1 Thessalonians 2:8
My husband has taught me that everything we do can be worship. He really is right about that, too!
Not only is singing, praying, studying God's word, or doing good work acts of worship, but we can offer our daily jobs as an act of worship. Whatever we are doing, if we are doing it "as working for the Lord" (See Colossians 3:23), then it truly can be worship.
This is also true in our personal relationships with other believers. Today's verse is one of my favorites, but the truth of it can also be convicting. Many times I am more than willing to share "the gospel of God" through teaching or talking with other believers, but am I as willing to share my life? Or am I too consumed with what I want to do or have to do to make time for other people?
In this fast paced, garage door society that we live in we can honestly go an entire day or more without even speaking to another soul face to face. Oh we may e-mail or text another person, but sometimes I personally do that so that I will not have to get into a long conversation face to face or on the phone. The funny thing is when I am lonely, I sometimes wonder why I do not have more close personal relationships.
Fellowship with other believers is a privilege, but it is also one of our purposes in the Christian life. We are not called to walk this journey alone. Sometimes because of experiences such as betrayal, it is difficult to "share [your] lives as well", but I know from experience that God will truly supply someone or several someones that you can truly share your life with. However, it might be someone you least expect.
Let's never stop sharing our lives with other believers. The "Elaine" paraphrase is: Let's never stop making friends! I challenge you today to share you life with another believer today and it can not be through a text message!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Honest Worship
Psalm 13
It is amazing to me how God teaches various people from all walks of life the same lessons at about the same time. For instance, for the last several years,
B. J. and I have truly felt that God is moving so strongly in the area of worship. We had discussed privately that we believed that the time of people coming to church to be "entertained" was coming to a close and that more and more people were seeking out true worship. Amazingly, I have heard many teachers and worship leaders say the exact same thing.
The same is true of the Psalms. Beth Moore's latest Bible Study was on the Psalms, Sheila Walsh has recently written on the Psalms, and even more recently a Birmingham Southern professor has published a book on the Psalms. Although, these teachers may differ on some areas of theology, their teachings of the Psalms being honest, human outcries to God are the same.
Many times in my life I have come to church, put on a happy face, gone through the motions of worship and be totally brokenhearted on the inside. But, instead of bringing that brokenness to God honestly, I missed an opportunity to praise Him corporately. God has begun to change that in me in 2008.
Now during worship if I do not really believe what I am singing or if I do not feel that right then and there, I tell Him in my heart. For example, a popular worship song says, "all of you is more than enough for all of me, for every thirst and every need. You satisfy me with your love and all I have in you is more than enough." Do we really believe that? Yes, we know it is true, but do we believe it? If I find I am struggling with singing to God honestly, I tell Him. I confess my unbelief, and I also tell Him I want that to be true in my life.
Today's Psalm has been so instrumental in this change. How many times have I felt like the psalmist? "How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever..." I honestly tell God how I feel even if it is so "unspiritual". I just lay it out there as humbly and reverently as I can. It is amazing what honesty with God does for your spirit. We see that after the psalmist has cried out to God in honesty something changes. In verses 5 and 6, he says:
Wow. The psalmist had truly experienced God. He came with a mind full of doubts and anxieties and left with a mouth full of praise. At the end of the day, He truly has been good to us all.
The next time we have the opportunity to worship God corporately, I pray that we will seek Him honestly and allow Him to truly change our hearts. Let's take the masks off in worship because while man looks at the outward appearance, God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7)
It is amazing to me how God teaches various people from all walks of life the same lessons at about the same time. For instance, for the last several years,
B. J. and I have truly felt that God is moving so strongly in the area of worship. We had discussed privately that we believed that the time of people coming to church to be "entertained" was coming to a close and that more and more people were seeking out true worship. Amazingly, I have heard many teachers and worship leaders say the exact same thing.
The same is true of the Psalms. Beth Moore's latest Bible Study was on the Psalms, Sheila Walsh has recently written on the Psalms, and even more recently a Birmingham Southern professor has published a book on the Psalms. Although, these teachers may differ on some areas of theology, their teachings of the Psalms being honest, human outcries to God are the same.
Many times in my life I have come to church, put on a happy face, gone through the motions of worship and be totally brokenhearted on the inside. But, instead of bringing that brokenness to God honestly, I missed an opportunity to praise Him corporately. God has begun to change that in me in 2008.
Now during worship if I do not really believe what I am singing or if I do not feel that right then and there, I tell Him in my heart. For example, a popular worship song says, "all of you is more than enough for all of me, for every thirst and every need. You satisfy me with your love and all I have in you is more than enough." Do we really believe that? Yes, we know it is true, but do we believe it? If I find I am struggling with singing to God honestly, I tell Him. I confess my unbelief, and I also tell Him I want that to be true in my life.
Today's Psalm has been so instrumental in this change. How many times have I felt like the psalmist? "How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever..." I honestly tell God how I feel even if it is so "unspiritual". I just lay it out there as humbly and reverently as I can. It is amazing what honesty with God does for your spirit. We see that after the psalmist has cried out to God in honesty something changes. In verses 5 and 6, he says:
"But I trust in our unfailing love, my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me."
Wow. The psalmist had truly experienced God. He came with a mind full of doubts and anxieties and left with a mouth full of praise. At the end of the day, He truly has been good to us all.
The next time we have the opportunity to worship God corporately, I pray that we will seek Him honestly and allow Him to truly change our hearts. Let's take the masks off in worship because while man looks at the outward appearance, God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7)
Thursday, June 26, 2008
The Joy of Submission
Ephesians 5:22-27
This used to be my most dreaded passage of scripture. I did not like it, did not want to read it, and most assurdly did not want to follow it. I would hear message after message on it, (all preached by men of course) and be so angry. Then I heard a popular quote that this verse means for the wife to duck because God is about to hit your husband! I liked that.
Part of the reason that I did not like this verse is that I took the word "submit" and thought "obey". According to various New Testament commentaries, the word "obey" is not used in scripture with respect to wives. The heart of submission is "a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating" (Study Light Lexicons).
