"Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection. This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down." 2 Corinthians 13:5-10
To finish the week, I want to focus on one phrase: "Our prayer is for your perfection." How is perfection possible while we are sinners, living in a sinful world?
First, we have to understand the root of the word in Greek. I'll wait we all take a quick Rosetta Stone class in the Greek language. ....... OK, let's just use a commentary. According to biblegateway.com, "The basic meaning of the noun katartisis is to 'make suitable or fitting' for a particular task, not to 'make perfect.'"
Striving for perfection, and being perfected, indicate a process. Christian perfection is really this: we are weak and sinful. God is perfect. As He works and moves in our lives, and makes us more like Him, we become perfected (changed, moved, different). In 2 Corinthians 12:8-10, Paul writes, "Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
In other words, the weaker we are, the more perfect He can make us! God perfecting us is about Him, not about us. It's not about all we can do and achieve. It's about how much He can do with us when we are willing. We are most willing, I think, in our weakness, not our strength.
It's not that we are trying to be Him. We are trying to be like Him. In Philippians 13:12 we read, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." This whole life process is about us (little, ant-like humans) taking His hand (ginormous, King-of-the-Universe) and being led where He takes us. Becoming one with Him. Taking on His qualities. Becoming perfected.
I want to be made suitable. I want to learn what I need to learn from Him so that I'm ready for what He wants me to take on next. That's all perfection is. It's letting Him, and letting go.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Nothing but the Truth
Remember the Mad Hatter? "I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date!?" Sorry for the lateness of the hour. I'm leaving for vacation in two days and I'm running around like I have never been on vacation before!
Back to more serious things. Remember our scripture for the week: "Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection. This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down." 2 Corinthians 13:5-10
Today's focus is on the sentence that says, "For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth." You know, this verse speaks so clearly to me - no matter what, there is a Truth in this world. That truth is real and alive and there is NOTHING anyone can do to stop it!
So many times we see the evil of the world, the destruction, the sorrow, and shake our heads in morbid fascination with how horrible the times are. The world can look at things like the earthquake in Haiti, crimes against children, and suicide bombers and wonder, where is God? Heck, it's not just the world who wonders - sometimes we wonder, too. Right? I know I have! I have wondered when God is going to put a stop to the nonsense of the world. We see this also in Revelation chapter 6: They called out in a loud voice, "How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?" (verse 10)
How long, God? Why, God? God, where are you? Are you there? What did I do? We've all asked these questions, if we look deeply inward. The questions are not sinful. Those questions enter into sin when the questioners begin to believe that God won't answer. That God doesn't care, that He's nowhere to be found.
Come on, now. Right? Unless you've lived your life in a cave you've had a hurt so deep and so bad that you have questioned God's plan, His purpose, His very love for you. Again, the questions aren't the sin. The answers are. Rather, the wrong answers are.
Because no matter the question, the TRUTH is the answer. The TRUTH is that God is love. Remember 1 John 4:7-8: "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." He is love. That's the truth (the whole truth and nothing but!).
No matter how many earthquakes . . . God is love. No matter how many murders . . . God is love. No matter how much you are hurting . . . God is love. No matter what you've done. No matter how many times you've failed. No matter the hurt you've caused. No matter the relationships you've killed. NO MATTER WHAT. The truth is still the truth. He loves you. Repeat after me: He loves me. He loves me. He loves me.
He loves you. And that's the truth.
Back to more serious things. Remember our scripture for the week: "Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection. This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down." 2 Corinthians 13:5-10
Today's focus is on the sentence that says, "For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth." You know, this verse speaks so clearly to me - no matter what, there is a Truth in this world. That truth is real and alive and there is NOTHING anyone can do to stop it!
So many times we see the evil of the world, the destruction, the sorrow, and shake our heads in morbid fascination with how horrible the times are. The world can look at things like the earthquake in Haiti, crimes against children, and suicide bombers and wonder, where is God? Heck, it's not just the world who wonders - sometimes we wonder, too. Right? I know I have! I have wondered when God is going to put a stop to the nonsense of the world. We see this also in Revelation chapter 6: They called out in a loud voice, "How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?" (verse 10)
How long, God? Why, God? God, where are you? Are you there? What did I do? We've all asked these questions, if we look deeply inward. The questions are not sinful. Those questions enter into sin when the questioners begin to believe that God won't answer. That God doesn't care, that He's nowhere to be found.
