"Hachi's Love"

Well, another year has come and gone. While most of us try our luck at New Year's resolutions, we should know by now that keeping those resolutions is easier said than done. Most resolutions are lost within the first month. So why do we bother making them at all? Well, I suppose it makes us feel better about ourselves, seeing the New Year as a good excuse to begin afresh.

If you must make any resolution, then why not make one on a recommitment to God? That never hurts for us to do, no matter how strong your faith might already be. We should be on fire for Him not just for a month though; He should be foremost in our lives 365 days every year.

This is the story of Hachi, (full name of Hachiko). He had a beautiful relationship with his best friend, a Japanese Professor in Tokoyo, Japan. He lived a life worth living; honoring, loving, and completely dedicating himself to his family from the day he was born until his death in 1935.

Hachi's a dog.

Hachi: A Dog's Tale, is the 2008 American movie based on this true story of a dog with a unique bond of loyalty. Hachiko is an akita; in the original story he was found and raised by a professor in Japan in the early 1920's. (The American version simply uses an American setting, but kept the story.) This professor traveled to work every day via train; one time, he happened upon Hachi as a puppy wandering around the station. No one claimed him, so he took him home. At once the two developed a bond so strong, that once Hachi became older, he went to the train station every day, at the same time, to wait for his master to return from work. They would walk to and from the station together this way.

One day however, the Japanese professor died unexpectedly. But the amazing part of this story is what Hachi continued to do.

For the next nine years, Hachi would keep his vigil at the train station, every day, at the same time. Faithfully, until the end of his life, even though his master's had already ended....

Eventually Hachi died at the age of 11, though not in vain. The community there raised Hachi as though he were their own. They fed and looked after him. Hachi soon became well known, with stories done cataloguing his beautiful faithfulness. He died in 1935; his heart was infected with worms, but by then hundreds upon thousands knew his name and his story. To remember him, a statue was erected in his honor, so that generations upon generations could visit him. The statue was placed, none other, than at the spot where he waited faithfully for over a decade at the train station.

So, what will you leave behind when you are gone? How will others remember you? How do you want to live your life? Hachi chose to be faithful until his own death, even when he probably figured out at some point that his old friend wasn't coming.

Did you know that God is loyal? He waits for us every day, even when it seems apparent that we aren't coming to see Him, and yet still He will remain vigilant forever that we will come. God is always there for us, even when no one else might be. He's the most loyal friend anyone could have.

Hachi could have given up at anytime. He could have gone home with someone from the community or of the Professor's family. Instead he chose to stay near the train station. In the American film, we see his story told through his eyes. We see the temptations he faced, the hardships he endured, and the love that drove him to sit in his spot every day. Such undying loyalty…Can any of us boast as much?

Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for I have always been mindful of Your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on Your faithfulness. Psalm 26:2-3

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:6-7

But I am like an olive tree, flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love forever and ever. For what You have done I will always praise You in the presence of Your faithful people. And I will hope in Your name, for Your name is good. Psalm 52:8-9

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments. Deuteronomy 7:9

If God loves us so much to be there for us, should we not show the same, if not more, in return?

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:13-14

But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. Micah 7:7

He hears you, knows you, and loves you. He is waiting for you to come.*

Running to Him,

Whitney

"Purity: To Proclaim Liberty To The Captives" 4-1-08

Here let's dig deeper into Matthew 5:8 and talk about purity. Specifically, we're going to discuss the dangers of an impure life, and learn how to live purely in Christ.

But when a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice and does the same abominations that the wicked person does, shall he live? None of the righteous deeds that he has done shall be remembered; for the treachery of which he is guilty and the sin he has committed, for them he shall die. "Yet you say, 'The way of the Lord is not just.' Hear now, O house of Israel: Is my way not just? Is it not your ways that are not just? When a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice, he shall die for it; for the injustice that he has done he shall die. (Ezekiel 18:24-26 ESV)

And of course, this raises the age-old question: can we lose our salvation? And this is a very good question to ask (indeed, I would encourage you to seek God to find the answer to this); however, it is not the purpose of this message. Rather, the purpose of this message is to bring to light the impending doom of living an impure lifestyle, turning from our righteousness, doing injustice, and committing the same abominations of the wicked.

