishes the basis of our Christian belief and personal walk of faith.

In the routine of daily living, we often forget Christ’s work of grace on the Cross. Unfortunately, some believers are only superficially drawn to the Cross. We give attention to it only during the sacrament of communion or at Easter. It is critical that we clearly define the Cross’ significance so that we might re-engage its purpose and power in our life.

At the Cross

Christian doctrine is founded on “the Cross.” Our belief about sin and salvation begin and end at the Cross (Rom. 3:23; 6:23). Our identity as children and heirs of God are established by our knowledge of what Christ accomplished on the Cross (Eph. 1:7; Rom. 8:17).

To Jesus Christ, the Cross signified lordship and commitment to Him. He told those who would follow Him that unless they were willing to bear His cross, they could not be His disciple (Luke 14:27). Christ has not altered His requirement for discipleship in the twenty-first century. The Cross demands commitment.

To Paul and other New Testament writers, the Cross represented the Good News (Gospel) of Jesus Christ. This gospel was to be clearly articulated to those identified in the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20). Jesus Christ died for sin, He rose from the dead, and “whosoever believeth in Him” shall have everlasting life. The gospel message remains the same in the twenty-first century. The Cross is salvation.

To Christians, the Cross recounts God’s extraordinary act of love. “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). George Matherson penned in his hymn these words:

O Love that will not let me go,

I rest my weary soul in thee;

I give thee back the life I owe,

That in thine ocean depths its flow

May richer, fuller be.

God’s plan of salvation did not come as an “after thought” but was formed in eternity (Eph. 1:4-7). Before the Fall, God set in motion His plan of salvation to return beloved man to Himself.

Return to the Cross

Jesus was the decided Victor on Resurrection Sunday. He disarmed and shamed Satan by His victory over death and over sin (Heb. 2:14-17). Knowledge of this strengthens our faith and confidence in Him.

As believers in Christ, let us reverence the Cross, not as a material object seen in isolation, but as the instrument of Christ’s triumph and love (Col. 2:13-15).

Return to the Cross and Christ’s life-transforming love. Re-discover its power that will never pass away.

Jesus, keep me near the cross

There’s a precious fountain

Free to all a healing stream

Flows from Calvary’s mountain

In the Cross,

Be my glory ever,

‘Til my raptured soul shall find

Rest beyond the river.

Have a blessed Easter. Hallelujah, He is Risen!

Lenten Season

Obedience and the Journey to the Cross

April 5, 2022 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Obedience and the Journey

We continue our Lenten season journey to the Cross. In this study, we discussed the meaning of obedience to God. Obedience is discerning what God wants and choosing to seek that outcome. Our response of obedience flows from a heart that hears God’s voice and feels God’s love. It is a matter of choosing and turning to Him versus the lusts of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, or the pride of life (1 John 2:16).

The hallmark of obedience is modeled by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ especially as He journeyed to the Cross. Jesus demonstrated for us “perfected” obedience by His humility, His faithfulness, and His submission to God’s will.

We decided that obedience was both the outcome of our faith walk and the means by which spiritual maturity is accomplished. We “perfect” (bring to fruition) our obedience through the Holy Spirit and practicing spiritual disciplines that conform us to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29). We daily accept the “obedience challenge” by exercising our freedom in Christ rather than being disobedient slaves to sin.

Let go of the ego!

As we perfect our obedience, probably the most difficult part of our journey is our willingness to “let go.” Letting go requires releasing those things that cause us to be independent of God and operate outside the will of God.

Letting go necessitates that we pray often, wait expectantly, and trust unequivocally. When we “let go and let God”, the results are always more than we can accomplish in our own power (1 Cor. 2:9). Much of the difficulty in “letting go,” often times, lie in our inability to “let go of our ego.”

What’s with the ego?

Ego, in this case, is not an exaggerated sense of self-importance but the use of “fleshly” knowledge and “human” effort to accomplish God’s purpose. This is often the case when we endeavor to live righteous and holy lives in our own power. Some of us attempt to do this by “works”: we visit the sick, feed the hungry, and do all the things we think will please the Lord.

Some of us become “masters of spiritual disciplines”: we read our Bible every day, fast and pray, and tithe ten percent. Regardless of our approach, we “miss the mark” using fleshly methods to create spiritual outcomes. In Philippians 3:4-5, the Apostle Paul, confesses his attempt to live holy by operating out of his flesh.

