In the past two weeks approximately 900 people have lost their lives. Attacks on a Russian passenger jet. Attacks in Beirut. Attacks in Nigeria. Attacks in Paris. Attacks in Israel. And even as I type this, an attach in Mali. Terrorism is rearing its ugly head at an alarming rate! I am certain I am not the only person who sat glued to my television screen last Friday night as the shocking events in Paris unfolded. And maybe like some of you, by the next day my shock had turned to anger.
In the midst of my anger I had a little rant session on Facebook. I feel quite foolish about it now, but I am grateful it happened because it got the attention of a dear friend of mine (an "iron-sharpens-iron" kind of friend) who then commented to me with love and truth. As I humbly quieted myself before the Lord long enough to pray about her words, the Word began to come up in my Spirit as well as some truth about what was going on in me. I am grateful to this friend who validated my concerns but, out of love, spoke up! I'm not sure what part of the Body I am, but it was clear I was having a flare up and needed another part of the Body to calm me down!
Fear presents itself in many forms. Just like love is the fertile ground in which joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control spring up. Fear is the fertile ground of anger, rage, hatred ... and any other emotion that runs contrary to the fruits of the Spirit. My anger was a sign to me that I was in fear. As a Christian I know I am not supposed to be fearful. I know fear is of Satan and that I am to give him no place. I also know that perfect love casts out all fear, and that that "perfect love" is found only as I pull my focus away from what's going on in this world and put it back on the One who has already overcome it ... Jesus Christ! Praise God!
I can't remember where I heard this analogy, but it goes something like this; The world lives life like a thermometer ... going up and down as circumstances are good and bad, but as a Christian we aren't called to be thermometers. We are to be thermostats ... remaining consistent in the face of both good and bad. How? Because of the peace we have in the certainties found in God's word. So let's look at some of these certainties that we can anchor ourselves to because, let's face it, these our overwhelming circumstances, and in times like these we need to be led to the Rock that is higher than us! (Ps. 61:2)
*What the Bible has to say about a believer's civic responsibility ...
Romans 13:1 tells us to be a loyal subject to governing authorities because there is no authority given to man but by God. It is God who appoints leaders. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 tells us we are to offer up petitions, prayers, intersessions, and thanksgiving on behalf of kings/leaders and all in positions of authority and high responsibility. Titus 3:1-2 and Col. 3:8 tells us to slander no one.
Believe me, I know this is a big pill to swallow as we are very tempted to lay blame with certain governing leaders, but doing so serves no purpose and helps nothing. Even if our words seem factual, faith does not speak what already exists. We play into Satan's hands when we do that. Romans 4:17 tells us to speak of nonexistent things as if they already exist. Are you worried about your leaders wisdom? Don't call him an idiot! Pray for him to have wisdom and thank God he is wise! Regardless of the outcome, remember "the heart of the king is in God's hand." (Prov 21:1) The same God that gave wisdom to Solomon hardened Pharaoh's heart, but God's will was always accomplished!
May I also say, if you are fortunate enough to live in a democracy, you have the right and responsibility to contact your representatives with your concerns. You also have the right and responsibility to vote. When doing so, keep in mind that a government's responsibility is very different than an individuals. Romans 13:3-4 says "For civil authorities are not a terror to people of good conduct, but to those of bad behavior ... For he (the government) is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear and wear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant to execute His wrath on the wrongdoer."
*What the Bible has to say about our enemy ...
Many people want to blame Muslims and the Islamic faith for the terror attacks we've seen, and although extremists of this religion seem to be the culprit, the Bible clearly tells us in Eph. 6:12 that we wrestle not with flesh and blood, contending only with physical opponents, but against the despotisms, against the powers, against the master spirits who are the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly, supernatural sphere. In other words, our fight is far more spiritual than physical. We are fighting against the ruler of this world, which is Satan, and his demonic forces. These forces are stationed in heavenly places over earthly kingdoms and operate down through them.
