For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. Genesis 2:24
Ah, here we are at the very beginning with God's original institution - marriage. But often times we forget what is at the heart of the marriage ceremonies that millions of people all around the world will in some way take part in - commitment. Marriage is, in God's eyes, an outward expression of this inward commitment, and it's the commitment itself that is the heart of the marriage. Without this commitment, the ceremony is (or soon will become) dead.
As we see in Genesis above, the very first words used to describe marriage are "being united." Obviously, while the marriage ceremony itself is a great and wonderful way to express love and commitment, to invoke a sense of family and community, and to serve as a landmark "seal-the-deal" moment of the day you actually committed to love and serve someone else for life, the real heart of a marriage is in the commitment and unity itself. The marriage ceremony we go through simply points toward this and serves the purposes mentioned above.
But now I would like us to consider something else for a moment. I would like us all to consider what it would look like if someone decided to have a wedding... yet get married to no one. How would this work? Think about it for just a moment, if you would.
...
Done? Good. Now I hope you've come to the very same conclusion that I have: that even the notion of such a thing is pure foolishness! By the very definition of marriage, you need two people to carry out the vows. With only one, there is no commitment, no relationship, no marriage. With only one person, it is no marriage at all. So how foolish it would be for a person to even consider this! Hold on to that thought for just a moment if you would.
Let's turn to another Biblical ceremony that's very much like marriage, but of course different in its own respects - baptism. Now baptism is very different from marriage in many ways, but at the heart of baptism, like marriage, is unity and commitment. Let's read this next verse to see what I'm talking about.
Don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. Romans 6:3-5
"United with him" - this is what baptism is. It is a physical representation of a spiritual unity - very much like marriage - and it's a wonderful thing! But also like marriage, without the relationship, the commitment, and the unity, the ceremony itself is useless. So now consider again our single-personed marriage. We agree here that even this very idea is foolishness... Yet how often do we try to do this with God.
As we see in Romans 6 above, when we are baptized into Christ, it is a symbol of us being spiritually "united with Him", much like marriage. But if we are being united to no one - if Christ is not present - the baptism (or the marriage) is pointless and empty. Yet amazingly, we still do this - or at least try.
Because baptism is a spiritual matter, we cannot physically SEE Jesus - the groom - present at the ceremonies. This also means that we cannot physically SEE if Jesus is absent, either! So this issue of baptism is something that I would ask us all to do an internal reflection on. Rather than judge others' baptisms, I'd like us to turn the microscope upon ourselves. I would encourage us all to ask to ask the very important questions:
"Is this symbolic act really reflecting my own inward commitment to Christ?
If not, what can I do about it?
And if so, how can I honor Him and live out this unity by drawing nearer to Him each and every day?"
Blessings in Christ,
Andrew
"Part of the Good Fight"
But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:13
Have you ever been that person in the situation where you have just done something that you felt should have been given some kind of recognition and didn't get any? Most of us would appreciate others respecting us enough to congratulate us on our accomplishments in some way, even if it be small. It's not fun to be ignored is it.
The Thessalonians were tired of helping people who gave them no respect in return. They were ready to let the lazy, rude people do everything on their own. So Paul, knowing this, wrote them a letter of encouragement. He said to them that they oughtn't be discouraged from "doing good". Why? Because if they stopped, then no longer would they be doing the work of Christ; they would give in to the follies of the world.
We often get frustrated when our work goes by unnoticed, or when no one listens to us, and we are so let down that we want nothing better than to just quit. But then we would be giving in, and if we quit, and no one else were fighting, then all would be lost... Jesus said that even if one person were saved, all would be worth it. (Read Luke 15:3-7) So the next time you want to complain about how you are treated, just remember that we are fighting a battle with the evils of the world, and that the only way to win is to never give up what we do.
What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. James 2:14-16
But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 2 Thessalonians 3:15.
Now while this verse is more referring to confronting your brethren in love (like the theme in the daily bread "True Friends"), we could take it out of context for a moment and apply it to what we are looking at today.
We get so frustrated with people that we sometimes lash out at them for not acknowledging us (or whatever the case may be). But this verse says to admonish him as a brother, not view him as our enemy. This can be a difficult thing to do I know. But when we "do good" to others, we let Christ's example shine bright from our actions--and while it may not seem so obvious to us at the time, people are watching us and noting how we behave. They are curious about why do the things we do. Let's not give them cause to think that we are failures and just like everyone else. After all, that would probably just prove to them that there is no God if we who claim to follow Him don't act like there is one either.