Remember that Christ is our righteousness - when we turn away from Him, as this verse makes clear, we shall surely die. Without Christ we are nothing! But I would like to pose the question: is not remaining in an impure lifestyle in itself turning from Christ? Is not seeking satisfaction from "broken cisterns" that cannot satisfy, rather than from the Lord who is the spring of living water, turning from Him? I am not talking about momentary turns or stumbles, either; I am talking about a steady pattern of sin, a kind of lifestyle. Habitual sin, you could say. This is a question to which I do not know the answer, for only God sees the heart of a person and is able to make that judgment (and He is the only one who should), but one thing we know for sure: sin, especially this "habitual sin", can separate us from Him and will leave us unsatisfied and longing for more.

"My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water." (Jeremiah 3:2)

"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare." (Isaiah 55:1-2)

Truly, why spend money on what is not bread, and labor on what does not satisfy? The deceitfulness of sin is indeed very tempting - just look at the story of the adulteress in Proverbs 7. She offers promises of satisfaction and joy - and the foolish youth follows her, "like an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast till an arrow pierces its liver; as a bird rushes into a snare; he does not know it will cost him his life." Sin is deceitful, and it is tempting, which is why many times people fall into this pattern of sin - and often times, they hide it away deep within themselves, and even those closest to them may not have any idea of the struggle within - but God knows. Nothing is hidden from His sight. We may be able to fool our church, our friends, even our family, but we cannot fool God. Or maybe, we aren't even aware that we've adopted a kind of sin lifestyle, and we need the Lord to reveal this to us.

Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty forever. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (John 4:13-14 ESV)

Are you currently drinking from broken cisterns that cannot satisfy? Are you turning from the living waters of Christ to the deceitfulness of sin? Is there a portion of your heart that is hidden in the darkness? Ask yourself this. Indeed, sin takes many forms - Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21 ESV) All of these can become idols in our lives, places that we turn to for momentary comfort which, of course, never lasts.

But in the Lord, there is hope. Are you currently struggling with sin in this manner, or is there some place other than Christ that you will turn to in times of trouble? If so, remember that there is hope in Him. Focus your eyes upon Him, and He will satisfy your soul. There is hope in none other. If you would like further study on this topic, I would recommend you to a ministry I know of called http://www.settingcaptivesfree.com/, a Christ-centered web-ministry that offers Bible studies ranging from regular Christian living to freedom from living a lifestyle of sin. I can tell you from experience that they exalt Christ and His Word above all else.

"You have exalted above all things your name and your word." (Psalm 138:2)

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." (Luke 4:18-21 ESV)

Watch these chains fall from my hands Then you will understand, then you will understand. Watch me walk through these prison bars Then you will know my heart is free, Then you will know my heart is free.

~Watch, by Seven Places

Blessings,
Andrew

"A Lesson in Humility" 3-30-08

Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men? For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not mere men? What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. 1 Corinthians 3:1-9

She lived out spiritual humility, yet she had much on a human level to be proud of. As an author of over 70 books and a translator of many others into Afrikaans, Annalou Marais had much cause to brag–but she was more concerned about honoring Christ than advancing herself. She worked behind the scenes of the Bible conference, doing a servants tasks with a smiling face and a joyful heart. It would have been natural for her to desire, and even deserve, the spotlight. Instead, she quietly served, joyfully weeping as God worked in people's hearts. It was an impressive humility because it was completely genuine.

I have heard it said, 'It is amazing what can be accomplished when we don't care who get's the credit.' This is certainly true of Christian service. Paul told the church at Corinth, 'I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then either he who plants is anything, or he who waters, but God who gives the increase' (1 Cor. 3:6-7). Paul had learned that great lesson of the servant's hear, as Annalou has learned–it's entirely about God. What we do is accomplished by His power and grace, and all the glory must go to Him.