We see evidence of this in Daniel 10:11-14 when an angel appears to Daniel with an answer to a prayer prayed 21 days earlier. The angel specifies in verse 13 that the "prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief celestial princes, came to help me, for I remained there with the kings of Persia." We know the one speaking is an angel. We know Michael is an arch angel. We therefore know they would be fighting other celestial beings. Therefore, the prince and kings of Persia here are not human beings. They are "spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly, supernatural sphere." This point should again reiterate the importance of faith. Our faith that comes out of our mouth is a spiritual force that is either helping or hindering the spiritual warfare raging around us.
*What the Bible has to say about combating such an enemy ...
"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. For the weapons of our warfare are not physical weapons of flesh and blood, but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, inasmuch as we refute arguments and theories, and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the true knowledge of God; and we take every thought captive unto the obedience of Christ." 2 Cor. 10:3-5.
So here we see we have spiritual weapons to fight these spiritual forces, but the first thing we must set straight is our mind by taking our thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ. What exactly does that mean? Do your thoughts line up with the Word? If so, great. If not, pitch it! Find out what the Word says. Replace wrong thinking with right thinking. But to do this you must be in the Word and allow the Spirit to help you.
*What the Bible has to say about our weapons ...
These are found in Eph. 6:14-18. We have a belt of truth, a breastplate of righteousness, feet shod with the Gospel of peace, a shield of saving faith, a helmet of salvation, a sword of the Spirit (which is the Word), and prayer. So for defensive weapons we have truth to center us, the righteousness of God in our hearts, peace guiding where our feet take us, covering all with faith, and salvation in our minds. Our offensive weapons are the sword of the Spirit (the Word) and prayer. These two weapons work in tandem. The Word is alive and active and sharper than any two-edged sword. (Heb.4:12) And in Revelation 2:12, 16 we see Jesus wields a two-edged sword that comes from His mouth! My friend, our sword of the Spirit is also in our mouth! It is the Word of God that comes out of our mouth! How is it that we have authority to use the Word? It is because of Jesus! Through Him we have two more powerful weapons ... the Name and the blood. Jesus, the Name that is above every other name in which every knee must bow! (Phil. 2:9-10), and the blood, "And they (the saints) overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and the word (there's our mouth again) of their testimony." (Rev. 12:11 - explanation mine)
My friend, God promises to be our protector, a fortress and strong tower in time of need. I encourage you to read, study, and meditate on the 23rd and 91st Psalm. Both are packed with spiritual sword wielding truth! Rev. 12:12 tells us Satan will operate in even greater anger as he knows his time is running short. I don't know how bad things will get and what all we may have to endure before the return of our Lord, but always remember God is still on the throne, He knows the beginning from the end, and His plans can NEVER be thwarted. God will win, and those in Christ are assured victory ... a victory already won on the cross that we are watching play out. So hold fast your profession of faith and know the battle is the Lord's!
(As Thanksgiving approaches I had intended this blog to be about giving thanks and being grateful. Ironically, as I publish this writing that is exactly what's in my heart. I am thankful for the Word that I have purposefully put down in my heart. I am grateful that the Holy Spirit is so faithful to bring up exactly what I need, when I need it. I am thankful for the Body of Christ and "iron-sharpens-iron" kind of friends. I am grateful for my dear Savior who was willing to pay such a huge price for me to live in victory. I am thankful to God for His sovereignty and a beautiful plan that He is masterfully bringing full circle. I am grateful to all of you who read my blog and encourage me to continue writing even when the enemy attempts to tell me I have nothing important to say. Yes, I am indeed thankful! God bless!)
Friday, November 20, 2015
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Thank You Starbucks
Simplify.
In the past six months this seems to be the instruction I continue to receive from the Lord. With my oldest in high school, my youngest in diapers, and the middle two on the Autism Spectrum, I started feeling completely overwhelmed. Longing for order in the midst of much chaos, I inquired of the Lord. "Simplify" was the response.
This simplifying process started with closets, cabinets, and drawers; clearing out the clutter and organizing what we use. Simplifying then moved into my time management as I began to re prioritize, eliminate, and place limits on things affecting my schedule and how our home functions.
In moving toward a more simplified way of living I've found I'm less stressed and more able to meet the necessary demands of my life. Minimizing my surroundings and my schedule have allowed me to focus on what's truly important, what I'm truly called to be and do, and in doing so, has made life more meaningful and enjoyable.