How can we say we are something when we don't live it ourselves? And then we tell others to believe it too. We admonish them and slander them, labeling them enemies of Christ. We are hypocrites when we claim to follow God and yet sin when the world is not looking. So don't think we have to "do good" to earn us good marks with God. When we do good, we need to do it with a humble spirit, and for others, not for ourselves. Good works aren't just to make us look like good little Christians to society. It is nice to hear praise, but just remember to give God all the credit and not be disappointed when no one says anything. Feel proud within your self that you are shining His light to the world. And don't worry; they may not like to admit it, but they are usually listening.*
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
Let is shine.
Whitney
Have you ever been that person in the situation where you have just done something that you felt should have been given some kind of recognition and didn't get any? Most of us would appreciate others respecting us enough to congratulate us on our accomplishments in some way, even if it be small. It's not fun to be ignored is it.
The Thessalonians were tired of helping people who gave them no respect in return. They were ready to let the lazy, rude people do everything on their own. So Paul, knowing this, wrote them a letter of encouragement. He said to them that they oughtn't be discouraged from "doing good". Why? Because if they stopped, then no longer would they be doing the work of Christ; they would give in to the follies of the world.
We often get frustrated when our work goes by unnoticed, or when no one listens to us, and we are so let down that we want nothing better than to just quit. But then we would be giving in, and if we quit, and no one else were fighting, then all would be lost... Jesus said that even if one person were saved, all would be worth it. (Read Luke 15:3-7) So the next time you want to complain about how you are treated, just remember that we are fighting a battle with the evils of the world, and that the only way to win is to never give up what we do.
What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. James 2:14-16
But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 2 Thessalonians 3:15.
Now while this verse is more referring to confronting your brethren in love (like the theme in the daily bread "True Friends"), we could take it out of context for a moment and apply it to what we are looking at today.
We get so frustrated with people that we sometimes lash out at them for not acknowledging us (or whatever the case may be). But this verse says to admonish him as a brother, not view him as our enemy. This can be a difficult thing to do I know. But when we "do good" to others, we let Christ's example shine bright from our actions--and while it may not seem so obvious to us at the time, people are watching us and noting how we behave. They are curious about why do the things we do. Let's not give them cause to think that we are failures and just like everyone else. After all, that would probably just prove to them that there is no God if we who claim to follow Him don't act like there is one either.
How can we say we are something when we don't live it ourselves? And then we tell others to believe it too. We admonish them and slander them, labeling them enemies of Christ. We are hypocrites when we claim to follow God and yet sin when the world is not looking. So don't think we have to "do good" to earn us good marks with God. When we do good, we need to do it with a humble spirit, and for others, not for ourselves. Good works aren't just to make us look like good little Christians to society. It is nice to hear praise, but just remember to give God all the credit and not be disappointed when no one says anything. Feel proud within your self that you are shining His light to the world. And don't worry; they may not like to admit it, but they are usually listening.*
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
Let is shine.
Whitney
"True Friends"
"True friends are willing to intrude".
This is what artist TobyMac puts forth in one of his songs. I like this because although being a true friend can be difficult at times, our friends often need us. That one time in their life where everything is going haywire, they need to be able to turn around and know you are there for them. And when you show them your love, they see the light of Jesus and His testimony shining brightly through you. We can affect so many by just being true friends.
Sometimes true friendships are put to the ultimate test.
The Bible also says, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends". (John 15:13) This is the ultimate true friendship. Sticking up for a friend, staying by their side when no one else will, listening to them, loving them when all others abandon them. Sacrificing themselves to save their friend. And confronting them in love when they are caught up in sin.
Has your friend ever done something you knew was wrong? What did you do? Confront them? Or did you try to smile, and ignore the situation, hoping that it would go away? After all, if you ratted them out you would probably lose their friendship, right?
"True friends are willing to intrude".
We need to confront our brothers and sisters in love when they are doing something they shouldn't. Not condemn them, not judge them. But show them in a loving way what they need to do to be brought forth from the problem. How they can be set free. Letting a problem continue to exist in someone's life is like allowing the balloon to keep filling with air. Pretty soon it will pop, and then the situation may be blown way out of proportion. Someone could be hurt. Maybe even your friend. Then you probably would feel guilty you never said anything when you should have.
Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. Matthew 18:15
Our parents confront us when we have done something wrong. They don't do it to condemn us. No, they do it because they love us and they want us to do good, be wise, and not fall into the sins of the world.
Sometimes the truth hurts. But wouldn't you rather know that your friend would be okay? Often times even your friend, after being confronted will confess and be glad you were the one to have confronted him or her rather than someone else.
Look at it this way. 'We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God'. (Romans 3:23) We have all experienced tremendous burdens of some size. Some of us had true friends, people to be there when we needed them most. They were there right beside you to help carry the weight, and the weight of that tremendous burden suddenly lifted from your shoulders. If we need it, then so do others.
Jesus is one of the greatest examples of this. He says in Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." In other words, we may not always have physical true friends in our lives, but we do always have Jesus. He is our Hope, the everlasting Being who is ALWAYS there, no matter what. And we can come to Him whenever we need to. He died for our sins, deciding to take the shackles of sin from our arms and burden Himself with the burdens of our lives and of the world.
"The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23
Jesus paid that ultimate price so that we might live. He is the ultimate true friend. He could have left us to the doom of sin. But He loved us so much, He was willing to sacrifice Himself. And when we sin, and we feel convicted, look at it as it is not just your conscience. Maybe that's how God let's you know what you are doing is wrong.
Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
None of us are better than any other. Being Christians doesn't make us higher or perfect. We can stumble into sin just like anyone else. But that's when God, and each other need to step forward to help show the way out. We need to do this not for just Believers, but for everyone too.
9Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
12Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned. Romans 5:12
"The most important one [commandment]," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Matthew 12:29-31
Jesus said, "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you".* John 15:12
Whitney
This is what artist TobyMac puts forth in one of his songs. I like this because although being a true friend can be difficult at times, our friends often need us. That one time in their life where everything is going haywire, they need to be able to turn around and know you are there for them. And when you show them your love, they see the light of Jesus and His testimony shining brightly through you. We can affect so many by just being true friends.
Sometimes true friendships are put to the ultimate test.
The Bible also says, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends". (John 15:13) This is the ultimate true friendship. Sticking up for a friend, staying by their side when no one else will, listening to them, loving them when all others abandon them. Sacrificing themselves to save their friend. And confronting them in love when they are caught up in sin.
Has your friend ever done something you knew was wrong? What did you do? Confront them? Or did you try to smile, and ignore the situation, hoping that it would go away? After all, if you ratted them out you would probably lose their friendship, right?
"True friends are willing to intrude".
We need to confront our brothers and sisters in love when they are doing something they shouldn't. Not condemn them, not judge them. But show them in a loving way what they need to do to be brought forth from the problem. How they can be set free. Letting a problem continue to exist in someone's life is like allowing the balloon to keep filling with air. Pretty soon it will pop, and then the situation may be blown way out of proportion. Someone could be hurt. Maybe even your friend. Then you probably would feel guilty you never said anything when you should have.
Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. Matthew 18:15
Our parents confront us when we have done something wrong. They don't do it to condemn us. No, they do it because they love us and they want us to do good, be wise, and not fall into the sins of the world.
Sometimes the truth hurts. But wouldn't you rather know that your friend would be okay? Often times even your friend, after being confronted will confess and be glad you were the one to have confronted him or her rather than someone else.
Look at it this way. 'We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God'. (Romans 3:23) We have all experienced tremendous burdens of some size. Some of us had true friends, people to be there when we needed them most. They were there right beside you to help carry the weight, and the weight of that tremendous burden suddenly lifted from your shoulders. If we need it, then so do others.
Jesus is one of the greatest examples of this. He says in Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." In other words, we may not always have physical true friends in our lives, but we do always have Jesus. He is our Hope, the everlasting Being who is ALWAYS there, no matter what. And we can come to Him whenever we need to. He died for our sins, deciding to take the shackles of sin from our arms and burden Himself with the burdens of our lives and of the world.
"The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23
Jesus paid that ultimate price so that we might live. He is the ultimate true friend. He could have left us to the doom of sin. But He loved us so much, He was willing to sacrifice Himself. And when we sin, and we feel convicted, look at it as it is not just your conscience. Maybe that's how God let's you know what you are doing is wrong.
Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
None of us are better than any other. Being Christians doesn't make us higher or perfect. We can stumble into sin just like anyone else. But that's when God, and each other need to step forward to help show the way out. We need to do this not for just Believers, but for everyone too.
9Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
12Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned. Romans 5:12
"The most important one [commandment]," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Matthew 12:29-31
Jesus said, "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you".* John 15:12
Whitney
"Eat Your Vegetables Dear"
Remember when our parents used to tell us to "eat our vegetables"? Most of us probably hated vegetables, and would do anything in our power to not even so much as touch them. Maybe some of us came up with the ingenious ideas of making it seem like we ate them, but instead hide them, or discard them somewhere else. But once we got older, we finally realized why our parents often forced us to eat our vegetables, because despite our feelings for them then and even now, they were and still are beneficiary for our bodies.
In Daniel Chapter 1 a bunch of young men were appointed to serve the King. They were told to be fed wine and the choicest victuals of the palace. But when Daniel heard what they were to be fed, he asked the guard to give them vegetables instead. That is not a misprint.
Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, "Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see." So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days.
At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. Daniel 1:11-16
As Christians it is important for us each to "eat our vegetables". If we do not, then we will not grow in our faith. Daniel knew that the palace food would not help them look better or feel better. The same goes with the sins and pleasures of the world. We think they look good, taste good, and feel good to us, but in the end we become malnourished and sloth-like, hooked on the things most deadly to our souls. In the end, when it is all too late, we realize our souls were never satisfied like we thought they were; we feel empty and alone; lost, forever.
So instead of shoving the good stuff out of the way, we need to acknowledge the fact that we now need those things more than ever. And in order to get it, we will have to take that first step of guiding the forks to our mouths. By the end of the day you will feel more energetic and stronger. You will even be thankful that you did the right thing, for you will feel much better than if you were to have skipped to that chocolate bar you had been eyeballing instead...
Our parents knew that vegetables were good for us. They weren't trying to punish us, but wanted what was best for us. God as our Heavenly Father would also like for us to eat our vegetables because He loves us and wishes that we would grow in our faith.
Sometimes it is difficult to follow God in a world where God is not very welcome. But if we continue to eat our vegetables, then our faith will strengthen, and God will help us to be strong for His name in this world. So pray, talk with Him, fellowship with other believers, go to Church, Bible study, sing songs to Him, read His Word, make your relationship with Him real in your life. Do not do these things thinking as a Christian that is something you have to do. Do them because you want to strengthen your personal relationship with your Heavenly Father. Do them because you know that you will grow in your faith. Do them because you do not wish to be brought down by the darkness of this world. If you do them with that attitude, you will be a light to the world, and give hope to the lost and hopeless. And change your own life for the better as well.*
Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:15-17
Eating my vegetables,
Whitney
In Daniel Chapter 1 a bunch of young men were appointed to serve the King. They were told to be fed wine and the choicest victuals of the palace. But when Daniel heard what they were to be fed, he asked the guard to give them vegetables instead. That is not a misprint.
Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, "Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see." So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days.
At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. Daniel 1:11-16
As Christians it is important for us each to "eat our vegetables". If we do not, then we will not grow in our faith. Daniel knew that the palace food would not help them look better or feel better. The same goes with the sins and pleasures of the world. We think they look good, taste good, and feel good to us, but in the end we become malnourished and sloth-like, hooked on the things most deadly to our souls. In the end, when it is all too late, we realize our souls were never satisfied like we thought they were; we feel empty and alone; lost, forever.
So instead of shoving the good stuff out of the way, we need to acknowledge the fact that we now need those things more than ever. And in order to get it, we will have to take that first step of guiding the forks to our mouths. By the end of the day you will feel more energetic and stronger. You will even be thankful that you did the right thing, for you will feel much better than if you were to have skipped to that chocolate bar you had been eyeballing instead...
Our parents knew that vegetables were good for us. They weren't trying to punish us, but wanted what was best for us. God as our Heavenly Father would also like for us to eat our vegetables because He loves us and wishes that we would grow in our faith.
