Friday Focus #37

God's Grace is Free

Grace is a wonderful thing. It is an important intangible. Grace is not something you earn. It is given freely. It is a gift. A gift that we all need in our relationships and in our relationship with God. In Romans 11:6 we understand that when it comes to our salvation (our eternal existence in Heaven) that the only reason why we get that chance is grace. The grace comes from God freely. We literally do not have to do anything to receive this grace, other than accept. You don't have to serve 50 homeless people for 10 years. You do not have to memorize 40 Bible verses and wrote 6 essays. All you have to do is accept God's grace that is free to you in order for you to have salvation.

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Romans 12: Be a Living Sacrifice & Marks of a True Christian

Be a Living Sacrifice & Marks of a True Christian

There is so much in this chapter that we can pull out and apply to our lives in order to serve the Lord and serve others. Romans 12:1-2 tells us to be living sacrifices for God by being holy and acceptable. That is how we can worship God by not conforming the world's ways and doing what they think is okay, but by doing what is pleasing to God. We need to be transformed by renewing our mind. Then we can test that and see what the will of God is and what is perfect to Him. 

Romans 12:3-8 reminds us that we are not think more highly of ourselves than we ought to. We are to have sober judgement (not drunk with misconceptions or misunderstandings). We need to see ourselves as who we really are and that will keep us from being prideful or boastful in our work for the Lord. Even our being saved is a gift from God so there is no sense in being prideful in that. And we must understand that we are all (those who submit to Christ) in the body of Christ (the Christ follower community/the church) and we all have different roles and need to respect the roles others have. 

Romans 12:9-13 tells us to hate evil and love genuinely (don't fake your love for God or others). There is a focus on true humility when we are to out do one another in showing honor and contribute to the needs of the saints. We are to rejoice in our hope and be patient and prayerful in our tribulation (trials/problems/situations). 

The final section of the chapter tells us, in Romans 12:14-21, that we are to bless those who persecute us. We are to show empathy by weeping with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. we need to live in harmony with others and not seek revenge on people. We have to remember that God will have his vengenace to those who do us wrong. We are to take care of our enemies because all that we do is to be done in love for God and for his creations. 

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Romans 9: God's Mercy is Not Earned

God's Mercy is Not Earned

Somebody asked me the other day, "If God loves me, why would He send me to hell (for being gay)?" It was a tough question to face and as best as I could answer as quickly as possible based on my knowledge, I said that God also wants us to do what is right for how He made us and what is right in His eyes. In later conversations with other believers I came to understand also that our disobedience is what sends us to Hell. If we are not following God's will and seeking it first in our lives and we don't accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, then that is our punishment. If a child does not do their homework, their punishment may be restriction from phones, computers, parties, etc. That is from the earthly parent. Imagine not doing what you were supposed to do on earth. That punishment would be much larger from God.

That leads me into my next point which comes up in Romans 9 that tells us that God's mercy is not earned. Now we have read this before but this time Paul explains it using Jacob and Esau as an example to what Pharisees would and connected to what is written and how we are to be redeemed to and through Christ. If we want God's mercy we have to be in His will. When we are there then we know all things work together for good (Romans 8:28). Before they were born, God picked Jacob and not Esau. It was not based on what Jacob had done because he had not been born yet. God picks those He calls based on His prerogative (Romans 9:15).

In 12th grade I had a pottery class. I used to make pinch pots and pitchers and a even mugs. I enjoyed that class. Never one (just go with it) did the clay complain to me about being a pinch pot, mug or pitcher. The clay cannot question the potter what is being done, so how can we question God on what He chooses and how He chooses (Romans 9:19-21)? No matter how God makes you, you are to still do God's will anyway. God's glory can still shine in your situation as difficult as it might be to see it, it is possible.

