"And why worry about a speck in your friends eye, when you have a board in your own?" Matthew 7:3
In the grand (and even not so grand) scheme of things, all of us have an Achilles heel. That thing, or things, that can make us not only fall off of the wagon but jump off of it and then try to walk instead of just hopping back on...Some of you know what I'm saying! One woman might not be able to control herself if a gallon of ice cream is in the vicinity - she will kick off her shoes, curl up on the sofa with a spoon and a dishtowel (to wrap around the carton so her hands won't get cold), then zone out into her own little world. Another woman will melt into a puddle of sugar, spice, and all things nice when a handsome man walks into the room - with a flip of her hair and the bat of an eyelash she won't focus on anything but getting him to focus on her; a slow sache across the room to catch his eye, a brush against his shoulder, an extra chuckle or notable comment, a sly cross of the legs, anything to get his attention. Neither of these women sound like you, huh? Seems a little pathetic to you? Maybe you can't imagine a woman would stoop to that level, but what may be incomprehensible in your view may be a way of life for someone else. Criticism is a hill of rough terrain - the longer you travel on its path the bumpier the ride gets.
"Judge not, that you not be judged." Matthew 7:1. This passage of scripture is so basic that it is confusing to some. Let's look at the concept of the speck and the board and really break this thing down...
Matthew 7:3 "And why worry about the speck in your friend's eye when you have a board in your own?" Duly noted. But what if your friend calls attention to her "speck" and asks for advice/ feedback/ help with her speck? Well, I'm glad you have asked such a poinient question missy!
Matthew 7:4 "How can you think of saying, 'Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye' when you can't see past the board in your own eye?" So before we go running around, looking down at the woman that has lost one too many battles with Breyer's, we must analyze ourselves for the boards in our own eyes.
In verse 5 of the same passage Jesus calls this person a hypocrite. An He's serious about it! A hypocrite is defined as 1. a person who pretends to have virtues, morals, or religious beliefs, principles, etc, that he or she does not actually possess, especially a person whose actions belie stated beliefs 2. a person who feigns some desirable or publicly approved attitude especially one whose private life, opinions, or statements belie his or her public statements.
In review, it is hypocritical to bad mouth/ criticize/ look down on: a) an overweight person if you are an indulger in something that may not show on your physical exterior. b) a single woman with several children if you have had abortions, close calls, or multiple sex partners. c) a woman wearing a skirt that is too short/ top that is too low/ pants that are too tight if you seek attention in other ways like demeaning others to boost yourself up. Get the picture?
Matthew 7:5 "First get rid of the board from your own eye; then perhaps you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friends eye." I see this last verse as a message of assistance rather than one of admonition. I used to think the message was "Stop worrying about fixing everyone else until you fix yourself!" But now I see it from a whole new perspective. Think of an airplane oxygen mask. When you take a plane, the instruction for dealing with a loss in cabin pressure is to place your mask on first before making an attempt to help others with their masks. This is not because it is 'every man for himself', it's because I can be of no use to others if I am going down while trying to help them out. Likewise, if I have recognized my board - overeating/ overspending/ lusting of the eyes and flesh - and am working to remove it, I will have more compassion for what the person with the speck is going through and be able to share with them the power that God gives to overcome the specks and boards in the eyes of life.
As followers of Christ we are tasked to help strengthen and build His kingdom. Blind builders with specks and boards in their eyes are pretty ineffective... As we are working get our eyes board free we are to also be compassionate towards others around us who are working to do the same. I'm praying for you ladies! With God all things are possible.
Stay fly girls!
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Friday, January 25, 2013
The Co-Minglers
Judges 2:2 " You were not to make any covenants with the people living in this land; instead you were to destroy their alters. Why have you disobeyed my command?"
Not too many years ago there was a message that was prevalent in American culture: "Separate, but equal." This message, and subsequent judicial ruling used to justify or explain segregation, held sometimes opposing connotations by the two races it effected. For black and white America it allowed the two races to function in separate worlds with their own economies and cultural norms. Well... we know how all that turned out. But let us rewind a few more years, how about a few more centuries, and look back at the Israelites and the mandate God gave them to live apart from pagan society.
