2 Thessalonians 2: The Man of Lawlessness

The Man of Lawlessness

While it is very tempting to use some of these verses to apply to some people who currently walk the earth and may be horrible representations of their country or of people, this section (verses 1-12) applies to the revealing of the antichrist. That is not a title to just throw around to people because you don't like what they stand for. It is deeper than that. You would need to read through Revelations to understand the coming if the antichrist and the destruction that will follow. One may say, "why does the antichrist have to come?" Well in verses 11-12 we read "Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness." In other words, God allows for this to happen to really show the difference between believers in the almighty God and the faith of others that they have in false teachers and false prophets. Either get right....or get left.

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Wednesday Wake Up #33

No God or Know God

As I was reading through 2 Thessalonians the other night I came across a verse that was not your feel good fluffy and pretty scripture, but one that nails down what happens to those that do not know God and those who believe in no God. The verse was 2 Thessalonians 1:8 and in regard to Jesus and his angels coming back to earth it says "in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus." Not so pretty is it? 

Why do we want to know God? Well, first we can know of something or someone. For instance I know of Michael Jordan, but do not know him personally (see where I am going). I can know that someone exists or intimately get to know someone on a deeper level, like a close friend or relative. We are to do the latter when it comes to God. We don't just know of him and kinda read and study. We need to stay focused on what He wants from us in all circumstances. Staying in 2 Thessalonians, in Chapter 3 verse 16 we see that God is referred to as the "Lord of Peace" and His peace can be with you all day when He is with you. You don't get that kind of peace by just kind of knowing someone.

In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus tells those who are weary and burdened to come to him. That is key when Jesus says "come to" him. He does not say stay there and I will find you. If you want to be comforted, seek Jesus. Isn't a moniker of Jesus "the Prince of Peace"? That is so. Jesus's load is peaceful. He will not make you busy. People pleasing and living according to the world's standards will stress you the heck out. Jesus's yoke is light. Seek his peace.

 

There are a bunch of verses and retellings in scripture about knowing God. We can either pretend like God doesn't exist or we can seek His presence and read and know Him. Get into a deeper relationship with Him.

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2 Thessalonians 1: For Those That Don't Know God

For Those That Don't Know God

In this 2nd letter from Paul to the Thessalonians we get a screen shot of what hell is like. I know many people when they read the Bible, tend to overlook the parts about hell and what happens to those who do not know God. Now, "know" can be in the general sense as in knowing of something. Or it can be in the sense that you seek to understand and you love and honor and respect God. There is difference in the usage of the word "know." In verses 7-9, Paul tells the church (who has been persecuted) that those persecutors will have to answer to Jesus and his angels. There will be "flaming fire" and vengeance will be inflicted for those who do not "know" God and do not obey Jesus. We can scour through scripture and remember the things that make us feel good (feel good gospel) but do not forget to read the truth and the whole truth so help you God for the sake of your soul.

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1 Thessalonians 5: Rejoice, Pray, Give Thanks

Rejoice, Pray, Give Thanks

We need reminders sometimes to do things that seem so simple when read, but hard to remember when tested. As Paul closes out the first letter to the Thessalonian church, he gives the charge in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 to "REJOICE always, PRAY without ceasing, GIVE THANKS in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." We need to remember that when things get tough it is not doing us any good to wallow in our pity. It is one thing to grieve and deal with pain and loss, but there is a point when you need to not look at the circumstance anymore. Dave Guzik writes "The Christian can rejoice always because their joy isn't based in circumstances, but in God. Circumstances change, but God doesn't." Praying without ceasing connects us to the Holy Spirit and puts the focus on our faith in God. Giving thanks in all (not some, most or many) circumstances shows us that while things are not where and how we want them, we still love the good that God has done. Trust me, I know it is tough, but we need to remember to keep God at the center of our lives.