Sometimes it is difficult to follow God in a world where God is not very welcome. But if we continue to eat our vegetables, then our faith will strengthen, and God will help us to be strong for His name in this world. So pray, talk with Him, fellowship with other believers, go to Church, Bible study, sing songs to Him, read His Word, make your relationship with Him real in your life. Do not do these things thinking as a Christian that is something you have to do. Do them because you want to strengthen your personal relationship with your Heavenly Father. Do them because you know that you will grow in your faith. Do them because you do not wish to be brought down by the darkness of this world. If you do them with that attitude, you will be a light to the world, and give hope to the lost and hopeless. And change your own life for the better as well.*
Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:15-17
Eating my vegetables,
Whitney
"Why Do You Believe?" 1-22-09
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. Matthew 7:1-5
Today I am going to ask you a very serious and personal question. I want you to be able to take this question, and examine your life with it.
So Get Ready.
A lot of people go through their lives and say they believe in God, go to Church, etc., but do they only do it for the sake of tradition, and for tradition alone?
I was born and raised in a Christian home. I went to church every Sunday, sang in the choir, and contributed to the Church plays. I thank God every moment for having been raised that way--I was a lucky individual compared to many.
But while I was a Christian, and believed Jesus died for me, I didn't really know what it meant to be saved at the time. You see, I didn't understand that the personal relationship with God was not something you just get when you become a Child of God. It was more than just going through the motions.
So I asked myself the question I shall now be asking you. And it is between you and God to figure out your answer.
Why do you believe?
People tell us the rights and wrongs to life, and we believe them because we know they speak true. We know? How do we know? How do you know? Why do you know?
There are probably a million answers, and they are all probably right. I won't sit here and tell you what your answer is, because only you and God will know that. But I do want to tell you that someday we shall all pass from this earth, and be judged by God. That right here and now we need to set our lives right. No longer should it be because that's what we do, or that's the way we have always done it. No, we need to do it because it is right in our lives, our hearts, and our very souls.
If I were a perfect stranger, and I walked up to you on the street, and I asked you why you believed in God, what would you say to me? And if you asked me, what would I say? People have been faced with this question, even though most of us probably have not. Or if we have, we still lived to talk about it. But if we truly were put to that test, with our lives hanging in the balance, would our answer show who we are deep down inside? Would it truly be the truth of our relationship with our Father?
We can all show people that we live perfect lives, but, that's not the point. We go around and tell people that we do this, this and this, and never do we do that, and never even know why we do or don't. So the Bible says what to do and not to do. Okay, so then why was the Bible written? Did you ever stop to think that there is more to all those rules and letters and such than meets the eye? That's where we are going wrong. We get caught up in how we need to live our lives, and forget why we need to live it that way.
You see, it's not about the name, the label of being a Christian. People think that Christian is a higher title given to the 'better' people. Over time we have completely lost the true meaning of the word. We don't even know who we are anymore. We say we live by certain standards, but we don't know why we live by them. We try so hard to save the lost, but it seems that we are lost just as much as the rest of the world, and that in order to save the others, we need to first help right ourselves. Jesus spoke a lot on this topic with the Pharisees. He told them that they were so caught up in sticking to the Law, that no longer were they living the way they were originally meant to live--they had forgotten the true meaning of their existence.
In Luke chapter 18 verses 9-14 it says,
"To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.
I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Our relationship is sparked to be on a deeper level with God. If you were to die tomorrow, be sure you know that you die knowing what you are dying for--and why.*
Get it right, get it deep, get it real.
Whitney
Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. Matthew 7:1-5
Today I am going to ask you a very serious and personal question. I want you to be able to take this question, and examine your life with it.
So Get Ready.
A lot of people go through their lives and say they believe in God, go to Church, etc., but do they only do it for the sake of tradition, and for tradition alone?
I was born and raised in a Christian home. I went to church every Sunday, sang in the choir, and contributed to the Church plays. I thank God every moment for having been raised that way--I was a lucky individual compared to many.
But while I was a Christian, and believed Jesus died for me, I didn't really know what it meant to be saved at the time. You see, I didn't understand that the personal relationship with God was not something you just get when you become a Child of God. It was more than just going through the motions.
So I asked myself the question I shall now be asking you. And it is between you and God to figure out your answer.
Why do you believe?
People tell us the rights and wrongs to life, and we believe them because we know they speak true. We know? How do we know? How do you know? Why do you know?
