Tag Archives: victorious living

Our Faith Walk

The Surrendered Life

Leave a comment

The Surrendered Life

Living for Christ

In my faith walk, I must constantly remind myself that “I am not my own.”  My new life in Christ was purchased with the precious blood of Jesus Christ (1 Corininthians 6:19-20).

This life brings new responsibility as we share Jesus’ message of reconciliation:   Jesus died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. (2 Corinthians 5:15) Living for Christ requires that we live a surrendered life.  It is not by accident or happenstance.  It is intentional.

Understanding surrender

In his book, Immortal Diamonds, Richard Rohr shares a glimpse into the secret of living a surrendered life through the contemporary example of the Amish.

The Amish people know they are connected to and a part of a much larger divine reality which looks naïve to the rest of us.  On the foundation as to what is real and what is passing, they are experts.  It also explains their peace, happiness and contentment.

Understanding begins when we seek and prioritize God’s plan for our life.  It is in God that we live, breathe, and have our meaning (Acts 17:28).  Our worldview is based on the reality of God, the certainties of faith, and the “end game” that leads us to eternity with the Lord (1 John 5:13).  The surrendered life begins with denying self and the world.  It begins with Jesus as our priority.

Surrender begins with denying

Jesus in His teaching on the cost of discipleship was brutally honest about His expectation of His followers.  There was no mincing of words to make the offer more appealing to His listeners.  Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24) Jesus’ ministry continues today with us as His disciples.  His expectations have not changed.

Deny has two meanings: (1) to affirm that one has no acquaintance or connection with someone and (2) to lose sight of oneself and own interests.  Matthew uses the second definition to explain Jesus’ rebuke to would-be disciples unaware of the cost to follow Him.

As we deny our own interest and forsake our past self, we must also reject our love for this world— “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16).  All these create within us a divided heart which cannot love Jesus well nor surrender to His leading.

The surrendered life

The world, Satan, and our flesh are not big on “denying”.   They encourage us to place our desires above the Lord’s.  They deceive by whispering, “You can have it your way right now.  Jesus can wait another day.”  Jesus replies, “I am The Way” (John 14:6) and offers instead His love (John 3:16), salvation (Hebrews 2:10), forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7), freedom (Psalms 146:7), and peace (Colossians 3:15).

The goal of the Christian life can be summed up by Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Such a life of surrender is pleasing to God, results in the greatest human fulfillment, and will reap ultimate rewards in heaven (Luke 6:22-23).[1]

The surrendered life in Christ results in great joy and wisdom.  There is great confidence in knowing we have made the best choice by seeking “the Pearl of Great Price” (Matthew 13:46). To give up other offers, by comparison, is a surrender of the lesser.

[1]   Got Questions, “What does it mean to surrender to God?”

Victorious Living

Our Inheritance with Christ

Knowing who we are

Last week we focused on our spiritual lineage and the important role it plays in both our current and future lives in eternity.  Knowledge and appreciation of our spiritual lineage shape our personal identity and empowers us to accomplish the purpose God has for our life.

God is the source of our spiritual lineage.  We are His seed and the heirs of His promise.  However, we are not only heirs but also “joint heirs” with Christ (Romans 8:17).  What exactly does that mean and how is that part of our spiritual lineage.  Therein lies the basis for our topic today—our inheritance with Christ.

Knowing what we have

If we are to live victoriously and faithfully in this fallen world, we must believe and understand the basis for our success. The source of our victory is the work that was accomplished by Christ on the Cross.

Jesus Christ’s obedient sacrifice resulted in our adoption into the family of God, our reconciliation with God, and most importantly, the forgiveness of our sin (Ephesians 1:5-7).

God’s plan of salvation constitutes the only legitimate means by which we can access our spiritual inheritance.   In Ephesians 2:4-6, the Apostle Paul uses three verbs prefixed by syn- (with) to describe what God has done in and with Christ to obtain our inheritance.