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1 Thessalonians 4: Encouragement of One Another

Encouragement of One Another

Paul spends the portion of this letter reminding or informing the church of how they should be living their lives according to the Holy Spirit. If it is fleeing from sexual immorality  and knowing how to control one's body as in verses 3-8. Or it could be the informing of the coming of the Lord (second coming perhaps) as well as our ascension into Heaven (even those who have "fallen asleep" in the faith) in verses 13-17. Overall, Paul wanted people to be informed and also encouraged which is why in verse 18 he says "Therefore encourage one another with these words." If we are not encouraging one another with the truth from scripture then what are we doing with it?

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1 Thessalonians 3: As We Do for You

As We Do for You

"As we do for you" are words that Paul wrote to the church in conjunction with Timothy's report about the church. Timothy was mentored by Paul and Timothy had good things to say after visiting the church of Thessalonia. Paul makes several references to being connected to the church spiritually. In verse 6 he says that Timothy reports that they remember kindly Paul and the others he is with and that they long to see Paul and the others as he longs to see them. There is a connection there. In verse 7 Paul says that he and the others are comforted about the church because of the faith of the church. Paul didn't have to be concerned with them because they kept the faith according to Timothy's report. And in verses 11-12, Paul shows us once again the connection he has to the church (which to me is very encouraging). He sought for the church to get their proper direction led by God and Jesus. He also wanted them to "abound in love for one another and for all" as Paul and the others did for them. It was bigger than just leading a church and helping build it but as he said before like a nurturing mother or an encouraging father. Paul cared about what he was doing and why.

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Friday Focus #32

A Miracle for the Empty (Inspired by Kerry Shook)

There are relationships out there (my favorite topic) that are suffering. They are hurting. They are empty. They need healing and hope. There has been damage done and the damage needs to be repaired. How does that repair get started? Focus on being loving like Jesus. This is not conditional love that says I will love you if you will love me. It is not "I will be loving only if you reciprocate." This is the same love Christ has for us as he died for our sins. It was not I will die for you if you all follow me. It is "I am dying for you to be reunited with God."
 

In Luke 5:1-11 we have Jesus calling (claiming) his first disciples. He sits in Simon's boat and teaches the word of God to people and then tells Simon to cast his nets into the deep. Simon says that they had worked all night and were tired from catching nothing but he listened to Jesus anyway. That sounds like those times in relationships where you have been doing your part and are exhausted and have been getting ready to "hang it up." You have stopped being loving, caring and nurturing. But Jesus says "give it another shot." When Simon gave it another shot he caught so many fish he needed help bringing them all in. This sounds like when the lull in the relationship is over and you and/or your friend, spouse, significant other both are seeking to be loving again despite being exhausted.

This is what our Christian walk is. It is still seeking to honor God and loving people selflessly even when we are not "feeling up to it." When we still do what God wants from us He will bless us. It may not come as immediately as in this retelling of Jesus and the disciples. But the interesting thing is there is no timetable in the story as to how long it took Simon Peter to catch all of those fish. It could have been 5 seconds or 5 hours. Will you endure and be patient awaiting the blessing while still doing what honors God? Or will you do what you want to get the results you wants faster? It's all up to you. But if you want stronger relationships, follow God's will. 

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1 Thessalonians 2: Leading and Loving Like Parents Should

Leading and Loving Like Parents Should

I noticed a couple of things Paul said in this chapter that stuck out to me more than other verses. He compared the way that he was gentle and how he exhorted (encouraged) the church. In verse 7 Paul says "But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children." He is talking about his approach to correcting the church for missteps. He was gentle. He wasn't harsh and full of blame, he was gentle like a nursing mother would/should be. He also makes the comparison in verses 11-12 to being like a father and encouraging the church to "walk in a manner worthy of God." He is saying this is what a father would. He should his solidarity with the church by comparing his style to that of their parents. And since honoring your parents is in the law (Ten Commandments) then it would be in their best interest to respect Paul as such as the parent of the church, metaphorically speaking.

