Dec 15

December 15, 2012

Evil broke out yesterday in Newton, Connecticut. We live just 30 miles from the epicenter of this outbreak so it has shocked us even more. This tragedy causes us to re-examine our understanding of the world. There are only two major worldviews. The naturalist worldview says the universe is all we have. It does not have an explanation for "evil." What happened on Friday was just the chemical reactions in the body of a 20-year-old man who snapped. The naturalistic worldview does not address the invisible part of human beings, the soul and the spirit.  

The Christian worldview says there is a realm outside of the physical with a real and dangerous enemy.  We read about this other realm today.

Ephesians 6:12  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

We are clearly warned that we are locked in a battle against the forces of evil. We must fight this battle every day of our lives. Our enemy is wicked, depraved and heinous. His goal is the destruction of human life and the overthrow of the authority of God.  

Being a Christ follower is serious business. We can forget that we have been called to a battlefield and not a playground. The distractions of this world can also cause us to lose our perspective.

Yesterday we were reminded that when evil does break out there are terrible consequences. Today 27 families must face the perspective of living the rest of their lives without their loved one. This should remind us of the seriousness of this battle.

So how can we equip ourselves to be victorious in the warfare? Throughout Scripture we are warned to both equip ourselves for the battle and to not be ignorant of Satan's schemes. The power of Satan is his ability to convince us to act contrary to God's will. If we can recognize his deceptions and choose to surrender ourselves to God, Satan's powers are completely defeated.

In short the best way to keep Satan out is to keep Christ in. It is our relationship with Christ that gives us the victory over evil.

Today, pray for the families who have lost loved ones. And renew your commitment to stand against the powers of darkness. Put on the full armor of God and fight the battle.

 

Friday, December 14, 2012 - The Supremacy of the Son of God

Friday, December 14, 2012
Colossians, Philemon
The Supremacy of the Son of God

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all
creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on
earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or
authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He
is before all things, and in him all things hold together. AND HE IS
THE HEAD OF THE BODY, THE CHURCH; he is the beginning and the
firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the
supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him,
and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on
earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on
the cross. (Colossians 1:15-20)

I really enjoyed these verses from today's reading as they illustrate
the supremacy of Jesus Christ. Jesus wasn't just a prophet or a good
teacher, but He was the image of the invisible God, the exact
representation of God; equal with God the Father; Himself, God. As the
firstborn over all creation, he has supremacy over all the powers in
heaven and on earth. He has authority to judge the world. When we take
a step back and really digest these truths, it's obvious whose king;
not us, but Christ. When we consider worldly knowledge, this fact of
Christ as King becomes extremely important.

I met with a friend (a nonbeliever) yesterday who completely
challenged the existence of God the Holy Spirit in the hearts of
Christians. He thought that healing could be accomplished through a
greater awareness of self. He figured through a greater enlightenment
of self, people could not only be aware of their character defects,
but they could also improve their character and work out everything
(including healing and forgiveness) in their heart on their own
strength. I explained that the idea of a higher-self where such things
could be accomplished was actually an extremely prideful worldly
thought. Think about it – if you believe the truth is within yourself,
apart from God, you will naturally develop an arrogant outlook. You
will start to think that you're better than those who haven't achieved
your level of enlightenment. This happened to be the case for my
friend.

Those that are in Christ recognize that Christ is the head, not self.
Living in this wisdom breeds true humility. For instance, I recognize
that my transformation from a selfish pig to a more selfless giver is
due to the Spirit of God living inside of me – it is on no work of my
own that this transformation occurred, other than my willingness to
say "yes" to God. Therefore, I deserve zero credit for my
transformation. It's 100% God. And since this is the case, I have
nothing to boast about – I am no better than anyone. I've only changed
because I've allowed the Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart. As
Christians, we should know that all credit for righteousness goes to
God. Apart from God, we are nothing. With this truth strapped to our
heart, a believer should be able to look anyone in the face and see
them as an equal, no matter how aware a person is of their character
defects.

Now, to deal with my friend's notion that healing and forgiveness
could be achieved through a more enlightened self – while my friend
manufactured this argument, he admitted that he had not yet achieved
this level of enlightenment. He still has deep wounds from his past
and is holding onto much resentment towards his family. True healing
and forgiveness can only be achieved through the POWER OF GOD. Only
when a believer knows with all their heart that Christ died for them
1) when they didn't deserve it and 2) forgave all their sins, can they
be equipped to forgive those that do not deserve forgiveness. We don't
forgive because someone deserves it. We forgive, because we're
forgiven. We forgive because many people "know not what they do."
(Luke 23:34) And when we've experienced the truth of Isaiah 53:5 –
"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our
iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and BY
HIS WOUNDS WE ARE HEALED" – then, can we experience true healing.

