Created To Further The Kingdom

         It has been taught and believed by some, that we can get into heaven by being good people, going to church regularly, and by doing good works. How inaccurate!  Ephesians 2:8-9 says clearly by grace you have been saved through faith not by works.

            Yet verse ten of that same chapter, says God created us to do good works. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  This is not a contradiction.  The responsibility of being a Christian prepares us to do the good works necessary to strengthen our walk with God.

            Not only are we readied to do good works, we are expected to do good works; but our works are not what gives us salvation.  Our works are a direct result of being saved.  Our mindset changes and we become driven to “work for the Lord.”  We leave those labors which go against our newfound faith, and turn toward those that would demonstrate this.

            We have joy we can’t contain.  We have an outpouring of doing what is right, and sharing the gospel.  This is “good works.”  Further, whatever our occupation, God can use us in that circumstance, to turn other lives around.  We walk away from sin and darkness and walk into the Light—Into God’s Light.

God in his work in us, equips us to undertake tasks we never thought possible.  We do this out of our joy and love for our risen Savior.   What is our work?  God in his infinite wisdom gave all of us gifts and it’s up to us to search for our gifts and then discover ways to use them for The Lord.  

            Just like flowers bloom and trees explode in a burst of color in the Spring, so we burst with an undeniable reflection of the love we now feel from our Savior.  We become “driven to make a difference;” to let others see the change in us.  We want to do whatever it takes to further the Kingdom.  This explains why we search for ways to use the gifts and talents we’ve been given; we want to give back to God because of the salvation he has given us!   

                                                                                                                             

The gifts we had before we became a child of God can perhaps be used for God’s work by changing direction or even simply by changing our motives.   Sometimes we discover gifts we never knew we had!  It may be as easy as telephoning someone who needs a listening ear or as demanding as being a missionary in another land.  It could be much more complicated, requiring us to take college classes as we are “readied” to carry out the plan God has for us.  It may be training in any variety of areas, but God will provide the means necessary, if we are willing to following his guidance for our lives and “our work.”

Whatever it may be, God can use our gifts to his glory because we accepted his gift of grace by faith.  Through our “work” we demonstrate how we are created to further God’s Kingdom.  What an amazing way to honor him with our lives.  

Not Equal To God

          

           Recently during a conversation, my daughter was told by a friend, “I am sinless.  I am equal to God.” 

            We are given the story of Saul who thought he knew better than God. Rather than destroying what God told him to destroy, he kept.  He spared Agag, the best sheep, cattle, and all that was good.  It failed, because all that Saul kept was despised and weak, anyway.  But Samuel ask the question in 1 Samuel 15:22 “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” 

Saul was given specific instructions and he deliberately disobeyed God because he thought God’s instructions were faulty. It wasn’t that he misunderstood.  He knew better.  Because of this disobedience God had to punish him like any loving father would do. 

As parents, we are sometimes faced with a similar situation.  We instruct our children with specific directions and they choose an alternative.  We then, are obligated to serve them the consequences of disobedience.  It can vary from a “time out” chair, to no television, loss of use of computer or cell phone, or a visit to a friend’s home.  It usually depends on the significance of the disobedience.

            Saul’s punishment was to be great.  Samuel, who was the bearer of the news from God, was deeply saddened by Saul’s behavior and grieved that God needed to punish him. Saul was meant to be king and now God was going to withhold that honor. Because Samuel was so saddened by the whole situation, he petitioned God on Saul’s behalf in prayer, that this punishment might be spared.

            No one is equal to God.  We all make mistakes and are sinful, even as Believers.  It is the nature of being human.  As Believers, we are forgiven by the blood of Christ when we repent.  Sometimes, it’s even a sin we didn’t realize we’d committed, until later.  It’s those actions we choose to take, when we know we are in the wrong, that really creates an issue, much like what happened to Saul.  

What will the punishment be for my daughter’s friend for her arrogance?  I can’t know that, but I am certain God will deal with it. My job, at this point is to petition God, on this person’s behalf that she repents of this belief and that God’s judgment is not greater than she can bear.

God loves us more than we could ever imagine.  Yet God’s tolerance toward his people is limited to rules he has given us.  It’s up to us not to cross over the line. This was true when His word was written and no less true today. 