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

Inheritance provided

First, God “made us alive” (synezoopoiesen) together with Christ Jesus. The King James Version renders “made alive” as “quickened.” We were spiritually dead in our trespasses and sins, but God made us alive (Ephesians 2:1; Colossians 2:13).

Regenerated as new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), we are now spiritually alive,  empowered by the Spirit that dwells within us (Romans 8:11).

Next, God “raised us up” (synegeiren) together with Christ Jesus. Just as the omnipotent power of God raised Christ from the dead “physically” on Easter morning (Ephesians 1:19-20), we too have been resurrected “spiritually” with Him.

Being raised from the dead, we now walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4), seeking those things from above where Christ is (Colossians 3:1).

Finally, God “made us sit together in the heavenly places” (synekathisen) with Christ Jesus. “Heavenly places” refers to the realm of God’s complete, heavenly domain, from which all His blessings come. Forty days after His resurrection, Jesus ascended to the right hand of the Father (Ephesians 1:20-21) where He now physically resides. By faith, believers also sit in heavenly places with Christ Jesus, not physically, but positionally.

This means that as heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ, we have access to the same blessings or inheritance with Christ. This includes His righteousness, resources, privilege, position and power (Romans 8:16-17).

Inheritance present and future

In Christ Jesus we are not only assured of resurrection and glorification at the end of the age but also the present blessings provided in Christ in His ascended majesty. We thank God who has delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son (Colossians 1:13).

We thank God for His plan of salvation that made us alive, raised us up, and made us sit together in the heavenly places with Christ Jesus. We thank God through Jesus Christ for the inheritance made available for us.

Victorious Living

Our Spiritual Lineage

Who are your people?

Observing the impact of the devolution of family and community, I have renewed appreciation for being privileged to be “shaped” in the 50’s and 60’s by a close-knit community in Kansas called Quindaro.

The thing that most influenced my development was in understanding the importance of family lineage. As we were introduced to the parents of friends and acquaintances in the neighborhood, the first question we were asked was, “Who are your people? Whose family do you belong to?” The inquiry continued until they were satisfied that we were “safe” to associate with their children. Our family lineage became an integral part of our inheritance.

Lineage means a line of descent or ancestry—the people, families, or groups from whom someone or something comes. Simple definition:  Lineage = ancestry or a line of descent.

Unfortunately, we have loss that sense of family lineage and “safety” because of the disruptions of 21st century living and loss of human connectivity.

Our Spiritual Lineage.

Knowledge and appreciation of our spiritual lineage is even more important than our earthly one.  It shapes our identity and empowers our ability to accomplish the purpose God has for our life.

It’s been said that “a person can never rise above who they think they are”.  If you think you are talented, you will perform brilliantly.  If you think you’re worthless, people will treat you insignificantly. Therefore, it is critical that we as believers in Christ understand our spiritual lineage.   According to Galatians 3:29, we are:

    • Abraham’s seed
    • Heirs of God
    • Joint heirs with Christ
    • Heirs of the promise

We were “predestined by God into adoption as children” because of the work accomplished by Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:5).

Heirs of God.

As heirs of God (Romans 8:17a), we can now experience an intimate, personal relationship with the Father. A joyful existence with God is ours because of His great love for us (1 John 4:9-10).  This includes divine access to God who is all powerful, all knowing, and ever present (Psalms 145:13).

Our purpose becomes the channel through which God’s purpose is fulfilled, and our destiny is inexplicably connected to heaven where Christ now resides (Ephesians 1:10). Our life has eternal value and consequences.

Heirs of Promise.

As heirs of promise, we have received God’s gift of salvation (Isaiah 55:1-7; Matthew 1:21). This salvation is “realized now” in the deliverance from the penalty and power of sin (Romans 8:1).

This salvation will also be “realized in the future” through eternal life in eternity future with Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:34).  It is here that we will be delivered from the presence of sin. This promise is secured through our faith in Christ–just like Father Abraham (Romans 4:16; Hebrew 11:8-9).