Come on, now. Right? Unless you've lived your life in a cave you've had a hurt so deep and so bad that you have questioned God's plan, His purpose, His very love for you. Again, the questions aren't the sin. The answers are. Rather, the wrong answers are.
Because no matter the question, the TRUTH is the answer. The TRUTH is that God is love. Remember 1 John 4:7-8: "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." He is love. That's the truth (the whole truth and nothing but!).
No matter how many earthquakes . . . God is love. No matter how many murders . . . God is love. No matter how much you are hurting . . . God is love. No matter what you've done. No matter how many times you've failed. No matter the hurt you've caused. No matter the relationships you've killed. NO MATTER WHAT. The truth is still the truth. He loves you. Repeat after me: He loves me. He loves me. He loves me.
He loves you. And that's the truth.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Do the Right Thing
"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection. This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down." 2 Corinthians 13:5-10
Moving on deeper into this scripture . . . let's look here: " . . . but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed." This entire passage is an admonition to the church at Corinth to compare their motives, means, and attitudes against the gospel of Jesus Christ. As an apostle of Christ, Paul (along with Silas, Timothy and Titus - they are the "we") has been tested as a tried and true Christian. So much so that he can invite the church to examine themselves internally, as well as examine him. He is confident that the examination of his faith will be fruitful - to the church, to God and to himself.
What I like here is Paul's motivation. He seems to be pleading with the church - even if you think I've done things wrong, YOU do what is right!
So many times as Christ followers we can take our eyes of the one we have been following and affix our eyes on each other. When we do that, what invariably happens? Don't we go to extremes? It seems what follows is either hero worship, which can only lead to a major fall, or intense, cowardly criticism, which breeds bitterness and contempt.
Even assuming that our eyes are firmly on Christ, there are times when the wrong-ness of others can influence our thoughts and attitudes. We have all had friends who have made mistakes - some big, some small - or worse yet, completely lost their faith. It can be difficult to not let their faltering affect us.
The faults and weaknesses of others are never an excuse for moral or spiritual failures on our part. The excuse of, "Well she did it first, so I can do it too" is childish and not meant for God's warriors. Yet I see it all the time. Bad attitudes lead to more bad attitudes. Gossip leads to gossip. Criticism leads to criticism. It's a dangerous game, and - once again - inappropriate for God's people!
I'm not talking about having legitimate concerns and turning to wise counsel. I'm not even talking about having a bad day and griping it out with your spouse at dinner. I'm talking about a lifestyle that is committed - not to Christ and His ways - but to finger-pointing and condemnation.
It's a slippery slope. It's certainly not difficult to begin your week faultless and end it faulted. It simply takes carelessness. We must be purposeful, and part of purpose means examination. That's what this whole week has been about. Be willing to purposefully examine your faith. Be willing to be wrong! And be willing to let Christ make things right.
Moving on deeper into this scripture . . . let's look here: " . . . but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed." This entire passage is an admonition to the church at Corinth to compare their motives, means, and attitudes against the gospel of Jesus Christ. As an apostle of Christ, Paul (along with Silas, Timothy and Titus - they are the "we") has been tested as a tried and true Christian. So much so that he can invite the church to examine themselves internally, as well as examine him. He is confident that the examination of his faith will be fruitful - to the church, to God and to himself.
What I like here is Paul's motivation. He seems to be pleading with the church - even if you think I've done things wrong, YOU do what is right!
So many times as Christ followers we can take our eyes of the one we have been following and affix our eyes on each other. When we do that, what invariably happens? Don't we go to extremes? It seems what follows is either hero worship, which can only lead to a major fall, or intense, cowardly criticism, which breeds bitterness and contempt.