Even though I, too, have reason for confidence in the flesh. If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.

Interestingly the pronoun “I”, in the passage above, in Greek is translated “ego.” Paul’s failure was not due to lack of works or poor self-discipline; nor was it the result of a poor attitude or “stinking thinking.” Paul attempted to do the work and will of God in his own strength. What was the best solution for Paul’s dilemma? He declared his faith and dependence on Jesus Christ (Phil. 3:7-9). Paul “let go his ego” and chose to obediently follow God.

Preparation for Holy Week

As we prepare for Holy Week, let us consider the journey through the lens of obedience. To help us with this exercise, take time to meditate on Philippians 3:8 (NRSV).

I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.

When we meditate, we “focus our thoughts” (versus daydreaming). We invite the Holy Spirit to join us. There can be no meditation without His presence. Below are three (3) simple methods of meditation you can try.[1]

Meditation method #1: Emphasize different words in the text.

Meditation method #2: Rewrite the text in your own words.

Meditation method #3: Formulate a principle from the text. What does it teach?

Don’t rush this exercise. Spend time re-reading and focusing on each word. Give attention to the verse, each phrase, and words included in this scripture. Remember, all Scripture is the inspired word from God (2 Tim. 3:16). Take time to hear not only what God is saying to Paul but also, what is God saying to you.

Journal what you learn from your meditation—about God, the Gospel, your ego, and yourself. Ask the Holy Spirit to show how you can practice obedience as you daily journey to the Cross.

[1] Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, Donald S. Whitley.

Lenten Season

Obedience or Slavery?

March 29, 2022 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Preparing for the Passion

Our Lenten season journey will soon close with remembrance of the Passion Week. This week, prior to Easter, recounts the suffering and death of Jesus Christ as He journeyed to the Cross. During that week, Jesus was intentional and direct as He prepared his disciples for the gruesome ending of His physical life. His act represented, not only His extreme love for us but also, His unyielding obedience to the Father.

Jesus’ substitutional death was decreed by God before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4). A sacrifice for sin was needed (Lev. 17:11) and Jesus was that willing, obedient sacrifice. Jesus was to die for our sins and receive the penalty we deserved. From the Garden of Eden to the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus’ focus was to release us from the bondage of sin (Matt. 1:21).

Jesus leads the way

Jesus announced His arrival as the promised Messiah in the synagogue at Nazareth. He was the Anointed One who would “release the captives and let the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18).

Jesus accomplished that purpose on Easter Sunday, when He rose from the dead, breaking the power and the penalty of sin in our lives (Col. 2:13-15). This includes sins we have committed in the past, commit in the present, and will commit in the future. When we reach heaven, we will finally be delivered from the presence of sin.

Jesus’ obedience led to our victory over sin and our freedom to grow in grace (2 Pet. 3:18). Why? So that we can obediently serve the Lord and further His kingdom.

So why are we still acting like slaves?

In Romans 6:16-18, the Apostle Paul challenges the young church at Rome to obediently follow Jesus and the Word (the Gospel) that had been delivered to them. I guess you could call them “hokey-pokey” Christians. They had “one foot in the Church and one foot in the world”. Sound familiar?

Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that you, having once been slaves of sin, have become obedient from the heart to the form of teaching to which you were entrusted, and that you, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.

This is the same “obedience challenge” we face daily while living in our earthly flesh. Until we are delivered from the presence of sin, we must doggedly declare “ourselves dead to sin and alive to God” (Rom. 6:11). We must exercise our freedom in Christ to leave behind sinful patterns and influences which move us away from God. We must not take God’s glorious gift of grace for granted and continue in sin through our disobedience.

Slaves of righteousness

During this season of Lent, many of us are practicing the discipline of fasting. We have given up some habit, practice, or vice and have replaced it with new activities that draw us closer to Jesus. This includes more time in prayer, studying the Word, or solitude.

Lent is a period of denying our “flesh” and of self-reflection, hopefully leading us to greater spiritual maturity and obedience. But let’s be honest, aren’t there some things we should stop doing beyond Lenten season? Some sin(s) that are keeping us enslaved to the world and Satan? (Heb. 12:1)

Are we choosing to remain “shackled” by sin when Christ has set us free from sin’s power and penalty?

“You are slaves of the one you obey.” Question for today: Who are you obedient to?