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Romans 8: Condemnation, Heirs, Problems, Attacks

Condemnation, Heirs, Problems, Attacks

One of my favorite verses is Romans 8:1 which tells us that if we are in Jesus Christ (following Christ and being submissive to God's will) we are not going to be condemned. People can try to condemn, but it cannot stick. The law will try to condemn you for missteps or mess ups, but God is not condemning you. Yes, there are earthly consequences for our actions, we are not getting off scot- free on earth, but God is not holding everything against us as people do.That is so freeing. We can beat ourselves up for the bad decisions we make, but when we go to God and seek to do better with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and truly repent, He isn't holding it against us. Isn't that great news?!?!

Romans 8:14 tells us that if we are led by the Spirit of God then we are sons (children) of God. The English Standard Version uses "sons" but as we say mankind, we do not only mean men, but women as well. So, whether you are male or female, if you are led by the Holy Spirit, then consider yourself a member of God's family.We are not associates, or friends or buddies with God, but children of God. There are many out there who do not have strong family units and with the understanding that if you submit to God's will and are led by God you are apart of His family.

And when things seem down right horrible and never ending, we must remember that for those who love God, all things work together for good for those called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). I have been dealing with this thinking recently as things I am experiencing are not turning out favorably at the time in which they occur. I am learning to trust in God and remember that His will is working in my life as I am led to follow Him and seek His will. It is hard to remember because there are painful things that happen or are said, but in His will those things can work for His purposes. The results may not be now and I may never see them, but that is not my focus. I do what the BOSS says.

And finally, if God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)? No matter what people say or do to me or whatever circumstances come my way, I am empowered to know that being led by the Holy Spirit will not do me wrong as I am in Christ. 

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Friday Focus #20

No Clock Needed

As I write this on December 31, 2015, I know that it will not be read until January 1, 2016. By that time, many will come to make a list of New Year's Resolutions. This list is compiled of things/items to be checked off as completed as the year progresses. I used to make these lists and put a ton of things I wanted to change in my lifestyle and then it hit me, what am I waiting for? There is no clock needed for change. No calendar is needed in order for me to change the way I think, act or behave. Change can happen in an instant if you want to. When you first started following Christ, was that a New Year's Resolution? If the change is that necessary, then why wait?

If you want to make changes in your life that keep you from doing things the wrong way with relationships (I bring these up often obviously) or money management or especially if there are sinful ways you want out of your life, look at this verse in Ephesians 5:15-16: "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." We must stop wasting time in our lives so that we can be more free to do what it is God wants from us. In order to live abundantly as God wants us to do (John 10:10), we cannot be covered in sin and old ways of living if God is to bless us and allow for the abundance to come. We cannot have better relationships if we keep doing things the same way. We cannot have healthier lives if we keep eating the same crap. We cannot be in God's will if we are covered in sin. Anytime is a good time for a change.

 

I also want to share with you Romans 12:2 which tells us not to be conformed by the world's ways but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. And we cannot forget that if we really are looking to have something change in our lives, we need God's help. We can read a bunch of self help books or listen to pastors (no names needed) who say we are all just great people and we can do everything on our own power, but the truth is, we need the Holy Spirit to guide and direct our steps. Without the Holy Spirit, I am lost in life and stuck trying to do things the way I want to not knowing that there is a different way to do them.

My inspiration today comes from a message (9 min video) from Bishop TD Jakes "Free Your Mind"

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Romans 7: Released from the Law

Released from the Law

Since we have committed ourselves to following Christ and have accepted him as our Lord and Savior, we are no longer bound to the expected rigid perfection of the law. The Law is not about grace or love, it is about complete or incomplete. It is about did you or did you not. While we are free of the law, we are not free to sin as we did prior to following Christ.

The example Paul uses to describe this idea is marriage and widows and being an adulteress. The old way of living has to die to us in other words we have to become widows so to speak to our old way of living. And we cannot be linked to the old way while trying to be with the brand new similarly to a woman who is married cannot be with another man until her husband is deceased or she would be an adulteress. It is one or the other, not both. One leads to death and the other redemption with God (Romans 7:1-6).

Paul also recognizes that he wants to do the right thing in his mind, but his body want to do the wrong thing. Paul knows that the flesh wants to do the wrong thing and it is the Holy Spirit that leads us to do what is right in regards to loving God. For all those who think they can just be good people and that is all it is, then why can't good people be good all the time? If they themselves possess that ability then they should never get it wrong and no one should ever be upset with them because they are always doing the right thing. Since I (Kingman) am not a good person I know that I need the Holy Spirit to guide me to do what is godly as apart from the Holy Spirit my flesh also wants to say thing and do things that I know are not of God (Romans 7:7-25).