Judges 2:1-3 " The angel of the Lord went up from Gilgal to Bokim with a message for the Israelites. He told them "I brought you out of Egypt into this land I swore to give your ancestors, and I said I would never break my covenant with you. For your part, you were not to make any covenants with people living in this land; instead you were to destroy their altars. Why then have you disobeyed my command? Since you have done this, I will no longer drive out the people living in your land. They will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a constant temptation to you."
Oh, how we see that God means business when He gives us guidelines to follow. Verse 1 outlines God's promise - He will never break His covenant with us, verse 2 tells us His parameters - don't make covenants with these people, and verse 3 lays down the penalty for not following His guidance - the people who have invaded will be constant thorns in our sides. God instructed His holy people to go and take over the territory He had given them. For one reason or another, fear/ laziness/ disobedience, they did not do exactly what God told them to do, so what happened... Read Judges 1: 19-36 and take a look at how the Israelites compromised in their task. Not only did they disobey God by not destroying the alters of the pagan gods in the land, but they began to worship these gods (Judges 2:12-13, 19) and even commingle with he people of the lands they were occupying (Judges 3:5). Now, now, don't be so judgemental! Take that look of shock and dismay off your face. What? You can't believe that God's chosen people would so flagrantly disobey His rules, huh? Just think, after all of the blessings and favor God has showered upon them, they make it a point to go an live any kind of way. Hmph! Some nerve, right?
Well let's take a look at our present day culture. As Christians, we are to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-14). "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16. Yet how many of us allow ourselves to commingle so seamlessly into the culture that we are no more recognizable than a needle in a haystack. We can become so entrenched in the worldview and culture around us that we compromise our own sense of religion and Christ's influence on our lives. God has called us to set ourselves apart from the world at large - figuratively. Although the though of moving to a state, country, or continent of only disciples of Christ sounds appealing (I think...), that's just not something that is going to happen. So in the meantime, we must work against the system that can so easily ensnare us.
This is our test.
Can we seek God in the times when a little compromise could lead to a large setback? " The Lord left certain nations in the land to test those Israelites who had not participated in the wars of Canaan... These people were left to test the Israelites - to see whether they would obey the commands the Lord had given to their ancestors through Moses." Judges 3:1 & 4. How are you doing on your test? We have been called to set ourselves apart - apart from the worldly, the un-Godly, the hedonistic. It's not easy honey (trust me, I know firsthand), but as we focus on God and not the lusts of our eyes and flesh, we gain the strength we need to move forward. So enough with all this commingling! Separate yourself from that which hinders your progress toward he high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Start shutting those pagan idols down! You know, in a Godly type of way...with finesse ;-)
Stay fly girls!
Not too many years ago there was a message that was prevalent in American culture: "Separate, but equal." This message, and subsequent judicial ruling used to justify or explain segregation, held sometimes opposing connotations by the two races it effected. For black and white America it allowed the two races to function in separate worlds with their own economies and cultural norms. Well... we know how all that turned out. But let us rewind a few more years, how about a few more centuries, and look back at the Israelites and the mandate God gave them to live apart from pagan society.
Judges 2:1-3 " The angel of the Lord went up from Gilgal to Bokim with a message for the Israelites. He told them "I brought you out of Egypt into this land I swore to give your ancestors, and I said I would never break my covenant with you. For your part, you were not to make any covenants with people living in this land; instead you were to destroy their altars. Why then have you disobeyed my command? Since you have done this, I will no longer drive out the people living in your land. They will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a constant temptation to you."
Oh, how we see that God means business when He gives us guidelines to follow. Verse 1 outlines God's promise - He will never break His covenant with us, verse 2 tells us His parameters - don't make covenants with these people, and verse 3 lays down the penalty for not following His guidance - the people who have invaded will be constant thorns in our sides. God instructed His holy people to go and take over the territory He had given them. For one reason or another, fear/ laziness/ disobedience, they did not do exactly what God told them to do, so what happened... Read Judges 1: 19-36 and take a look at how the Israelites compromised in their task. Not only did they disobey God by not destroying the alters of the pagan gods in the land, but they began to worship these gods (Judges 2:12-13, 19) and even commingle with he people of the lands they were occupying (Judges 3:5). Now, now, don't be so judgemental! Take that look of shock and dismay off your face. What? You can't believe that God's chosen people would so flagrantly disobey His rules, huh? Just think, after all of the blessings and favor God has showered upon them, they make it a point to go an live any kind of way. Hmph! Some nerve, right?
