God's Grace IS Enough

Galatians 3:1-6  "You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.  I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard?  Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?  Have you experienced so much in vain—if it really was in vain?  So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?  So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

Galatians 2:21  "I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”

 Galatians 3: 21-22  "Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not!  For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.  But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe."


         In today's blog, I want to scratch the surface on the subject of  'grace versus works'.  I want to begin with 2 Corinthians 12:9  " “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  I don't think this verse only applies to our daily trials, but also lays a fundamental truth that, 'We cannot save ourselves but we are saved by God's grace alone.'    Ephesians 2:8-9  "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast."
        "God has rules. The problem is, none of us can or do keep them. But the point of God’s rules isn’t so that, in keeping them, we can be made right with Him. The point of His rules is to make apparent to us our glaring inadequacies and failure and sin. When we are left with no further claim to earning God’s favor through our own goodness we are finally ready to look to Jesus alone as Savior. The Bible says,  "The Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ." – Galatians 3:22 NLT  [B. Cox]
         Some people believe that without a certain 'work' being done in life that a person's belief in God as their Lord and Savior is invalidated.  Not True!  In John 3:16, it says 'whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life'.  It does not say 'whoever believes and ....[a list of works]'.  Is a death bed testimony of repentance and acceptance of Christ any less credible than any other profession of faith, according to Scripture?
         "Paul points out in verse 6 that Abraham was accepted by God not because he was circumcised, but because he trusted God’s promises and put his faith in him. (In Romans 4:10, Paul points out that God accepted Abraham as his son long before he ever got circumcised, so it would be pointless to argue from the life of Abraham that circumcision was necessary to be accepted by God!)" [willing2share.com]
         Works are an important aspect to the Christian life, but they are a loving response to Christ's saving grace. God's grace is inexhaustible.  We can never establish ourselves as good enough, according to God's rules and standards.  We can only look to Jesus' death and resurrection for our sin atonement, not any human effort.  "There is unbelievable relief in this truth. There is freedom and liberty. There is assurance and eternal security. There is adoption into God’s family. There is the promise of life in heaven someday and an abundant, fulfilling life today."
        "It is not enough to know the truth, and to say we believe it, but we must obey it too; we must heartily submit to it, and stedfastly abide by it.  Those are spiritually bewitched who, when the truth as it is in Jesus is plainly set before them, will not thus obey it. "  [M. Henry] 
       "Keep in mind that serving God in order to earn His favor or ensure that He continues blessing you amounts to thwarting grace. You can do nothing to deserve the Lord’s kindness! He pours it upon believers freely, so the only thing you can “do” is receive it." [intouch.org]

        The lyrics to 'Who Am I' by Casting Crowns sums it all up pretty well...
           'Not because of who I am, but because of what You've done
            Not because of what I've done, but  because of who You are!'

What's Keeping You Away From God?

Psalm 29

Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings,
    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
    worship the Lord in the splendor of his[a] holiness.

3 The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
    the God of glory thunders,
    the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.
4 The voice of the Lord is powerful;
    the voice of the Lord is majestic.
5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
    the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes Lebanon leap like a calf,
    Sirion[b] like a young wild ox.
7 The voice of the Lord strikes
    with flashes of lightning.
8 The voice of the Lord shakes the desert;
    the Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the Lord twists the oaks[c]
    and strips the forests bare.
And in his temple all cry, “Glory!”

10 The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
    the Lord is enthroned as King forever.
11 The Lord gives strength to his people;
    the Lord blesses his people with peace.

       As a believer, I think about the times in my life when I was far from God and what influenced me off of His path.  In today's blog, I want to mention a few of these temptations to not only keep ourselves on the right track, but to help the lost with their struggle to hear God's calling.
       My Pastor said today, "Most people reject Christ, despite all the evidence, because they know it will cause them to make a change in their life."  Jesus said in Luke 9:23-25 "Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?"  We can sum those verses up into one word, 'Surrender.'  Surrender sounds like a defeated move, but with Christ it is your most powerful move in life.  It is choosing to follow Christ...over the world, over your sinful nature's desires, above your own will.

       What are some influences that try to sway us from accepting and following God's will?