It was a lesson in humility watching Annalou, and one that reminded me of the richness of serving God." (written by Bill Crowder)

'God often uses lowly things
His purpose to fulfill,
Because it takes a humble heart
To carry out His will.' (D. De Haan)

(Courtesy of Our Daily Bread, of RBC Ministries)

Pride and Grace cannot dwell in the same place.*

Praying for humility,
Whitney

Giving Your All - 3/21/08

The Christian Band Flyleaf wrote a song inspired by the Columbine Shootings. In the song, the chorus goes

"Do you believe in God?
Written on the Bullet
And Cassie pulled the trigger."

In other words, this girl Cassie was asked a simple, yet life-changing question: Do you believe in God? She said yes, and the gunman shot her.

In the Bible we read about Stephen, the first Christian Martyr. He was not afraid to proclaim his faith. He was willing to give up everything, including his life for Jesus. Cassie was too.

Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke. Acts 6:8-10

Read Acts 6:8-8:3

So think about this personal question for a moment: are you willing to give your all, even your life for Christ?

Many would not hesitate to say yes. But let me tell you, we here in America don't face the Christian persecution like so many other countries do. We take life for granted. So if we were asked the question knowing our life was on the line, what would we really say?

We are weak compared to those persecuted around the world. They are so Christ-focused they are willing to give their all, when we are afraid to share our faith openly with a non-Christian friend. We have no reason to be afraid. Yet we are.

So lets get back on track with Him, knowing in our hearts there's no need to be afraid, for we know where we are going once we die. Let me tell you, it's a much better place there than here! If you do not know where you are going, pray right now to Jesus.

"The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,"that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:9-13

Will you pull that trigger?

"And I will pull the trigger." (Cassie, Flyleaf)

Giving it all up,
Whitney

The Inward and Outward Appearance - 3/14/08

In the book of Ruth, let's focus on love, devotion, and trust, as well as the effects of a good role model (or the Inward and Outward Appearance).

Ruth impressed me by her love and faithfulness towards her mother-in-law Naomi in the first Chapter. We see this more in the following Chapters. Naomi loved Ruth as though she were her own daughter; she wanted what was best for Ruth. So she gave her advice, such as how to gain favor from Naomi's kinsman Boaz. And how does Ruth respond to this? "I will do whatever you say". She was willing to submit to Naomi's advice, because her mother-in-law knew best; they were Naomi's people, and they had certain ways of doing things that often differed from her own. To get right down to it, Ruth had a lot of love for Naomi, putting all her trust in her.

One day Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, "My daughter, should I not try to find a home for you, where you will be well provided for? Is not Boaz, with whose servant girls you have been, a kinsman of ours? Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. Wash and perfume yourself, and put on your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don't let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do." "I will do whatever you say," Ruth answered. So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do. Ruth 3:1-6

Her mother-in-law asked her, "Where did you glean today? Where did you work? Blessed be the man who took notice of you!" Then Ruth told her mother-in-law about the one at whose place she had been working..... Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law, "It will be good for you, my daughter, to go with his girls, because in someone else's field you might be harmed." So Ruth stayed close to the servant girls of Boaz to glean until the barley and wheat harvests were finished. And she lived with her mother-in-law. Ruth 2:19-23

It is interesting to me to see the noted line "And she lived with her mother-in-law." Perhaps this little line was added to further establish the relationship between Naomi and Ruth.

Now let's see about the qualities of Ruth.

Boaz replied, "I've been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband——how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge." Ruth 2:11

(Also read Ruth 3:10-13)

Boaz, who we meet in the second chapter, is struck right away by the good qualities of Ruth. Everyone spoke very highly of her. This makes her even more of a good role-model; she not only had good qualities, she lived them too.....

This is how people tend to measure other people: by first impressions. What we see from a person, in physical appearance and by the way they act, forms what we think of them. Of course we ought to get to know them more, for one encounter is never enough to fully understand someone.