Several years ago, B. J. and I truly began to seek out the truth in these verses for the health of our marriage. If you look back at verse 21 it says, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." We are not to submit because we want to or even because our spouse is deserving of it, but because Christ is worthy of it. That puts it in a whole different perspective. We should submit to our husbands as an act of submission to the Lord. Not in obedience to our spouse, but in obedience to Christ.
So I guess you are wondering where the "joy" part comes in? While talking with a friend recently, I made the statement that I knew when I married B. J. that I would go wherever he went. I knew we were both called into the ministry of Jesus Christ, and I trusted him to lead us. I realized after saying that, that it has been a joy to allow him to be the leader of our family. I am so thankful for a husband that loves Jesus and although he is not perfect, he truly does seek to love me as Christ loves the church. If your husband is a follower of Jesus Christ, trust him to do what God has ordained for him to do. It is truly God's plan. We can rest in that truth and have the joy that comes from obedience to Christ.
I do realize that there are many of us that do not have a husband that is following after Christ. If that is your situation, I can understand that this verse is probably very difficult to follow. Although my husband is a Christian, I grew up in a family where my mother was the spiritual leader of our home. If I have learned anything from her, it is that Christ is worthy of our submission even if you feel that your spouse is not. Persevere, dear sister! Your obedience to Christ will not be in vain.
Whatever your situation, take some time today to remember that your marriage is a picture of Christ and His church. May we seek to glorify Him in our marriage today and everyday until His return.
This used to be my most dreaded passage of scripture. I did not like it, did not want to read it, and most assurdly did not want to follow it. I would hear message after message on it, (all preached by men of course) and be so angry. Then I heard a popular quote that this verse means for the wife to duck because God is about to hit your husband! I liked that.
Part of the reason that I did not like this verse is that I took the word "submit" and thought "obey". According to various New Testament commentaries, the word "obey" is not used in scripture with respect to wives. The heart of submission is "a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating" (Study Light Lexicons).
Several years ago, B. J. and I truly began to seek out the truth in these verses for the health of our marriage. If you look back at verse 21 it says, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." We are not to submit because we want to or even because our spouse is deserving of it, but because Christ is worthy of it. That puts it in a whole different perspective. We should submit to our husbands as an act of submission to the Lord. Not in obedience to our spouse, but in obedience to Christ.
So I guess you are wondering where the "joy" part comes in? While talking with a friend recently, I made the statement that I knew when I married B. J. that I would go wherever he went. I knew we were both called into the ministry of Jesus Christ, and I trusted him to lead us. I realized after saying that, that it has been a joy to allow him to be the leader of our family. I am so thankful for a husband that loves Jesus and although he is not perfect, he truly does seek to love me as Christ loves the church. If your husband is a follower of Jesus Christ, trust him to do what God has ordained for him to do. It is truly God's plan. We can rest in that truth and have the joy that comes from obedience to Christ.
I do realize that there are many of us that do not have a husband that is following after Christ. If that is your situation, I can understand that this verse is probably very difficult to follow. Although my husband is a Christian, I grew up in a family where my mother was the spiritual leader of our home. If I have learned anything from her, it is that Christ is worthy of our submission even if you feel that your spouse is not. Persevere, dear sister! Your obedience to Christ will not be in vain.
Whatever your situation, take some time today to remember that your marriage is a picture of Christ and His church. May we seek to glorify Him in our marriage today and everyday until His return.
Monday, June 16, 2008
For His Glory...
Exodus 14:1-4
Exodus 14:15-18
Recently, I have had several discussions with other believers about the "hard things" about God. This passage and the whole story of the Exodus is one of them. Several times during process of God rescuing His people from the Egyptians the Bible says, "...but the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart." While that is difficult to understand, I do believe that part of the answer as to why the Lord would choose to do this is found in scripture. Simply put, it was for His glory.
We were reading this story in our family devotion last week and one of the questions was: "Why did Pharaoh not let the people go?" Joel said, "because he was mad and he didn't want to." True. But, we also tried to explain to him the truth that God had "hardened" Pharaoh's heart. While he did not ask any questions about this, my spirit has always struggled with this answer. As we were finishing the story and I was silently struggling with the answer I had given my child, I began to realize that the Egyptians had been surrounded by the Israelites for hundreds of years. However, they still did not believe that God was the true God. They worshiped false Gods.
Possibly some of the Egyptians were converted to Judaism, but most of the country's religion was based on polytheism. They had over 2000 gods they worshiped! How could they have been in the presence of God's chosen people for so many years and remain virtually unchanged? When I began to look at this matter from that perspective, my thoughts began to change.
While most of my life I have looked at that passage and truly thought that it seemed unfair, now I am beginning to see how God bestowed His grace upon the Egyptians. For centuries, the Egyptians lived in total disobedience to Him even though the truth was right there in front of them. Although we see the judgment of God poured out on them through the plagues, how many Egyptians truly did "know that [He] is the LORD" as a result of what happened. How many of their lives were changed because of what they had seen?
We may never know the full answer to this question, but statistics tell us that as many as 20% of the population of Egypt today are Christians. In an area where Islam reigns and persecution is fierce, this truly is a miracle.
While there will always be things that are difficult to understand about God, we can all believe wholeheartedly that He is good, abounding in mercy, and worthy of glory.
Exodus 14:15-18
Recently, I have had several discussions with other believers about the "hard things" about God. This passage and the whole story of the Exodus is one of them. Several times during process of God rescuing His people from the Egyptians the Bible says, "...but the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart." While that is difficult to understand, I do believe that part of the answer as to why the Lord would choose to do this is found in scripture. Simply put, it was for His glory.
We were reading this story in our family devotion last week and one of the questions was: "Why did Pharaoh not let the people go?" Joel said, "because he was mad and he didn't want to." True. But, we also tried to explain to him the truth that God had "hardened" Pharaoh's heart. While he did not ask any questions about this, my spirit has always struggled with this answer. As we were finishing the story and I was silently struggling with the answer I had given my child, I began to realize that the Egyptians had been surrounded by the Israelites for hundreds of years. However, they still did not believe that God was the true God. They worshiped false Gods.
Possibly some of the Egyptians were converted to Judaism, but most of the country's religion was based on polytheism. They had over 2000 gods they worshiped! How could they have been in the presence of God's chosen people for so many years and remain virtually unchanged? When I began to look at this matter from that perspective, my thoughts began to change.