1] Mediocrity--Acceptance of sin, without a desire for spiritual change or growth
2] Weakness-- Letting unanswered prayers make us think prayer life is not worthwhile
3] Worry-- Being consumed with daily problems and pressures turns you more to self than         God dependency.
4] Wealth-- Focusing on getting ahead materially, more so than spiritually; consumption vs        Creator
5] Pleasures-- Going outside the realm in which they were intended by God
6] Fear-- Lack of trust in God separates us from God and creates chaos in our lives.
7] Our Past-- Guilt from memories of former sins makes us feel that we are unforgivable          and unworthy to be in a relationship with God.
8] Peer Pressure-- The desire to fit in with the crowd for fear of missing out.
9] Pride-- Thinking too much of yourself and too little of God
10] Bitterness-- A hardened heart is resistant and defensive to change.

James 1:21   "Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you."

Keep listening for the “still small voice” If you are weary on life’s road; The Lord will make your heart rejoice If you will let Him take your load. —Hess

Needs Met... Above and Beyond What I've Asked

Philippians 4:19  "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
Matthew 6:7-8  "And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him."
Isaiah 58:11  "The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."
Job 10:12  "You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit."
Romans 15:4  "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope."
1 Corinthians 10:13  "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
1 Timothy 6:17  "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment."
1 Peter 4:11  "If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."

      When you look at our society, do you see more need or greed?  There is definitely both, but we have a Provider for all of our needs.  We often focus on our material needs more than our spiritual needs, but God knows and does whatever it takes to meet both of those needs.  "Many times, He allows a need to come so that He can teach you to trust Him in a greater way. No problem is too complicated or too difficult for Him to handle." [intouch.org]  Many of our hurts are the designated roads to what we needed to draw us closer in our relationship with Christ.
       Matthew 6:33 tells us "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."  God wants us to trust in Him before all else and obey His commands.  'THEN' is the key word, He is committed to providing for your needs and the desires of your heart, according to His will.  What you may think is a fulfilled desire, my turn into a life lesson with hurt, because you are not following His ways in your life.  "Anytime we “expect” God to move a certain way, we have missed the deeper lesson that He wants us to learn.  We should never obey Him merely to manipulate our situation. God knows our hearts. When we are surrendered to Him, He sees our devotion and goes to work on our behalf."[intouch.org]
      In the verses above, each one shows the many different ways God provides for us.  He knows our needs before we do, He strengthens us physically and spiritually, He gives us hope and encouragement thru The Bible, He gives us an escape from temptation, He gives us pleasures in this world for our enjoyment..according to His will, and He gives us endurance to finish this race of life well to bring glory to His holy name.  What a list of reasons to trust Him completely with your eternal life.
     May you seek first the Kingdom of Heaven in your heart, mind and soul.  Then put your trust completely in God and His will for your life and its desires.  With obedience, He will not fail to guide and provide for all your needs...above and beyond what you've asked for in prayer.

Patience

Colossians 3:12  "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

Ecclesiastes 7:8-9  "The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit,  for anger resides in the lap of fools."

        If you know me at all, you know 'patience' is not my gift nor do I pretend it to be.  Patience is a daily struggle of mine.  I am able to say I have a better grasp on it now than my younger days, but I recognize the fact that I will never master it in this life.  I blog on the topic of patience often, because of my own need to work on this characteristic of God in my life.  

       Philippians 2:14-16  " Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.  And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain."

        Sometimes I wonder how God is using my disease as a way to build faith qualities within me, not just frustration.  His patience with me to learn patience is amazing, to say the least.  CMT, my disease, makes me wait in so many ways.  As I am typing now, I have to stop and wait for my arm to rest before I can type any more.  It's a test of patience with myself... will I rest and continue or just give up on the project completely?

       "More important than the awaited goal is the work God does in us while we wait.  Waiting deepens and matures us, levels our perspective, and broadens our understanding." [J.C. Maxwell]

        God's patience with each of us is beyond our understanding.  None of us would wait on others or ourselves, like God does, on any matter.  "Since God is a patient God, when we abandon patience we miss the opportunity to show our world the glory of God through our lives." [odb.org]  Philippians 1:6 promises "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."  When I contemplate my failures with patience, this promise encourages me that God isn't finished with me yet.