But you see, if we judge others this way, others will judge you this way. As Christians, we should live a Christ-centered life, both in our appearance and by our actions. People are constantly watching; let us shine Christ's love and compassionate qualities. Ruth did, and became an inspiration for those around her. She was spoken of highly, respected, and loved despite her being a foreigner. Her first impression was a good one, but instead of just ending it there, she made it a point to practice it all the days of her life.*

The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7b

Will your actions reflect your heart for the Lord?

Whitney

Prioritize Your Life - 3/11/08

Hello once again,

Today I'd like to bring us to a passage of the Bible that teaches us to prioritize.

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:38-42 NIV

Prioritization is something which God has been speaking to me about for a while now. It's so very important to have our priorities in order, because when this happens, everything just falls into place. More specifically, when we have our most important priority in order, everything falls into place. In this passage, Mary had her priorities set in order - Jesus first, everything else second.

And he said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:37-39 ESV

The truth is, God must be first in our lives. He must come before our family, our friends, our loved ones, our lives. Nothing can, nor should, take His place as absolute number one in our lives. If it does, it has become an idol. As we learn to focus on Him, and place Him as our absolute number one priority, it's amazing what happens - He begins to align our other priorities. He leads us to drop those things which are of lesser importance, and to take up those which are of greater importance. Sometimes we just don't know how to prioritize our lives - what goes where? But God does, and as we place Him at His proper place, He will lead us in the way He would have us go. Try it - I promise that you will be amazed!

Blessings,
Andrew

Blessed Be the Name of the Lord - 3/1/08

Hello everyone! Today I'd like to share with you a beautiful story of faith and trust, and it is the story of Job. As a little background information, Job is a man who was "blameless and upright" in the eyes of the Lord. However, Satan speaks to God and accuses Job of simply being a surface follower. Satan says (summarized) "Job is only upright because You have blessed him! If you take all he has away, he will surely curse Your name!" But God, knowing the faithfulness of His servant and seeking to silence Satan's accusations, allows Job to be tested by Satan. We see Job's first test below.

Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house; and a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, when the Sabeans raided them and took them away-indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!"

While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!"

While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!"

While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!" Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground...

Can you imagine? In an instant, for no apparent reason whatsoever, all Job has is taken away: his herds are taken from him, his possessions are seized and pillaged, his servants are murdered by the raiding parties, and his very own sons and daughters are killed. All that was once his is now gone. So what does Job do? Read on and you will see.

Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground...

...and worshiped. And he said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD." In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong. (Job 1:13-22 NKJV)

Again I ask, can you imagine? Everything Job has is taken from him; yet not once does he denounce his God. Whenever I read this passage, these words constantly reverberate in my mind: "The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD." Such faith - such trust. We see later on in the book of Job that he is tested again (and this time his friends accuse him of unrighteousness and corruption as well), yet still he refuses to denounce God. Rather, in faith, Job cries out to the Lord, knowing that he is upright and blameless, having been sanctified by God.

For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me! (Job 19:25-27 ESV)

I hope that you will all join with me in prayer for this kind of faith.

Lord, I pray that you would grow us all into people with faith and trust like this, that when all we have is taken from us, when all we hold dear is snatched out of our hands, we will look to You and trust in Your goodness, Your sovereignty, and Your love to lead us. Let us trust you and have faith that You are with us at all times, and that no matter what happens, we will still have You right alongside us, knowing that you died to save our souls and will never leave our sides. In Jesus' name, amen.

Blessings,
Andrew

Fire, Fall Down - 2/28/08

Hello everyone. With the recent talk of the fire of the Lord descending upon us, I would like to share with you something very close to my heart. It is, in fact, a song, by the name of "Fire, Fall Down," and the Chorus line goes like this:

Fire, fall down;
Fire, fall down;
On us, we pray.

As we seek,
Fire, fall down,
Fire, fall down,
On us, we pray.

As we seek,
Fire, fall down,
Fire, fall down,
On us, we pray.

As we seek you Lord,
Fire, fall down,
Fire, fall down,
On us, we pray.