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Wednesday Wake Up #32

The Accusers

There will be people in your life, when you are doing God's will, that will tell you that you are doing the wrong thing. They will tell you what they think and hold you accountable to their views that you do not subscribe to. Many of us will take these situations and get angry and want to defend ourselves. You don't have to do that. Doing so turns the focus from you doing God's will to protecting your image. If you are doing God's will then their attacks are irrelevant. 

Take Jesus for example. Have you read the story about the man with the withered hand in Luke 6:6-11? Jesus was teaching in the synagogue on a Sabbath and the Pharisees were waiting to see if he would heal the man in the synagogue that had a withered hand. They wanted to accuse him of not doing what was right according to the law as it is written, not in the spirit of the law. The Spirit is what leads you do what is right in God's name. The "rule" or "law" says one thing and the Spirit of the law is do things with love for God and then for others. The accusers will try to tell you to follow the law (don't work on the Sabbath) and ignore the Spirit of the law (do things that honor God at all times).

We read in Matthew 5:11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account." That means it serves you well in God's eyes to do what is right in God's eyes as you withstand the accusers that tell you that you are not doing. When they tell you that you are wrong for something, look to God's will to validate what you do as the words of men will try to cut you down. 

 
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1 Thessalonians: Be Consistent

Be Consistent

If you have been reading along or have already read through the New Testament you may have noticed something that I think is remarkable. Some may say it is  not, but to me it shows character. When Paul begins his letters to the churches (1 Corinthians 1:3, 2 Corinthians 1:2, Romans 1:7, Galatians 1:3), he consistently opens up with "peace" and "grace" and shows what he represents in God and in Christ. To some, that is no big deal as he is just writing letters. You will see though that these letters are also letters of direction or correction. I know when some of us are correcting or directing others that we are in charge of, we can become tyrannical. Paul consistently sends grace and love. He does not stray off the path of being loving even when correcting or directing. Why? Because he represents Jesus. We could learn from Paul's example.
 

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Colossians 4: Your Boss in Heaven

Your Boss in Heaven

One of the things I hate is when scripture is taken out of context. People love to say that the Bible endorses slavery with verses like Leviticus 25:44-46 (see Got Questions for more on slavery). I think people are assuming slavery at the times of scripture writing was the same as it was in America. Scripture gives regulation on slavery more so than people think and slavery then was not the same as we know about from America. Paul says, "Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven." That means remember that even though you have property do not treat them less than human. You could still be a slave owner that was loving. That thinking is so far out there that it makes people upset because the loving thing to do would be to free a slave. But slavery then was not slavery as it was in America, but that takes a history lesson. The point is that when you treat your "human property" a certain way, God will still see it and you should remember that. This goes for us that run businesses. This goes for us that lead our homes. This goes for us that are in charge. Treat other like you know that God will see everything.

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Colossians 3: Put On the New Self

Put On the New Self

When you are done doing one thing and do another it takes a changing of the mind to begin the changing of an action. The more you focus on changing your mind and actions, then the heart can be changed as well as you grow into loving what it is you do and why you do what you do. This is our walk with Christ. We leave humanly and divinely divisive things like sexual immorality, impurity, evil passions, evil desire, coveting. We put away all anger, wrath, malice, slander, partiality and obscene talk from our mouths. We do not lie to one another because that is the old self. We have to put on the new self of what is holy and beloved, compassionate, kind, humble, meek, and patient. We bear with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, we forgive each other as the Lord has forgiven us (Colossians 3:5-17). In the old self we did things wrong and did not see their impact. In the new self, we seek to be right with God for His purposes. 
 