There are probably a million answers, and they are all probably right. I won't sit here and tell you what your answer is, because only you and God will know that. But I do want to tell you that someday we shall all pass from this earth, and be judged by God. That right here and now we need to set our lives right. No longer should it be because that's what we do, or that's the way we have always done it. No, we need to do it because it is right in our lives, our hearts, and our very souls.
If I were a perfect stranger, and I walked up to you on the street, and I asked you why you believed in God, what would you say to me? And if you asked me, what would I say? People have been faced with this question, even though most of us probably have not. Or if we have, we still lived to talk about it. But if we truly were put to that test, with our lives hanging in the balance, would our answer show who we are deep down inside? Would it truly be the truth of our relationship with our Father?
We can all show people that we live perfect lives, but, that's not the point. We go around and tell people that we do this, this and this, and never do we do that, and never even know why we do or don't. So the Bible says what to do and not to do. Okay, so then why was the Bible written? Did you ever stop to think that there is more to all those rules and letters and such than meets the eye? That's where we are going wrong. We get caught up in how we need to live our lives, and forget why we need to live it that way.
You see, it's not about the name, the label of being a Christian. People think that Christian is a higher title given to the 'better' people. Over time we have completely lost the true meaning of the word. We don't even know who we are anymore. We say we live by certain standards, but we don't know why we live by them. We try so hard to save the lost, but it seems that we are lost just as much as the rest of the world, and that in order to save the others, we need to first help right ourselves. Jesus spoke a lot on this topic with the Pharisees. He told them that they were so caught up in sticking to the Law, that no longer were they living the way they were originally meant to live--they had forgotten the true meaning of their existence.
In Luke chapter 18 verses 9-14 it says,
"To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.
I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Our relationship is sparked to be on a deeper level with God. If you were to die tomorrow, be sure you know that you die knowing what you are dying for--and why.*
Get it right, get it deep, get it real.
Whitney
"True Fruitfulness" 12-9-08
This message will be based on a parable that many of us are probably familiar with: The Fig Tree That Withers. (Quite an original name, wouldn't you say?)
The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again..."
In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. Peter remembered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!" "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, "Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." (Mark 11:12-14, 20-25 NIV)
Pretty neat parable, huh! Jesus took an ordinary occurrence and turned it around to a lesson on faith and prayer. However, there is a deeper message embedded within this passage that I would like us to look at as well. I would like us to focus on how this fig tree can represent our own spiritual fruitfulness.
Picture the scene. At a distance, hungry Jesus sees a fig tree in full leaf (keeping in mind that fig trees, when they are in full leaf, have produced their fruit - so seeing a fig tree full of leaves indicates that fruit will be found). He approaches this tree, and upon reaching it, finds that it hadn't produced any fruit at all. (For, you see, this all took place somewhere around March/April, the time of the Passover - which was too early for figs, meaning this tree had produced leaves prematurely.) So in response, he curses it, and in a matter of days, the fig tree withers from the roots upward.
"He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near." (Luke 21:29-30 NIV)
When you see a fig tree in full leaf, you can expect two things, practically speaking: for summer to be near, and for fruit to have been produced. So what does this mean for us? Let's compare this fig tree with our own souls, and look at a fascinating parallel. Sometimes, at a distance, we may appear to have produced fruit; we may have lush, green leaves on all of our branches. But when you draw near, when you get close to what is truly inside our hearts, all of that was a mask, a deception, and there is no TRUE fruit in our lives. We appear to be fruitful and prosperous on the outside, but on the inside, our souls are dry and fruitless. What happens to trees who don't produce any fruit? I think you know:
"He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful... I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches will be picked up, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love." (John 15:2, 5-9 NIV)
Such is the fate of all who feign Godliness, who fake righteousness, and who deceive others into believing they are righteous when in reality their hearts are as barren as the fig tree spoken of by Jesus above. Don't settle for mock righteousness; don't settle for only appearing to be fruitful on the outside, while being truly dead and unfruitful on the inside. Seek to remain in Jesus Christ and His love, and seek God for the fruit of His Spirit to be made manifest in your life so that, unlike this fig tree, when Jesus comes around examining fruits, He will not find us barren, but will find us producing fruit for His Kingdom; fruit that will not spoil or rot, but that will last throughout all eternity.