Well let's take a look at our present day culture. As Christians, we are to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-14). "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16. Yet how many of us allow ourselves to commingle so seamlessly into the culture that we are no more recognizable than a needle in a haystack. We can become so entrenched in the worldview and culture around us that we compromise our own sense of religion and Christ's influence on our lives. God has called us to set ourselves apart from the world at large - figuratively. Although the though of moving to a state, country, or continent of only disciples of Christ sounds appealing (I think...), that's just not something that is going to happen. So in the meantime, we must work against the system that can so easily ensnare us.
This is our test.
Can we seek God in the times when a little compromise could lead to a large setback? " The Lord left certain nations in the land to test those Israelites who had not participated in the wars of Canaan... These people were left to test the Israelites - to see whether they would obey the commands the Lord had given to their ancestors through Moses." Judges 3:1 & 4. How are you doing on your test? We have been called to set ourselves apart - apart from the worldly, the un-Godly, the hedonistic. It's not easy honey (trust me, I know firsthand), but as we focus on God and not the lusts of our eyes and flesh, we gain the strength we need to move forward. So enough with all this commingling! Separate yourself from that which hinders your progress toward he high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Start shutting those pagan idols down! You know, in a Godly type of way...with finesse ;-)
Stay fly girls!
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
The New Normal
2 Timothy 4:3-4
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables."
It's interesting to me when the Bible starts pointing fingers. Not necessarily at us, but at "them". "They", them, *their*, not you, me, or I, of course. It's like putting us on notice in a 'round about, passive aggressive type of way... I like to think of it as conviction.
Today's passage, my lovelies, is an ominous revelation into what has become our present society. Our dear Paul is mentoring Timothy in the ways of the Lord and on how to lead his people. Paul is commanding and encouraging Timothy to preach the word - to "convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching" 2 Timothy 4:2b - and not to dilute it or stray from it. Should be simple: unroll the scrolls or pull down the tablets from the bookshelf and tell the congregation what they say. Easy peasy, right?!
Well in a perfect, sinless, heavenly world it might be that easy (key word: might). But you and I both know that A&E (Adam & Eve) changed the game and put an end to sinless perfection. So here is Timothy in a town with a church that needs some guidance. And there is Paul, in jail for preaching the gospel of Christ and sticking to his convictions. If that were you and there was some dude or lady in prison calling you (collect more than likely...), telling you how to be a leader, how would you feel about it? Maybe a little sceptical about what they were saying? Maybe just a little.
The challenge that we face as believers, spiritual mentors, and individuals in today's society is that it becomes easy to boost up the people and ideas that conform to our way of life and way of thinking. If I am an over eater and indulge my cravings for food with reckless abandon, I am inclined to ascribe to a doctrine that allows for my indulgences. Likewise, if I am tired of my husband and am ready to peace-out, I am inclined to ascribe to a doctrine that allows for me to leave my spouse. We are prone to link ourselves to the ideologies that are in accordance with the way we want to live. We would rather support a lie that allows for us to live in comfort than adhere to God's rules that bring us closer to perfection. This is what Paul was getting at when he sent this message to Timothy.
"According to their own desires...they will turn their ears away from the truth..."
And just to be clear, Paul's "they" and "their" is talking about us, that's you and me. FYI.