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Colossians 2: Canceled Record of Sins

Canceled Record of Sins


When you read Colossians 2:13-14 it may not hit you right away. It may take a couple of reads as it did me. It reads "...God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross." The point is for people to understand that through Christ, our sins are forgiven if we accept him through God's grace. You do not have to carry the burden of your sins around with you for the rest of your life. Imagine a judge telling a criminal who is repentant that he doe snot have to pay the penalty or fine or serve a jail term for his criminal activity. That's huge. And even more important than that is our forgiveness through accepting Christ so we do not have to pay the penalty of our sins (separation from God).

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Friday Focus #31

One Another-ing

It is very easy to get caught up in thinking about ourselves and our wants and even perceive those wants as needs. When we truly focus on what God wants from us we can see how important it is for us to honor Him and be loving to one another. During this times of the year there is much discussion regarding politics and a number of divisive things are being said. While not everyone engaged in these discussions are Christ followers, some of these people are or at least believe themselves to be overlooking that in favor of personal wants that are outside of the glory of God. Doing a Google search of "how many one another bible verses" I found a document that counts 59 uses of one another in the New Testament. Here are a few that I would like to highlight.

In Mark 9:50 Jesus is talking about having salt in ourselves. Salt here can be used as a reference to sacrifices that were covered with salt and/or salt being a metaphor for the Holy Spirit. Jesus says, " Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another." This does not mean do it on your own accord but have the Holy Spirit in you as that also relates to a sacrifice of self. By that sacrifice of self and having the Holy Spirit in us, we can "be at peace with one another." It is hard to say or do divisive things when you have submitted your will to God. If you stay focused on being served then you are part of the problem.

We have probably covered John 13:34-35 numerous times about loving one another (Jesus's command) and that is how people will know we are Christ followers. But, let's take it a step further. What task is so beneath you that you would never do it? Cleaning toilets? Taking out the trash? Well, Jesus was so humble in his living that something as low as washing someone's feet was not beneath him. How would you sacrifice for your brother or sister in Christ if they needed you to? Would you allow yourself to be degraded in a sense to meet a need for them? Jesus says in John 13:14-15 that since he has done this that we should do the same type of activity as he has shown us an example of how to be. 

Finally, I leave you with one more. Being a Christ follower does not equate to perfection from the eyes of others. It means being dedicated to God's will. It means accepting the Holy Spirit as your guide and God's grace through Christ. In Romans 15:7, Paul says something very important that often gets overlooked. He says, "Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." This does not mean that we accept sin and just say it is okay, but remember where you were when first became a Christ follower. Remember the grace you needed or had. Now apply that to others. We are all works in progress. Love them enough to let them grow.

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Colossians 1: Holding All Things Together

Holding All Things Together

As Paul starts off just about each letter to each new church he writes to, there are always salutations. He also always includes his background by mentioning that he has overcome his own tribulation and trials (not by his own power) but by the Holy Spirit. He tells us in verses 15-23 about the preeminence (leadership that surpasses other) of Christ. In verse 17 though, Paul writes "And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." This means that Jesus (being that he is God in the flesh) is the "unifying principle and the personal sustainer of all creation (Dave Guzik). Apart for Christ we can do nothing. 

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Wednesday Wake Up #31

Keeping the Word of God

There is a time when we can lose focus as believers. We do things and say things with great intentions, but it completely overshoots the depth of the meaning of Christ's life. A woman, who it can be understood saw Christ's significance, once said to Jesus in Luke 11:27, "Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!" While trying to be respectful to Jesus and his mother, he corrects her. In verse 28 Jesus responds with "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" Are you keeping the word of God?

First, are you reading the Bible? Are you understanding what you are reading? I have heard people say that the love Jesus and are Christians, but then they follow that up with the Bible is misinterpreted and wrong and blah blah blah. But if the Bible is wrong then how do you know about Jesus? What is it that you know about him? Where did you learn that? If the source that educates you is flawed in your mind then your beliefs may be flawed as well. Read about Jesus in the gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Read about why he did what he did. Understand him. But in order to do that, you have to read.

