Being a Follower
My decision to follow Christ was not one of those amazing transforming moments. For as long as I can remember I have believed in the saving grace of Jesus. I cannot say that I have always followed him.
My understanding, and what we are told is that you cannot 'do' anything to be saved. You cannot be 'good enough' to get to heaven. Believe in Jesus and you will be saved. ~ Which is absolutely biblical.
Acts 16:30-31 30 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household."
So that's it? I say "Yes, that sounds good. I believe that", and I'm in? Well, yes....and no. Faith can be somewhat of a paradox. Salvation is a free gift. You cannot earn it. You do not have to prove yourself 'worthy' of forgiveness because we can't. Not a single one of us are worthy. We, in our human nature will sin. It matters not, if we've convinced ourselves and those around us that we are 'good' and holy people. God knows our hearts and He will be our judge... and we will be found guilty. But praise God! Jesus has already paid the penalty for every one of our sins.
From the one who told a lie to his parents to the woman in prison for murder. Salvation is available to all. There is no 'sin levels' in heaven - or hell. It is one thing that truly is black or white. There are no shades of gray when it comes to sinners. All sinners are either saved by the blood of Jesus and go to heaven. Or they are not, and they go to hell. Does that seem a bit harsh? Does it seem contradictory to that Jesus that loves us so much? If so, perhaps it's because we focus on why God should love us, and not on what He did because He does. Jesus - the only truly sinless man, suffered abandonment, abuse, ridicule, humiliation and death on the cross. He did not deserve it. He did it so that we would not get what we do deserve.
Salvation is free but it was not easy. Should we not be reverent in our attitudes toward this sacrifice He made for us? Do we take Jesus' sacrifice for granted, thinking 'Jesus loves me this I know...', only to live each day as if He has no part in it?
My understanding, and what we are told is that you cannot 'do' anything to be saved. You cannot be 'good enough' to get to heaven. Believe in Jesus and you will be saved. ~ Which is absolutely biblical.
Acts 16:30-31 30 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household."
So that's it? I say "Yes, that sounds good. I believe that", and I'm in? Well, yes....and no. Faith can be somewhat of a paradox. Salvation is a free gift. You cannot earn it. You do not have to prove yourself 'worthy' of forgiveness because we can't. Not a single one of us are worthy. We, in our human nature will sin. It matters not, if we've convinced ourselves and those around us that we are 'good' and holy people. God knows our hearts and He will be our judge... and we will be found guilty. But praise God! Jesus has already paid the penalty for every one of our sins.
From the one who told a lie to his parents to the woman in prison for murder. Salvation is available to all. There is no 'sin levels' in heaven - or hell. It is one thing that truly is black or white. There are no shades of gray when it comes to sinners. All sinners are either saved by the blood of Jesus and go to heaven. Or they are not, and they go to hell. Does that seem a bit harsh? Does it seem contradictory to that Jesus that loves us so much? If so, perhaps it's because we focus on why God should love us, and not on what He did because He does. Jesus - the only truly sinless man, suffered abandonment, abuse, ridicule, humiliation and death on the cross. He did not deserve it. He did it so that we would not get what we do deserve.
Salvation is free but it was not easy. Should we not be reverent in our attitudes toward this sacrifice He made for us? Do we take Jesus' sacrifice for granted, thinking 'Jesus loves me this I know...', only to live each day as if He has no part in it?
June 12, 2015
I Believe Lord, Help My Unbelief
I can't help but wonder," Why Lord?" Have I not shown You I trust You? Or have I held back? Are You waiting for me to step out in faith. Are you waiting for me to trust that you will put the words in my mouth when I make the effort to speak. - Something I feel utterly incapable of doing. ... I You've heard that excuse before haven't you? It didn't work for Moses. I guess it will not work for me either.
But Lord, I really am inadequate and frankly terrified at the idea. I want to try. I've wanted to try for years now. Fear and doubt do hold me back. I am still trying though Lord. It is my writing, that it is my effort to share as well as my therapy. I am trying Lord. Only you know if it is my best effort.
There I go, believing as if my effort has anything to do with it. Whatever I can do it is only with the help of Your Holy Spirit. I trust You Lord. Help me to be blind to my inadequacies and the roadblocks. help me to see the potential and all the blessings that have come along with the challenges we have to face.
Help me to focus on YOU. Help me to glorify you by sharing the story You gave us.
But Lord, I really am inadequate and frankly terrified at the idea. I want to try. I've wanted to try for years now. Fear and doubt do hold me back. I am still trying though Lord. It is my writing, that it is my effort to share as well as my therapy. I am trying Lord. Only you know if it is my best effort.
There I go, believing as if my effort has anything to do with it. Whatever I can do it is only with the help of Your Holy Spirit. I trust You Lord. Help me to be blind to my inadequacies and the roadblocks. help me to see the potential and all the blessings that have come along with the challenges we have to face.