(Fire Fall Down, Performed by Hillsong United; Album United We Stand)

This is truly a beautiful song. If you have never heard it, I whole-heartedly recommend that you take a few moments out of your day to listen to it. (Here is a link to watch the live video as performed by Hillsong United.) But more than that, I would ask that you truly let the words sink into your heart, and make this your desire, that the Fire of the Lord would fall down on us all and fill us with His Spirit.

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29 ESV

He lays the beams of his chambers on the waters; he makes the clouds his chariot; he rides on the wings of the wind; he makes his messengers winds, his ministers a flaming fire. Psalms 104:3-4 ESV

Our God truly is a consuming fire, and when we focus our eyes upon Him and seek Him with all our hearts, He will cause this fire to fall from heaven and light our hearts and souls on fire. Just as the pillar of fire descended from heaven and guided the Israelites out of Egypt and into the promised land, so will the fire of His Spirit descend upon and guide us as we seek Him.

"I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! (Luke 12:49 NKJV)

It's such a blessing that Christ has kindled this flame, is it not? We see here that His goal was to kindle the flame within us all; and through that final statement of His, "It is finished.", we can be sure that His goal was accomplished. As we look to Him and the price He paid on our behalf, how can this flame not be kindled deep within our souls? I hope that you will all join with me in praying that the Lord would send His Spirit to rekindle this flame within those of us who have allowed it die down, and to fan the flames as it begins to grow into an all-consuming fire for God.

Blessings,
Andrew

Test the Spirits - 2/25/08

Hello everyone,

Continuing from yesterday's message, I would like to share with you all something very closely related to listening to the "still small voice" of God: testing the spirits.

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. (1 John 4:1-3 NKJV)

Believe it or not, there are other spirits out there contending with God and His Truth. We, as Christians, must learn to recognize the voice of our Lord, so that we will not be deceived by the lies these spirits wish to pour into our hearts and minds.

I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. (John 10:14-15 ESV)

So how do we learn to discern the voice of our Lord? It's pretty simple actually - we get to know Him. We spend time with Him. If we are truly "Jesus' own," having been redeemed by His precious blood and given new life through His sacrifice, the overflowing of gratitude and thankfulness will lead us to spend time with Him. When we spend time with Him through His Word, through prayer, through worship, etc., we over time learn to recognize His voice. The more time we spend with Him, the easier it is for us to tell when we are truly hearing from God.

I'm sure you've all used a telephone - do you know what it's like when you, over time, learn to tell who is on the other line simply by hearing them say, "Hello?" They don't need to state their name, just the very sound of their voice gives them away. Well, this is how it is with God. When we spend time with Him, we learn His voice - and we also learn to discern the spirits. If we are ever called to do something contrary to the revealed Word of God, having spent time with Him through His Word, we can recognize that it is untrue and reject it. But this, too, takes time - the more time we spend with Him and the closer we draw to Him, the better we become at recognizing the voice of our Good Shepherd.

Blessings,
Andrew

Fruit of the Spirit: Wrap-Up; 2/23/08

Good-morning!

For today's Daily Bread, I thought we'd do a quick wrap-up of the past ten days' messages.

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:16-25)

Today, what I would like to point out is that there is but one way to experience these fruits, and that is God Alone. As we see here, our sinful nature desires that which is in conflict to the Spirit; sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, rage, selfishness, dissension, factions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, etc. We cannot escape the pitfalls of our sinful nature, no matter how hard we try - it is only when we cry out to Jesus that the shackles of our old nature can be broken, freeing us from ourselves and allowing us to serve Him with our entire lives.

When we cry out to God with humble hearts and broken spirits, He provides His Spirit to dwell within us which allows us to live this way, with the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It is so vitally important that we cry out to Him constantly, seeking for Him to cultivate these fruits within our souls. It is only through Him that we can remain patient with one another; it is only through Him that we can be kind to all those around us; it is only through Him that we can exhibit self-control in temptation; and it is only through Him that we can truly love those we hold dear - and even those we don't (Matthew 5:43-44).