And second, are you keeping his commands. Yes there are the 10 commandments, but also the spirit of the 10 are condensed in Matthew 22:36-40. Love God first and then because you love God, you love people. This is not just love like a fluffy Valentine's Day love, but like I will sacrifice for someone I do not know kind of love the way you sacrifice for someone you do know. That kind of love is how you know if you have Christ working through you. Keep the word of God by reading it, understanding and accepting Christ and follow the spirit of the commands.

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Philippians 4: Strength for Our Thinking

Strength for Our Thinking

As Paul ends his letter to the Philippians he sends them off with words of encouragement in the Lord. Think about how often we choose words that are not encouraging and are condemning outside of what God wants from us. I often wonder if the words people say are what God wanted from them or what they just wanted to say themselves. But, in verse 8 Paul says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." He wants us (as it is God honoring) to focus on what is righteous and not unrighteous things.

How do we do that? What power do we pull from? In verse 13, Paul says "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." He shows us the source of his strength which is not his own. He relies in God/Christ/the Holy Spirit to give him the strength he needs. It is not will power, but God power.

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Philippians 3: Shed Selfishness, Seek Sacrifice

Shed Selfishness, Seek Sacrifice

For those who spent more time thinking about doing what makes them happy and doing what pleased them, they showed that they were not honoring the Lord. God is not waiting for us to find what makes us happy and just live doing that, but He is wanting us to sacrifice. Paul points out that some were focused on worshiping their bellies (literally and figuratively on living for self). Paul points them out in Philippians 3:19 and says their end is destruction (more figurative to eternal damnation). He says that since they worship their bellies, their minds are on earthly things. Look, we all slip up, but some are living lives of missing the mark when it comes to the target of seeking to be Christ like.

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Philippians 2: From Selfish Ambition to Humility

From Selfish Ambition to Humility

We really can get off track when it comes to our walk in the Spirit with the Lord. In Philippians 2:3-5, Paul gives another solid direction for the church to follow. This is nothing new, just a new way for the church to hear. Paul says "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit..." How often do we act selfishly towards other and speak over them as if what we have to say is more important? Or When we drive and our destination is so much more important than everyone else's that we cut people off and don't let them in? What if we reverse that and started letting people finish talking or drove more lovingly. He continues "...but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." That is such a great way to look at humility. One might say, "But why would I do that?" That question itself is selfish in this context. It is asking "what can I get out of it?" It isn't about you. Our mind should be focused on how can I serve others instead of how can I be served. There is nothing wrong with taking a break and getting re-energized to serve the Lord (even God rested on the Sabbath). But if we are often focused on what we are getting from people, then our focus is off in life. Think like Jesus.

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Philippians 1: A Good Work

A Good Work

The work has begun in you once you receive Christ through God's grace. That work is the Holy Spirit working through you to shape you to be more Christ like as the days pass. The time when that work will be complete is upon the Second Coming of Christ. This is what Paul is talking about in Philippians 1:6. He knows that God has started something good in the church (the people in the church) and that work will be completed upon Christ's return.

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Friday Focus #30

No Greater Love Than This

Are you a friend of Jesus? How do you know? How do you check that or test that? Are you willing to do as He commands? Are you willing to lay down your life for your friends? You can say yes to all of these things, but the proof is in the pudding, so to speak. In John 15:13, Jesus says, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." What did he mean?

In the very next verse (14) Jesus says "You are my friends if you do what I command you." If you think you are a Christian, it may only be in thought. If you are not willing to submit your will to be in accordance with what God says and how Christ taught, lived and commanded, then how can Christ be in any title that you associate with your spiritual perspective? Are you willing to die for you friends? If so, are you willing to stop, slow down and make a phone call? Visit? Before you say you can do the big stuff, are you already doing the small stuff? Or are you too busy?

