Matthew 5:14
"You are the light of the world - like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden." NLT
Why are you trying to blend in? No, really?
We are all guilty of it, I know I am. Trying to make people comfortable by not ruffling feathers, not rocking the spiritual boat, not stepping on toes... But you know what?
You can only keep that up but for so long.
God has an assignment for you. You were chosen and pre-ordained for greatness and to share God's message of redemption with the world. As the scripture tells us, We are the light of the world. If you have ever been to a city or town that has a house or neighborhood on a higher elevation, you probably noticed that the towns folk are always looking up there. I'm sure you found yourself doing it as well. Seeing what "they" are doing, if their lights are still on, if there is anything exciting going on up there.
That's what the world is doing to us. Someone is watching You. Don't hide - but don't show off either ;-) Conventional society tells us to garner all of the attention we can get for ourselves. Our Lord tells us to recognize that the attention we garner is to turn the observers heart and focus on HIM.
Paradigm Shift: Contrary to popular belief, it's not about you (boo!).
Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." NLT
When you do well in something people will recognize and commend you, that's a given. But where the shift in recognition comes in is when those recognizing you recognize God's work IN you to do what has been done. And this means everywhere - not just at church or your circle of Christian friends - but at work, in the grocery store, on the bus, in the mall when people stand in the middle of the walkway and block you from passing by (is that just me?), you get the picture.
Don't let the world wonder whether you are a Christian. Talk about Christ and His power in your life. Display a godly mindset in your actions and appearance. "Don't hide your light under a basket! Instead put it on a stand and let it shine for all." Matthew 5:15 NLT. The King James translation puts it this way: "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candle stick; and it giveth light to all that are in the house."
See, I told you. Now get out there and light up the world girl!
Showing posts with label popular culture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label popular culture. Show all posts
Friday, July 4, 2014
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 ;-)
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
The Wellspring of Life
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23
Going through adolescence in the 80's was major! Coming of age during this era, I was exposed to all types of visual and mental influences by way of television and radio. (no Internet back then, can you imagine...) One song that I remember clearly was by our dear old friend Madonna: "Open your heart to me, baby. I'll give you love if you hold the key. Open your heart to me, darling. I'll give you love if you, you turn the key." Now, besides the fact that Madonna is wrong on so many levels, I enjoyed her music back then. This one song in particular speaks volumes about the culture and mindset that was dominant at the time and still is today - an open heart.
Many times we see women who are love sick, or love crazy, because they have let a man into their heart and he didn't know what to do with the prize he had been given. We have all been there! Thinking that if we open our heart and show a man how great we are inside that he will fall madly in love, stay in love, and put us on the queens' throne in his life. Then we wake up from our dream with swollen eyes, a heavy heart, tear soaked pillows and soggy tissues all over the bed. God built us to love and to be loved. The issue is not whether to love, it is rather who we receive love from and who we give our love to.
I was reading the book "Every Woman's Battle" by Shannon Ethridge, and in it she gives such a clear understanding of the magnitude of our heart's capacity to love and what that means is God's eyes.
"I believe the answer is in he word wellspring, which can also be interpreted as 'source'. The heart is the source of life. When God created us, He made our hearts central to our being - physically, spiritually, and emotionally."
Would you give someone your power source? Especially if they haven't proven worthy to have it? Many of us would need several sets of hands to count the men we have had a physical connection with. Maybe only one hand to count those with whom we had an emotional connection. But when is comes to a spiritual connection...silence, crickets, no comment. (If you can't say Amen, just say ouch. Ouch!) Why then would we open our heart to a man who is not our husband, or one who is not hearing from God as the focus and center of his life?
Your ability to guard your heart is paramount to preserving the precious, life giving gift that God has blessed you with. God knows your need and desire to be brought to the throne of grace. He is ready to give you the desires of your heart! But He wants you to guard your heart, leaving it open and accessible to Him first. When we guard our hearts against the tricks and schemes of the devil we allow access to our Saviour Jesus Christ. He loves us without conditions. He loves us eternally.
Don't use this as a rationale for blocking any and all interest or advance from a man - you are too fly to become a bitter spinster! But be discerning, be vigilant, be wise in your decisions regarding who to spend your precious time and interest with. A spring is eternal, ever bubbling and refreshing; a well is purposed to make the bounty from the spring accessible. Protect your eternal refreshment ladies, keep it accessible to God. Guard your heart girls, above all else! Amen.