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Wednesday Wake Up #20

Facing Temptation

It's tough out there. Temptation is around every corner. You could just be driving to work and listening to the radio and a song could come on and tempt you to do something that is not easy for you to resist. It happens to me, often. It may not be a song, it might be music, a TV show or a movie. Sometimes it is a just a random thought that pops in my head. Just a thought.What I do with that thought is whether I win the battle over the temptation or I lose. The choice is in my control.

In Proverbs 25:28 it says "A man without self control is like a city broken into and left without walls." To me, that is deep. Imagine that the United States of America had literally no defenses set up. No aircraft carriers in the Pacific or Atlantic Ocean. No Army. No Navy. No Marines. No Air Force. Nothing. NOTHING!!! Do you know how easy it would be for another country to invade us everyday? Well, thankfully we are protected. The government set up years ago (as many governments do) a system of what to do if an invasion attempt was made. They set up defenses far in advance rather than wait until an attack comes. Well, shouldn't we do the same? Our minds must be protected. Our minds must be focused on what is godly. Even if it feels right and natural to us, it doesn't mean that it is (Proverbs 14:12). Check your beliefs against what Scripture says about it. Far in advance, focus on bible verses like the ones highlighted in this paragraph, or check out Romans 6. It outlines how we as Christ followers should be thinking even when in the face of sin and ways that we behaved before we believed in Christ.

Sin pulls us away from God. That plays into what Satan wants. He is not God's friend, but God's enemy. So when it is tempting to cut down someone and curse them out, that plays into Satan's plans for your life. When you are tempted to watch an adult film, or harm your body with drugs, or eat poorly or whatever it is, that pulls you away from being in God's will. What does a life look like when you are out of God's will? Problems, problems and more problems. Relational problems with family and friends. Extreme amounts of stress in trying to deal with everything that is going on. Those things that we did before we were believers need to be dead such as idolatry like your possessions, lust, covetousness, etc (Colossians 3:5-6).

To arm our selves with the army, navy, marines and air force of our spirit and mind, we need to put on the full Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20). Focusing our minds on what is of God and what is pleasing to Him. We also need to be careful of who we are hanging pout with, I recently reread Proverbs 1:10 which reminded me of a life change I had almost 20 years ago when I was hanging with the wrong crowd. I was hanging with sinners who did not know God and were enticing me to do wrong and I fell for a long time. It took me to be in my 30's before I realized I needed to break away from certain types of people. As I grow in my faith I need to be around those who are Holy Spirit minded and filled and led. 

 
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Romans 5: Peace, Endurance and Adam

Peace, Endurance and Adam

Romans 5:1 shows us that in Jesus there is peace. It does not bring strife and problems, but peace. Think of the problems that you have had in life. How many have been because being Christ centered was not the focus, either from you or other person/people? I know I have had plenty of situations occur and more to come that need the focus of what is Christ like. I cannot control others and their words and actions, but I do have self control through the Holy Spirit. That Holy Spirit is part of that peace that exists in Christ and when we are Christ centered. The peace with God comes through our acceptance of Jesus.

In Romans 5:3-5, things get kind of tricky from an outsider perspective. To read or hear the words "rejoice in our sufferings" sounds like be glad when things go horribly wrong. But there is more to it. The secular way to look at it is the "every cloud has a silver lining" saying, but from the God perspective we know that what we experience is an opportunity for us to grow in Him if we seek His will for our lives. I wish I could tell you the plethora of times that things went horribly wrong in my finances, work life, relationships, etc and how when I changed the focused to "what does God want from me in this", it gave me clarity which through actions because of my faith in Christ led me to a better situation. Through that suffering I developed endurance for problems. That endurance keeps me from falling apart when things start to go bad. In other words I am not giving up when problems arise. That endurance has produced character which is how I present myself when I am with others. One might say, "he isn't a quitter" and that is due to the problems I have had to endure and did not give up on when I encountered them. And through that character I have developed by dealing with issues from a God's will perspective hope is produced. That way I know when issues happen I am hopeful that doing God's will and not my own will produce fruit.