In addition, through the gift of the Holy Spirit, we experience the power and presence of God.  This results in love, joy and peace regardless of the circumstances we might face (Philippians 4:6; Galatians 5:22-23).

Our spiritual lineage is a topic that can be explored without ending. While we cannot address all its many aspects and benefits, let us not negate its importance in our daily life.  No higher position or greater wealth can we acquire than becoming heirs of God through our faith in Christ.

Spiritual Renewal

Who stole our abundant life?

Leave a comment

The thief comes …

In her book, The Wired Soul, Tricia McCary Rhodes describes what it feels like living in the hyperconnected age of the 21st century:

While I am not personally prone to panic attacks, these days there are moments when I find myself out of sorts, almost as if I can’t quite catch my breath.  I don’t think I’m alone in this.  People of all ages seem terminally distracted, perpetually hurried, and often harried.  It is rare for an answer to the question “how are you?” not to include the word busy and elicit some degree of angst.  Collectively it feels as if we are losing something important in the name of progress, as if life itself is slipping through our fingers.   

I know I’m not the only one who identifies with Dr. Rhodes.  I listen to friends, associates, and even strangers share their frustrations as they attempt to be “all-and-everything-to-everybody-while-no-good-for-themselves”.   This leads me to ask, where is the promise of an “abundant life”?  Jesus offers an explanation in John 10:10.

To steal, kill and destroy.

In this analogy, Jesus contrasts his nurturing care for His believers with that of a thief. The thief He refers to are the leaders of Israel who cared only for themselves.  They stole, killed and destroyed “the abundant favor” that God had promised His people (Philippians 4:19).

Who are the thieves today?  It’s anything or anyone who robs believers of the promises and blessings of God (Ephesians 1:3).   The thief is noise, hurry, and crowds.   It’s our bad habits, our toxic relationships and yes, our over-committed calendars.  The thief is social media—that constant intruder who interferes with our ability to live in the present and in the presence of God.

The thief comes not only to kill and destroy our peace, our relationship with others, but more importantly prevent our intimacy with God. Are we slaves to the notification bell on our phones?  Can we live without Facebook as scrolling becomes our new entertainment?

More in the thieves next week!

The abundant offer

Jesus said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” So, what does “abundant life” look like?

Life (zoe) is defined as “real and genuine”.  It is a life vigorously devoted to and in personal relationship with God and with others (John 15:4-5).   Abundant life offers spiritual freedom and eternity with God to those who put their trust in Christ (John 3:16; Romans 6:14).

Life lived abundantly (perissos) is only possible through the leading (filling) of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).  Abundant living is everything we need to reclaim our lives—balance, energy, peace, simplicity, and happiness.

Reclaiming our abundant life

If we feel we’ve lost our abundant life, Jesus has provided a way to regain that which was stolen by the devil or that which was slowly surrendered to the world.

Dr. Charles Stanley, pastor, Bible teacher, best-selling author, and founder of In Touch Ministries, offered this advice as we seek to reclaim our abundant life.

Many believers still try to fill their own void with achievements, wealth, or relationships. When such aspirations are given higher priority than the Lord, they can lead to a sense of dissatisfaction. An abundant life is possible only when we seek God above all else. Pray for His guidance as you search your heart. Confess any sin and ask God to fill your life as only He can do.

Our Faith Walk

Hope: Our 21st Century Faith Response

Leave a comment

 

Keep Hope Alive: The God of Hope

 

How do we describe hope?

What metaphors do we use to express hope?  How do we encourage others to believe “there’s a path to good” even in bad times?   Here are a few we might have used.

  • “There’s light at the end of the tunnel.”
  • “Every cloud has a silver lining.”
  • “The sun is peeking through the clouds.”
  • “Hope is an eternal flame.”

But let’s be honest, when we’re at the “end of our rope” and the “bottom of our world has fallen out”, metaphors about hope will not help us. We are looking for something that will ease our troubled souls right now!

Who needs hope?

According to the American Psychological Association [1], we all need hope.

