Two things came to my mind recently
• First was a race track and an athlete. In running a race, the worst thing you can do is look behind at the track you just covered, you miss out on where you should be going and you don't focus on where you should be, you miss out on two things. Two hours, days, months, years ago, you were most likely great in the kingdom, doing things for God and all. Right now maybe you are still great still doing things, maybe you are not, but then where is your focus? On the things that are and could be or the things that were?
• We all have or at least most of us have watched the movie 300, there was a part of the movie that struck me, the part where the king of Arcadia asked Leonidas why he brought so few men... Leonidas made a very fine distinction between the men of Sparta and Arcadia.. Spartans being born warriors, all they did was fight and die in battle and they spent every day of their lives living towards that purpose.
Why these two thoughts, we say we are children of God, and are representatives yet most times we specify when we chose to act our role as representatives rather than live our every moments to the glory of God. Put on the whole armor of God; from the breastplate of righteousness to the sword of the spirit. A good warrior is known not just by his known fighting ability of old but by his readiness for battle. A warrior's blade is never dull, but is kept sharp at all times. Our sword is the word, the word of God and it is kept sharp by our constant reading and meditation. We are however more than soldiers, we are the light and flavor of the world and anything other than that isn't.
I look at two different people from the bible Daniel and Paul. One thing characterized the life of Daniel, his daily life of meditation and his knowledge of God's word. Even at the cost of his life he kept to his lifestyle not compromising it for one bit.
Paul had three missionary journeys. Three not one, not one of them was first class, not one of them was rosy and the third one actually led to his death. One would have been just fine, two would have been wonderful. Enough to be proud of for the rest of his life but he didn't dwell there but kept on pressing on for what he believed and for what he stood for.
We all have individual swords in our individual lives, our knowledge of God's word and our ability to meditate on it. We cannot and I mean cannot use another man’s sword to fight our battles. It could and probably would lead to disaster (ask the sons of Sceva, Acts 19:13-16).
We all have our individual races to run, races determined by God (before you were born He knew you). There is only one athlete on that track and that you. The christian life is no competition no one answers to God but you so there is no need to use people you think you are better than to console yourself and stay where you are. Press on and keep pressing to the very end. Not just in words and deeds but by the very lifestyle you live.
There is a warning in the passage (Matthew 21:28-32), a warning Jesus gave during his time on earth, a warning I believe so properly describes the world today. We spend so much time haggling about the readiness of others that most times we fail to miss the fact that the time spent in analyzing others is time not spent preparing ourselves (hence the individuality of our race).
Also as a soldier there was a warning Paul gave to Timothy about getting entangled with the affairs of this world (2 Tim 2:3-4). Entangled meaning so wrapped up in it that you forget who you are, a soldier, ambassador, temple, a representative of God. We are who we are not just because it feels good to be so; we are here because it is what we were called out to be. Finally there is the passage from Ephesians 6:11-18
11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
The various parts of our armor that makes us what we are. Lack of one or more of them makes us ineffective soldiers. As a soldier polishes his armor and sharpens his sword, in the same way we ought to exercise the various parts to be able to use them fully as they ought to be.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
To be or not to be a vessel of honour
We were all made for a reason, made for a purpose, and all we do, all we experience in life most times is tailored to that purpose. We try so often to shut out who we are meant to be, we try to lay low and be anonymous, we try to close our eyes to the world because leaving them open makes us care, pulls out the us within us, the one we try so hard not to be. Or we add so much to who we are that it gets so difficult to remember what makes us, what differentiates us from everyone else.
The question today like the topic says, "to be or not to be" the person God created you to be.
To be or not to be, a vessel to honour: 2 Tim 2:20 says, in a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble...
Funny how nowadays we as christians we either want all the power, to preach, to teach, to heal, cast out demons, do everything we have seen great men of God do regardless of God's calling on our lives... On the other hand, we have people who want nothing to do with all of that, thinking in their minds that it is too much to ask of God, wanting just to go to heaven in their quiet state also regardless of God's calling on their lives. Sound like anyone you know?? Cos that used to be me. The very next verse gives an answer... It don't matter where, what or who you are, whether gold, silver, wood or clay, whether on the pulpit or at the very back of the church. 2 Tim 2:21 if a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the master and prepared to do any good work. vs 22-25 sheds more light on this.