Going through adolescence in the 80's was major! Coming of age during this era, I was exposed to all types of visual and mental influences by way of television and radio. (no Internet back then, can you imagine...) One song that I remember clearly was by our dear old friend Madonna: "Open your heart to me, baby. I'll give you love if you hold the key. Open your heart to me, darling. I'll give you love if you, you turn the key." Now, besides the fact that Madonna is wrong on so many levels, I enjoyed her music back then. This one song in particular speaks volumes about the culture and mindset that was dominant at the time and still is today - an open heart.
Many times we see women who are love sick, or love crazy, because they have let a man into their heart and he didn't know what to do with the prize he had been given. We have all been there! Thinking that if we open our heart and show a man how great we are inside that he will fall madly in love, stay in love, and put us on the queens' throne in his life. Then we wake up from our dream with swollen eyes, a heavy heart, tear soaked pillows and soggy tissues all over the bed. God built us to love and to be loved. The issue is not whether to love, it is rather who we receive love from and who we give our love to.
I was reading the book "Every Woman's Battle" by Shannon Ethridge, and in it she gives such a clear understanding of the magnitude of our heart's capacity to love and what that means is God's eyes.
"I believe the answer is in he word wellspring, which can also be interpreted as 'source'. The heart is the source of life. When God created us, He made our hearts central to our being - physically, spiritually, and emotionally."
Would you give someone your power source? Especially if they haven't proven worthy to have it? Many of us would need several sets of hands to count the men we have had a physical connection with. Maybe only one hand to count those with whom we had an emotional connection. But when is comes to a spiritual connection...silence, crickets, no comment. (If you can't say Amen, just say ouch. Ouch!) Why then would we open our heart to a man who is not our husband, or one who is not hearing from God as the focus and center of his life?
Your ability to guard your heart is paramount to preserving the precious, life giving gift that God has blessed you with. God knows your need and desire to be brought to the throne of grace. He is ready to give you the desires of your heart! But He wants you to guard your heart, leaving it open and accessible to Him first. When we guard our hearts against the tricks and schemes of the devil we allow access to our Saviour Jesus Christ. He loves us without conditions. He loves us eternally.
Don't use this as a rationale for blocking any and all interest or advance from a man - you are too fly to become a bitter spinster! But be discerning, be vigilant, be wise in your decisions regarding who to spend your precious time and interest with. A spring is eternal, ever bubbling and refreshing; a well is purposed to make the bounty from the spring accessible. Protect your eternal refreshment ladies, keep it accessible to God. Guard your heart girls, above all else! Amen.
Friday, February 3, 2012
The Great Transformation
"And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2
One of the first CD series I ordered from a radio ministry was by Dr. R.C. Sproul. Great teacher; although he can be more descriptive than my little pea brain can handle. His radio ministry is called "Renewing Your Mind", which I thought was a nice program title - short and accurate according to the focus of his ministry. But how interesting it was for me to find this title in Romans 12:2. "Hmmm, that guy is pretty clever." I thought. Little did I know! As I started to grow closer in my walk with Christ I gained a level of understanding for this passage of scripture that was indescribable. So was the beginning of my great transformation...
As women in the world today, we are faced with continuous images and reminders of what "the world" finds acceptable. Mainstream media and culture is just that, the main-stream that everyone follows and measures themselves against. But the first part of this verse makes everything clear: "And be not conformed to this world," (People try to make it confusing, but the word of God is so crystal clear sometimes, isn't it?) The New Living Translation says, "Don't copy the behaviors and customs of this world". Easier said than done, right?.
TV shows, music on the radio, movies, magazines, computer and cell phone apps, they all promote and encourage the conformity of society to the world view and image. We have to go out of our way not to be overly exposed to the mainstream view of normal. I cut off my cable TV subscription and haven't turned a television in my house in 12 months. Extreme? Yup; to some of you it may be. But that's what I had to do to start the transformation process. For some of you it may mean ending your subscriptions to certain magazines. For others it may mean not watching certain shows or TV channels. God convicts the heart of those who love Him and search for His truth.