I encourage you not to buy into the counterfeit human wisdom of this
world, but to trust solely in the wisdom of God, which is Christ
crucified, risen from the dead.

God Bless,
Anthony

December 13: Acts 27 and 28

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

Acts 27 and 28

 

 

Today’s passage marks the fulfillment of the Gospel spreading from Jerusalem to Rome, going even beyond the territory Paul had claimed in Romans 15:17–19:  “Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God.  I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done – by the power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit.  So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.”  The Gospel had now penetrated the entire “known” world of the Roman empire.  The seeds of its truth would grow and bear fruit for the centuries to come and would ultimately win the heart of Emperor Constantine, who would allow Christian worship throughout the empire in 313.  By 380, Christianity would become the faith for the entire empire.

 

In Paul and Luke’s excellent adventure, we see that, despite the Jews’ protestations in Jerusalem, which ultimately led to his imprisonment in Caesarea and Rome and the treacherous sea passage in between, God had a greater plan.  As Joseph noted in Genesis 50:20, after his brothers had tried to murder him and later sold him into slavery in Egypt, “you intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

 

In the shipwreck (27:13–44), one of the most vivid accounts in all of ancient literature, we may witness the attempts of feeble man to control what only God may control.  The NIV Study Bible offers a helpful note regarding this event’s deeper significance:  “Luke’s magnificent account of the storm at sea is possibly intended to be more than just an interesting story well told.  Here at the climax of his account of the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome, especially through the labors of the apostle Paul, he provides in cameo an exquisite depiction of the state of the world seen from the perspective of Paul’s gospel:  The peoples of the world (represented by the ship’s passengers) stand under the threat of God’s judgment (represented by the terrible storm), with Paul and what he represents being their only hope.  On board are representatives of the world’s economic, military, and political powers and those skilled in navigating the sea, but none of these can master the raging storm to save themselves or their possessions.  They escape only as they follow Paul’s instructions.”  The parallels with Jonah’s voyage (Jonah 1:4–16) are striking.  People seek the true and living God in their distress.

 

The Book of Acts concludes in triumph.  While Paul does face house arrest, the circumstances come together for the spreading of the Kingdom (28:30,31):  “For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him.  Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.”  This boldness came from the same Holy Spirit Who had touched the believers back in Acts 4:22–31.  Christ’s words of Acts 1:8 had come to life!

 

 

QUESTIONS

 

1.  What difficulties have you faced in 2012?  How has God used them for His glory?

2.  In what ways might you seek more boldness as you love family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors during this Christmastime?

________________________________________
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Acts 24-26

Acts 24 – 26

 

Exactly six years ago Divan started coming into the Starbucks I worked at in Albuquerque.  In a matter of three weeks he went from the venti caramel macchiato drinker to this amazing guy who I knew was going to be a part of my life forever.  People ask what his "pick up line" was and we laugh because he got my interest when he said, "I'm looking for a nice girl to travel with."  Ha ha.  If you know us now, you know how true this is.  I was not expecting him in my life at that moment, but the rest is history.  One thing we have come to love are dirt roads.  You know that we love to travel, but we love driving around going off he beaten path.  In fact, he's going to kill me for saying this, but Divan is a bit of a blogger himself.  He blogs about our many travel adventures from these years and our nickname is "Looking for the Dirt Roads."  We have had some of the best memories, stories, and best pictures when we have moved from the original path or plan.  At first I used to freak out if we were lost or not going to schedule, (and sometimes I still do,) but I have also learned that things don't always go the way I think they should, but sometimes have the greatest blessings. 

Today's reading is an overview of Paul's testimony – who he was and how he got there.  This is an echo from Acts chapter 9, but the audience is different.  We know that the early part of Paul's life was dedicated to persecuting followers of The Way – Christians who gave their lives to Jesus Christ.  He even admits here that his mission was to see Christians killed.  In the middle of this was when God stepped in and changed him completely…plans changed.  Fast forward to when Paul is a great Apostle, spreading and teaching the "hope" of God and His kingdom.  Being arrested (I'm sure) was not part of Paul's plan.  Staying in prison for over two years was not part of Paul's plan.   Thank goodness that things don't always go according to plan….that we don't always travel the easy roads. 