As believers we have to be mindful to adhere to the gospel. Even if what we read in the Bible or hear in a biblical message convicts us about an area that needs improvement we must comply. Don't be "turned aside by fables" which is bible talk for "don't believe the hype" or "don't fall for the lie". The devil is crafty and he will plant seeds of disobedience and rebellion in your heart that will cause your mind to regard sin as acceptable. Sin is unavoidable - but it is also not to be touted as an acceptable way of life. The bar has been set so low for levels of acceptable behavior, attire, and speech that it is hard to follow Godly guidance instead of the ungodly. Spiritually discern and analyze with scripture any leader, mentor, or general guidance you receive. God has given us a measuring stick - The Bible! Use it as your baseline and you will gain God's perspective and not the world's.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." NKJV
Stay Fly Girls! And Happy New Year ;-)
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables."
It's interesting to me when the Bible starts pointing fingers. Not necessarily at us, but at "them". "They", them, *their*, not you, me, or I, of course. It's like putting us on notice in a 'round about, passive aggressive type of way... I like to think of it as conviction.
Today's passage, my lovelies, is an ominous revelation into what has become our present society. Our dear Paul is mentoring Timothy in the ways of the Lord and on how to lead his people. Paul is commanding and encouraging Timothy to preach the word - to "convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching" 2 Timothy 4:2b - and not to dilute it or stray from it. Should be simple: unroll the scrolls or pull down the tablets from the bookshelf and tell the congregation what they say. Easy peasy, right?!
Well in a perfect, sinless, heavenly world it might be that easy (key word: might). But you and I both know that A&E (Adam & Eve) changed the game and put an end to sinless perfection. So here is Timothy in a town with a church that needs some guidance. And there is Paul, in jail for preaching the gospel of Christ and sticking to his convictions. If that were you and there was some dude or lady in prison calling you (collect more than likely...), telling you how to be a leader, how would you feel about it? Maybe a little sceptical about what they were saying? Maybe just a little.
The challenge that we face as believers, spiritual mentors, and individuals in today's society is that it becomes easy to boost up the people and ideas that conform to our way of life and way of thinking. If I am an over eater and indulge my cravings for food with reckless abandon, I am inclined to ascribe to a doctrine that allows for my indulgences. Likewise, if I am tired of my husband and am ready to peace-out, I am inclined to ascribe to a doctrine that allows for me to leave my spouse. We are prone to link ourselves to the ideologies that are in accordance with the way we want to live. We would rather support a lie that allows for us to live in comfort than adhere to God's rules that bring us closer to perfection. This is what Paul was getting at when he sent this message to Timothy.
"According to their own desires...they will turn their ears away from the truth..."
And just to be clear, Paul's "they" and "their" is talking about us, that's you and me. FYI.
As believers we have to be mindful to adhere to the gospel. Even if what we read in the Bible or hear in a biblical message convicts us about an area that needs improvement we must comply. Don't be "turned aside by fables" which is bible talk for "don't believe the hype" or "don't fall for the lie". The devil is crafty and he will plant seeds of disobedience and rebellion in your heart that will cause your mind to regard sin as acceptable. Sin is unavoidable - but it is also not to be touted as an acceptable way of life. The bar has been set so low for levels of acceptable behavior, attire, and speech that it is hard to follow Godly guidance instead of the ungodly. Spiritually discern and analyze with scripture any leader, mentor, or general guidance you receive. God has given us a measuring stick - The Bible! Use it as your baseline and you will gain God's perspective and not the world's.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." NKJV
Stay Fly Girls! And Happy New Year ;-)
Thursday, September 6, 2012
The Called. The Chosen.
"For many
are called, but few are chosen." Matthew 22:14
Acts 17: 26-27 (AMP)
Judas. We all know that name right? He was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, during His life he was considered one of the strong men of God, one of the followers of Christ; walking with Him, learning from Him, watching Him perform miracles and transform lives. Judas was right there - one of the elect - he was in the crew, part of the entourage! If we were there when Jesus was on earth we could have looked to Judas for guidance and counsel, thinking that because he was so close to Jesus he must have the answers. You know how our minds work, if we see someone close to the boss we look at them as being in the direct favor of the boss. Although we now know that Judas was the original sell-out, we wouldn't have known it then. But Jesus knew. God knew.
In John 17:12 Jesus
is speaking to God regarding the twelve disciples, "During my time here, I have kept them safe. I guarded them so that no one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the scriptures foretold." (NLT) Also, in John 6:39
Jesus says "And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those He has given me, but that I should raise them to eternal life at the last day." Jesus makes a clear distinction: "Those He has given
me."