Adam is the father of all mankind. But, from Adam, Eve was created and Adam followed Eve's lead to bite from the apple that the serpent tempted her to eat. Therefore, in Romans 5:12-13 Paul shows us that through Adam sin was brought into the world, but through Christ, for those who follow him, that sin is not counted against you. Before Jesus then you would basically have to be perfect and never break commands or laws or anything so that God copuld be pleased, but even that isn't done out of love but obedience and obedience does not equate to love but love brings forth obedience.When we stop "religifying" our faith we see the freedom in Christ, not the perceived shackles from the secular perspective.

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Romans 4: Works vs. Faith

Works vs. Faith

There was a belief that works provided salvation more so than faith. But as Paul has explained in Romans 4, by Abraham's example, his actions (such as circumcision) came from his faith in God. People (Pharisees and religious leaders) had things twisted. Paul explains to them that it was not Abraham's circumcision that made him faithful to God, but his faith in God is what led to him to be circumcised.

The same goes with us. It is not our works that will save us and give us salvation. We are blessed to have Jesus save us from the death of our sins so that we could be redeemed to God (Romans 4:7-8), before him people had to have faith in God as is. God had not sent Jesus yet so Abraham could not follow Jesus as the disciples could or as you and I can. But that still did not keep Abraham from having faith in God who came to later in human form as Jesus.

You can go to church every day of the week. You can feed every homeless person. You can care for every orphan and widow and  visit the sick, but without faith in God those works do not symbolize anything about the Kingdom of Heaven. As we will read later in James 2:26, faith without works is dead as the body is dead apart from the spirit.

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Romans 3:23-25- Falling Short and Being Redeemed

Falling Short and Being Redeemed

There are far too many verses in scripture that we know and understand when we hear them, but we do not get the full context. Romans 3:23 is one of them for me. It tells us that we all fall short of the glory of God. This verse has been used to further one's personal agenda outside of Christ. It has been used to say we all sin (which is true) but it does not tell the rest of the story. It's like saying we all fail and that's it. End of story. It can also be comforting to know that we all fail and that you are not alone when you sin as we all sin. But what about after that?

We have to understand the context that Paul was telling fellow Jews that they were not better than others. This is in line with what Christ taught to Pharisees who were hypocrites and thought they were better than others. Righteousness does not come from obeying God's laws (such as the ten commandments). Righteousness comes from doing God's will out of loving obedience. As I have stated before, in relationships (like dating and marriage) we don't keep ourselves from cheating simply because it is not the right thing to do. Look at the essence of why it wouldn't be right. We don't cheat because of love. We love the other person. We are honoring the other person and our relationship and ourselves. But, ultimately, we should not cheat because we would be sinning against God. Righteousness is through love of God which is outside the law (ten commandments).

But how do you get redeemed to God after sinning. That redemption comes from Jesus. If you accept Jesus, the redemption comes. His blood was shed so that we don;t have to be a human sacrifice for our sins. Sin causes death in at least 2 ways: spiritual and physical. Spiritually i am separated by God when I am outside His will. Physically when I sin I could die like if I were to do drugs or something like that. So, if you sin like I do on a daily basis, you are 1) not alone and 2) redeemed to God through accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior knowing that he died for your sins.

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Friday Focus #19

What Does the Birth of Jesus Mean?

As we celebrate Christmas today, let us remember why we as Christ followers are celebrating. Do we even know what we are celebrating or have we changed the meaning behind our celebration? Is it about Santa Claus and presents? Is it about an evergreen covered in lights and decorations? Or is it truly about celebrating the birth of the one you call your Lord and Savior?