We are simply incapable of these things apart from God, and I for one am so thankful that through the great and awesome sacrifice of Jesus, He has enabled us to put our sinful natures to death and has allowed us to live by His Spirit!

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. (John 14:16-17 ESV)

Blessings,
Andrew

Self-Control; 2/22/08

For our last look at the Fruit of the Spirit, we now focus on self-control.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galations 5:22-23

The world is all about image. What you say, how you say it, what you do, what you wear, how you look, etc. All these are what the world tries to focus on. More often than not we find ourselves caught in the middle of it all. What do I see more and more Christians doing in response? Compromising. Compromising their faith, lifestyles, morals, etc.

By this point you are probably wondering what this has to do with self-control. Well, self-control which can be also self-discipline, has everything to do with compromising. By allowing ourselves to conform to the world's ways, we are expressing no firm self-control.

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

The bible is clear on self-control. God gave us the ability of having free-choice. We can easily be swayed to doing something the world thinks is right that is sinful in God's eyes. Or we can choose to keep our eyes on Him. Hence why it is called self-control. It is because we know what something is lawfully and spiritually wrong; therefore, we have the ability to decide whether we restrain ourselves from doing what everyone else is doing, or knowing to exercise control over what we should see or hear or do.

It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, Titus

Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 1 Corinthians 7:5

For example, the latest movie rated PG-13 is out for bad language and a brief sexual moment. Everyone has seen it, saying it's the best movie ever, and that you have to see it. Do we then give in to their pressure, not wanting to appear foolish in their eyes? Or do we remember when to draw the line, knowing Christians should never compromise to watch stuff like that in the first place?

Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. Proverbs 25:28

So how do we overcome this? By remembering we have God on our side; pray to Him for help whenever you get in situations where you feel your self-control is 'lax'. We are constantly exercising this fruit. It is one we should never be with out. So make sure you are rightly exercising it.

But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 1 Thessalonians 5:8

So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 1 Thessalonians 5:6

Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. Titus 1:8

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:13

Are you demonstrating self-control?
-Whitney

Kindness - 2/18/08

While investigating the word "kindness", I noticed that this and the word "goodness" are often translated differently. In fact, in the KJV, instead of being translated "kindness", today's word is translated "gentleness," which is another fruit of the Spirit in verse 21! So, rather than do a study on words whose definitions are a bit foggy, I thought for our studies on kindness and gentleness, we'd dig just a little deeper and include Strong's definition for both words as well as cross-reference their other uses in the Word. Still with me so far? ;-) I sure hope so! Buckle your seat-belts, we're in for a ride!

χρηστότης; chrēstotēs: G5544; usefulness, that is, moral excellence (in character or demeanor): - gentleness, good (-ness), kindness.

This very same word is used only a few times in the Bible. One of these times is found in Ephesians chapter 2, with a perfect example for us to really grab a hold of "chrēstotēs":

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:4-7)

Boy, could we ask for a more perfect demonstration of kindness, or "chrēstotēs"? I think not! We have the definition: usefulness, moral excellence, kindness. Now, we have an example as well: that God expresses his grace to us through chrēstotēs, as shown in Jesus Christ. He is the perfect picture of this: morally excellent, useful, good, gentle, and kind.

I get the impression that this word encompasses a sort of demeanor of benevolence and uprightness. But not the kind that is haughty and "high-and-mighty," but rather gentle, welcoming, and caring. Looking at the life of Jesus, this word describes Him to a "T" - being God Almighty, if anyone could be haughty in their ethical uprightness it would be Jesus (and He does seem to take this tone at times, for example, when rebuking the hypocritical Pharisees), but to those of us who approach Him in humility, admitting our sinfulness, He invites us to:

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:29-30 ESV)

And wouldn't you know it, the word in this verse translated "easy" is chrēstos, the root of the word we're looking at today, chrēstotēs. Now, to wrap this up, let us once more take Jesus' example in how we are to live our lives - in kindness, gentleness, moral uprightness, and welcoming benevolence. Let us pray for this chrēstotēs, this kindness, to characterize our lives. It is indeed one of the fruits of the Spirit, flowing out from the Spirit of God, into our hearts, and being expressed through the way we live our lives.