"But be transformed by the renewing of your mind," - Now we get down to the nuts and bolts! Transformation by the renewing of your mind. This is where God gives us the foot print of how to navigate this journey that is the Christian life. You are not the same as you were before salvation. Although you may do some of the same things, and have some of the same problems, you are not the same. Sin is bondage, and we were born into sin, therefore we were born into bondage. Think of your redemption through Christ as your breakout from bondage. Like in the movie Shawshank Redemption - you are breaking out of jail. Chipping away slowly at the rock wall built around your heart and wading through sewer lines to climb to your freedom! This is the best visual I can paint for your mind renewal. Not a pretty picture, I know, but work with me.
Ephesians 5:22-23 says "Throw off your evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes." We have to think differently ladies. When we think differently we act differently. This leads to the third and last point of the passage..."that you prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Wow! Did you feel that? The power of God living and breathing in His word?!
When you think differently - not being conformed to this world...
You act differently - being transformed by the renewing of your mind...
Then you prove God's perfect will to yourself and to others - a testimony that God's plan is good and acceptable and perfect...How awesome is that! (I think I just wrote a sermon. Look out Billy Graham!)
God gives us the outline all in one verse. Don't get me wrong, God summed it up in a nice little package but this is not going to be an easy journey. (cue Shawshank visual) But believe me, the tools you need to dig yourself out of the bondage of sin and this world are all in His word. This verse is your little spoon, and the bible is the big poster protecting the big hole you have dug out to break free of your bondage.
Renew your mind. Change your thought life. Free yourself from the world's mainstream view and practices. Pull out your little spoon girls and get to work. I'm rooting for you!
One of the first CD series I ordered from a radio ministry was by Dr. R.C. Sproul. Great teacher; although he can be more descriptive than my little pea brain can handle. His radio ministry is called "Renewing Your Mind", which I thought was a nice program title - short and accurate according to the focus of his ministry. But how interesting it was for me to find this title in Romans 12:2. "Hmmm, that guy is pretty clever." I thought. Little did I know! As I started to grow closer in my walk with Christ I gained a level of understanding for this passage of scripture that was indescribable. So was the beginning of my great transformation...
As women in the world today, we are faced with continuous images and reminders of what "the world" finds acceptable. Mainstream media and culture is just that, the main-stream that everyone follows and measures themselves against. But the first part of this verse makes everything clear: "And be not conformed to this world," (People try to make it confusing, but the word of God is so crystal clear sometimes, isn't it?) The New Living Translation says, "Don't copy the behaviors and customs of this world". Easier said than done, right?.
TV shows, music on the radio, movies, magazines, computer and cell phone apps, they all promote and encourage the conformity of society to the world view and image. We have to go out of our way not to be overly exposed to the mainstream view of normal. I cut off my cable TV subscription and haven't turned a television in my house in 12 months. Extreme? Yup; to some of you it may be. But that's what I had to do to start the transformation process. For some of you it may mean ending your subscriptions to certain magazines. For others it may mean not watching certain shows or TV channels. God convicts the heart of those who love Him and search for His truth.
"But be transformed by the renewing of your mind," - Now we get down to the nuts and bolts! Transformation by the renewing of your mind. This is where God gives us the foot print of how to navigate this journey that is the Christian life. You are not the same as you were before salvation. Although you may do some of the same things, and have some of the same problems, you are not the same. Sin is bondage, and we were born into sin, therefore we were born into bondage. Think of your redemption through Christ as your breakout from bondage. Like in the movie Shawshank Redemption - you are breaking out of jail. Chipping away slowly at the rock wall built around your heart and wading through sewer lines to climb to your freedom! This is the best visual I can paint for your mind renewal. Not a pretty picture, I know, but work with me.
Ephesians 5:22-23 says "Throw off your evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes." We have to think differently ladies. When we think differently we act differently. This leads to the third and last point of the passage..."that you prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Wow! Did you feel that? The power of God living and breathing in His word?!
When you think differently - not being conformed to this world...
You act differently - being transformed by the renewing of your mind...
Then you prove God's perfect will to yourself and to others - a testimony that God's plan is good and acceptable and perfect...How awesome is that! (I think I just wrote a sermon. Look out Billy Graham!)
God gives us the outline all in one verse. Don't get me wrong, God summed it up in a nice little package but this is not going to be an easy journey. (cue Shawshank visual) But believe me, the tools you need to dig yourself out of the bondage of sin and this world are all in His word. This verse is your little spoon, and the bible is the big poster protecting the big hole you have dug out to break free of your bondage.
Renew your mind. Change your thought life. Free yourself from the world's mainstream view and practices. Pull out your little spoon girls and get to work. I'm rooting for you!
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