"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 5:22-26 NIV)
Notice as a final observation that this fruit is not having an enormous youth ministry, a packed church service, or a well-oiled and refined worship team that plays flawlessly every week. This fruit is fruit of the heart. This is the fruit that begins at home when we kneel down in prayer, and may not be seen for miles and miles as if it were a fig tree in leaf. But let me encourage us all today: don't settle for less. Don't just be content to LOOK righteous from a distance; allow Jesus to work in your heart, and BE righteous where it really counts, so that when people come near to get a closer look, they don't see a tree barren of fruit; they see a tree full of life and fruit of the Spirit, one grounded in the Word, sustained by the Living Water, and nurtured by the Gardener of our Souls.
"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does he prospers." (Psalm 1:1-3 NIV)
Blessings in Christ All,
Andrew
The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again..."
In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. Peter remembered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!" "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, "Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." (Mark 11:12-14, 20-25 NIV)
Pretty neat parable, huh! Jesus took an ordinary occurrence and turned it around to a lesson on faith and prayer. However, there is a deeper message embedded within this passage that I would like us to look at as well. I would like us to focus on how this fig tree can represent our own spiritual fruitfulness.
Picture the scene. At a distance, hungry Jesus sees a fig tree in full leaf (keeping in mind that fig trees, when they are in full leaf, have produced their fruit - so seeing a fig tree full of leaves indicates that fruit will be found). He approaches this tree, and upon reaching it, finds that it hadn't produced any fruit at all. (For, you see, this all took place somewhere around March/April, the time of the Passover - which was too early for figs, meaning this tree had produced leaves prematurely.) So in response, he curses it, and in a matter of days, the fig tree withers from the roots upward.
"He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near." (Luke 21:29-30 NIV)
When you see a fig tree in full leaf, you can expect two things, practically speaking: for summer to be near, and for fruit to have been produced. So what does this mean for us? Let's compare this fig tree with our own souls, and look at a fascinating parallel. Sometimes, at a distance, we may appear to have produced fruit; we may have lush, green leaves on all of our branches. But when you draw near, when you get close to what is truly inside our hearts, all of that was a mask, a deception, and there is no TRUE fruit in our lives. We appear to be fruitful and prosperous on the outside, but on the inside, our souls are dry and fruitless. What happens to trees who don't produce any fruit? I think you know:
"He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful... I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches will be picked up, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love." (John 15:2, 5-9 NIV)
Such is the fate of all who feign Godliness, who fake righteousness, and who deceive others into believing they are righteous when in reality their hearts are as barren as the fig tree spoken of by Jesus above. Don't settle for mock righteousness; don't settle for only appearing to be fruitful on the outside, while being truly dead and unfruitful on the inside. Seek to remain in Jesus Christ and His love, and seek God for the fruit of His Spirit to be made manifest in your life so that, unlike this fig tree, when Jesus comes around examining fruits, He will not find us barren, but will find us producing fruit for His Kingdom; fruit that will not spoil or rot, but that will last throughout all eternity.
"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 5:22-26 NIV)
Notice as a final observation that this fruit is not having an enormous youth ministry, a packed church service, or a well-oiled and refined worship team that plays flawlessly every week. This fruit is fruit of the heart. This is the fruit that begins at home when we kneel down in prayer, and may not be seen for miles and miles as if it were a fig tree in leaf. But let me encourage us all today: don't settle for less. Don't just be content to LOOK righteous from a distance; allow Jesus to work in your heart, and BE righteous where it really counts, so that when people come near to get a closer look, they don't see a tree barren of fruit; they see a tree full of life and fruit of the Spirit, one grounded in the Word, sustained by the Living Water, and nurtured by the Gardener of our Souls.
"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does he prospers." (Psalm 1:1-3 NIV)
Blessings in Christ All,
Andrew
"Where Will You Cast Your Cares?" 11-21-08
143 Trouble and distress have come upon me,
but your commands are my delight.
144 Your statutes are forever right;
give me understanding that I may live. Psalms 119:143-144
Sometimes when I have had a particular trying day, I feel like everything is against me. It is in these moments that a voice calls out to me. It is in these moments that I am reminded of the one whom I can go to and lay out all my fears and cares.
At the foot of the Cross.