Remember Jesus was not "some guy" but he was God in the flesh and was also human. He read the scriptures and learned from them. He applied them when applicable. He sacrificed himself for your sins and mine. We can't even sacrifice time for our friends so how can we say we would lay down our lives. We can't even sacrifice parts of us that make others stumble. Are we really friends of Christ willing to sacrifice? Or are we just being selfish and thinking we are doing what we ought to be. 

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Ephesians 6: What is the Real Battle?

What is the Real Battle?


In Ephesians 6:12, Paul points out that we are not just battling flesh and blood. When it comes to self control, that isn't about just making better decisions. When it comes to dissension in the church, that is not just about "I have to be nicer because God wants me to be." Paul says that there is battle, spiritually, cosmically, against the authorities over present darkness. Paul says that there are "spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." That means we are not just trying to be better people, but we are battling Satan. We are battling the one who bring evil into the church and creates problems. Paul then tells us to "armor up" by putting on the full armor of God. When we have this, it is no longer me vs Satan, but is me in God and God in me vs. Satan. There is a big difference between going to war and going to war with the proper equipment. Paul knew that too.
 

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Wednesday Wake Up #30

Examine Yourself

In 2 Corinthians 13:5 Paul tells the church in Corinth to examine and test themselves. He asks them if they know that Christ is in them. Paul also tells them if they test themselves they will know that Christ is in them, unless they are disqualified from the test. Disqualified? That was Paul's way of saying you cannot take a test to see if Christ is in you if you are worldly and not one with Christ. So ask yourself today, am I one with Christ?

How does one then test themselves? One way is through reading the various parables and experiences of Jesus and apply the lessons of learned/taught whether they are temptation (the wilderness), faithfulness (mustard seed and power drained), forgiveness (prodigal son) or the young rich ruler (worldly thinking). If you aren't studying Christ's life and his words, then  how will you know if you are one with Christ? How will you know if the Holy Spirit is leading you? Do you say things like "It's just the way I am and I won't change" even though that something you do is not of God? Read the scripture in the right context and be Spirit led. 

Also, in reading through Ephesians 5:5-7 and also Romans 1:28-32 we see a lists, if you will, of what is not God honoring. Paul calls out the sexually immoral or impure and says that they have no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.  He also points out that those did not see fit to acknowledge God were given up by God to their own devices. Paul says there unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice, envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness, gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. It is one thing to slip up and make a bad decision. There is grace for that from God upon repentance. But, when you accept sin into your lifestyle, that is not of the Holy Spirit. That is not passing the test of Christ likeness. That sin acceptance disqualifies you from taking that test. Look at what loves is and what is in the fruit (evidence) of the spirit. When you are led by that which is of Christ there will be evidence, likewise the opposite.

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Ephesians 5: Being Wise Instead of Foolish

Being Wise Instead of Foolish

The reminders are so important. Paul wants the church in Ephesus to focus on what is important and not what isn't important. Whether you are single or married there needs to be a focus on doing what is wise and not what is foolish. In Ephesians 5:3-4, Paul points out the foolishness he sees in the church such as sexual immorality, all impurity, filthiness, foolish talk or crude joking. Paul says that they are all out of place and should be replaced with giving thanks. Paul continues and tells the church to make the most of every opportunity, not for selfish gain, but as to what honors God. Those who are married have to also honor God, but differently than those who are single. Also, in Ephesians 5:22 tells wives to submit to their husbands as to the Lord. Many will argue, but I say if your husband is not worthy of being lord in the home, you married the wrong guy. But also, in verse 25, we have a different take on things that focuses on the husbands responsibility to his wife. They should love their wives as Christ loved the church. If we all did what was God honoring, we all would be in a lot less trouble.
 