While most of my life I have looked at that passage and truly thought that it seemed unfair, now I am beginning to see how God bestowed His grace upon the Egyptians. For centuries, the Egyptians lived in total disobedience to Him even though the truth was right there in front of them. Although we see the judgment of God poured out on them through the plagues, how many Egyptians truly did "know that [He] is the LORD" as a result of what happened. How many of their lives were changed because of what they had seen?
We may never know the full answer to this question, but statistics tell us that as many as 20% of the population of Egypt today are Christians. In an area where Islam reigns and persecution is fierce, this truly is a miracle.
While there will always be things that are difficult to understand about God, we can all believe wholeheartedly that He is good, abounding in mercy, and worthy of glory.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Spirit Led (by B.J. Price)
Acts chapter eight concludes with a powerful story of how the Spirit led Philip to witness to an Ethiopian official.
Secondly, we should note that Philip's obedience to the Holy Spirit allowed him to join in the work that had already begun. This is the pattern that we will do well to recognize in the world - Christ has called us to be his witnesses, Christ offers salvation to all, the Holy Spirit draws men and women to God, the Holy Spirit then reveals his work to us, God invites and allows us to be a part of bringing men and women to himself.
Thirdly, we should note that Philip used the scriptures to share the message of hope. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)
Fourthly, we should note that the Ethiopian official responded to the true gospel with immediate obedience. He wanted to be baptized right away. It would make sense that Philip must have spoke about Jesus' life, death, burial, resurrection, and commissioning of the disciples to go make disciples of all nations baptizing them.
Finally, we should note that the Ethiopian went away rejoicing and Philip continued preaching the gospel as the Spirit led him.
Today, as an act of worship, may we first delight in the Lord and in our salvation through Jesus Christ alone. May we fully surrender to God in order for our hearts can be tuned to hear and sense his leading. May we be faithful witnesses wherever we go.
written by B.J. Price (www.bjprice.blogspot.com)
Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it."There is much we can learn from this passage of scripture. For starters, note with me how Philip hears and obeys the Spirit. With the Lord's help we should tune our hearts each day to be sensitive to his voice and his leading.Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.
"How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture:
"He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
and as a lamb before the shearer is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.
Who can speak of his descendants?
For his life was taken from the earth."The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea. (Acts 8:26-40)
Secondly, we should note that Philip's obedience to the Holy Spirit allowed him to join in the work that had already begun. This is the pattern that we will do well to recognize in the world - Christ has called us to be his witnesses, Christ offers salvation to all, the Holy Spirit draws men and women to God, the Holy Spirit then reveals his work to us, God invites and allows us to be a part of bringing men and women to himself.
Thirdly, we should note that Philip used the scriptures to share the message of hope. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)
Fourthly, we should note that the Ethiopian official responded to the true gospel with immediate obedience. He wanted to be baptized right away. It would make sense that Philip must have spoke about Jesus' life, death, burial, resurrection, and commissioning of the disciples to go make disciples of all nations baptizing them.
Finally, we should note that the Ethiopian went away rejoicing and Philip continued preaching the gospel as the Spirit led him.
Today, as an act of worship, may we first delight in the Lord and in our salvation through Jesus Christ alone. May we fully surrender to God in order for our hearts can be tuned to hear and sense his leading. May we be faithful witnesses wherever we go.
written by B.J. Price (www.bjprice.blogspot.com)
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Who Are We Trying to Please?
2 Timothy 2:3-4
In our lives there are so many people that we are supposed to please. Husbands, children, friends, people at church, our bosses... the list could go on and on. While there is not necessarily anything wrong with pleasing others, (especially our husbands!) there is something wrong if this becomes our focus.
Scripture tells us several times to be focused on pleasing God, not man. The apostle Paul even says that if he were still "trying to please man [he] would not be a servant of Christ" (See Gal 1:10)
Our scripture passage today teaches us to not get involved with civilian affairs, but to be focused on pleasing our commanding officer. Simply put, this passage means to be more concerned with doing what Christ wants us to do than anything else.
How can we put this into practice? A few things that come to my mind are if there is an issue at our work place or within our circle of friends and it does not have anything to do with us, we need stay out of it! Let's not be involved of the affairs of others. Another great way we can put this into practice is to learn to say "no". I realize this is hard for many of us because we are so used to saying "yes" to everything and wearing ourselves out trying to do everything for everybody, but when we do that we cannot be truly focused on Christ. We can not do many things and do them all well. To keep our focus on Christ, we will have to say "no" to some good things, so we will be able to say "yes" to some great things!
Last but certainly not least, the best way to keep our focus on our "Commanding Officer" is to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith" (See Heb. 12:2). Some practical ways to do this is to spend time in God's Word and in prayer, preferably on your knees or face at some point each day. Amazingly, as we change our posture, He changes our focus. Another way is to talk with others about what God is doing in your life, what He is teaching you. Many times what God is teaching you, He is teaching others.
As we change our focus to pleasing Christ instead of man many things may change in our lives. But, we will be giving up the good for the great! And we might be able to get a little sleep at night!
In our lives there are so many people that we are supposed to please. Husbands, children, friends, people at church, our bosses... the list could go on and on. While there is not necessarily anything wrong with pleasing others, (especially our husbands!) there is something wrong if this becomes our focus.
Scripture tells us several times to be focused on pleasing God, not man. The apostle Paul even says that if he were still "trying to please man [he] would not be a servant of Christ" (See Gal 1:10)
Our scripture passage today teaches us to not get involved with civilian affairs, but to be focused on pleasing our commanding officer. Simply put, this passage means to be more concerned with doing what Christ wants us to do than anything else.
How can we put this into practice? A few things that come to my mind are if there is an issue at our work place or within our circle of friends and it does not have anything to do with us, we need stay out of it! Let's not be involved of the affairs of others. Another great way we can put this into practice is to learn to say "no". I realize this is hard for many of us because we are so used to saying "yes" to everything and wearing ourselves out trying to do everything for everybody, but when we do that we cannot be truly focused on Christ. We can not do many things and do them all well. To keep our focus on Christ, we will have to say "no" to some good things, so we will be able to say "yes" to some great things!