Now the latter refers to ignoble purposes and ignoble means completely lacking nobility in character, quality or purpose. Reminds me of Philipians 4:8 (whatever is good, pure, noble, e.t.c. Should be thought of)... All that needs to be done is to be cleansed of ignoble purposes and you can be used to do any good work, and I believe the word "any" is used because it is determined not by you but by our Father in heaven. There are two sides of a coin to the general belief of perfect in God's eye. On one hand, which is before He calls you, we should be seeking him with all our hearts, living blameless lives, perfect in our own eyes, before we can be in His. On the other hand, after we are called, we see ourselves sitting in absolute glory here on earth, speaking out and seeing things happen, fighting legions of demons or so pure and holy that nothing should withstand us. We have created a stereotype of the before and the after that sub-consciously we believe that God can't possibly use us. Looking through the bible, the only thing that qualified the people God used was that God looked at them and chose them, the only thing that qualified them after they were called was that the obeyed God totally. Its not where you are at the moment, but who you are, the you God and God alone sees, the you He knows you are capable of being, a vessel of honour. Once he calls you what to do? The one thing each and every disciple Jesus called did. Leave all that you are and follow Him, let him sort you out in His way, trust Him to, and He will. There are many vessels of gold and silver, some of wood and clay, some to noble purposes, some to ignoble. Phillip probably did a lot of wonderful things, but in Acts he was mentioned just speaking to an eunuch, led by God. John stayed in the wilderness all through his ministry and ended up beheaded, led byy God, Samuel was a little boy when he was called and grew up to be the greatest judge of Israel's time, led by God. Saul was on his way to murder christians when he was called, ended up spreading the gospel the furthest it had ever been, led by God. He is knocking at your door, seeking to fellowship with you, you don't have to be up there, you don't have to be perfect, all God needs is a vessel, whether gold, silver, wood or clay don't matter, what matters is that you put aside all that will shield you from His presence, all that makes you ignoble.
To be or not to be a vessel of honour, a choice totally up to you, after the choice? Leave it all to Him.
The question today like the topic says, "to be or not to be" the person God created you to be.
To be or not to be, a vessel to honour: 2 Tim 2:20 says, in a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble...
Funny how nowadays we as christians we either want all the power, to preach, to teach, to heal, cast out demons, do everything we have seen great men of God do regardless of God's calling on our lives... On the other hand, we have people who want nothing to do with all of that, thinking in their minds that it is too much to ask of God, wanting just to go to heaven in their quiet state also regardless of God's calling on their lives. Sound like anyone you know?? Cos that used to be me. The very next verse gives an answer... It don't matter where, what or who you are, whether gold, silver, wood or clay, whether on the pulpit or at the very back of the church. 2 Tim 2:21 if a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the master and prepared to do any good work. vs 22-25 sheds more light on this.
Now the latter refers to ignoble purposes and ignoble means completely lacking nobility in character, quality or purpose. Reminds me of Philipians 4:8 (whatever is good, pure, noble, e.t.c. Should be thought of)... All that needs to be done is to be cleansed of ignoble purposes and you can be used to do any good work, and I believe the word "any" is used because it is determined not by you but by our Father in heaven. There are two sides of a coin to the general belief of perfect in God's eye. On one hand, which is before He calls you, we should be seeking him with all our hearts, living blameless lives, perfect in our own eyes, before we can be in His. On the other hand, after we are called, we see ourselves sitting in absolute glory here on earth, speaking out and seeing things happen, fighting legions of demons or so pure and holy that nothing should withstand us. We have created a stereotype of the before and the after that sub-consciously we believe that God can't possibly use us. Looking through the bible, the only thing that qualified the people God used was that God looked at them and chose them, the only thing that qualified them after they were called was that the obeyed God totally. Its not where you are at the moment, but who you are, the you God and God alone sees, the you He knows you are capable of being, a vessel of honour. Once he calls you what to do? The one thing each and every disciple Jesus called did. Leave all that you are and follow Him, let him sort you out in His way, trust Him to, and He will. There are many vessels of gold and silver, some of wood and clay, some to noble purposes, some to ignoble. Phillip probably did a lot of wonderful things, but in Acts he was mentioned just speaking to an eunuch, led by God. John stayed in the wilderness all through his ministry and ended up beheaded, led byy God, Samuel was a little boy when he was called and grew up to be the greatest judge of Israel's time, led by God. Saul was on his way to murder christians when he was called, ended up spreading the gospel the furthest it had ever been, led by God. He is knocking at your door, seeking to fellowship with you, you don't have to be up there, you don't have to be perfect, all God needs is a vessel, whether gold, silver, wood or clay don't matter, what matters is that you put aside all that will shield you from His presence, all that makes you ignoble.
To be or not to be a vessel of honour, a choice totally up to you, after the choice? Leave it all to Him.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Let your light so shine...