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Ephesians 4: Bear with One Another in Love

Bear with One Another in Love

There is so much we can miss when we chose (yes it is a choice) to not honor God with our words and hearts. When we are not honoring God, then we are not honoring others either. When you submit your will to Christ and let the Holy Spirit work through you, ideas like those found in Ephesians 4:2-3 are easier (not easy) to follow through on. It is not about doing it on your own volition but it is that of the Holy Spirit. Paul writes "with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." That humility and gentleness and patience all come from the Holy Spirit and these are a part of the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23). Furthermore, in Ephesians 4:29, Paul tells the Ephesian church to watch what they say. He tells them to use their mouths to speak words to build each other up, not tear one another down.

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Ephesians 3: Prayer for Spiritual Strength

Prayer for Spiritual Strength

Paul further cements previous points made about the church believing that they have power on their own accord. Paul tells them straight forward and then also shows them how to believe by demonstrating a prayer in Ephesians 3:14-16. Paul says "For this reason I bow my knees before the Father...that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being." Look at how Paul  bows his knees before the Father. That is showing, honor and humility to one who is superior. He speaks on the riches of God's glory, not our own. It is easy to lose sight and think we can figure it all out and think we have all the answers, but to God be the glory. God grants us the strength and power through His spirit. It is not on our own.

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Ephesians 2: Saved By Grace Through Faith

Saved By Grace Through Faith

You can take credit all you want for your being saved. You can say that you kept the commandments. You can say that God favors you over others. you can say that your sins aren't that bad. But, ultimately, you're wrong. It is not your works that led you to be saved. Yes, it is up to you to accept the grace given by God through the blood shed, death and resurrection of Christ, but it was God's grace that even allowed that to happen. If someone gives you a gift, not a reward, you cannot take credit for that gift. A reward is something you earn for doing something. A gift is freely given. That is what Paul tells us here in Ephesians 2:8-9. Paul says "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." You cannot brag about your being saved. Give glory to God.

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Friday Focus #29

Forgiveness, Grace, and Prayer

Wednesday's message was on turning worry into prayer. As stated previously, we worry about many things and try to figure out problems in our lives. There is nothing wrong with problem solving, but we have to remember to go to God too, first even, as we ask for guidance. But, what about that person who hurt you the most? That person who broke your heart. That person who did something so devastating that it occupies your thinking more often than it should. I ask you this, did you forgive them? You may say "They don't deserve forgiveness." That is not a thought of Christ, He would not say no one deserves forgiveness or grace. No one is saying you cannot feel hurt, but free yourself by graciously offering forgiveness knowing that God forgave you for your sins and that we are to forgive others their sins too (Matthew 6:14-15), whether they are sorry or not.

Have you ever heard that not forgiving is like drinking poison in hops to kill the other person? We are all imperfect. We have all done things that have done damage to others, ourselves and our relationship with God. That feeling of regret is needed in order to seek reconciliation of a relationship and to repent and not sin in that way again. Paul teaches us in Ephesians 4:32 that we should be  kind to one another. He teaches that we should tenderhearted. He also says that we should forgive others as God in Christ forgave us. God forgave you and you never asked. God still forgave you. Your friends stole from you, broke your heart, and ruined the friendship. You have to forgive them. God commands it in Matthew 18:21-22. There was no limit to forgiveness, but continued forgiveness which give the allowance of grace.
 

One way that I heard Pastor Rick Warren say is a good way to learn to forgive is to pray for people. Yes, pray to God for Him to work in that person. It is VERY difficult to be mad at someone when you are praying for God to use them. In 2008 I was having an issue with a couple of people, two different situations. The relationships had faltered or were getting worse. My heart grew bitter and angry. I began praying for each of them. Initially, the prayers were quick. I made sure to do it during times I was not distracted. Eventually the prayers grew in length and strength. I also felt a change in myself where that bitterness was not there anymore. I was following what is found in James 5:16. We are not not only confess our sins to our brethren in Christ (I was doing that), but also pray for them so that we can be healed. Hanging on to bitterness breaks us and we need to heal from that. If you want to heal, forgive someone. Pray for them, consistently. When you start to get bitter at them, pray for them again. Know that Satan attacks all of us. Don't let Satan win. 

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