A majority of adults (62%) disagree with the statement, “our children are going to inherit a better world than we did,” and 63% disagree with the statement, “I feel our country is on the path to being stronger than ever.” More than 3/4 of adults (76%) said that the future of our nation is a significant source of stress in their lives, while 68% said this is the lowest point in our nation’s history that we can remember. 

 Two in three adults (66%) said the culture’s current political climate is a significant source of stress in their lives. Further, three in five adults quote (60%) said that the current social divisiveness in the nation causes them stress. Slightly more than three in five adults 62% reported that the racial climate in the US is a significant source of stress in their lives.

Are these sources of stress going to go away?  Absolutely not!  And these stressors are larger than us and out of our control.  In this environment, we are also expected to manage the challenge of daily living and providing for our families: feeding, clothing, and housing.  We search out ways to balance the stresses of life while maintaining healthy relationships, and personal “sanity”.   We need to cultivate our hope because when we cease to hope, we jeopardize our future.

The worldview of hope

Hope has ALWAYS been something we humans have needed whether in ancient times or modern days.  Man’s ability to survive and thrive has been dependent on hope.  The challenge, however, continues to be our ability to identify the BEST SOURCE of HOPE.

Hope, from the world’s view, comes from a variety of sources that, when combined and strengthened, provide a foundation for optimism, resilience, and the pursuit of a meaningful and fulfilling life.  These include the following which we most commonly use.

 Relationships and connections: human connections and strong relationships provide a sense of belonging, support, and love, fostering hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

 Personal strengths and abilities: recognizing and utilizing one’s strengths and abilities instills confidence and a sense of empowerment, nurturing hope for achieving goals and overcoming challenges.

 Meaning and purpose: finding meaning and purpose in life, whether personal interest, family, community, or spiritual beliefs, provides a sense of direction and motivation, fueling hope for our fulfillment and meaningful existence.

 Spiritual beliefs and faith: for many, spiritual beliefs and faith in a higher power offer a sense of peace, guidance, and unwavering hope, providing strength and solace in time of uncertainty.

We do these things to cope and to relieve the uncertainty we face daily.  Like the television therapist, Dr. Phil, might ask, “how’s that working for you?”  Consider adding to this list: The God of Hope.

The  God of Hope

We often become discouraged when the things we do in our human strength fail to improve our situation.  We are stressed because when we look around there is “no light at the end of the tunnel” nor is the “sun peeking through the clouds.”

The reality we must come to grips with is that we live in a fallen world, where sin will continue to manifest itself in the brokenness and pain we see today.  Injustice, wars, corruption, and much more.  BUT THERE IS HOPE.

Our hope is built on the faithfulness and dependability of God.  We must rely on the “fidelity” of God.  God is reliable, dependable, and faithful.  God is true, truthful, and trustworthy.  His Word and His promises provide the “blessed assurance” we need to not only survive but also thrive in this world.   He is our sufficiency (2 Corinthians 3:5).

What is our faith response to the challenges of 21st century living?  We must recognize and acknowledge that God alone is the true source of our hope (Psalms 62:5-12).

[1]   Stress in America 2022, American Psychological Association.

Spiritual Guidance

Navigating Life with Truth and Spiritual Discernment

Leave a comment

In search of truth

Can we agree that truth is important?  But how do we handle the growth in mis-, dis-, and counter-information we receive daily?  Because of these increases, individuals, communities and institutions have become more strategic in response to these truth crushers.

These strategies include educational campaigns that recognize unreliable sources and the creation of fact-checking organizations.  Social media companies and technology platforms have implemented partnerships that identify misleading and harmful content.

Individual strategies include unfollowing or blocking habitual spreaders of falsehood, fact-checking, and withdrawing from platforms with disinformation.  Despite all these efforts, unfortunately, people tend to trust misinformation that aligns with their beliefs.

If truth is ultimately found, how do we use it, especially in our faith walk?  Truth is best used in practicing spiritual discernment.

What is spiritual discernment?