Last but certainly not least, the best way to keep our focus on our "Commanding Officer" is to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith" (See Heb. 12:2). Some practical ways to do this is to spend time in God's Word and in prayer, preferably on your knees or face at some point each day. Amazingly, as we change our posture, He changes our focus. Another way is to talk with others about what God is doing in your life, what He is teaching you. Many times what God is teaching you, He is teaching others.
As we change our focus to pleasing Christ instead of man many things may change in our lives. But, we will be giving up the good for the great! And we might be able to get a little sleep at night!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
What If...
Psalm 124
I have said many times that nothing comes into our lives that has not passed through the merciful hand of our Sovereign Lord. I truly believe that statement. However, to believe that is to believe that He does allow painful things to come into our lives. I believe that as well. Why would He do that? I do not know the answer to that question, but I trust the answer given in scripture in Romans 8:28:
When I can't "trace His hand", I choose to "trust His heart".
Today, I want us think a little deeper about this fact. Our scripture passage shows us that the Israelites were acknowledging their realization of the fact that if God had not been on their side many terrible things would have happened to them. If God had not intervened on their behalf they would have been destroyed. As God's chosen people, Satan meant to destroy them. And while sometimes God allowed them to go through very difficult circumstances, He never allowed them to be completely destroyed.
Do you realize today that if God was not on your side you would have been destroyed by whatever painful experiences you have gone through? Satan meant to destroy you. He meant to take whatever circumstances you were in and destroy your life. The fact that you are reading this shows that he did not succeed!
One of the most powerful exercises I have ever done was when I was studying the Psalms of Ascent in a Beth Moore Bible study. When we came to this Psalm, she encouraged us to think about what might have happened if God had not intersected into our lives. If He had not intervened, where would we be? I want to give that same challenge today.
Spend some time with God today asking Him to show you what would have happened in your life if He had not been on your side. Ask for the Holy Spirit to help you and to reveal this to you as vividly as possible. Then spend some time thanking God that He rescued you from the enemy.
This is a very personal experience, but if you would like to post a comment about what the Lord has showed you today, please feel free.
I love you all and I thank God that He intervened in my life. I assure you I would not be writing anything about Him if He had not. Praise be to God forever and ever!
I have said many times that nothing comes into our lives that has not passed through the merciful hand of our Sovereign Lord. I truly believe that statement. However, to believe that is to believe that He does allow painful things to come into our lives. I believe that as well. Why would He do that? I do not know the answer to that question, but I trust the answer given in scripture in Romans 8:28:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
When I can't "trace His hand", I choose to "trust His heart".
Today, I want us think a little deeper about this fact. Our scripture passage shows us that the Israelites were acknowledging their realization of the fact that if God had not been on their side many terrible things would have happened to them. If God had not intervened on their behalf they would have been destroyed. As God's chosen people, Satan meant to destroy them. And while sometimes God allowed them to go through very difficult circumstances, He never allowed them to be completely destroyed.
Do you realize today that if God was not on your side you would have been destroyed by whatever painful experiences you have gone through? Satan meant to destroy you. He meant to take whatever circumstances you were in and destroy your life. The fact that you are reading this shows that he did not succeed!
One of the most powerful exercises I have ever done was when I was studying the Psalms of Ascent in a Beth Moore Bible study. When we came to this Psalm, she encouraged us to think about what might have happened if God had not intersected into our lives. If He had not intervened, where would we be? I want to give that same challenge today.
Spend some time with God today asking Him to show you what would have happened in your life if He had not been on your side. Ask for the Holy Spirit to help you and to reveal this to you as vividly as possible. Then spend some time thanking God that He rescued you from the enemy.
This is a very personal experience, but if you would like to post a comment about what the Lord has showed you today, please feel free.
I love you all and I thank God that He intervened in my life. I assure you I would not be writing anything about Him if He had not. Praise be to God forever and ever!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
For Freedom's Sake
John 8:36
Galatians 5:1
I talk all the time about freedom in Christ and sometimes people just look at me like I am totally crazy! I used to believe that I was the only one in the church that had been held in bondage to certain sins. But, recently I have realized that I am not the only one. Unfortunately many believers are being held hostage by sins that they have been set free from. They just decided to get back in the cell and lock the door. They have the "key", but just do not know how to use it.
A few years ago, I was reading the book Believing God by Beth Moore with my husband. In the book you were encouraged to wear a blue bracelet to remind you of 2 things you were giving up while reading the book. One of them was supposed to be a fast of some kind and the other was supposed to be a sin or habit that was leading you into sin. It was easy to choose what sin I wanted to "fast" from. I had struggled with "sins of the mouth" for a long time and I hated them. I put my blue bracelet on and vowed to not talk ugly ever again.
Well, I was doing pretty good, until one afternoon we were headed for a band competition that my cousin was performing in. We left in plenty of time provided that we had known where we were going. I despise being late. I do not really mind if others are late, but I can not stand to be late myself. As we were turning around for the fourth time, I lost it. I was crying and not saying very nice things to my husband and they were definitely not said in a nice way. I realized what I was doing and in my rage ripped off my blue bracelet and threw it out the window! I had failed.
In a few minutes, we both just started laughing. Not only at how ridiculous I had acted, but also that I been so foolish to think that putting on a blue bracelet and vowing not to do something would really change this issue in my life. There is only one way to experience lasting change and that is through depending on the One who set us free in the first place. His name is Jesus and you can know Him today for the first time. If you already know Him you can know Him better by spending time with Him in prayer and the studying of His Word. He is the only cure for our sin problem and prayer and Bible study are the prescriptions.
I never got another blue bracelet, but Christ did set me free from that particular stronghold when I started relying completely on Him and taking "captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (See 2 Cor. 10 3-5). Was it easy? No. Was it overnight? No. But, I have realized that very few things that are worthwhile are easy. It takes time, but you can start today.
Take that sin that keeps coming back up in your life and turn it over. There have been times that I have had to take a thought "captive" every five minutes, but eventually by the power of God, you will be free. The first step is realizing that Christ has already given you the key.