Paul was called to speak in front of the governor and king of this land.  As John Piper observed, imagine a king (or president) seeking a private audience with you just to hear your testimony!  Just to hear the Gospel and why you have hope in God!  My friends, God had a purpose and greater plan than Paul did, just like He has for us.  God called Paul witness, open their eyes, turn their lives from darkness, and to go out there.  He just didn't say where he was going to go.  Part of God's mysterious plan was to send him to prison and face persecution; he promised that He would always be there ("I will rescue you…")  So even after all this: trials, persecution, prison, standing in front of multiple rulers (who had the power to kill you or not,) Paul's faith and hope was strong.  He was on fire for Christ and shared it with all he could.  One of the best WOW moments of the Bible was Paul's closing statement, "Short time or long – I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains."  (Acts 26:29)             When I met Divan six years ago, I wanted nothing to do with a relationship, let along fall in love with my future husband.  I was ready to join the Peace Corp, or be a missionary, or plan my future campaign for governor.  My life is not how I planed it, but thanks to God for unanswered prayers and for being the one in control.  Be ready to share your hope in God because you never know who is ready to listen.  God knows His plan and brings these unmarked roads for His glory.     

December 11

Acts 22:25-29

As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, "Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn't even been found guilty?"

When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. "What are you going to do?" he asked. "This man is a Roman citizen."

The commander went to Paul and asked, "Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?"

"Yes, I am," he answered.

Then the commander said, "I had to pay a big price for my citizenship."

"But I was born a citizen," Paul replied.

Those who were about to question him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains.

In these verses, Paul revealed his Roman citizenship to a centurion who is about to flog him. In his time of need, he was confident that this information would give his enemy reason to pause. And he was right. His Roman citizenship saved him from being punished before he was put on trial. Paul was not only a Roman citizen, he was also a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven. Roman citizenship had it's advantages, but that's nothing compared to the blessings of being a part of God's kingdom. 

We are also citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. When we feel like we are under attack, we should do exactly what Paul did: declare your citizenship and your enemy will withdraw. 

Monday December 10th Live to Give

Live to Give!

We are smack in the middle of what has been dubbed the "Season of Giving."  Only fitting that smack in the middle of our reading today is another short little line that has struck me, even though I have heard and said it many times:

"It is more blessed to give than to receive."  -  Acts 20:35

Paul was quoting Jesus, the greatest example of what it means to truly give.  After that day he encountered Jesus, Paul lived a life of giving that mimicked Christ.  Paul followed Christ's example of giving and knew the true meaning behind…

"It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Let me pause for a moment and ask a question:

"Is your life a gift to others?"  I didn't ask if in your life you give gifts to others but rather, "Is your life a gift to others?"  There is a huge difference between the two!!!

Back to Paul…

Paul is not speaking about just giving a gift.  Paul was about to enter Jerusalem where he knew hardship and possible death awaited him.  But he did not hoard his life.  He did not think to try to hold onto what precious little time he might have left.  No, Paul wanted to give it all away because he knew that there was a greater blessing to be had then self-centered gain.  A greater blessing than merely giving a gift.

Paul was bringing a gift that people didn't even know they needed.  He was bringing the gift of life, life eternal through the message of the gospel, through the story of Christ's birth, life and resurrection.  He brought that gift in actions as well as in words.  In everything he did he did it for the glory of God and for the advancing of God's kingdom.  He loved people and gave them his time, attention, and love.  He built relationships.  When he left Tyre all the disciples, their wives and their children went to pray with him and to see him off knowing this was most likely the last time they would see him (Acts 21:1-6).  Only people that make a huge impact on other people's lives, who give their lives whole-heartedly to others get that kind of a send off.

Back to you…

What are you giving during this "Season of Giving?"  Better yet, what have you been giving during this "Season of Giving?"  I believe Paul wanted us to see that our entire lifetime is supposed to be one big continuous "Season of Giving."  It shouldn't be reserved for just Christmas time.

In order for us to live a life as a gift for others, to live our lives as a "Season of Giving" it will require sacrifice.  What could a life lived as a gift to other look like?  Here are a few ideas:

1.     Instead of watching the big game on TV you go and visit a shut in who is alone most of the time.  Simply listen to them share about their lives and share with them your life and the impact that the Lord has had on it.

2.     Instead of going out to dinner stay home and invite a neighbor or co-worker over who you know doesn't go out much.  Pray out loud before your meal and thank the Lord for the blessing that person is in your life.

3.     Rather then spend time on the computer send a tired mother and father off for an hour or two to get coffee while you watch the kids for them.

4.     When a parent of your child's classmate has car trouble and can't get to work take 10 minutes of your time and offer to drive them.  Who knows how God will use that time.

5.     Take half the money you have been saving for that big trip you've longed for and give it to a teen so that they can attend a Young Life trip in the summer.  After they come back have them over and ask them about their week.  Who knows how God could use you in their life.

6.     Send a card to that person who has hurt you, who has offended you, who has made you feel taken advantage of and tell them you are sorry for holding onto the ill feelings.  Ask them to forgive you for not forgiving them.  Explain to them how you realize that God died for all your wrongs and with that he forgave you, so how can you not have that same forgiveness in your heart for others.