Blessings,
Andrew

Your Story - 2/9/08

"Draw near, Aravis my daughter. See! My paws are velveted. You will not be torn this time."
"This time Sir?" said Aravis.
"It was I who wounded you," said Aslan. "I am the only lion you met in all your journeyings. Do you know why I tore you?"
"No Sir."
"The scratches on your back, tear for tear, throb for throb, blood for blood, were equal for the stripes laid on the back of your stepmother's slave because of the drugged sleep you cast upon her. You needed to know what it felt like."
"Yes Sir, please–"
"Ask on my dear," said Aslan.
"Will any more harm come to her by what I did?"
"Child," said the Lion. "I am telling you your story, not hers. No one is told any story but their own."

Exerpt from The Horse and His Boy by C. S. Lewis

One of my favorite books are The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis. In The Horse and His boy, one of the characters, Aravis, asked Aslan (who represents Christ), a poignant question. In response he replied, "Child, I am telling you your story, not hers. No one is told any story but their own."

In the Bible, Christ also says this to Peter when Peter wanted to know how John would die.

Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?") When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?" (John 21:20-23)

So as Christ explains, it is not for you to know what someone else's story is. We have our own mission in life that He has given us, so we need to fully realize and understand that, focusing on what He wants us to do. Don't dwell on what someone else should be doing; rather meditate on what you are meant to be doing.

Focusing On My Story,
Whitney

No Need To Doubt - 2/6/08

Here is Matthew 14:25-31:

During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them:"Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," He said, "why did you doubt?"

They were afraid when they first saw Him. He was after all walking on water towards them. Then Jesus called out to them, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid." Peter still doubted however, for he replied, "Lord if it is You, command me to come to You on the water". So Jesus said, "Come."At first everything was going well as Peter walked on the water toward Jesus. But as soon as he saw the angry waves coming at him, and the wind whipping at his face, he became afraid, which caused him to sink. But Jesus immediately caught him saying, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

In our daily walks as Christians, we tend to be more like Peter, losing faith when the waves of calamity come toward us, and the wind of doubt and despair attempt to throw us off course. In unsteady situations, what should we do? Well, instead of doubting and allowing ourselves to fall, we need to cry out to Him, knowing in our hearts that He can and will save us, grasping us by the hands so we keep our feet on firm ground. Peter cried out "Lord save me!" and immediately he was.

James 1: 2-6

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

In James we are reminded of going through various trials. But if we trust the Lord, He will see us through, and in the end our faith will become strengthened.

So remember in whom to put your trust. Put aside the doubt.*

God Bless,
Whitney

Point Them To Christ

Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?" And Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. (Matthew 11:2-5)

I find this verse very intriguing. I notice that even though it was true that Jesus was the one who was to come, He didn't give John a definitive "Yes, I am he," as He does when confronted on this in other places in the Gospels. Rather, He shows John's messengers the miracles He has performed: that the blind receive sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Essentially He's laying out the evidence, the evidence of peoples' lives changed through His ministry, and allowing John to decide for himself.

So how can we apply this to our own lives? When people ask us, "So what's so special about Christianity?" we can point them to the miraculous grace and healing poured out from the Person of Jesus Christ. We can point to Him who has taken our spiritual blindness and given us sight; we can point to Him who has taken we crippled people and has lifted us and enabled us to stand firm; we can point to Him who has taken we spiritual lepers, so ensnared in sin that we infect all those around us, and has cleansed us in His blood; we can point to Him who has taken our deafness and given us ears to hear the Gospel; and we can point them to Him who has taken we who were dead in sins and transgressions, utterly useless to God and those around us, and has raised us to new and glorious life in Himself.

But above all, we can point them to the good news of Jesus Christ, that through His wonderful sacrifice and gift of love, we who were once poor in spirit are now rich with joy, thankfulness, and gratitude. This is not just a surface change; this is a heart change. So, I ask you: "What's so special about Christianity?" Simple - it's Jesus.

Blessings,
Andrew