Galatians 5:1
I talk all the time about freedom in Christ and sometimes people just look at me like I am totally crazy! I used to believe that I was the only one in the church that had been held in bondage to certain sins. But, recently I have realized that I am not the only one. Unfortunately many believers are being held hostage by sins that they have been set free from. They just decided to get back in the cell and lock the door. They have the "key", but just do not know how to use it.
A few years ago, I was reading the book Believing God by Beth Moore with my husband. In the book you were encouraged to wear a blue bracelet to remind you of 2 things you were giving up while reading the book. One of them was supposed to be a fast of some kind and the other was supposed to be a sin or habit that was leading you into sin. It was easy to choose what sin I wanted to "fast" from. I had struggled with "sins of the mouth" for a long time and I hated them. I put my blue bracelet on and vowed to not talk ugly ever again.
Well, I was doing pretty good, until one afternoon we were headed for a band competition that my cousin was performing in. We left in plenty of time provided that we had known where we were going. I despise being late. I do not really mind if others are late, but I can not stand to be late myself. As we were turning around for the fourth time, I lost it. I was crying and not saying very nice things to my husband and they were definitely not said in a nice way. I realized what I was doing and in my rage ripped off my blue bracelet and threw it out the window! I had failed.
In a few minutes, we both just started laughing. Not only at how ridiculous I had acted, but also that I been so foolish to think that putting on a blue bracelet and vowing not to do something would really change this issue in my life. There is only one way to experience lasting change and that is through depending on the One who set us free in the first place. His name is Jesus and you can know Him today for the first time. If you already know Him you can know Him better by spending time with Him in prayer and the studying of His Word. He is the only cure for our sin problem and prayer and Bible study are the prescriptions.
I never got another blue bracelet, but Christ did set me free from that particular stronghold when I started relying completely on Him and taking "captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (See 2 Cor. 10 3-5). Was it easy? No. Was it overnight? No. But, I have realized that very few things that are worthwhile are easy. It takes time, but you can start today.
Take that sin that keeps coming back up in your life and turn it over. There have been times that I have had to take a thought "captive" every five minutes, but eventually by the power of God, you will be free. The first step is realizing that Christ has already given you the key.
Monday, June 9, 2008
"Just be Reasonable"
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be 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 12:1-2 (NKJV)This has always been one of my favorite passages of scripture. I will never forget my youth pastor always saying, "Just be reasonable!" There is so much truth to that statement. In view of everything God has done for us, all the mercy He has poured out on our lives and, all the grace He has poured on our sin it is only reasonable to live for Him.
My pastor preached on this passage on Sunday and it was a fresh reminder that we do not have to be a minister (or even a minister's wife) or a missionary to live our lives as a sacrifice. We can all do this everyday in practical ways. The Message says it like this:
"So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him."
Whatever you do today look for ways that you can honor God with your life. It might be a simple as letting a co-worker or a family member that is struggling know that you care. Possibly you could reach out to that new person at church who does not quite know where they "fit" yet. Tell your children or family members that you love them for no reason at all.
The great news is that as we live our lives as a living sacrifice, we will not be conforming to the world which will lead to the renewing of our minds. "Then we will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2). We all long to know what God's will is for our lives. Well, this is it! With His help, live your life as a sacrifice for Him. He will renew your mind and then you will know what else He wants you to do and it will be a perfect fit for you.
On a personal note, as you are reading this, I am presently undergoing some tests at the hospital. Please pray that God will be glorified today in our lives and that He will make Himself known through us.
Friday, June 6, 2008
The Need for Fellowship
Acts 2:42-47
Hebrews 10:25
I love the Body of Christ! The media bashes us, and the world does not know what to do with us. It is a great group to be a part of!
I am always encouraged by fellow sisters in Christ that I share Bible study with. What I love about it is the willingness to get together, put your own agenda aside, and dig into God's Word to find truth. Recently, I was pleasantly surprised by some of the ladies' transparency in Bible Study. Many times I feel where we as the church fall short is in honesty about our struggles. However this past week I witnessed many ladies openly admitting their needs in search of prayer, encouragement, and accountability. How refreshing it is to see an honest heart.
One woman's comment particularly spoke to me and has had me very excited. When she was asked what she hoped to gain from the study we are doing, she very openly admitted that in her fast-paced life she has only been doing a one-minute devotion. She then said, "that is no longer enough for me. I want more of God than that." Hallelujah! That is such a Godly desire! Matthew 5:6 says: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
God will fill the desire for more of Him.
What is so awesome about being an active part of a small group of believers is that you have somewhere to share what God is doing in your life. A place to share your praises as well as your prayer needs. Your victories as well as your struggles. Who do you tell if you are not involved with a small group of believers?
Although, I do believe that being a part of a local church is important, I believe it needs to be deeper than that. You can have your name on a church role and go to worship service every Sunday and not speak to a soul. Where is the accountability in that? Yes, the "church" is counting your attendance, but who is counting on you. When you are involved with a small group, your presence, your input, and your contribution to the group is valued.
If you are not plugged into a small group of believers, I highly encourage you to find one. This might sound difficult, but there are many different Bible Study groups meeting almost everyday of the week in most areas. You can usually search your local church's websites for a list of studies/groups available. However, it doesn't even have to be that formal. You could start one yourself with two or three other believers in your home or at the coffee shop.
If you are actively involved in a small group, spend some time thanking God for the people in your small group. Pray for them specifically today. Send a card to someone in your group thanking them for devoting themselves "to the fellowship..."
Hebrews 10:25
I love the Body of Christ! The media bashes us, and the world does not know what to do with us. It is a great group to be a part of!
I am always encouraged by fellow sisters in Christ that I share Bible study with. What I love about it is the willingness to get together, put your own agenda aside, and dig into God's Word to find truth. Recently, I was pleasantly surprised by some of the ladies' transparency in Bible Study. Many times I feel where we as the church fall short is in honesty about our struggles. However this past week I witnessed many ladies openly admitting their needs in search of prayer, encouragement, and accountability. How refreshing it is to see an honest heart.