We will still make mistakes; it’s how we handle those mistakes and whether it was a deliberate act of disobedience that makes the difference. I encourage you to reflect on your behaviors.  Sometimes it’s a bad habit we haven’t yet turned over to God.  This can be described as deliberate disobedience.  We are choosing to continue with something we know is wrong.  How, as a parent, if it was your child, would you handle this behavior?  How do you think God should respond?

The Final Say

           

         Nearly every day on the news there are new reports about our health and diet.  Depending on who you ask, a high carbohydrate diet is best while some say the high protein-low carbohydrate diet is best.  Others say balance!  We are advised on what to drink, how long to stay in the sun, what vegetables are best and what meats to eat or not eat.  The list is endless and changes, it seems, from moment to moment!

Not only are the noted questions raised when considering diet, but you also must consider past health issues, the size and weight of the person considering their options, family history and the nuances of the particular doctor you are seeing.  How then, are we to make good, sound judgments on what is best for us?  The issue gets increasingly complicated!

Diet and health are not the only area of our lives where we can have questions.  It can be on lifestyles, moving, job changes, political perspectives, parenting, education and an endless list of other possibilities.  We can feel overwhelmed with all the questions that arise from so many different directions.  Where do we find the best answers?  

Social media and television have lots to say on any subject, but is that the best place to find our answers, to sometimes, even life questions?  Everyone has an opinion!  And it seems the opinions run from one extreme to the other.  What are we to do?

Recently God has shown me several times over, a direction in my life he wants me to travel.  I assure you it is not what I had planned!  So as the messages came, I found myself asking “Why Lord?  You know that’s not what I wanted.”  Still the messages haunted me.  I found myself talking with God about it even in my sleep.  In my waking moments, I still considered our “conversations.”  

Finally, in one instance I was led to Amos 3.  This is not a book I’ve read often.  But since I was led so strongly, I reached for God’s Word and turned to the scripture.  Beginning with verse one, I read through verse eight.  While there was more in context, a line from that verse jumped out at me: “The Sovereign Lord has spoken.”  I knew my answer.

This isn’t the first time.  I’ve found when we are in God’s Word with sincerity, He will reveal himself in ways I didn’t imagine.  I’ve also learned, this is promised in His word.  He wants us to search him.  David asked God to reveal himself to him.  David had to rely on God speaking to him without the aid of the Written Word as we know it today.  God hasn’t changed.  He still holds the answers to our questions; but we have to ask and trust for an answer, even if it isn’t the answer we wanted!

It’s reassuring to search the Bible and know with absolute certainty that what is in there is from God.  He is unchanged; His word is unchanged and will remain so.  What he’s promised, he’s done.  If we haven’t seen the promise fulfilled, we can be sure it will be, in his time!

I know when I have a question about life, or if I need guidance on a particular issue I’m dealing with, if I look with diligence in His Word, the answer can be found there.  His Word is good and right for all who read it, not just a certain few with particular interests and needs.  It doesn’t depend on my height, weight, or skin color.  It is God’s word and that’s the final say!

I encourage you to dig deep into the wisdom of God.  He is available if you are willing!

Missing Opportunities

          Paige looked at her husband, fighting tears.  The accident had turned their world upside down.  Gavin was getting better, but was a long way from being able to go back to work and the insurance company was dragging their feet on making good on their policy.  It seemed every time they thought they had everything documented, there was someone who contested something causing delay after delay.  

“I know you don’t want me to go back to work and I don’t want to,” she said swallowing hard.  “But it’s the only thing to do.  At least we won’t have to get a sitter.  Your mom said she’d help you watch Joey and Rachel.”

            “But,”

            “No buts.  I’ve already talked with Mr. Summers at the diner.  I start tomorrow.”

                    Each of us deal with dark seasons in our lives. It could be the loss of a loved one, divorce, financial stress, emotional upheavals related to moving or our children, health concerns, or a hundred other things.

            There are those who believe our lives are dictated by how the stars align, while others believe our lives are completely in their human hands; each moving forward by the strength of their own decisions. Our personal fate or destiny is still another perspective people will use when shifts in our lives happen.

            Others are convinced it’s all about their beauty, abilities, money, status, or intelligence.  Where they are on the “ladder” of whatever business or societal group they are in, they are certain they made the difference, without any help from anyone else. When trouble comes, however, they can’t possibly be responsible.  It’s someone or something else’s fault.