We know the details of Jesus being born found in Matthew 1:18-2:23, but what about his blood line? Look at his bloodline and the great men and women in it in Matthew 1:1-17. But there were also sins among those great men and women. There was adultery, lies and murder. But, while men will say your past defines you and hold you in contempt of bad decisions, the love of God through the redeeming blood of Christ does not. Our sins are washed away and we are seen clean and pure in God's eyes (1 John 1:7). We must walk with Christ seeking what his will is in our life. Jesus was doing God's will while being God in human form. He did not come to us in a large palace and desire a bunch of attention. It was a very humble setting in a barn that many of us wouldn't stay in if it was the last place on earth.

With the birth of Jesus there were prophecies that came true. In Isiah 7:14 promised a virgin birth. In Psalm 2:7 there is a reference to the Jesus being referred to as the son of God which was fulfilled when we read Matthew 3:16-17. There was a even a prophecy that the messiah would be a sacrifice for sin which we see through the death of Jesus (Romans 5:6-8).

If Jesus wasn't born he never could have died. Through his death we are redeemed through him to God for Heaven in the after life if we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior (Ephesians 1:7-10). Our sin separates us from God, but by accepting Jesus we get to reconnect with God. So as you celebrate Christmas, think of and reflect on the reason why you celebrate. Is it the jolly man in the red suit or is the Son of God who suited to shed his red (blood) for us?

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Romans 2: God's Righteous Judgment and the Law

God's Righteous Judgment and the Law

It is all too easy to hear what someone has done or see what someone is doing and judge them for it. Not just judge the action, but judge the person as a whole. I know it is hard to stop doing for some or even many of us, but it happens. We hear that someone got a DUI, we judge them and call them a drunk. We see people who get into trouble and label them thugs. We judge all the time and it seems like people can never shake that label that we place on them. But, God has not labeled people thugs and drunks. God's righteous judgment is not based on following rules. That is the earthly way of thinking. We follow God's laws based on our love for him.

In Romans 1 we read about the types of people and the characteristics that will bring on God's wrath. For Paul's audience, they have had heard what he said and read what he wrote and found themselves to be very proud that they were not those people who were gossips, prideful, homosexual, heartless and ruthless. But, Paul seeks to set them straight by pointing out that the same ones who are proud to not be "like the others" are just like the others. Paul says in Romans 2:1, "For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things." If you know the law and do not keep it, then you have no right to tell someone else that they are wrong for not keeping it. If I stood before the judge for a speeding ticket and that same judge tried to maximize my fine and give me jail time while having a speeding issues of his/her own, then I would not respect that judge because they too know the law and have to uphold it while holding me in contempt for my mistake or bad decision. This is what the Pharisees did. They knew the law and help people to that standard while over looking their own failures.

We know in Romans 2:11 that God shows no partiality when it comes to nationality, race or color of skin or nation of origin. We also must know that if you have sinned without the law (God's law of love Him and loving others and being redeemed through Christ) then you die without the law. And if you sin under the law, you will be judged under the law (Romans 2:12).

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Romans 1: God's Wrath on Unrighteousness

Righteous and Unrighteousness

In today's world there is a belief that righteous and unrighteousness can be understood outside of the word of God. The infallible word of God shows us what it is to be righteous and to do righteous things as well as what it is to be in unrighteousness. In Romans 8:16-17, Paul explains to us that he is not ashamed of the Gospel (of Christ) and it brings salvation (the ticket to Heaven) for those who believe in Christ, no matter what race or ethnicity. Because of our faith that is how we are classified as righteous. We don't just believe and follow Christ and keep doing what we were doing and living as we lived before we followed Christ. Our faith in him is just the beginning, as through faith we will be driven by the Holy Spirit to do good things to honor God.

Now here comes the part that the world will disagree with. I write this in conjunction with my reading and learning not ton condemn, but to share what I have learned and show from where said learning was delivered. Unrighteousness brings about God's wrath. Those who are unrighteous bring forth that wrath because they suppress the truth. Paul goes on to tell us that even though people knew or knew of God, they did not honor God as God nor did they thank him. God gave people up to their own desires since they were not bringing honor to God anyway. So, even though something that fills your heart and mind seems brought on by God, it may not be if it isn't God honoring. You could just be getting what you wanted  and there fore your path will self destruct (Romans 1:18-24).