Discernment involves the process of keen insight and good judgment.  People express discernment about things that are important to them.  For example, if you are watching your weight, you will be very discerning about the food you select and its preparation.  If you need legal advice, you will exercise great discernment in the selection of the best lawyer to assist you.  In similar manner, spiritual discernment helps believers “judge well”.

Spiritual discernment encompasses separating divine truth from error.  This is a difficult task as we are torn between the world’s influence, our human flesh, and Satan’s deception.  First Thessalonians 5:21 advises us to “Test all things; hold fast to what is good.”  The world has told us there is no such thing as “good”—no standard of right or wrong; it is all relative, based on each person’s unique situation.

Spiritual discernment, however, depends on truth.  It is the God-given ability to perceive, understand, and judge what is true, right, and aligned with God’s will.  It does not rely on personal feelings, cultural trends, or partial knowledge.  Spiritual discernment without truth leads to confusion, error, and deception (Hebrews 5:14)

Our source of spiritual discernment

First and foremost, as believers, we accept God’s Word as the ultimate source of truth.  It is our spiritual “warning system” for detecting error.  It is the perfect standard by which we distinguish right from wrong.  Spiritual discernment is sharpened through deep knowledge of Scripture.  Without truth from the Word, spiritual discernment becomes subjective or distorted.

    • For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
    • The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever. (Psalm 119:160)

Secondarily, The Holy Spirit, living within us, is the Truth Discerner, who will lead us into all truth.  He knows the mind of God and will direct us based on God’s purpose and plan for our life.

    • But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. (John 16:13)
    • So, I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (Galatians 5:16)

Spiritual discernment is a Spirit-empowered ability to apply truth to every life situation and decision we make.

A Closing Warning

The Apostle Paul warned Timothy in 67 C.E.  that the time would come “when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God’s truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold,  and will turn their ears away from the truth and will wander off into myths and man-made fictions [and will accept the unacceptable].”  (2 Timothy 4:3-4, Amplified)  

God has given us His Word and His Spirit to guide us in all wisdom and knowledge, that we may live righteous and holy lives (2 Peter 1:3-4).  If we seek only to be “healthy, wealthy, and wise”, we will not be spiritually discerning.  It is our responsibility as children of light (Ephesians 5:8) and defenders of truth (1 Peter 3:15) to embrace and cultivate spiritual discernment.   Spiritual discernment is critical for navigating 21st century living.

Victorious Living

Living the Beatitude Life: A Heart to See God

Leave a comment

A Heart to See God

Intentional teaching

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”  As a little girl, Matthew 5:8 was one of the first memory verses I was taught.  I can’t explain the reason for the choice of this verse.  Perhaps my mother felt it would help tame my mischievous spirit.  She was very intentional when it came to her children.  Little did I realize that my mother’s guidance would lead to a fuller vision of God and His Kingdom.

Jesus was also intentional in His teachings.  The Beatitudes, both in unity and individually, radically flew in the face of how the world defined happiness, satisfaction, and success: poor in spirit, mourners, meek, merciful, hungry and thirsty.

Jesus’ purposefulness is seen in His presentation of each of the beatitudes, especially with the placement of this sixth beatitude, “Blessed are the pure in heart.”  Today’s beatitude is no exception to this teaching pattern.  It redefines purity and the resulting blessedness of “seeing God.”

Jesus knows what’s needed.

Jesus has to this point shared with His Disciples key behaviors of those who enjoy the “happiness and satisfaction” of living by kingdom rules.

In reading this beatitude today, one might comment on its simplicity in meaning and presentation.  However, in the context of the 1st century, Jesus’ statement was revolutionary.  Jesus presented it to a nation literally obsessed with purification laws and procedures (Leviticus 11-15).

Imagine the shock of hearing Jesus.  “No one, not even Moses, has ever seen Jehovah God!”    “Purity of heart and nothing else?”   This alone was sufficient reason for the scribes and the Pharisees (who benefited from the current religious system) to desire Jesus’ death.

The heart’s role in purity.