You see, God
made a choice before the Earth began who were the chosen, who were the
select. Judas walked with Jesus, talked
with Jesus, he even had a powerful support team. Imagine if your closest friends and
co-workers (yup, them too...) were all Christ following, God believing
individuals. If you were in that
position you would do everything right, right?
Clearly not... And not to mention
Judas was the treasurer! He was the
money guy, the accountant for the group.
The person everyone trusted to hold their cash... Seriously Judas?! How could he cross over to the dark
side? Why did he lose focus and get off
track. He was called, but he was not
chosen.
Judas may have
been in the clique but his heart wasn't where it should have been. Had we been there at the time we may not have
known this, but God knew. Jesus made a
commitment to God not to lose anyone he had been given. He keeps that promise - "I have not lost a single one of those you gave me." John 18:9 NLT. Jesus keeps His
promises. He will guide/ love/ motivate/
save those whom God has given to Him. Those whom God has chosen.
If you have been
called to redemption through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior you must search
your heart for the source of your existence.
Dig down deep in your heart and soul for the glimmer of light that God
has placed in each of His creatures. Dig
down, through the mistakes, the hurt, the bitterness, anger, pride, hatred,
envy, and even the shame. Give all of
that up and turn it over to God.
You may associate with the right crowd of believers but you may also have the heart of Judas. You may have been called; but have you been chosen? Do you want the status of being 'with' the Jesus crowd or do you want the salvation of a clean heart? Dig down deep girls...ask God to do the miraculous work in you that will purify your heart and renew your mind and spirit. God has big plans for you my dear!
John 17:24
How about that for a promise from God? Stay fly girls!
Friday, June 15, 2012
Stay in Your Lane - Part 1
Romans 12:4-21
I used to work with a girl who was a powerhouse at work. We were in sales, and I don't know how she did it but everyone she worked with she seemed to get a sale from. Now I always thought I was good, but she was making me feel pretty inferior. You see from my perspective, if she was in sales and I was in sales we had to pull the same numbers in order for me to feel valuable. That makes sense right? Not so much...
As I was doing my devotions and bible reading I came across Romans 12:6a "God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well." In the context of this passage, this verse can be such a huge relief to most of us. One woman who seems to keep her house clean and her life in order (all while in her sleep) may not have the ability to connect and relate to people the way another woman can. Neither is inferior to the other - they simply have different God given abilities.
Romans12:4-5 "Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are all parts of His one body, and we all belong to each other, each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we each belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others."
We all know how disastrous it can be to start comparing ourselves to others! If your hands start looking at your feet and think "Wow, look at those nice shoes. And sheesh, she doesn't soak us in those nice baths and get us massaged like that. She must love them more than us..." Then the hands are envious; they want to be feet and do footly things. They don't feel their position is good enough so they stop being good hands because they are trying to be feet! Now I know this may be an awkward analogy but you get the picture. The moral of the story is - be a great hand instead of an awkward foot - Stay in your lane! The kingdom of God needs hands and feet and all the other parts!
As you do all that you can, in the best way that you can, you will begin to see the areas where God has given you a special function to bless others - at work, at school, at church, and in the world. If you are a great organizer help your local soup kitchen streamline their programs. If you are a great encourager help motivate the people around you when you see they are down. If you are a great cook come to my house and put your gifts to good service. No really... Use your "special function" to benefit the kingdom. God has a function for you, and your function may be different than those you work with or those in your inner circle or family. "And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others." Romans 12:5b
Don't forsake your function; it is your assignment from God. He has done a great work in you, now its time for you to work for Him with a renewed spirit. Amen.
Stay fly girls!
I used to work with a girl who was a powerhouse at work. We were in sales, and I don't know how she did it but everyone she worked with she seemed to get a sale from. Now I always thought I was good, but she was making me feel pretty inferior. You see from my perspective, if she was in sales and I was in sales we had to pull the same numbers in order for me to feel valuable. That makes sense right? Not so much...