            Our God, whether people will admit to it or not, is the Creator of the Universe!  He knows the end from the beginning.  He’s aware of all that happens to each of us. It is He who “aligns” things to happen in his time and for his reasons, although situations can also happen because of free will—and our personal decisions!  Pain is real and happens to everyone.  God doesn’t want us to suffer alone.  He encourages us to come to Him.  He teaches us to use our negative or unpleasant circumstance to grow and then use it!

            Sometimes we get “lost” in the confusion, hurting (emotional or physical), anger, insults, or offending situation.  We lose sight of who is “at the wheel.”  We lash out instead of reaching out.  Instead of using our circumstance for good, we inflict more hurt.  There’s an expression that “hurting people, hurt other people.”  There are times when this is true.  But by striking out we are likely going to miss an opportunity to do good. 

            No matter what we are going through, we don’t own our “corner of the world” on pain, anger or anything else negative. There are others in at least the same “corner,” or in a worse place.  

            I encourage you to use your circumstance as “defining moments.”  Use the different (or dark) seasons in your life to allow yourself, first to heal if necessary.  Secondly, don't miss the opportunity to use these times to make a difference for the Kingdom.

Vision, Strategy And Reality

           

             I was reading an article today on leadership, especially from a Biblical perspective.  God’s Word has much to say about those who are gifted with leadership skills, including challenging those with leadership abilities to step up and take their roles seriously.  I can’t say I’m necessarily a leader.  I can lead, but it’s not my strength, unless the subject is something I know a great deal about.  That’s probably as it should be, and I prefer to be on the “you tell me what you want done list!”

            These thoughts were floating about randomly in my brain, as I mulled around the information I gleaned.  It occurred to me, it’s important, even if you aren’t a leader, to still embrace a vision, strategy and reality component no matter what we are doing!  We are all given gifts to enhance the Kingdom.  It’s what we do with our gifts that matter.

            When we plod through life without any vision or expectation, we are just a “placeholder.”  We really aren’t accomplishing much.  Even if we are maintenance worker, mechanic, carpenter or gardener instead of a corporate leader or CEO of a big company, we should still consider our contribution to society, our neighbor and certainly our eternity.  We need to be able to see where we are going, know what we’d like to do and the direction we are headed, regardless of the status we currently hold.  

            Following having a vision, the next step would be to have a strategy.  Leaders who give presentations begin with the vision and then follow up with how they intend to get there.  When there is a concrete plan, the “vision” can be described through the steps it takes to achieve the goal.

            Of course, it’s necessary to look at the whole picture and understand our reality.  Very often, especially if the “vision” is going to move forward, monetary funds are often required.  It’s important to have a strategy in place to encompass whatever anticipated road blocks may come our way.  And sometimes we can’t anticipate all the hindrances we might encounter.

            Our lives are no different.  The gifts we’ve been given are provided for a purpose. Can we see it?  Does our life have meaning, or are we being a “placeholder?”  God’s plan was for every person be a participant in life.  He’s enabled each of us to have a vision that moves us forward, …and upward.  To continue the movement, our strategy should be to make a difference in every life we encounter.  It might be prayer to encourage another person, show compassion, empathy, share joy, or to use our specific gifts in other ways to make the world a better place.

            Our reality should be based in God’s Word.  In this arena, funds may not necessarily be a requirement, since God can, (and often will) provide the means if we are open to his calling on our lives.  Our reality is the belief we will one day live with Him in heaven, and in the meantime do what we are called to do while here in this world.  

            What vision do you have for your life?  Are you using your gifts strategically to further God’s Kingdom in this world and meet the needs of those you encounter every day?  

Stand Up And Be Bold

           

           I read an article recently asking the question “Where have all the bold Pastors gone?”  It’s a relevant question, really, but it doesn’t just apply to pastors. Our culture has changed dramatically from when our nation first became grounded.  We are now far removed from the our original roots.  The foundation of the United States was based on “electing” – a notion that comes from the Bible instead of the political arena – those ‘men’ who not only claimed a godly life, but lived one.

            Many of our controversial issues are actually moral ones; those like abortion and same sex marriages.  Our courts have ruled ‘a total tolerance’ attitude, and it seems ‘anything goes.’  There is an agenda to continue to push what has always been known as right and good, into something vile and ugly.  