We need to learn to see the needs in people's lives around us and we need to be willing to be the hand of Christ in their lives.  We need to let our lives be a gift to whomever God puts in our path.

The blessing?  I think it is two fold: First we are blessed with the knowledge that our lives have been a beacon for God's glory to others.  Through our selfless giving God can bring hearts to him and grow his Kingdom, there truly is nothing more awesome.  You are using your earthly life to help ensure an eternal one for someone else.  There is no greater blessing then that.  The second blessing is yet to come: we will be blessed once our gift (our life) is no longer needed here and the Lord calls us home to heaven where unimaginable blessing awaits us.  Paul said it himself:

Philippians 1:21
"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."

It's great to give presents during this Christmas season but I hope that the spirit of giving will settle into my heart and find a home.  I hope the spirit of giving will fill my life so that everyday of next year my life will be a gift to every person I meet.  That will take a huge sacrifice of self and whole lot of grace from God but I am excited to think about the possibilities of what God can do if I do let go of my wants and live to give.

Are you ready to be more blessed by living to give?  What are you willing to sacrifice so that others will find life in the Lord?  It won't be easy but it will sooooo be worth it!!!

December 9th

Sunday December 9^th 2012

Romans 12-16

When I realized that I was the one who was going to be sharing my reaction to today's reading, I was equal parts happy and nervous. I was happy because these verses are ones I am already extremely familiar with, and nervous because I wasn't sure I wanted to share exactly why I know them so well. After writing several versions, one four pages long and one two paragraphs, I finally found a nice middle ground in what you are about to read.

Today's reading is about interpersonal relationships. These verses are actually the inspiration behind my current areas of study, being psychology, philosophy, and sociology. How I came to love these verses is a long and complicated story, but I'd like to share the SparkNotes version. I attended Catholic school from kindergarten to tenth grade. From kindergarten to eighth grade I went to All Saints Catholic School in Norwalk. The principal at the time was a nun named Sister Catherine, and she had her own catch phrase, "love your neighbor as yourself." In my first few years I had no idea it was a Bible verse, I just thought she was a deep and philosophical thinker who just also happened to be a nun, because according to my adolescent self, it was near impossible to be both. But I'll get back to her.

For a while I was friends with a group of people who were anything but friendly. They were passive aggressive, catty, and underhanded and for a while I was too, until they lined up my face in their cross-hairs. For a long time I fought it out, being just as manipulative and underhanded as my frenemies, but after a while I had too many of them, and no one left on my side. I gave up my fight, but theirs waged on until I became a shell of a person. I had no idea how to act around people, because I didn't know if they were being genuine or not. I had to think and re-think every word that would come out of my mouth, and I would analyze every word someone said to me to check for any double meanings or possible traps. I must have seemed slow on the uptake to most people because of how much time I needed to form a response to the simplest of statements. I even questioned the motives of people outside that group of friends, that's how bad it got.

One day, while in my high school Religion class, we came across the verse that Sister Catherine had repeated so many times. As I first read it, I scoffed. I thought about how people weren't actually like that. People lied to and manipulated other people for personal gain. But as I was reading this letter from Paul, I realized he had a point. It pretty much smacked me in the face, to be honest. I realized that it didn't matter what they did or didn't do to me, it was all about my reaction. Another realization that was much harder to swallow was that they weren't to blame for the fortress I had built around myself, I was. I was the one who laid each brick that sealed me tighter into myself each day. As I came to see this as true, the walls around myself became thinner and thinner. I started acting like Paul said to, killing them with kindness is how I rephrased the verse "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Eventually it wasn't an act. I truly held no grudges against any of the people who had ever wronged me, and I was feeling freer and freer with every passing day until my old fortress became nothing but the dust that was easily shaken from my new wings.

In these verses I finally found the strength to move on with my life, and also to appreciate everything that had happened, because I know I would never think the way I do now if it weren't for that time in my life where I over thought everything. For me, these verses aren't just guidelines to living a good Christian life, but a life in and of itself. I hope when you read these verses today, you realized what good advice it all is. In my philosophy class, when I had to take God out of the equation, this philosophy of treating others how you want to be treated and loving those who hate you stood unwavering as it was questioned and attacked by my professor and classmates for analytical purposes. But like Descartes discovered in his meditations, we couldn't know of perfection if it did not exist, and in that perfection lies God, who is perfect in every way. And who has all the answers and who will sometimes slap you in the face with them, lovingly, like He did for me.

Hope you all have an amazing week, and try for just this one week to treat others how you want to be treated, or better, and see how happy you end up when next Sunday rolls around. I promise it'll be worth it.

- Gina.