As I was doing my devotions and bible reading I came across Romans 12:6a "God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well." In the context of this passage, this verse can be such a huge relief to most of us. One woman who seems to keep her house clean and her life in order (all while in her sleep) may not have the ability to connect and relate to people the way another woman can. Neither is inferior to the other - they simply have different God given abilities.
Romans12:4-5 "Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are all parts of His one body, and we all belong to each other, each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we each belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others."
We all know how disastrous it can be to start comparing ourselves to others! If your hands start looking at your feet and think "Wow, look at those nice shoes. And sheesh, she doesn't soak us in those nice baths and get us massaged like that. She must love them more than us..." Then the hands are envious; they want to be feet and do footly things. They don't feel their position is good enough so they stop being good hands because they are trying to be feet! Now I know this may be an awkward analogy but you get the picture. The moral of the story is - be a great hand instead of an awkward foot - Stay in your lane! The kingdom of God needs hands and feet and all the other parts!
As you do all that you can, in the best way that you can, you will begin to see the areas where God has given you a special function to bless others - at work, at school, at church, and in the world. If you are a great organizer help your local soup kitchen streamline their programs. If you are a great encourager help motivate the people around you when you see they are down. If you are a great cook come to my house and put your gifts to good service. No really... Use your "special function" to benefit the kingdom. God has a function for you, and your function may be different than those you work with or those in your inner circle or family. "And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others." Romans 12:5b
Don't forsake your function; it is your assignment from God. He has done a great work in you, now its time for you to work for Him with a renewed spirit. Amen.
Stay fly girls!
Friday, May 25, 2012
Truth in the Translation
"And this is what he says to all humanity: 'The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.'"
Job 28:28 NLT
KJV. NIV. NLT. NKJV. The Message.
In my women's discipleship class we would have frequent discussions referencing various scripture (naturally...) and the ladies would quote a passage that meant something to them. Frequently I would hear two particular ladies say a passage from the bible then say "The Message". Now me, a bit slow at times, was thinking "What on earth?..." But after hearing it a few times I got it: The Message was the Bible translation they were reading from.
Now I was always a King James Version kind of girl - enjoying the olde world feel and sound of it. I would think of the Bible figures with their sandals and robes on, sitting on a big stone in the wilderness and such, holding a tablet of rough hewn rock speaking to the people. (How's that for imagery?) I was drifting in darkness because I couldn't really follow the meaning of what God had to say to me through His word. I was not reading my bible daily, nor was I taking classes or going to bible study regularly to gain a better understanding of God's truths. So in 2000 I bought a People's Parallel Edition Bible in King James Version & New Living Translation. I still kept reading the KJV though because the NLT seemed watered-down and not quite 'holy' enough for me. Well, one day I was reading and praying and came across Galatians 2:20 and I was so moved by what God was saying to me that I cried.
"I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in the earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." NLT
To me this passage so awesomely details the walk that we face daily. Having life and having it more abundantly is God's gift to us as believers through Christ Jesus. I promise you that I have read that passage before, but it had not resonated with me the same way. Then I understood why: it's all in the translation! I read the same scripture in KJV - a little heart prick. Then in the NKJV - eh, maybe a pinch that time. Then again in NLT - there it is! Light bulb moment!
Each of us has to find a Bible translation that works best for us. The Bible can't show you the path that God has for your life if you can't clearly understand it. You may have an electronic device or other item at home that you don't use to the fullest potential because you haven't figured out how to work it properly. God forbid you read the manual, right? (no pun intended) If you don't already have a Bible that you can read and understand, go out and get one. Plenty of Christian book stores and churches in the area that sell a number of options. Take it from me girls, read the Lord's manual for your life. It will make your walk as a Christian so much stronger. Amen!
Job 28:28 NLT
KJV. NIV. NLT. NKJV. The Message.
In my women's discipleship class we would have frequent discussions referencing various scripture (naturally...) and the ladies would quote a passage that meant something to them. Frequently I would hear two particular ladies say a passage from the bible then say "The Message". Now me, a bit slow at times, was thinking "What on earth?..." But after hearing it a few times I got it: The Message was the Bible translation they were reading from.