God has created us in His image, and knows who we are. He knows all of our fears, our joys, and our very hearts. He knows are thoughts, what pressures we will soon be dealing with, and what troubles we have faced. He knows are past, present, and future. He knows all of these things not only because He made each one of us, but because He once walked in our shoes.
God sent His Son to our world to be a Man. But He didn't just miraculously appear among the people, He came into this world just like all of us do: He was born as a baby. A helpless babe, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and loved by His mother and father. He even had siblings. He walked the life we all walk, except He came as a sinless Man.
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Luke 2:10-12
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. John 3:16-18
Jesus can therefore empathize with everything that is going on in our lives. Need someone to talk to who will understand you? Try talking to God. He endured the harshest situations one can imagine. He was beaten and killed upon a cross. He was ridiculed by the people, and hated by the Pharisees. He was tempted by Satan, and sold out by His friends. All of these and so much more He went through. Think you have it bad? Think again.
But Jesus is the only one who deeply and truly understands you. Just because He may have endured worse than you, He would never say, "Oh come on! I had it worse off; at least you didn't die on a cross! So buck up you sissy!" Oh no. He will say instead, "Come, my child. Come into my arms, and cast your cares upon me. I am here for you, and I shower you with my love for you."
Still doubting? Go ahead and have that conversation with Him, and you will see. A burden will lift from your shoulders, and you will feel free like you never felt before.*
For further reading, read Luke chapters 2-24.
Come to Me, all who are weary
And I will give you rest
Come to Me, all who are weary
And I will give you rest
Lay your head down on My shoulders
Be still my child, rest a while
I'll quiet you with My love
Rejoice over you with My song
I'll quiet you with My love
Rejoice over you with My song
Come to Me, all who are weary
And take My yoke upon you
Come to Me, all who are weary
My burden is easy and light
Lay your head down on My shoulders
Be still my child, rest a while
Quiet You With My Love by Rebecca St. James
Let's cast all our cares upon Jesus, because He will give us rest!
Whitney
but your commands are my delight.
144 Your statutes are forever right;
give me understanding that I may live. Psalms 119:143-144
Sometimes when I have had a particular trying day, I feel like everything is against me. It is in these moments that a voice calls out to me. It is in these moments that I am reminded of the one whom I can go to and lay out all my fears and cares.
At the foot of the Cross.
God has created us in His image, and knows who we are. He knows all of our fears, our joys, and our very hearts. He knows are thoughts, what pressures we will soon be dealing with, and what troubles we have faced. He knows are past, present, and future. He knows all of these things not only because He made each one of us, but because He once walked in our shoes.
God sent His Son to our world to be a Man. But He didn't just miraculously appear among the people, He came into this world just like all of us do: He was born as a baby. A helpless babe, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and loved by His mother and father. He even had siblings. He walked the life we all walk, except He came as a sinless Man.
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Luke 2:10-12
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. John 3:16-18
Jesus can therefore empathize with everything that is going on in our lives. Need someone to talk to who will understand you? Try talking to God. He endured the harshest situations one can imagine. He was beaten and killed upon a cross. He was ridiculed by the people, and hated by the Pharisees. He was tempted by Satan, and sold out by His friends. All of these and so much more He went through. Think you have it bad? Think again.
But Jesus is the only one who deeply and truly understands you. Just because He may have endured worse than you, He would never say, "Oh come on! I had it worse off; at least you didn't die on a cross! So buck up you sissy!" Oh no. He will say instead, "Come, my child. Come into my arms, and cast your cares upon me. I am here for you, and I shower you with my love for you."
Still doubting? Go ahead and have that conversation with Him, and you will see. A burden will lift from your shoulders, and you will feel free like you never felt before.*
For further reading, read Luke chapters 2-24.
Come to Me, all who are weary
And I will give you rest
Come to Me, all who are weary
And I will give you rest
Lay your head down on My shoulders
Be still my child, rest a while
I'll quiet you with My love
Rejoice over you with My song
I'll quiet you with My love
Rejoice over you with My song
Come to Me, all who are weary
And take My yoke upon you
Come to Me, all who are weary
My burden is easy and light
Lay your head down on My shoulders
Be still my child, rest a while
Quiet You With My Love by Rebecca St. James
Let's cast all our cares upon Jesus, because He will give us rest!
Whitney
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