Even assuming that our eyes are firmly on Christ, there are times when the wrong-ness of others can influence our thoughts and attitudes. We have all had friends who have made mistakes - some big, some small - or worse yet, completely lost their faith. It can be difficult to not let their faltering affect us.
The faults and weaknesses of others are never an excuse for moral or spiritual failures on our part. The excuse of, "Well she did it first, so I can do it too" is childish and not meant for God's warriors. Yet I see it all the time. Bad attitudes lead to more bad attitudes. Gossip leads to gossip. Criticism leads to criticism. It's a dangerous game, and - once again - inappropriate for God's people!
I'm not talking about having legitimate concerns and turning to wise counsel. I'm not even talking about having a bad day and griping it out with your spouse at dinner. I'm talking about a lifestyle that is committed - not to Christ and His ways - but to finger-pointing and condemnation.
It's a slippery slope. It's certainly not difficult to begin your week faultless and end it faulted. It simply takes carelessness. We must be purposeful, and part of purpose means examination. That's what this whole week has been about. Be willing to purposefully examine your faith. Be willing to be wrong! And be willing to let Christ make things right.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Recognize Jesus
"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection. This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down." 2 Corinthians 13:5-10
Today, let's examine the next sentence of these verses: "Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you?" Why would Paul ask this question? The commentary noted for this passage at www.biblegateway.com says that Paul was being sarcastic. (My kind of guy!) The NIV translation uses the verb "realize," although a better translation might be "recognize." In other words, Paul is asking, "Don't you even recognize Jesus among you?" He's pointing out that if you can't see Jesus in your life, in your ministry, in your church - there's a huge problem!
How do we recognize Jesus? How do others see Him in us? Is it in the way that we are impatient with the cashier in the Walmart checkout line? Do our children see it when we snap at them in frustration? Perhaps the more frightening question is this: Can Jesus Christ recognize Himself in us?
Don't you think that Jesus, when He looks at us, desires it to be almost like looking in a mirror? Doesn't He have the right, as the one who died for our sins, to examine our lives? I want Him to see evidence of His work in my life when He looks at me! And not old work, written in the history book of my life. But current, new work, like new skin growing over old wounds.
To be able to recognize Christ in ourselves and our work and our church takes a bit (well, not a bit - a lot!)of effort, discipline, and thought. We don't accidentally become Christ-like. It's a purposeful, life-long endeavor that is a result of knowing Him more and more fully. Paul says in Philippians 3:10 that he wants "to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings." Becoming Christ-like isn't just about sharing in the power of His resurrection. It's about sharing in His sufferings, too. That's the part that we might not like so much. But think about it - is life defined by the suffering, or by the joy?
Resolve to recognize Him in your midst. Allow others to recognize Him in you. It takes a decision - to make an effort, to allow love to reign, to be defined by joy instead of sorry. But it's worth the effort. When I get to heaven one day, after the first thousand years or so of sitting at Christ's feet and soaking in His presence, I might look around and be amazed.
Maybe, just maybe, I'll recognize the Walmart cashier from that long checkout line.
Today, let's examine the next sentence of these verses: "Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you?" Why would Paul ask this question? The commentary noted for this passage at www.biblegateway.com says that Paul was being sarcastic. (My kind of guy!) The NIV translation uses the verb "realize," although a better translation might be "recognize." In other words, Paul is asking, "Don't you even recognize Jesus among you?" He's pointing out that if you can't see Jesus in your life, in your ministry, in your church - there's a huge problem!
How do we recognize Jesus? How do others see Him in us? Is it in the way that we are impatient with the cashier in the Walmart checkout line? Do our children see it when we snap at them in frustration? Perhaps the more frightening question is this: Can Jesus Christ recognize Himself in us?
Don't you think that Jesus, when He looks at us, desires it to be almost like looking in a mirror? Doesn't He have the right, as the one who died for our sins, to examine our lives? I want Him to see evidence of His work in my life when He looks at me! And not old work, written in the history book of my life. But current, new work, like new skin growing over old wounds.