Help me to focus on YOU. Help me to glorify you by sharing the story You gave us.
May 9, 2015
Open My Eyes That I May See
But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. James 1:25 New Living Translation (NLT)
Contact lenses are a necessity for me. Without my corrected vision, everything is fuzzy and out of focus. I fumble around hoping I don't run into objects in my path that I'm unable to see. Objects that could cause me harm. My lenses make it easier for me to work and do the things I need to do each day. They are of no value, however unless I take them out of the case and insert them.
My need for contacts is not unlike our need for a relationship with God.
Where there is no vision from God, the people run wild,
but those who adhere to God’s instruction know genuine happiness. Proverbs 29:18 The Voice (VOICE)
We need His Holy Word and His Son Jesus Christ in order to have a meaningful relationship with Him. It is through a relationship with our Heavenly Father that we are less vulnerable to the dangers around us. We are better equipped to fulfill His plan for our lives.
Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. Romans 15:4 New Living Translation (NLT)
Though I cannot see it, I know He has a plan for me. I can trust in it because I read His Word and know His character.
My contacts cannot help me see if I leave them in the case. Likewise, Bibles left in drawers or on bookshelves cannot help me to know God. Unopened, my Bible is little more than a spiritual security blanket to keep around in case my life turns cold, dark and lonely.
When we read and apply God’s Word in our life, it is so much more. It is a light to our path and a lamp to our feet, warming us and relieving our loneliness. God his light and love into our lives through His Son Jesus - our Precious Redeemer and Friend.
Open My Eyes That I May See
But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. James 1:25 New Living Translation (NLT)
Contact lenses are a necessity for me. Without my corrected vision, everything is fuzzy and out of focus. I fumble around hoping I don't run into objects in my path that I'm unable to see. Objects that could cause me harm. My lenses make it easier for me to work and do the things I need to do each day. They are of no value, however unless I take them out of the case and insert them.
My need for contacts is not unlike our need for a relationship with God.
Where there is no vision from God, the people run wild,
but those who adhere to God’s instruction know genuine happiness. Proverbs 29:18 The Voice (VOICE)
We need His Holy Word and His Son Jesus Christ in order to have a meaningful relationship with Him. It is through a relationship with our Heavenly Father that we are less vulnerable to the dangers around us. We are better equipped to fulfill His plan for our lives.
Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. Romans 15:4 New Living Translation (NLT)
Though I cannot see it, I know He has a plan for me. I can trust in it because I read His Word and know His character.
My contacts cannot help me see if I leave them in the case. Likewise, Bibles left in drawers or on bookshelves cannot help me to know God. Unopened, my Bible is little more than a spiritual security blanket to keep around in case my life turns cold, dark and lonely.
When we read and apply God’s Word in our life, it is so much more. It is a light to our path and a lamp to our feet, warming us and relieving our loneliness. God his light and love into our lives through His Son Jesus - our Precious Redeemer and Friend.
October 19, 2014
It Takes All Kinds
I recently participated in one of those fun quizzes that are frequently posted on Facebook. In this particular questionnaire, the answers would determine which field of medicine would best suit me.
I have always had little faith in personality tests, but these are fun so I participated. My original thoughts were validated after learning that Oncology would be the practice for me. The test assured me it couldn’t be based on anything valid. I cannot envision myself specializing in the area of medicine. Especially one which can be so heartbreaking. I certainly do not have a ‘passion for science.’ Admittedly the other factors do, however, have supporting arguments.
When discussing the results of my test with a co-worker he informed me of the Myers-Briggs personality test. He said he took it and it was pretty accurate. I decided to give it a try. (Still doubting the results could be that accurate.)
I would never have believed that the results would be so accurate as to leave me speechless. I also learned that my type, INFJ is very rare, making up less than one percent of the population. Some of an INFJ’s traits are:
soft-spoken
very strongly held opinions
tireless advocate for an idea they believe in
decisive
strong-willed
rarely using it (strong will) for personal gain
believes in helping the world through love and compassion
The summary enlightened me on what my strengths and weakness. The positives - creativity, insightfulness, inspiring and convincing, decisive, determined, passionate, and altruistic. My weaknesses can cause me to be overly sensitive, extremely private, a perfectionist, ‘cause-needy’, and susceptible to suffer from burnout.
I believe I’m a rather self-aware person so I guess I didn’t really ‘learn’ anything about myself. What I did learn is that there really is something to these personality tests. Because given that this 12-minute test was so incredibly accurate, it would be a great benefit to anyone if they were interested in self-awareness. My guess is that there may be a few of the 16 personality types are just not interested in introspection.