Matthew 5:16 says "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Now the question on my mind today comes from the term good deeds. Good deeds, good works, different versions of the bible have different terms they use for it. It is easy to pick out a meaning as you see fit and believe you are shining out as a light to glorify your father in heaven. Today I see it as far beyond the daily works we do out in the open for men to see, not just the basic good doings in life but also what men see w hen they look at you. I look at some of the great men of old and when I think of them I try to write out what I remember about them, what I would like to learn from them.
Abraham: Was a great man in his time, did a lot of wonderful things I am sure, one of which was defeating an entire army with a handful of men, but the one thing we remember him for was his lifestyle, a life of faith.
Moses: When I think of Moses, I don't think of a man that parted waters, broke rocks or prayed for manna to fall from heaven, I see a man that was constantly interceding on behalf of the house of Israel, a humble man, a man who saw God, not the mighty works he did, but his everyday duties.
David: Was not as great a king as his son Solomon, but he is remembered for one thing that no other king of Israel has been remembered for since. He was a man after God's own heart.
Daniel: No doubt lived a good life, he did good deeds, no doubt, but what caused him to turn a nation around were not his good deeds, but his lifestyle, the very life he lived to diligently serve God.
Its not just enough to do good, because anyone can do good at any time. The sun shines on all men both good and evil, and both good and evil men would see a baby and smile. Any man with the right priorities would not lie, not steal, would obey all the laws of the land, but we are not living a life of laws and commandments, we are living a life of complete obedience and total surrender to God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. A life like my Savior did, where the only bad thing men can say about you is that you love your Father and you are totally obedient to Him.
Romans 12:1-2 says
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
verse 9-18 also says
9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
The life you were, that you are no longer, the candle that was out, that is now on... That is your light,, not just the words you speak, but the proof that of a truth your life has changed. The putting off the old nature that was death and the putting on of the new nature that is life, not just life but your lifestyle. A lifestyle that speaks of change. A lifestyle that when people see, they can see the difference in you, not in some areas, but in all areas. Most of all they should see a willingness in you to stay changed stay different no matter the cost.
A light that men will see and glorify your Father in heaven, your life. Not so you get the praise, but so men can see God in you and thank Him for the change in your life. That men can see and know that indeed there is hope in this dark world. Your light...
A light shining not of morals, or laws, but of love, love for God and love for men.
Now the question on my mind today comes from the term good deeds. Good deeds, good works, different versions of the bible have different terms they use for it. It is easy to pick out a meaning as you see fit and believe you are shining out as a light to glorify your father in heaven. Today I see it as far beyond the daily works we do out in the open for men to see, not just the basic good doings in life but also what men see w hen they look at you. I look at some of the great men of old and when I think of them I try to write out what I remember about them, what I would like to learn from them.
Abraham: Was a great man in his time, did a lot of wonderful things I am sure, one of which was defeating an entire army with a handful of men, but the one thing we remember him for was his lifestyle, a life of faith.
Moses: When I think of Moses, I don't think of a man that parted waters, broke rocks or prayed for manna to fall from heaven, I see a man that was constantly interceding on behalf of the house of Israel, a humble man, a man who saw God, not the mighty works he did, but his everyday duties.
David: Was not as great a king as his son Solomon, but he is remembered for one thing that no other king of Israel has been remembered for since. He was a man after God's own heart.
Daniel: No doubt lived a good life, he did good deeds, no doubt, but what caused him to turn a nation around were not his good deeds, but his lifestyle, the very life he lived to diligently serve God.
Its not just enough to do good, because anyone can do good at any time. The sun shines on all men both good and evil, and both good and evil men would see a baby and smile. Any man with the right priorities would not lie, not steal, would obey all the laws of the land, but we are not living a life of laws and commandments, we are living a life of complete obedience and total surrender to God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. A life like my Savior did, where the only bad thing men can say about you is that you love your Father and you are totally obedient to Him.
Romans 12:1-2 says
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
verse 9-18 also says
9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
The life you were, that you are no longer, the candle that was out, that is now on... That is your light,, not just the words you speak, but the proof that of a truth your life has changed. The putting off the old nature that was death and the putting on of the new nature that is life, not just life but your lifestyle. A lifestyle that speaks of change. A lifestyle that when people see, they can see the difference in you, not in some areas, but in all areas. Most of all they should see a willingness in you to stay changed stay different no matter the cost.
A light that men will see and glorify your Father in heaven, your life. Not so you get the praise, but so men can see God in you and thank Him for the change in your life. That men can see and know that indeed there is hope in this dark world. Your light...
A light shining not of morals, or laws, but of love, love for God and love for men.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