        Romans 12:12 reminds me to "Be patient in tribulation."  I'm not saying it's easy, but God has a plan with a purpose.  So we must pray for direction to submit to His plan, patience to wait and endure well with His plan, and knowledge to know His plan above our own.

        May we all pray for the patience to endure times of trial, to keep anticipating, keep hoping, keep believing in the promises of God.  Pray for patience to be patient.

3 Areas to Control Our Patience Through [intouch.org]

1] Thoughts. It is important that we shift our attention away from the circumstance and onto the Lord. His Spirit will help us gain the right perspective.

2] Emotions. When the Holy Spirit oversees our feelings and reactions, we will find ourselves becoming calmer. Then He will empower us to respond in a godly manner.

3] Speech. Asking Him to help us have self-control over our tongue is essential. A timely word can defuse a situation; speaking defensively or shouting angrily at the other person can inflame it (Prov. 15:18).

 

Compassion

Lamentations 3:22 "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail."

Ephesians 4:32  "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Colossians 3:12 "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

1 Peter 3:8-9 " Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.  Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."


        "The definition of compassion is a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is hurting, in pain, or has misfortune and is accompanied by a strong desire to help the suffering. Jesus Christ is the greatest example of someone with true compassion. Not only did Jesus have compassion and heal people from physical suffering, he also showed the greatest compassion for mankind when He died on the cross for our sins." [biblestudytools.org]
         Psalm 86:15  "But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness."  We are often quicker to judge others first, before showing any compassion.  Oh, but for the grace of God go I.  We must remember that we are all sinners and we are not all at the same place in our spiritual walk with God.  Compassion is grace in action towards others.  "While his compassion can be thwarted by disobedience, there are times when his disobedient people's only hope is that his compassion overcomes his anger."
          Compassion is understanding the troubles of others and reaching out in love, not condemnation.  The greatest example of this is found in Jesus on the cross in Luke 23:34 "Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  When we have felt wronged by another, can we first consider another's needs before our own?   Jesus knew that the need for Him to die for our sins was greater than what He had to suffer through.  
                  Compassion is an attribute of God and of Christ-followers.  God's compassion's are faithful and new every morning.  As part of the Church, we should point others to the path of Christ in whatever their needs may be--spiritual direction and/or material goods-with compassionate action that is freely and tenderly given.  How do we express compassion to others?  First, begin with the right attitude.  A non-judgmental attitude will make you more approachable.  Secondly, kindness will make your words or deeds more acceptable.  Thirdly, gentleness is more effective than any harsh word.  understanding the troubles of
When you see someone in need,
Love demands a loving deed;
Don't just say you love him true,
Prove it by the deeds you do. —Sper

What Changed?

2 Thessalonians 3:16  "Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!"

Philippians 4:11  "Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am."