As the holidays began to approach I found myself wondering how to apply a "less is more" philosophy to a time of year I used to love and now am too stressed out about meeting all its demands to enjoy. Ironically, around the same time and practically as confirmation of my simplifying overhaul of life, Starbucks released its simple red holiday cup. Now there has been much uproar by many Christians over this design (or lack there of). I'm certain you've heard all about it. However, and this may shock some people who know me, this Christian would like to say, Thank you Starbucks.
In a world where Christmas has been turned into Santa and snowmen, reindeer and gingerbread houses, stockings and presents, snowflakes and jingle bells, mistletoe and holy wreathes, the perfect Christmas tree and a "to do" list that's a mile long, I say thank you Starbucks, for reminding me of the simplicity of what this season is truly all about. Without even realizing it, without even meaning to, you have presented the Gospel and the Christmas message, in its most basic form ... Jesus being born into this world for the sole purpose of shedding His blood to save it!
Do I think there's a war on Christianity? Yes. Do I think Starbuck's red cups have something to do with it? No. Certainly as Christians, we are called to hold to our personal convictions (Rom. 14:22-23). If that means boycotting a company or taking a marker and decorating your cup or patronizing another coffee shop that is better aligned with your values and beliefs, so be it. That's the great thing about living in America! But in light of true persecution of Christians around the world, this doesn't qualify, and in my opinion, is as silly as others who claim there is a war on women here in America when horrific atrocities are taking place against women around the world every day!
To me the bottom line is this, a Christian shows their faith by what they do and say ... not by a coffee cup, a bumper sticker, a necklace, or any other outward symbol. I'm not against symbols of faith, but if we are relying on symbols to express our faith we may have missed the entire point of being a Christian. The Bible tells us in Matthew 7:20 "You will know them by their fruits," and what just happens to be the first fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23? Love! In John 13:35, Jesus Himself tells us "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another."
Please don't mistake what I am saying. I'm not suggesting compromising Biblical values. That is a fight worth having! Red cups are not. Let's not be conformed to a world that is offended by everything and everyone. As Christians, may our hearts only be broken over that which breaks God's heart, and in all honesty, watching His children get upset over a coffee cup probably does.
Do you want to make a loving, Christlike impact this holiday season? How about generously tipping your barista? Or paying for the coffee of the person behind you? Why not throw in a "Merry Christmas" and an invite to your church's Christmas service? Better yet, how about going down to a food kitchen and serving coffee to the poor and homeless ... those of which Jesus commanded us to care for.
In whatever way you choose, be salt - be light! But know your audience and realize that for those not in Christ, too much salt is disgusting and too much light is blinding. Remember you are called to catch fish, not clean them. Note too, the differences in Jesus' conversations depending on who He was speaking to ... loving and trusting to His Father, authoritative toward Satan, wisely upending the comments of Pharisees and Sadducees, teachings to His followers, more detailed teachings and instructions for His closest disciples, and for those whom He encountered for the very first time He gave simple truth ... a red cup.
In 1 Corinthians 10:32-33, Paul instructs us to "Give no offense to the Jew, the Greek, or the church of God, just as I also try to please all people in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, so that THEY MAY BE SAVED." (Emphasis mine). Of course here, Paul is speaking of clean and unclean food, but I believe the container would also apply.
So as you are out and about this holiday season, go ahead and stop by your favorite coffee shop. Enjoy your favorite latte or cappuccino, but remember that the true meaning of Christmas for those in Christ is not what's given to you on a cup but what's given to others from your heart. It is the deep love of Christ that has been poured out in our hearts that causes our cup to runneth over, allowing others to taste and see that this Jesus we love and serve, is good. (Rom. 5:5, Ps. 23:5, Ps. 34:8) He is the reason for the season! He is the best gift this world has ever and will ever receive!
In the past six months this seems to be the instruction I continue to receive from the Lord. With my oldest in high school, my youngest in diapers, and the middle two on the Autism Spectrum, I started feeling completely overwhelmed. Longing for order in the midst of much chaos, I inquired of the Lord. "Simplify" was the response.