The heart is key in sustaining a faithful walk with God.  Its condition (pure or unpure) affects our thoughts, behaviors, and actions.   In the Old Testament, the Lord described the heart, the seat of man’s affection, as “deceitful above all things and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9).  David understood the importance of purity of heart as he pleaded with God to create a clean heart and renew a right spirit within him (Psalms 51:10).

Who are the “pure in heart”?

  • Those who mourn the impurity of their hearts to the extent that they do what is needed to cleanse and purify it (Matthew 4:17; 1 John 1:9).  When standing in the presence of Holy God, we understand our personal depravity and the need for forgiveness (Romans 3:23).
  • Those who accept God’s lordship in their lives. They place Jesus as the center of their life.  The pure in heart “see” God spiritually.  They operate in His presence, under His authority, and to His honor and glory (Coram Deo).

“Seeing God” in this beatitude allows us to recognize and acknowledge God’s sovereign acts of mercy and grace in this fallen world we live in (Matthew 5:45).  We are able to see “His Hand” both physically (Acts 17:28) and spiritually (Romans 6:6-9).

Our 21st century challenge

Seeing God is a challenge for people living in the 21st century.  Nonbelievers are blinded by Satan who keeps them from seeing the possibilities that Christ offers (John 3:3; 2 Corinthians 4:4).    Beatitude living is at enmity with a world that neither recognizes nor accepts the authority of God, the lordship of Christ, or the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Unfortunately, we believers aren’t always the best witnesses for Beatitude living.  Satan convinces many of us that purity of the heart is impossible.  Again, a trick by Satan to frustrate and discourage our efforts to live holy. We fail to understand that it is the work of the Holy Spirit who will always lead us to purity.  God is not seeking perfection but progress:  a sincere effort to grow and love others.

As children of God, we have everything we need to live pure and holy lives (2 Peter 1:3; 1 John 3:2-3).  Our pursuit of purity can become “second nature”.    How?   By spending more time with God:  reading His Word, meditating, and prayer.  The more we do this, the more we will see God.

“Blessed [anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature]

are the pure in heart [those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character],

for they will see God.” (Amplified)

 

Advent/Christmas

New Year. New Beginnings?

 

New Year. New Beginnings?

The New Year

The new year has arrived with festive gatherings and events.  Some of us have, as is our habit, made “traditional” New Year’s resolutions (which will be quickly abandoned in 30 days or less).

It is my prayer as we prepare for 2025 with new beginnings, that we also evaluate our spiritual growth and progress.  Are we growing closer to God or are we subtly drifting away?

In 2024, where did we spend our time and our resources?  Did we invest in things eternal (Matthew 6: 19-20) or put our hope in things that reflect the values of this world: power, influence, and material wealth?

As we move into this new year, let us remember that we are new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).  Let’s let go of those “old things”.  Let’s rediscover and embrace our identity in Christ.

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”

Christ’s work of redemption presents us with the opportunity to experience a new beginning with God. No longer separated by sin, we can now be reconciled with God and enjoy peace with our fellowman (Romans 5:1). To experience this new beginning, we must first possess a clear understanding of our new identity in Christ (1 John 5:4).

Identity is the condition of being a specific person or thing. Our personal identity is the result of the people, places, and things we connect or associate with. This is also true of our spiritual identity. What is feeding our identity in the 21st century?

While personal identity looks at outward influences, spiritual identity, however, looks at two things: (1) the Person of Jesus Christ and (2) the Place of the Cross.

“Old things have passed away.”

Jesus Christ took on our physical identity (in his fleshly body) so that we can become partakers of his spiritual identity (Hebrew 12:14-15). This divine incarnation resulted in the perfect sacrifice required to satisfy the penalty for sin.  In exchange, we have eternal life and are now children of God (Romans 8:16).

In the shadow of the Cross, we leave our old nature and become crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). We die to sin and its hold upon our life (Romans 6:11). It is in His resurrection, that we received new life for our new beginning.

 “Behold, all things have become new.”