Self-awareness is a good thing to possess. God-awareness, however, is better. He knew that the world needed people who pose these 16 different core personality types - all uniquely different. Our Heavenly Father is also so awesome that He realized our strengths and weakness before of each (before Myers and Briggs came up with the test.) All are valuable yet left to our own devices we get it wrong. It is our sinful nature. Weaknesses may be more likely to prevail in certain types and temperaments. But make no mistake, we are all vulnerable. At times, even our greatest strength become our greatest weakness.
6) God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. 7) A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 8) To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. 1 Corinthians 12:6-8 (NLT)
It is only when we keep our eyes on Jesus, allow Him lead us, respond in obedience and make Him the center of our lives. In doing so, God can use our entire beings for his glory - our gifts, our bodies, our personalities - everything about our lives. It is why he created us.
March 28, 2013
Jesus Showing Us
Matthew 11:3-5
3“Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” 4 Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— 5 the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.
The accounts of the miracles Jesus performed are such a blessing. They encourage us in our faith. They give us reasons to believe that Jesus can indeed work that miracle that we have been praying for in our life, as well. In these stories, it is faith, that is the reason for the healings. There is always that one person who not only desired a miracle, but truly believed Jesus could heal – even if the faith is that of someone other than the recipient. (The reason intercessory prayer is so important.)
As I recently read the scripture accounts again, I saw them with fresh eyes and a new perspective. I had always viewed them as miraculous events documented in history. But perhaps the miracles were more word pictures. “Show, don't tell,” isn't that what we are instructed to do as we write? Isn't Jesus doing exactly that? Showing us physical examples of what He can do in our lives spiritually. Not everyone that prays for a miracle, everyone that believes they will receive a miracle, does indeed receive one. But Jesus loves us... so why shouldn't we all get the miracle that we pray for?
Miracles are not about us. Miracles are not given to those that God 'loves more' or those who are more righteous. Miracles are to glorify God. The miracles demonstrate in our physical world, what God will do for those who believe in His Son.
The blind man, when healed, could look around and see the beauty of God's creation. Do we ask for eyes to see, the benefit of His will for our lives?
The deaf hear, when healed, could hear the melodies played on the harp. Do we pray that God will give us ears to hear the harmony of the gospels?
The lame man, when healed, was jumping and leaping and praising God. His inability to move no longer restricted him. Do we allow our limitations to prevent us from going and doing what He is calling us to do? Or do we ask that God to enable us and give us strength?
Do we 'mind our own business' and keep our faith private, so as not to offend anyone? Or are we meeting the needs of the less fortunate and sharing the Good News with the poor in spirit?
The lepers were cured of the horrible disease that caused them to be separated from society. Do we ask God to cure our diseased sinful hearts, so that we will not remain separated from God in His righteousness?
Lazarus was in the tomb for three days and yet Jesus raised him from the dead. Apart from Jesus we are spiritually dead. God's own Son remained in the grave three days so that we, by His sacrifice and our belief in Him, may be raised and have eternal life in Him. Jesus forgives sins and miraculously heals our hearts.
Matthew 9:5 Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’?
Thank you Lord that there is no limit to Your miracles. Thank You for prayer warriors and for still showing us miracles of physical healing today. Help us to never forget that there is no heart that You cannot heal, no soul You cannot save – when there is someone who steps out in faith and believes.
3“Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” 4 Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— 5 the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.
The accounts of the miracles Jesus performed are such a blessing. They encourage us in our faith. They give us reasons to believe that Jesus can indeed work that miracle that we have been praying for in our life, as well. In these stories, it is faith, that is the reason for the healings. There is always that one person who not only desired a miracle, but truly believed Jesus could heal – even if the faith is that of someone other than the recipient. (The reason intercessory prayer is so important.)
As I recently read the scripture accounts again, I saw them with fresh eyes and a new perspective. I had always viewed them as miraculous events documented in history. But perhaps the miracles were more word pictures. “Show, don't tell,” isn't that what we are instructed to do as we write? Isn't Jesus doing exactly that? Showing us physical examples of what He can do in our lives spiritually. Not everyone that prays for a miracle, everyone that believes they will receive a miracle, does indeed receive one. But Jesus loves us... so why shouldn't we all get the miracle that we pray for?
Miracles are not about us. Miracles are not given to those that God 'loves more' or those who are more righteous. Miracles are to glorify God. The miracles demonstrate in our physical world, what God will do for those who believe in His Son.
The blind man, when healed, could look around and see the beauty of God's creation. Do we ask for eyes to see, the benefit of His will for our lives?
The deaf hear, when healed, could hear the melodies played on the harp. Do we pray that God will give us ears to hear the harmony of the gospels?
The lame man, when healed, was jumping and leaping and praising God. His inability to move no longer restricted him. Do we allow our limitations to prevent us from going and doing what He is calling us to do? Or do we ask that God to enable us and give us strength?