This simplifying process started with closets, cabinets, and drawers; clearing out the clutter and organizing what we use. Simplifying then moved into my time management as I began to re prioritize, eliminate, and place limits on things affecting my schedule and how our home functions.
In moving toward a more simplified way of living I've found I'm less stressed and more able to meet the necessary demands of my life. Minimizing my surroundings and my schedule have allowed me to focus on what's truly important, what I'm truly called to be and do, and in doing so, has made life more meaningful and enjoyable.
As the holidays began to approach I found myself wondering how to apply a "less is more" philosophy to a time of year I used to love and now am too stressed out about meeting all its demands to enjoy. Ironically, around the same time and practically as confirmation of my simplifying overhaul of life, Starbucks released its simple red holiday cup. Now there has been much uproar by many Christians over this design (or lack there of). I'm certain you've heard all about it. However, and this may shock some people who know me, this Christian would like to say, Thank you Starbucks.
In a world where Christmas has been turned into Santa and snowmen, reindeer and gingerbread houses, stockings and presents, snowflakes and jingle bells, mistletoe and holy wreathes, the perfect Christmas tree and a "to do" list that's a mile long, I say thank you Starbucks, for reminding me of the simplicity of what this season is truly all about. Without even realizing it, without even meaning to, you have presented the Gospel and the Christmas message, in its most basic form ... Jesus being born into this world for the sole purpose of shedding His blood to save it!
Do I think there's a war on Christianity? Yes. Do I think Starbuck's red cups have something to do with it? No. Certainly as Christians, we are called to hold to our personal convictions (Rom. 14:22-23). If that means boycotting a company or taking a marker and decorating your cup or patronizing another coffee shop that is better aligned with your values and beliefs, so be it. That's the great thing about living in America! But in light of true persecution of Christians around the world, this doesn't qualify, and in my opinion, is as silly as others who claim there is a war on women here in America when horrific atrocities are taking place against women around the world every day!
To me the bottom line is this, a Christian shows their faith by what they do and say ... not by a coffee cup, a bumper sticker, a necklace, or any other outward symbol. I'm not against symbols of faith, but if we are relying on symbols to express our faith we may have missed the entire point of being a Christian. The Bible tells us in Matthew 7:20 "You will know them by their fruits," and what just happens to be the first fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23? Love! In John 13:35, Jesus Himself tells us "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another."
Please don't mistake what I am saying. I'm not suggesting compromising Biblical values. That is a fight worth having! Red cups are not. Let's not be conformed to a world that is offended by everything and everyone. As Christians, may our hearts only be broken over that which breaks God's heart, and in all honesty, watching His children get upset over a coffee cup probably does.
Do you want to make a loving, Christlike impact this holiday season? How about generously tipping your barista? Or paying for the coffee of the person behind you? Why not throw in a "Merry Christmas" and an invite to your church's Christmas service? Better yet, how about going down to a food kitchen and serving coffee to the poor and homeless ... those of which Jesus commanded us to care for.
In whatever way you choose, be salt - be light! But know your audience and realize that for those not in Christ, too much salt is disgusting and too much light is blinding. Remember you are called to catch fish, not clean them. Note too, the differences in Jesus' conversations depending on who He was speaking to ... loving and trusting to His Father, authoritative toward Satan, wisely upending the comments of Pharisees and Sadducees, teachings to His followers, more detailed teachings and instructions for His closest disciples, and for those whom He encountered for the very first time He gave simple truth ... a red cup.
In 1 Corinthians 10:32-33, Paul instructs us to "Give no offense to the Jew, the Greek, or the church of God, just as I also try to please all people in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, so that THEY MAY BE SAVED." (Emphasis mine). Of course here, Paul is speaking of clean and unclean food, but I believe the container would also apply.
So as you are out and about this holiday season, go ahead and stop by your favorite coffee shop. Enjoy your favorite latte or cappuccino, but remember that the true meaning of Christmas for those in Christ is not what's given to you on a cup but what's given to others from your heart. It is the deep love of Christ that has been poured out in our hearts that causes our cup to runneth over, allowing others to taste and see that this Jesus we love and serve, is good. (Rom. 5:5, Ps. 23:5, Ps. 34:8) He is the reason for the season! He is the best gift this world has ever and will ever receive!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)