In verses 26-31, Paul shows us what kind of characteristics in people he is referring to. He starts off with those engaged in homosexual activity. While I have heard and read differing takes on the Bible and homosexuality, none of them match up to the other sections in terms of the Bible not being opposed to homosexuality. People have said "Jesus didn't say anything about being gay." But, Jesus also didn't specifically say anything about bestiality or marrying your cousin, but no one brings that up. The world wants to normalize and feel good about homosexuality and calls our Bible antiquated while over looking the spirit of their hearts and the real reason they feel that way. Paul tells us that they were given up to hate and evil and malice and gossip and deceit. God wants you to seek Him and put Him and His word first. When we don't do that, things will fall apart.

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Friday Focus #18

What is Keeping You from Following Christ?

In our last 2 Wednesday and Friday posts, we have covered the young rich man and his willing inability to sell his possessions and follow Jesus. We also covered that just because you are rich it doesn't mean that you cannot follow Jesus. If the thinking says that you cannot be rich and be a man of God or follow Christ then I ask those people to look at the lives of Solomon, Abraham and others (click here to read more). But, outside of money, what are some things in our lives that keep us from seeing God's blessings in our lives. What are some things that draw your attention away from Jesus and keep you distracted?

For starters, maybe it is work. Have you ever heard of the term "workaholic"? This is person who works far too often. One might think that they enjoy that work, but sometimes workaholics feel compelled to do that. But, if you are constantly working, how can you have a Sabbath? That is just one of the commandments we need to adhere to. We need rest. We need to take that time away from everything else and just leave ourselves a day to reconnect with God and recharge our physical and spiritual batteries. Remember Luke 10:38-42 when Mary and Martha were hosting for Jesus's visit? Martha was upset with Mary who had sat to listen to Jesus's teachings. Martha had been so busy serving that she didn't stop to listen to the man that she was preparing for. We have to remember it isn't about everything we do, it is about our relationship with Jesus.

Another possible thing that keeps us from following Christ is our way of thinking. We have lived and believed a certain way for as long as we can remember, but that way of thinking is blocking the ability to see Jesus. It is blocking our ability to willfully follow Jesus. People conform to the patterns of the world and cannot see what is the will of God because they do not know enough about what is written in Scripture to test what is the will of God and what is not (Romans 12:2). People know of Jesus and his life and resurrection, but do they actually care about it? Scripture gets quoted out of context but the whole passage or the whole chapter is never read. T-shirts and hats are worn referring to Jesus as a homeboy, but there is no submission in the soul to do God's will and follow Christ. Is Jesus your homeboy or the Lord of your life? When the world is guiding you it makes it that much more difficult to be transformed by following Christ. Something's gotta give.
 

No matter what it is that is blocking our submission to God's will, it must go. If you want to have an abundant life in Christ then that will take a step on your part to not use will power but God's power to further your walk. You can make a bunch of decisions to stop watching ungodly films and listening to ungodly music, but why are you doing it? In relationships, do you stay faithful and not cheat because it is wrong or because you are committed and dedicated to the other person? Rituals and religion or relationship with Christ? The choice is yours!

To read more about what distracts us from God please click here.

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Wednesday Wake Up #15

Giving Thanks to God and Loving Family

As we get ready for Thanksgiving tomorrow let us not forget what is really important. It isn't about the food and the fixin's. It isn't about the football games (hard for me to say that one haha). But our focus should be on God first and then the family unity.

As we look at Psalm 100, the title of this chapter is A Psalm for Giving Thanks. The focus is giving thanks to God. The opening 2 verses tell us to make a joyful noise to the Lord and serve Him with gladness. We are to come in God's presence with singing. We are to be singing the Lord's praises. Yes, there are times were God needs to hear from us that we are upset, but are we complaining more to God than we are giving thanks to Him. We overlook what we are thankful about many other days of the year. Can't this be the year the beginning of a time where we let God know that we are thankful to Him for all He has done. Personally, God has done so much in my life from the jobs I have had, the people I have met, the schools I have attended. But, even more so the things I overlook every day. I don't always thank God for the fact that my car works (a huge blessing if you have known me since my first car in 1997). I have forgotten to thank God for where I live. I could have lived in a horrible neighborhood with horrible neighbors and crime, but I don't. When was the last time I thanked God for those simple things? Now is a very good time. And tomorrow. And for years to come.