To be able to recognize Christ in ourselves and our work and our church takes a bit (well, not a bit - a lot!)of effort, discipline, and thought. We don't accidentally become Christ-like. It's a purposeful, life-long endeavor that is a result of knowing Him more and more fully. Paul says in Philippians 3:10 that he wants "to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings." Becoming Christ-like isn't just about sharing in the power of His resurrection. It's about sharing in His sufferings, too. That's the part that we might not like so much. But think about it - is life defined by the suffering, or by the joy?
Resolve to recognize Him in your midst. Allow others to recognize Him in you. It takes a decision - to make an effort, to allow love to reign, to be defined by joy instead of sorry. But it's worth the effort. When I get to heaven one day, after the first thousand years or so of sitting at Christ's feet and soaking in His presence, I might look around and be amazed.
Maybe, just maybe, I'll recognize the Walmart cashier from that long checkout line.
Monday, January 25, 2010
"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection. This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down." 2 Corinthians 13:5-10
I'd like to spend this week examining this scripture in detail. Let's start with the first part: "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves." What a great piece of advice this is!! It reminds me of Psalm 51:10, "Create in me a clean heart, oh God, and renew a right spirit in me." KJV If we are not consistently examining our faith, inviting God to examine us, don't you think that means we have something to be afraid of?
Why are we afraid to challenge ourselves, or even worse, to be challenged by others? I wonder if deep down it's because we don't know God well enough to be able to examine Him and His impact in our lives. Sometimes we fall into a rut of faith. We do the same things we always done, in the same way, at the same time, but never stop to think about why we are still doing them. Hebrews 13:8 says "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." But it doesn't say that WE are the same. The fact that WE change is a good thing. The fact that HE doesn't is a GREAT thing!
Years ago, when I was in college, I was in a Bible study on the book of Revelations. (Shout out to Karen Wenger for that time in my life. Holla!!) She brought in a friend who was extremely knowledgeable about this area, and this friend pointed out that there are different times of dispensation throughout history. These dispensations, or ages (see Ephesians 3:1-5, especially the New King James Version), are marked by increased knowledge by man about God. In other words, there are things we understand and see clearly now that we might not have seen clearly in another age.
The fulfillment of the law by Jesus Christ is a perfect example of this. Jesus came to fulfill the law, not to enforce it. Read . . . I don't know, all of the gospels if you are unsure about this! Though many didn't understand it at the time, we understand this now. We understand that a menstruating woman doesn't need to be purified, or live in a tent by herself for a week or two (although some men may appreciate that!). Many biblical scholars believe there are seven dispensations throughout history (seven is the perfect number, remember), and we are now in the sixth.
Now, I say all that because the faith you have now is hopefully not the same faith you had a year ago. Or two years ago. Or ten years ago. And so on. Because, as you grow in the faith, your knowledge of God increases, your love for Him grows to encompass that love, and as a result your convictions, standards, and beliefs grow and change.
Say you were a smoker when you got saved. You fell in love with Jesus, and for awhile you still smoked, because you didn't know it was harmful for your spiritually, as well as physically. Then the pastor introduces you to a new scripture, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." You have an aha! moment - your knowledge has changed, and now you have a choice to make with what you know.
As we grow, we should consistently check our thoughts, actions and attitudes against the scripture. Why would we want to struggle in those areas? When the Holy Spirit is working on you - let Him! We want so much of God, so why not give Him more and more of us?
Are you willing to examine your faith, and test it before God's eyes? Are you willing to check your thoughts, actions and attitudes against the scripture? Do it today, and I promise you - God may ask you for something difficult, but the rewards will be great - and eternal. And you know what else? You'll never regret it.
See you tomorrow! Keep blazing!
I'd like to spend this week examining this scripture in detail. Let's start with the first part: "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves." What a great piece of advice this is!! It reminds me of Psalm 51:10, "Create in me a clean heart, oh God, and renew a right spirit in me." KJV If we are not consistently examining our faith, inviting God to examine us, don't you think that means we have something to be afraid of?