One woman's comment particularly spoke to me and has had me very excited. When she was asked what she hoped to gain from the study we are doing, she very openly admitted that in her fast-paced life she has only been doing a one-minute devotion. She then said, "that is no longer enough for me. I want more of God than that." Hallelujah! That is such a Godly desire! Matthew 5:6 says: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
God will fill the desire for more of Him.
What is so awesome about being an active part of a small group of believers is that you have somewhere to share what God is doing in your life. A place to share your praises as well as your prayer needs. Your victories as well as your struggles. Who do you tell if you are not involved with a small group of believers?
Although, I do believe that being a part of a local church is important, I believe it needs to be deeper than that. You can have your name on a church role and go to worship service every Sunday and not speak to a soul. Where is the accountability in that? Yes, the "church" is counting your attendance, but who is counting on you. When you are involved with a small group, your presence, your input, and your contribution to the group is valued.
If you are not plugged into a small group of believers, I highly encourage you to find one. This might sound difficult, but there are many different Bible Study groups meeting almost everyday of the week in most areas. You can usually search your local church's websites for a list of studies/groups available. However, it doesn't even have to be that formal. You could start one yourself with two or three other believers in your home or at the coffee shop.
If you are actively involved in a small group, spend some time thanking God for the people in your small group. Pray for them specifically today. Send a card to someone in your group thanking them for devoting themselves "to the fellowship..."
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Overcoming Fear
Psalm 23:4
Psalm 46:1-3
2 Timothy 1:7
I recently heard writer/speaker Angela Thomas say that she was "very familiar with the Bully of fear". I agree with this title for Satan because he meets so many of the requirements for being a bully. A bully likes to hit you when you are down. A bully seeks you out when you are alone. A bully looks for your weak spots and that is where he strikes. Satan does all of those things and more. He is definitely a bully.
Unfortunately, I am extremely familiar with this bully as well. For as long as I can remember, fear has been an issue in my life. I was afraid of the dark as a child. I can remember singing "Victory in Jesus" as I went to sleep many nights. As time went on my fears changed, but the feelings of helplessness they evoked stayed the same.
I am convinced that Satan's favorite time to strike is at night. Even if we are not physically alone, we are alone in the fact that everyone else is sleeping. It is quiet and there is virtually no escape from whatever fear he decides to throw at us. He always seems to hit me in my weakest areas at night.
In my early 20's, the bully started meeting me head on. B. J. and I had been married about two years when we both started experiencing very strong spiritual warfare. We were in ministry and B. J. was about to take his first full-time ministry position. Satan wanted to destroy us. He meant to destroy our ministry, our witness, our marriage, and our lives. We had discussed how we felt as if we were under attack, but I do not think either one of us knew how much the other was struggling. I will never forget one day when I was standing in the kitchen, B. J. came in and said, "I don't know who we think we are trying to fight Satan with our own words. Jesus fought him with the Word of God, we have to do the same."
That statement truly changed my life. I read the passage in Matthew 4:1-11 and realized that Jesus never answered Satan with "leave me alone!". He answered him with the very Word of God! Satan has no power over scripture. He has to flee. If we want to fight the enemy, then we have to have the ammunition. The Word of God is our only ammo! If we want to have our ammunition ready, we have to hide God's Word in our heart (Psalm 119:11).
Sometimes I still awaken in fear with thoughts that can only be from the bully. I quote scripture to drive him out of my mind. I have even sang praise songs in the middle of the night. Turns out "Victory is Jesus" is not a favorite of the enemy! If I am really struggling, I will get up and just read the Word out loud if I have to. What's amazing to me is that fear has led me closer to God and to His Word. Satan "intended to harm me, but God intended it for good..." Genesis 50:20 (NIV)
A very wise man named James Long used to say,
God can use even our difficult times, problems, and fears for His glory. The question is not will God use this, the question is will you let Him?
Psalm 46:1-3
2 Timothy 1:7
I recently heard writer/speaker Angela Thomas say that she was "very familiar with the Bully of fear". I agree with this title for Satan because he meets so many of the requirements for being a bully. A bully likes to hit you when you are down. A bully seeks you out when you are alone. A bully looks for your weak spots and that is where he strikes. Satan does all of those things and more. He is definitely a bully.
Unfortunately, I am extremely familiar with this bully as well. For as long as I can remember, fear has been an issue in my life. I was afraid of the dark as a child. I can remember singing "Victory in Jesus" as I went to sleep many nights. As time went on my fears changed, but the feelings of helplessness they evoked stayed the same.
I am convinced that Satan's favorite time to strike is at night. Even if we are not physically alone, we are alone in the fact that everyone else is sleeping. It is quiet and there is virtually no escape from whatever fear he decides to throw at us. He always seems to hit me in my weakest areas at night.
In my early 20's, the bully started meeting me head on. B. J. and I had been married about two years when we both started experiencing very strong spiritual warfare. We were in ministry and B. J. was about to take his first full-time ministry position. Satan wanted to destroy us. He meant to destroy our ministry, our witness, our marriage, and our lives. We had discussed how we felt as if we were under attack, but I do not think either one of us knew how much the other was struggling. I will never forget one day when I was standing in the kitchen, B. J. came in and said, "I don't know who we think we are trying to fight Satan with our own words. Jesus fought him with the Word of God, we have to do the same."
That statement truly changed my life. I read the passage in Matthew 4:1-11 and realized that Jesus never answered Satan with "leave me alone!". He answered him with the very Word of God! Satan has no power over scripture. He has to flee. If we want to fight the enemy, then we have to have the ammunition. The Word of God is our only ammo! If we want to have our ammunition ready, we have to hide God's Word in our heart (Psalm 119:11).
Sometimes I still awaken in fear with thoughts that can only be from the bully. I quote scripture to drive him out of my mind. I have even sang praise songs in the middle of the night. Turns out "Victory is Jesus" is not a favorite of the enemy! If I am really struggling, I will get up and just read the Word out loud if I have to. What's amazing to me is that fear has led me closer to God and to His Word. Satan "intended to harm me, but God intended it for good..." Genesis 50:20 (NIV)
A very wise man named James Long used to say,
"God will never waste an experience".
God can use even our difficult times, problems, and fears for His glory. The question is not will God use this, the question is will you let Him?