Do we 'mind our own business' and keep our faith private, so as not to offend anyone? Or are we meeting the needs of the less fortunate and sharing the Good News with the poor in spirit?
The lepers were cured of the horrible disease that caused them to be separated from society. Do we ask God to cure our diseased sinful hearts, so that we will not remain separated from God in His righteousness?
Lazarus was in the tomb for three days and yet Jesus raised him from the dead. Apart from Jesus we are spiritually dead. God's own Son remained in the grave three days so that we, by His sacrifice and our belief in Him, may be raised and have eternal life in Him. Jesus forgives sins and miraculously heals our hearts.
Matthew 9:5 Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’?
Thank you Lord that there is no limit to Your miracles. Thank You for prayer warriors and for still showing us miracles of physical healing today. Help us to never forget that there is no heart that You cannot heal, no soul You cannot save – when there is someone who steps out in faith and believes.
March 16, 2013
Does God Choose Us or Do We Choose God?
Mine may not be a deep theological answer to this question, but it has made it quite easy for me to reconcile this debate.
Clearly, we have free will to choose to accept Jesus and follow Him. John 3:16 NLT
16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." ...We all get the invitation.
And clearly, there are those who may say the words but did not mean them, or meant it at the time but didn't make the commitment. Matthew 7:22-23
22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’
Then there are those who sincerely meant the words, but because we are sinners and we fall, perhaps they've wandered or drifted away from their faith. Hebrews 8:10-12 NLT
10 But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts.
I will be their God, and they will be my people.
11 And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives,
saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’
For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already.
12 And I will forgive their wickedness,
and I will never again remember their sins.”
(Since we are to strive to be like Jesus, obviously it means we aren't. Because we are human we fail and we fall.... But if we truly know Him - He is faithful to forgive.)
Does this mean we aren't supposed to try to lead other to Jesus? No.
The Bible can be taught. We can learn scripture.
But it doesn't mean that we have received Him in our hearts and that we 'know' Him. We cannot be 'taught' to believe in Jesus.
Jesus leads us and we in turn let Him lead us. We are then to lead others to Him.
We will, as in verse 11 indicates 'know Him already'.
Does that mean God has 'chosen' who among us will believe and who will not? I don't think that it does. Should we not bother to pray for the salvation of others simply because it's already a 'done deal'? Certainly not. Why would jesus tell us to 'go and make disciples', if it was an exercise in futility? He wouldn't.
God is GOD. We are not. He is all knowing. We are not. We do not and can not, know who will truly know him and who will not. So it is our responsibility to witness, to share, and yes to teach the Word of God.
Because even though we don't know these things. God does.
Because God already knows who will choose Him, He already knows who will be chosen by Him.
That is how the two fit perfectly together.
Psalm 4:3 NLT You can be sure of this:
The Lord set apart the godly for himself.
The Lord will answer when I call to him.
Praise God!
Clearly, we have free will to choose to accept Jesus and follow Him. John 3:16 NLT
16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." ...We all get the invitation.
And clearly, there are those who may say the words but did not mean them, or meant it at the time but didn't make the commitment. Matthew 7:22-23
22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’
Then there are those who sincerely meant the words, but because we are sinners and we fall, perhaps they've wandered or drifted away from their faith. Hebrews 8:10-12 NLT
10 But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts.
I will be their God, and they will be my people.
11 And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives,
saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’
For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already.
12 And I will forgive their wickedness,
and I will never again remember their sins.”
(Since we are to strive to be like Jesus, obviously it means we aren't. Because we are human we fail and we fall.... But if we truly know Him - He is faithful to forgive.)
Does this mean we aren't supposed to try to lead other to Jesus? No.
The Bible can be taught. We can learn scripture.
But it doesn't mean that we have received Him in our hearts and that we 'know' Him. We cannot be 'taught' to believe in Jesus.
Jesus leads us and we in turn let Him lead us. We are then to lead others to Him.
We will, as in verse 11 indicates 'know Him already'.
Does that mean God has 'chosen' who among us will believe and who will not? I don't think that it does. Should we not bother to pray for the salvation of others simply because it's already a 'done deal'? Certainly not. Why would jesus tell us to 'go and make disciples', if it was an exercise in futility? He wouldn't.
God is GOD. We are not. He is all knowing. We are not. We do not and can not, know who will truly know him and who will not. So it is our responsibility to witness, to share, and yes to teach the Word of God.
Because even though we don't know these things. God does.
Because God already knows who will choose Him, He already knows who will be chosen by Him.
That is how the two fit perfectly together.
Psalm 4:3 NLT You can be sure of this:
The Lord set apart the godly for himself.
The Lord will answer when I call to him.
Praise God!