Why are we afraid to challenge ourselves, or even worse, to be challenged by others? I wonder if deep down it's because we don't know God well enough to be able to examine Him and His impact in our lives. Sometimes we fall into a rut of faith. We do the same things we always done, in the same way, at the same time, but never stop to think about why we are still doing them. Hebrews 13:8 says "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." But it doesn't say that WE are the same. The fact that WE change is a good thing. The fact that HE doesn't is a GREAT thing!
Years ago, when I was in college, I was in a Bible study on the book of Revelations. (Shout out to Karen Wenger for that time in my life. Holla!!) She brought in a friend who was extremely knowledgeable about this area, and this friend pointed out that there are different times of dispensation throughout history. These dispensations, or ages (see Ephesians 3:1-5, especially the New King James Version), are marked by increased knowledge by man about God. In other words, there are things we understand and see clearly now that we might not have seen clearly in another age.
The fulfillment of the law by Jesus Christ is a perfect example of this. Jesus came to fulfill the law, not to enforce it. Read . . . I don't know, all of the gospels if you are unsure about this! Though many didn't understand it at the time, we understand this now. We understand that a menstruating woman doesn't need to be purified, or live in a tent by herself for a week or two (although some men may appreciate that!). Many biblical scholars believe there are seven dispensations throughout history (seven is the perfect number, remember), and we are now in the sixth.
Now, I say all that because the faith you have now is hopefully not the same faith you had a year ago. Or two years ago. Or ten years ago. And so on. Because, as you grow in the faith, your knowledge of God increases, your love for Him grows to encompass that love, and as a result your convictions, standards, and beliefs grow and change.
Say you were a smoker when you got saved. You fell in love with Jesus, and for awhile you still smoked, because you didn't know it was harmful for your spiritually, as well as physically. Then the pastor introduces you to a new scripture, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." You have an aha! moment - your knowledge has changed, and now you have a choice to make with what you know.
As we grow, we should consistently check our thoughts, actions and attitudes against the scripture. Why would we want to struggle in those areas? When the Holy Spirit is working on you - let Him! We want so much of God, so why not give Him more and more of us?
Are you willing to examine your faith, and test it before God's eyes? Are you willing to check your thoughts, actions and attitudes against the scripture? Do it today, and I promise you - God may ask you for something difficult, but the rewards will be great - and eternal. And you know what else? You'll never regret it.
See you tomorrow! Keep blazing!
Friday, January 22, 2010
That One Moment
"The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.'" Genesis 15-17
In yesterday's blog, a phrase from this verse caught my eye and I decided to ponder on it today. It's something I never noticed before. Look at the last phrase: "for when you eat of it you will surely die." Not if, but when.
I can't believe I didn't notice it before. And as I read through this account in Genesis, I see that knowing that Adam would eventually eat from the tree didn't stop God from giving him His good and perfect gifts. He made Adam ruler over the garden, bringing before him each and every animal that he had made and allowing Adam to name them. Not only that, but He gave Adam a wife, created from his own side.
I can't help but wonder if that one moment, the one where God predicts Adam's sin, is a defining moment in history. At that moment, God tells us in His word that He knew exactly what Adam was going to do, but God kept His love for him, and for the rest of mankind in the generations to follow.
It must have been bittersweet. Knowing, absolutely knowing, as we discussed yesterday, that His way is the way of good, and yet knowing just as certainly that we would walk astray, we would stumble. It kind of breaks my heart for God, you know what I mean?
The facts of this story are proof of God's love for us. It takes strength to let someone go off and do their own thing. It takes strength to love someone who doesn't love you back. It takes strength to give all you have to someone who is unappreciative. I know that we were created in God's image. I'm so glad it's not the other way around! If God were created in our image, He'd be whining, fussing, selfish, unreliable, unloving, unloveable, purposeless, drifting in the wind from one thing to another.
But no, we were fashioned after Him! Chapter 1, verse 27: "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."
If you're like me, that's a verse I've passed over many times and not really examined deeply. But that's a shouting hallelujah verse!!! HE created us. HIM - creator of each and every star in the sky, the creator of all things from the heights of the heighest mountain to the depth of the deepest sea - HE is the one who created us. And not only that, He created us to be like Him.