Let’s flip the switch in 2025 and consider what God has invested in us.  Our responsibility is to daily live out the new identity Christ has provided. Once we fully grasp that, we are positioned to receive “all the fullness of God” (John 1:16).

Our hope and assurance rests fully on the completed work of Jesus Christ.  HE IS our New Beginning (Colossians 1:18).

Spiritual Maturity

Psalms for Thanksgiving 2024

Leave a comment

Thanksgiving 2024

On Thursday,  we will celebrate Thanksgiving—again.  As we prepare to join with friends and family during this time of gratitude and appreciation, my question is “what are we thankful for this year?”

For an answer, the Holy Spirit guided me to the Psalms.  The Psalms are recognized for their ability to capture the feelings and emotions of people “doing life”.  With that in mind, I’d like to share three psalms, Psalms 105-107, in gratitude for Thanksgiving 2024.

Begin with the end in mind

The opening lines of Psalms 105-107, “Oh give thanks to the LORD,” links together this trilogy of songs which praise God for His goodness and mercy to Israel.  Psalm 105 and 106, possibly originated by command of David to Asaph on the occasion when the ark of the covenant was first brought to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:12-19); Psalm 107 most likely were written during the post-Exilic period, that timeframe after the seventy-year period of Babylonian captivity.

As I read these psalms today, it is evident that their strength and intensity lie in their ability to present events of the past clearly and unabridged.  By communicating them to future generations, the nation of Israel would make sure that they would never forget what God had done for them and would result in unending praise to Him.

Psalm 105 remembered and praised God for His eternal faithfulness.

“He remembers His covenant forever, The Word which He commanded, for a thousand generations” (Psalm 105:8).  Israel’s covenant relationship with God gave them “favor” as the seed of Abraham and children of Jacob.  That covenant guaranteed God would both protect and provide for His own people.  It began in time past and is still promised to the nation of Israel in the 21st century.  God is “not a man that He should lie…as He spoken it, He will make it good” (Num. 23:19).

God’s faithfulness is extended to believers today through Jesus Christ, the Mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance (Heb. 9:15).  He will do everything He promised and more (Ep. 3:20).

Psalm 106 remembered and praised God for His certain forgiveness.

“We have sinned…committed iniquity…done wickedly.  Nevertheless He saved them for His name’s sake…” (Psalm 106:6-8)   Israel’s history is replete with accounts of their disobedience and turning away from Jehovah God.  Sometimes it took the form of idolatry; other times it was willful wickedness and rebellion.  Wherever they found themselves, the nation of Israel quickly forgot God and adopted the sinful patterns of their neighbors (v. 13).But God always extended mercy to them.

Believers today are blessed that we can ask God for forgiveness of our sins and He will faithfully and instantaneously forgive (1 John 1:9).  There is no need for the blood of bulls and goals or heifers (Hebrews 9:13-14).  Jesus paid it all that we might freely receive forgiveness.

Psalm 107 remembered and praised God for His great works of deliverance.

“Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy…and He delivered them out of their distresses.  And He led them forth by the right way…” (Psalm 107:2-7).

In God’s faithfulness and because of His forgiveness, He would continually show Himself strong on behalf of His people (2 Chronicles 16:9).  His works of deliverance would save them from their enemies (vv. 1-3), their sinful consequences (vv. 4-22) and the other storms in their national life (vv. 23-29).  And with that deliverance, came unmerited blessings—“wildernesses would be turned to pools of water and dry land into watersprings.”

Today, God continues to be our strength and very present help in time of trouble (Ps. 46:1).  He has delivered us, does deliver us, and we trust will still deliver us” (2 Cor. 1:10).

Your Thanksgiving Psalm

This Thanksgiving, create your own psalm in honor of God’s love and provision.  Know that He loves you with an everlasting love (Jer. 31:3).

Sing praise to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who demonstrated His love for us.  Even while we were in sin, He died for us that we might have everlasting life (Rom. 5:8).    Praise the Lord and give thanks!

Victorious Living

Living the Beatitude Life: Kingdom Rich

Leave a comment

 

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.