Now I was always a King James Version kind of girl - enjoying the olde world feel and sound of it. I would think of the Bible figures with their sandals and robes on, sitting on a big stone in the wilderness and such, holding a tablet of rough hewn rock speaking to the people. (How's that for imagery?) I was drifting in darkness because I couldn't really follow the meaning of what God had to say to me through His word. I was not reading my bible daily, nor was I taking classes or going to bible study regularly to gain a better understanding of God's truths. So in 2000 I bought a People's Parallel Edition Bible in King James Version & New Living Translation. I still kept reading the KJV though because the NLT seemed watered-down and not quite 'holy' enough for me. Well, one day I was reading and praying and came across Galatians 2:20 and I was so moved by what God was saying to me that I cried.
"I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in the earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." NLT
To me this passage so awesomely details the walk that we face daily. Having life and having it more abundantly is God's gift to us as believers through Christ Jesus. I promise you that I have read that passage before, but it had not resonated with me the same way. Then I understood why: it's all in the translation! I read the same scripture in KJV - a little heart prick. Then in the NKJV - eh, maybe a pinch that time. Then again in NLT - there it is! Light bulb moment!
Each of us has to find a Bible translation that works best for us. The Bible can't show you the path that God has for your life if you can't clearly understand it. You may have an electronic device or other item at home that you don't use to the fullest potential because you haven't figured out how to work it properly. God forbid you read the manual, right? (no pun intended) If you don't already have a Bible that you can read and understand, go out and get one. Plenty of Christian book stores and churches in the area that sell a number of options. Take it from me girls, read the Lord's manual for your life. It will make your walk as a Christian so much stronger. Amen!
Friday, May 18, 2012
So you've given your life to Christ... Now what?
John 15:5-8 NLT "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who parts from me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like and it will be granted! My true disciples produce much fruit. This brings great glory to my Father."
Here is the Sunday morning routine: Wake up. Turn on the radio or TV to a gospel or preached word station. Turn on the coffee pot or tea kettle. Stand in the closet thinking about what to wear to church. Take a shower, coif the hair, get dressed. Start heading out the door. "Ooops!" you think, "What do I need to bring with me so I can do the "other stuff" I want to do after church?" Bring a change of clothes/ shoes/ etc. so that I won't go through the mall/ brunch/ dinner/ movies looking like I just left church... Could this be you? (*me: hand raised, looking at the floor in shame)
You've given your life to Christ, but are you living for Him?
Many of us shuttle through life desiring to put a check in each box:
- good job - check
- degree - check
- more degrees - check, check
- nice house - check
- nice car - check
- find a man - check (another topic for another time)
- go to church - check
We have a perceived sense of security in knowing that we have given our lives to Christ by being saved, going to church, maybe even going to bible study during the week. We really feel secure if we are tithing, let me tell you! Paying your weekly installment to get on the list, huh? Not quite ladies. Having things to do AC (after church) is not the problem; but living for all of the other things and not for God is. You must ask yourself "Am I living for Christ?" Do you live and breathe the fire God has placed in your heart or are you on auto-pilot? Have you recognized yet that God has planted in you a seed that he wants to cultivate, till, and prune so that you will bear much fruit? We are reminded of this in John 15:5 "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing."
Let's be clear and honest here, "remaining" in God can be a struggle. Everyday it is work - staying in touch with God and keeping the lines of communication open so that he stays in touch with you - not always easy. But is gets easier every day. You pray to God, you listen to what He is saying to you, and you look out for what He is showing you. He will show you how to live your life better by living for Him. As you accomplish your goals and set out through life you will begin to take advantage of the opportunities God gives you to witness for Him; whether it's at work, at school, in your social circles, or with your family. Be joyous and helpful in God's army! Smile at the lady in your office that is snippy to you. Wave every day to your neighbor who pretends not to see you. Forgive. Open your hand to give. Reach out to others. Allow the power of God's grace to work in you so that others will see and experience His goodness.
God, through Jesus Christ and with the power of the Holy Spirit, gives us assurance and purpose. Profess your faith ladies, you have nothing to be ashamed of!
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