Why do I bring that up? (Besides the obvious worship time I'm having?) Because of love. His love. His love began for us before we were formed. His love has endured no matter what we have done or how many times we have sinned against Him. He knew we were gonna do it and He loved us anyway.
With a love like that, how can we hold anything back?
In yesterday's blog, a phrase from this verse caught my eye and I decided to ponder on it today. It's something I never noticed before. Look at the last phrase: "for when you eat of it you will surely die." Not if, but when.
I can't believe I didn't notice it before. And as I read through this account in Genesis, I see that knowing that Adam would eventually eat from the tree didn't stop God from giving him His good and perfect gifts. He made Adam ruler over the garden, bringing before him each and every animal that he had made and allowing Adam to name them. Not only that, but He gave Adam a wife, created from his own side.
I can't help but wonder if that one moment, the one where God predicts Adam's sin, is a defining moment in history. At that moment, God tells us in His word that He knew exactly what Adam was going to do, but God kept His love for him, and for the rest of mankind in the generations to follow.
It must have been bittersweet. Knowing, absolutely knowing, as we discussed yesterday, that His way is the way of good, and yet knowing just as certainly that we would walk astray, we would stumble. It kind of breaks my heart for God, you know what I mean?
The facts of this story are proof of God's love for us. It takes strength to let someone go off and do their own thing. It takes strength to love someone who doesn't love you back. It takes strength to give all you have to someone who is unappreciative. I know that we were created in God's image. I'm so glad it's not the other way around! If God were created in our image, He'd be whining, fussing, selfish, unreliable, unloving, unloveable, purposeless, drifting in the wind from one thing to another.
But no, we were fashioned after Him! Chapter 1, verse 27: "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."
If you're like me, that's a verse I've passed over many times and not really examined deeply. But that's a shouting hallelujah verse!!! HE created us. HIM - creator of each and every star in the sky, the creator of all things from the heights of the heighest mountain to the depth of the deepest sea - HE is the one who created us. And not only that, He created us to be like Him.
Why do I bring that up? (Besides the obvious worship time I'm having?) Because of love. His love. His love began for us before we were formed. His love has endured no matter what we have done or how many times we have sinned against Him. He knew we were gonna do it and He loved us anyway.
With a love like that, how can we hold anything back?
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Eve Who?
Good morning! Where have you all been? I've been searching and searching for you . . . okay, not true. Sorry for not blogging for awhile. I've been sick since Christmas and it has really only been the last 5 or 6 days that I've felt like myself again. I've had some gastro-intestinal issues, really for a year and a half, including a bowel blockage, bouts of pancreatitis, and gallbladder removal. So to feel good is really a gift and a blessing.
One of the things that happened at my doctor last week was the removal of dairy from my diet. When she first told me that she wanted me to not have milk or dairy products for two weeks, I thought, sure, no biggie. But she wanted me to be VERY careful - lots and lots of processed foods contain dairy, as does that extra food group - chocolate.
Now THAT'S hard! I did fine the first few days, but it has become tough! I WANT dairy! Who cares what the doctor says! A little bit of cheese in my soup isn't going to hurt me. Eating a couple of pieces of chocolate is GOOD for me! And, quite frankly, I want MILK!
This morning I was lying in bed, and it hit me smack upside the head. I'm Eve!! I've always wondered how Eve could have blown it so badly. Girl, you have ALLLLLLLL the other trees in the garden from which to eat. Don't eat from that one. It's just one tree. Dr. Phung was saying to me, in essence, girl, you have five other food groups from which you can eat. But until you're better, don't eat from just one. And instead of me walking around going, woo-hoo!!! I get to eat from 5 of the 6 food groups, I've been walking around whining about how hard it is to not eat dairy.
Let's look at this story in Genesis. "The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the LORD God commanded the man, 'You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.' When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves." (Genesis 2:15-17, 3:6-7)
We could spend weeks dissecting these two chapters, showing how Adam and Eve began first by sliding into sin, then jumping in wholeheartedly. But I guess today I'm just focusing on how much this is like my experience of the last week. Instead of focusing on all they could do, they focused on the one thing God told them not to do. I've always wondered how they could do that. How could they be so close to God, and yet disobey? How could they want the one thing they shouldn't have? Didn't they have enough?