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
A Woman Who Fears the Lord
Proverbs 31:10-31
In 1991 the President and Barbara Bush were on the campaign trail in Texas. One day the presidential limousine was low on gas. When they stopped for gas, the attendant came running out of the station to pump the gas into the presidential limousine. Suddenly, Barbara leaped out of the limousine, ran over to the attendant, and hugged him. They carried on a conversation for a few minutes and then she returned to the car. Upon reentering the limo, the President asked his wife who that man was. She said, "Oh, that is one of my old boyfriends from high school". President Bush smiled and said, "Let me get this straight... You are married to the leader of the free world, but if you had married him, you would be married to a gas station attendant?" Barbara just smiled and said, "Oh, don't be silly George! If I had married him, he would be president!"
Although, I find this story absolutely hilarious, I do believe there is some truth to Mrs. Bush's statement. The Bible testifies to the fact that a wife of noble character brings her husband "good, not harm all the days of her life" (31:12). She also "speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue" (31:26). This passage also says that because of the wife's noble character that her husband is "respected at the city gate" (31:23).
I venture to say that respect is what people, especially men, want more than anything. I want to be the type of wife that brings honor to my husband, not shame. I want people to look at him and be respectful of him because of the way I live my life. So how do we get all these wonderful qualities? There are several things that might help us to be like this wife of noble character. But, only one will truly change our hearts and lives and make a lasting difference.
The secret to being a wife of noble character is found in the second half of verse 30:
That is the one component that allows all the other areas to fall in line. What does it mean to fear the Lord? That is actually the theme of the entire book of Proverbs. Proverbs 1:7 says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge...". "Fear of the Lord can be hard to describe, but one of the best definitions I have ever read is found in the NIV study Bible. It defines fear of the Lord as "a loving reverence for God that includes submission to his lordship and to the commands of his word". If our lives are truly submitted to the lordship of Christ and to the commands of His word, we will bring honor to ourselves, our children, and our husbands. But, we will also bring honor to our Father to whom all praise and honor is due.
In 1991 the President and Barbara Bush were on the campaign trail in Texas. One day the presidential limousine was low on gas. When they stopped for gas, the attendant came running out of the station to pump the gas into the presidential limousine. Suddenly, Barbara leaped out of the limousine, ran over to the attendant, and hugged him. They carried on a conversation for a few minutes and then she returned to the car. Upon reentering the limo, the President asked his wife who that man was. She said, "Oh, that is one of my old boyfriends from high school". President Bush smiled and said, "Let me get this straight... You are married to the leader of the free world, but if you had married him, you would be married to a gas station attendant?" Barbara just smiled and said, "Oh, don't be silly George! If I had married him, he would be president!"
Although, I find this story absolutely hilarious, I do believe there is some truth to Mrs. Bush's statement. The Bible testifies to the fact that a wife of noble character brings her husband "good, not harm all the days of her life" (31:12). She also "speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue" (31:26). This passage also says that because of the wife's noble character that her husband is "respected at the city gate" (31:23).
I venture to say that respect is what people, especially men, want more than anything. I want to be the type of wife that brings honor to my husband, not shame. I want people to look at him and be respectful of him because of the way I live my life. So how do we get all these wonderful qualities? There are several things that might help us to be like this wife of noble character. But, only one will truly change our hearts and lives and make a lasting difference.
The secret to being a wife of noble character is found in the second half of verse 30:
"...but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."
That is the one component that allows all the other areas to fall in line. What does it mean to fear the Lord? That is actually the theme of the entire book of Proverbs. Proverbs 1:7 says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge...". "Fear of the Lord can be hard to describe, but one of the best definitions I have ever read is found in the NIV study Bible. It defines fear of the Lord as "a loving reverence for God that includes submission to his lordship and to the commands of his word". If our lives are truly submitted to the lordship of Christ and to the commands of His word, we will bring honor to ourselves, our children, and our husbands. But, we will also bring honor to our Father to whom all praise and honor is due.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
"Blessed are those who mourn..."
Matthew 5:3-11
The Sermon on the Mount has been referred to as the highest call to moral and ethical living. Some even dismiss it as being completely unrealistic and believe that it refers to the second coming of Christ. However, it is obvious that Jesus meant for this to be the standard for living the Christian life. Let me tell you something you already know: We do not measure up to this standard. That is probably the point. We could never meet these standards in our own strength. We have to rely on Christ.
The verse that I want to focus on today is Matthew 5:4, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." At first glance, questions might arise in your heart: Why would God want us to mourn? Does this mean if I have a lot of terrible things happen to me that cause me to mourn that I will be more blessed in heaven? After close consideration of this verse and the personal way that God has used it in my life, I do not believe that is the case. What I do believe that it means is that God wants us to mourn over our sin. Kay Arthur says "For only those who mourn shall be comforted. the blessedness does not come in the mourning; it comes in the results of the mourning..."
When was the last time you truly mourned over your own personal sin? Or better yet, when was the last time you mourned over the sins of our nation? The word for "mourn" in this passage is "pentheo" in the Greek which literally means "to mourn for or to lament as a way of life". Has there ever come a time that you have truly had Godly sorrow over sin?
It is time for us to mourn over our sin. It is time to cry out to God and ask Him to break our hearts to the things that break His. He is holy, holy, holy. Sin is completely opposite to His character and yet sometimes my mind is filled with sinful thoughts that I should truly be broken over and I'm not.
My challenge for us today is to do something I did many years ago when I first studied this verse. I asked God to allow me to feel the way that my sin made Him feel. I prayed this prayer after coming out of a terrible season of sin, so brokenness just does not seem like the right word to describe what happened next. I could literally not get low enough on the floor. I wept bitterly and I could not even utter any words other than, "I am so sorry". And I truly was.
I have no idea how long I cried out to God, but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He was in that room in Jacksonville, Alabama picking me up off the floor surrounding me with His loving arms. I had truly experienced Godly sorrow and the blessing of His presence followed.
Join me today in asking God to break our hearts over the things that break His. Allow yourself to mourn over your own sin as well as the sins of our nation.