And when it comes to family, how often do we tell them not just that we love them, but how we appreciate them? Do we come home and complain about work and life problems? Can't we start greeting each other with love and a "holy kiss? (Romans 16:16 and GotQuestions.org)" Let us pray with the family as we should. If we are not praying with the kids and our spouses and significant others, how then are our relationships based in God's word? We need to honor our parents, not just during holidays, but at all times (Exodus 20:12). Fathers need to not provoke their children to anger (Colossians 3:21). Mothers can wisdom and kindness to their children (Proverbs 31:26).

No matter which holiday has arrived let us remember to give thanks to God and let Him lead us as we connect with our families and friends whether it is a holiday or just any old day. Let us love regardless of the day (John 15:12).

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Friday Focus #14

The Open Doors of Freedom

Now that I am taking steps to live outside of my "box", I recognize my freedom. This is not just freedom in the choices I make, but the freedom from that which I fear. I feared heartbreak, broken relationships, and not getting what I wanted in life. I even feared being humbled from being wrong. But the perfect life where everything goes my way is not realistic, and it is not what scripture teaches us either. We are taught to follow Christ and submit to God's will in our lives.

I wanted freedom from fear, yet I did not ask. I didn't ask God for His strength in my daily life. I just adjusted my life based on what I thought the right decisions would be, yet it was not based in Biblical principles. We know about "Ask, Seek Knock" from Matthew 7:7-12. If it is in God's will and I ask Him for it and seek it and knock on the door it will be provided to me. If it is not in God's will then there may be a problem with my motives.

I wanted to be free from condemnation. If anyone person or group of people condemned me for a dream, goal or a sin I committed or if I felt they did not support me, into the "box" I would go. Jesus wouldn't condemn me or want me to go inside my "box." Not once have I ever read about Jesus condemning people for their sins, only calling out hypocrites who used God's word to undercut others for personal/political gain (like the Pharisees did). We read in Romans 8:1 (one of my favorites) that there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus. I am free from the condemnation and judgment from others (we are not called to condemn Luke 6:37) and I am free from the condemnation of sin. Others look at the outside and do not see the heart as God does (John 7:24).

But with my freedom, I need to also be responsible. Just because I am coming out of my box it does not mean that I should run around and do all the things I want to do either. Yes God will forgive me when I repent, but what about my influence on others? What I do in my life can definitely affect others. I read in 1 Corinthians 8:9 about being careful that just because I can do something, I need to be careful not make another brother or sister in Christ stumble. While learning myself in God's will, I need to check my influence on others and make sure that I am in His will and not my own.

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John 1:14- And the Word Became Flesh

And the Word Became Flesh

Maybe not for me or you, but I have this feeling it is "easy" for some to forget that Jesus was God in the flesh. Not just a good guy, but the human version of God who was both God and Man at the same time.

God is not the type to overlook you. Remember that. In John 1:14 we see it clearly with "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."

"The Word became flesh" breaks down how God became human and was Jesus. "Dwelt among us" shows us how Jesus walked with people and did not just live up on some cloud in the sky. "And we have seen his glory" refers to the physical evidence that shows that it was not some fairy tale told generation after generation, but witnesses seeing the same great things Jesus did. "Glory as of the only Son" tells us that God only had one Son. The S in Son is capitalized to reference that God was in Him. Remember Jesus was half Mary's and half God's. Joseph would be Jesus's step-father so to speak. We have earthly parents while Jesus had one earthly parent. "Full of grace and truth" identifies Jesus's character and his fulfillment of the prophecies.

The next time you think you are having a bad day or think no one cares about you, understand that God came down on earth to walk among us. He didn't do it out of obligation, but out of unconditional love. In that Jesus died for our sins forever uniting us with God if we accept Jesus as being God in the flesh and follow him.

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