Well, this week has shown me. WOW. I'm exactly the same. I have wanted the one thing I shouldn't have. It's not that I can't have it, I'm physically able to open the refrigerator and get out the milk. But my doctor, who by the way went to medical school (as opposed to me!) might know a thing or two. And God, who created the Garden and everything and everyone in it (as opposed to Adam & Eve creating it!) might know what's good for those He loves.
Why do we fight Him? Why do we assume that He is trying to take away good things from us? Our first instinct when we don't get something we want should be, "Praise God! He's got a better plan in store!" But so often, it's "No fair! I wanted that!"
Why do we fight Him? Because we have an enemy, and this enemy is smart and quick to try to manipulate our feelings and circumstances. We have to be vigilant against him and his ability to destroy us with our own selfish desires. "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." 1 Peter 1:8-9
Let's not fight Him. His way, His gifts are perfect and are only for our good. This week, if something gets taken from you, or you don't have something you want, remember to claim His way, His love, His good gifts for your life. Join me in thanking Him. Join me in remembering that He has a plan for me, a perfect plan, one that is filled with hope and love, and is only for my good.
Thanks for letting me come back, after almost a month of absence! Keep blazing!
One of the things that happened at my doctor last week was the removal of dairy from my diet. When she first told me that she wanted me to not have milk or dairy products for two weeks, I thought, sure, no biggie. But she wanted me to be VERY careful - lots and lots of processed foods contain dairy, as does that extra food group - chocolate.
Now THAT'S hard! I did fine the first few days, but it has become tough! I WANT dairy! Who cares what the doctor says! A little bit of cheese in my soup isn't going to hurt me. Eating a couple of pieces of chocolate is GOOD for me! And, quite frankly, I want MILK!
This morning I was lying in bed, and it hit me smack upside the head. I'm Eve!! I've always wondered how Eve could have blown it so badly. Girl, you have ALLLLLLLL the other trees in the garden from which to eat. Don't eat from that one. It's just one tree. Dr. Phung was saying to me, in essence, girl, you have five other food groups from which you can eat. But until you're better, don't eat from just one. And instead of me walking around going, woo-hoo!!! I get to eat from 5 of the 6 food groups, I've been walking around whining about how hard it is to not eat dairy.
Let's look at this story in Genesis. "The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the LORD God commanded the man, 'You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.' When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves." (Genesis 2:15-17, 3:6-7)
We could spend weeks dissecting these two chapters, showing how Adam and Eve began first by sliding into sin, then jumping in wholeheartedly. But I guess today I'm just focusing on how much this is like my experience of the last week. Instead of focusing on all they could do, they focused on the one thing God told them not to do. I've always wondered how they could do that. How could they be so close to God, and yet disobey? How could they want the one thing they shouldn't have? Didn't they have enough?
Well, this week has shown me. WOW. I'm exactly the same. I have wanted the one thing I shouldn't have. It's not that I can't have it, I'm physically able to open the refrigerator and get out the milk. But my doctor, who by the way went to medical school (as opposed to me!) might know a thing or two. And God, who created the Garden and everything and everyone in it (as opposed to Adam & Eve creating it!) might know what's good for those He loves.
Why do we fight Him? Why do we assume that He is trying to take away good things from us? Our first instinct when we don't get something we want should be, "Praise God! He's got a better plan in store!" But so often, it's "No fair! I wanted that!"
Why do we fight Him? Because we have an enemy, and this enemy is smart and quick to try to manipulate our feelings and circumstances. We have to be vigilant against him and his ability to destroy us with our own selfish desires. "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." 1 Peter 1:8-9
Let's not fight Him. His way, His gifts are perfect and are only for our good. This week, if something gets taken from you, or you don't have something you want, remember to claim His way, His love, His good gifts for your life. Join me in thanking Him. Join me in remembering that He has a plan for me, a perfect plan, one that is filled with hope and love, and is only for my good.
Thanks for letting me come back, after almost a month of absence! Keep blazing!
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