The Sermon on the Mount has been referred to as the highest call to moral and ethical living. Some even dismiss it as being completely unrealistic and believe that it refers to the second coming of Christ. However, it is obvious that Jesus meant for this to be the standard for living the Christian life. Let me tell you something you already know: We do not measure up to this standard. That is probably the point. We could never meet these standards in our own strength. We have to rely on Christ.
The verse that I want to focus on today is Matthew 5:4, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." At first glance, questions might arise in your heart: Why would God want us to mourn? Does this mean if I have a lot of terrible things happen to me that cause me to mourn that I will be more blessed in heaven? After close consideration of this verse and the personal way that God has used it in my life, I do not believe that is the case. What I do believe that it means is that God wants us to mourn over our sin. Kay Arthur says "For only those who mourn shall be comforted. the blessedness does not come in the mourning; it comes in the results of the mourning..."
When was the last time you truly mourned over your own personal sin? Or better yet, when was the last time you mourned over the sins of our nation? The word for "mourn" in this passage is "pentheo" in the Greek which literally means "to mourn for or to lament as a way of life". Has there ever come a time that you have truly had Godly sorrow over sin?
It is time for us to mourn over our sin. It is time to cry out to God and ask Him to break our hearts to the things that break His. He is holy, holy, holy. Sin is completely opposite to His character and yet sometimes my mind is filled with sinful thoughts that I should truly be broken over and I'm not.
My challenge for us today is to do something I did many years ago when I first studied this verse. I asked God to allow me to feel the way that my sin made Him feel. I prayed this prayer after coming out of a terrible season of sin, so brokenness just does not seem like the right word to describe what happened next. I could literally not get low enough on the floor. I wept bitterly and I could not even utter any words other than, "I am so sorry". And I truly was.
I have no idea how long I cried out to God, but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He was in that room in Jacksonville, Alabama picking me up off the floor surrounding me with His loving arms. I had truly experienced Godly sorrow and the blessing of His presence followed.
Join me today in asking God to break our hearts over the things that break His. Allow yourself to mourn over your own sin as well as the sins of our nation.
Monday, June 2, 2008
"But it is you..."
Psalm 55:12-14
The theme of this passage can be summed up in one word: Betrayal. If you have never experienced a betrayal, I hope you never do. If you have suffered through a betrayal, know that you are not alone. This is a very difficult area for people to talk about sometimes, especially those of us that have been through a very personal betrayal. However, I am so thankful that even in the darkest hours of our life, we can find solace in the Bible.
In this passage, David is seeking retreat from the madness that is going on around him. David was extremely familiar with betrayal. This passage was written when David's life was being threatened by a powerful conspiracy in Jerusalem much like his own son's conspiracy against him described in 2 Samuel 15:1-12. Only this time David found himself up against a "companion" his "close friend". Not only was this person a friend, but their bond went even deeper. David had "once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng and the house of God." This wasn't just a friend at work or someone at school. This was someone that David shared the bond of worshiping God with publicly. A modern day example would be someone that was in David's Sunday school class or small group that he also went to lunch with after church. This was a close friendship and everyone knew about it which only made the pain much more intense.
Betrayal cuts very deeply. The wound cuts so deep that healing takes quite some time. It is one of those things that should not happen period, but definitely not in the church. Yet, so many times that is exactly where it happens. Church is supposed to be a safe haven, a retreat from the world. Yet so many times I find that it is not. I do not mean to beat up on the church because I truly love the body of Christ, but there are some things that we must confront head on in our lives and in the lives of those around us if we are to ever reach a dying world for Christ. We hear about terrible things that happen inside the walls of the church and yet we still wonder why lost people think they are no different from us.
Obviously, there are many different types of betrayal. The degrees can range from breaking a confidence to adultery. Although some are harder to move on from others, the pain is very similar and the relationship is never the same.
If you have gone through a betrayal in your life, let me say again that you are not alone. Our Lord and Savior is very familiar with how it feels to be betrayed. Turn to Him today and find understanding as well as the grace to forgive and heal.
Also, let us never forget that all of us are capable of committing any sin in our flesh. We see example after example in scripture of men and women that walked with God and at some point fell away committing many sins of the flesh along the way. May we walk so closely with Him that we would never be the cause of another's pain, especially a "man like myself".
The theme of this passage can be summed up in one word: Betrayal. If you have never experienced a betrayal, I hope you never do. If you have suffered through a betrayal, know that you are not alone. This is a very difficult area for people to talk about sometimes, especially those of us that have been through a very personal betrayal. However, I am so thankful that even in the darkest hours of our life, we can find solace in the Bible.
In this passage, David is seeking retreat from the madness that is going on around him. David was extremely familiar with betrayal. This passage was written when David's life was being threatened by a powerful conspiracy in Jerusalem much like his own son's conspiracy against him described in 2 Samuel 15:1-12. Only this time David found himself up against a "companion" his "close friend". Not only was this person a friend, but their bond went even deeper. David had "once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng and the house of God." This wasn't just a friend at work or someone at school. This was someone that David shared the bond of worshiping God with publicly. A modern day example would be someone that was in David's Sunday school class or small group that he also went to lunch with after church. This was a close friendship and everyone knew about it which only made the pain much more intense.
Betrayal cuts very deeply. The wound cuts so deep that healing takes quite some time. It is one of those things that should not happen period, but definitely not in the church. Yet, so many times that is exactly where it happens. Church is supposed to be a safe haven, a retreat from the world. Yet so many times I find that it is not. I do not mean to beat up on the church because I truly love the body of Christ, but there are some things that we must confront head on in our lives and in the lives of those around us if we are to ever reach a dying world for Christ. We hear about terrible things that happen inside the walls of the church and yet we still wonder why lost people think they are no different from us.
Obviously, there are many different types of betrayal. The degrees can range from breaking a confidence to adultery. Although some are harder to move on from others, the pain is very similar and the relationship is never the same.
If you have gone through a betrayal in your life, let me say again that you are not alone. Our Lord and Savior is very familiar with how it feels to be betrayed. Turn to Him today and find understanding as well as the grace to forgive and heal.
Also, let us never forget that all of us are capable of committing any sin in our flesh. We see example after example in scripture of men and women that walked with God and at some point fell away committing many sins of the flesh along the way. May we walk so closely with Him that we would never be the cause of another's pain, especially a "man like myself".
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