      Life is a series of ever-changing circumstances, both good and bad.  Change is inevitable and sometimes we have to humble ourselves to a new low.  Low points can bring great joy tho, with the right attitude and gratitude.  "Conditions around us will fluctuate, but if we belong to Christ, He’ll use every situation to accomplish His will, in and through us. Even when we face matters of life and death, we can share Paul’s desire—that Christ would be exalted in us, whether through life or death." [intouch.org]
      Would you change your past or present state of circumstance, if you could?  Many of us would, but 'Thank God' that our power is limited.  He is in control, not our minuscule view.  "Jesus did not promise to change the circumstances around us. He promised great peace and pure joy to those who would learn to believe that God actually controls all things." [Corrie Ten Boom]
        Is your focus on your circumstances?  When we concentrate our minds on our situation, it can become larger than life, both in our minds and reactions towards it.  "Anxiety comes when we look at our circumstances and then 'our' ability, but faith comes when we look at our circumstances and then 'God's' ability."  "Ships don't sink because of the water 'around' them, ships sink because of the water that gets 'in' them.  Don't let what's happening around you get inside you and weigh you down."
        What if, we realigned our focus on God's presence with us and His never-changing attributes.  God is good ALL THE TIME and ALL THE TIME God is good!  God never ceases being full of grace and mercy.  He is ALWAYS kind, just, patient, loving, present, all-knowing, holy, righteous, sovereign, eternal, incomparable, incorruptible, infinite and more than we can describe.
         As for my personal state of circumstance, there is more joy than heartache in the waiting to be called Home.  I won't make light of the discomfort in losing my physical freedom within this body, but I know my soul will go on after this body has passed.  So, I focus on what makes my soul happy, with respect to God's will for my life.  I believe Jesus came to give us life to the fullest, so its my calling to glorify Him in all I do...whether its soaking up the sun outside, doing a breathing treatment, or taking my air on/off while visiting with friends.
        'Be still and know that I am God' is a practical way to see your circumstance as, in His control and part of His plans.  He won't give us more than we can bear, even when we question.  We can be joyful knowing, whatever circumstance that we are in, that it is temporary and will pass to another state of existence or to eternity.
        "Our eyes are to be focused on the Lord, not on our circumstances. We are to live above the shadows of fear and bask in the sunlight of faith. Even though we, like Habakkuk, may have a long list of troubles, faith’s answer to disappointment must always be: “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (v.18). That type of attitude will enable us to live above the circumstances instead of under them." [odb.org]


If in every circumstance, we turn to Jesus.. we will always find Him there.  

Obedience

Psalm 32:8-10   "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;  I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule,  which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.  Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him."

Psalm 128:1  " Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him."

Jeremiah 7:23  " Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you."

Psalm 119:33-34  "Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart."


      We all struggle with obedience and we never out grow this weakness, derived from our sin nature.  We hopefully improve, but we will never master it here in this life.  Our obedience falters due to procrastination, busyness, laziness, worldliness, doubt and selfish desires.  When we surrender our lives to Christ, we make a commitment to follow His ways in obedience, the best we can.

      "A life of surrender says, “God, whatever, whenever, wherever, and however You want it, my answer is yes.”  A willing response to each of these divine calls prepares the believer for God’s call to accountability. Scripture tells us that every person will experience a day of judgment. For those who refused God’s invitation to salvation, it will mean wrath and eternal separation from the Lord. For God’s children, it will be a day in which our response to His call on our lives will be evaluated. Only those things done at His direction and in His way will matter when that time comes; everything else will count for nothing (Ps. 127:1-2).
intouch.org

       Often our obedience is compromised with trying to negotiate with God's commands.  We honor God with our complete obedience.  He isn't interested in our excuses or questions of why, He wants willing compliance.  "We sometimes choose not to obey the Lord completely. Then we try to justify our own sinful behavior by telling ourselves that it doesn’t really matter to God, or that other Christians are far more sinful than we are. But God demands total obedience."  [odb.org]

       God has a plan for our eternal good, and it is foolish not to obey Him.  As for myself, I compare my obedience to God with following my doctor's orders.  I first try to negotiate, is this an order or a recommendation?  I know he is looking out for me, but how serious is he about this?  Can I substitute this for that?  How long do I have to continue with this?  Whether or not I follow is my decision, but it will also be my consequence to suffer or be blessed.  "You can develop the strength to obey God by staying in close fellowship with Him, relying on the Holy Spirit, and trusting Him for your every need." odb.org

To say we follow Jesus Christ
Without attempting to obey
Reveals our lack of faith that He
Will lead us right in every way. —Sper

 3 Principles of Obedience [intouch.org]

1. Compliance in small matters has eternal significance and leads to blessings from God.  Wouldn’t you rather follow Him out of love than out of fear?

2. Following Jesus is always beneficial to others.  When we live out biblical principles, our families will be enriched, and those within our circle of influence will be encouraged to follow our example. And as we share how God responds to our obedience with His goodness, others may be motivated to seek after His Son Jesus.

3. God may tell us to respond or act in ways that make little sense. The Lord told Noah to build an ark, instructed Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, and directed Joshua to conquer Jericho through silent marching on six days and shouting on the seventh. All of these men agreed to God’s plan even though it did not make sense. Their trust in God overruled any concerns and led to great reward.