            Where are those who would stand up and be bold against such horrible decisions which we’ve witnessed over the last several decades? It’s not just pastors who are responsible, it’s also we as Believers, in general.  

            When we think of ‘dissenters’ in Biblical times, we must consider Daniel, Moses and John the Baptist, and other prophets throughout Biblical history.  Daniel disagreed with the King’s decree and bowed only to the Most High God.  This could have cost him his life, but God closed the mouths of the lions, where he was thrown.   Moses went against the political head of the time; Pharaoh himself and he had to face him head on more than once!  And then John the Baptist went up against anyone who was not drawn to Christ, the Messiah, and this eventually, this cost him his life.  Ultimately, the greatest dissenter was Jesus!  He challenged everyone he met.  He described a total life change and further explained that the changes could only be attained through him.  What a radical idea!

            Isn’t Jesus supposed to be our perfect role model? How many of us, however, when we totally disagree with a political decision, are quick to share our ‘murmurs’ with those we know are like minded; but hesitate to voice an opinion and boldly stand our ground when we know we are going to be opposed?  We choose, therefore, to hold our opinions to ourselves or at best whisper it, rather than be willing to shout about the disgrace!

            A conversation between the late Dr. D. James Kennedy, pastor, evangelist, and author from Florida and author Jerry Newcombe, included the following comments. Dr. Kennedy asked the question:  'Do you think Christians should be involved in politics? That's dirty business.'   The response:   'Of course not, you should leave it to the atheists; otherwise, you wouldn't have anything to complain about.' 

The summation of the conversation in our current affairs: “Well, we have got plenty to complain about today, because that is exactly what we've done."

How bold are you when a discussion of moral issues arises?  Are you willing to risk your reputation, friendships, relationships, or even your life, if it came down to it?  

www.jerrynewcombe.com.

Publication date: March 12, 2012

Renew Daily

         A friend of mine recently shared she was experiencing serious changes in her life.  What she was certain would be her future changed nearly overnight.  Her first reaction was “why Lord?”  But as time passed the questions subsided and she said, “Okay…..I just want to be obedient.  But I still don’t understand!”

            I get this.  Sometimes we feel like we are “thrown under the bus” when life throws us a curve we didn’t expect, and we just don’t know how to deal with it!  Being in God’s service, however, doesn’t mean we will always understand, even when we have an obedient heart.  

          Another friend of mine was sure she was supposed to teach after college; and she did, and did it well.  But God had other plans and led her down a path so far from teaching, her family was in a panic that she was making the wrong move.  As she followed where God was leading, she completely believed, even though almost everyone close to her gave her nothing but discouragement.  But God was in control and He revealed himself in her decision.

            Going against friend and family expectations can be a difficult thing. It’s like being offered a position in the family business, but choosing to walk away.  Those “offering” can’t understand the mindset, even when they are told, “it’s not what God wants for me!”  They feel rebuffed and let down.

            God knows our yesterdays, todays and our tomorrows.  He can take care of the future because he knows how it ends.  We haven’t a clue.  That’s the nature of being human.  From our perspective we are taking huge risks, and those risks are monumental to those who don’t understand our heart.

            We are responsible for this moment.  It’s all we have.  We have a duty to carry out what is in front of us with pure motives, believing God will lead us in the right direction when we trust in Him.  What comes next, when we put our faith in the Great Creator, is God’s plan.  His plan is so much better than what we had planned.  Even when changes come, and we clearly have no idea why, when, where or how, we can know when we are in His will, it’s going to be good—although it may be challenging!

            When we are conscientious about searching God’s heart and will, and then our hearts, followed with making a pure decision to follow him daily, all the fretting, fussing, worrying and hard decision making, become easier.  We can be like my friend at the beginning of this post. The heart will change, because God will change it.  He will remove the doubt, even if all the questions remain unanswered.  Because--- in God’s time, those questions will have all the right answers and it will make complete good sense.

            As you face decisions this next week, daily ask God’s will for your life. Are you following what you want to do, or are you following God’s plan, even if it seems so unlikely, friends and family are having a panic attack?  As long as you are in God’s will, peace will reign in your heart and you can know it’s God, not you.