"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." Ephesians 2:10
Some times I read scripture and one word will jump out at me and cause me to ponder and chew on it. In this scripture the word "workmanship" got my attention. Perhaps it's because right now our home is undergoing some renovations. We have the floor team fixing, sanding, matching and staining, then the drywall guys turning the ugly wall (which shows all the wiring and studs) into smooth pretty surfaces, then there's the plumbers and electricians connecting and making sure all their area of expertise works. All these workmen are all needed and they need to do their job well.
I think of God creating me and doing it well - of course I'm not perfect and the body I have now is not ideal (LOL)! But when I think of Him creating, I think of the special care, the loving care He took with each one of us. He formed us into His likeness. He didn't do it haphazardly just to get the job done, no the scripture says there was a purpose, lots of thought went into His creation, He had prepared all this "beforehand". There was intent, purpose,love, planning all put together as He created us His "workmanship".
As I look at the workmen at my home I am praying they will work and create their portion of the renovation with the same workmanship God used. He took His time, did a marvelous job all because He cared enough! Now I must do my part - the good works He wants me to do.
Friday, January 23, 2015
Monday, January 19, 2015
The Promised Life
Joshua said, "Hereby you shall know that the living God is among you and that He will without fail drive out from before you the enemy". Joshua 3:10
The Israelites went from the wilderness and crossed the Jordan to get to the promised land. No doubt there was great anticipation and rejoicing but, as we read Joshua's words to them, we can also see that they probably had some fears, anxiety, doubts, and he is trying to encourage them. The world calls these negative thoughts and behaviors; but I look at them and call them our "enemies"
Who or what are your enemies? Is it jealousy, bitterness, anger, depression, anxiety, refusing to let go, pridefulness, feeling everyone is wrong and you are right, envy, greed, lack of submission, disobedience, sarcasm, conflict, unforgiveness, immorality, idolatry, compromise, an unloving spirit, harsh judgment, being overly sensitive, feelings easily hurt, eagerness to vindicate yourself, etc.
We must remember these enemies that plague us also cripple our testimonies and act as a barrier to revival. These enemies prevent us from having victory in our lives. They also prevent us from showing a decaying and dying world the power of our God.
We are reminded in Ephesians 6:11 "we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places".
Every day of our lives we are doing battle with an enemy who knows our weaknesses. Our thought life and our personality is the battle field. The conflict we face is that "we wrestle not with flesh & blood". It is not the humans around us but the evilness of satan. We need to remember this!
But we do not have to succumb to our enemies. We can have victory because God has a purpose for each of our lives. It started with God pursuing us, forgiving us, granting us salvation, allowing us to be part of His family and inheritance in His kingdom. Is all that not worth fighting for? Or do we just give up,say it's too hard, I'm too tired, it's their fault, let someone else do it, it's not fair or it's impossible.
Do we want deliverance from these enemies that stop our growth in the Lord? Do we want to experience God's power in overcoming these enemies who continually taunt us?
Conflict vs Victory - are we going to surrender to our enemies, or claim victory in Christ. Will we stand firm as the Israelites did as they approached the raging waters of the Jordan, eagerly waiting to cross into the promised land? Stand firm, plant your life in the word of the Lord, grab hold of His promises, set your eyes on God. Do not look to the left or the right but only straight upward on God. Spend time with Him so you can discern His voice and filter all the noise of world.
Focus your thoughts on Joshua 3:10 "The Lord is with you".
Remember Jesus was a conqueror. He is with us and because He was victorious and a mighty conqueror so can we!!
Let us face those enemies, especially the ones we feel are impossible. Let us follow Christ's example. We cannot do it on our own, we need Him. Let us put Jesus between us and those enemies that continue to plague us. No more defeat, just keeping our eyes on Jesus and realizing He can do the impossible. Let us walk firmly into the promised life He has for us!!
The Israelites went from the wilderness and crossed the Jordan to get to the promised land. No doubt there was great anticipation and rejoicing but, as we read Joshua's words to them, we can also see that they probably had some fears, anxiety, doubts, and he is trying to encourage them. The world calls these negative thoughts and behaviors; but I look at them and call them our "enemies"
Who or what are your enemies? Is it jealousy, bitterness, anger, depression, anxiety, refusing to let go, pridefulness, feeling everyone is wrong and you are right, envy, greed, lack of submission, disobedience, sarcasm, conflict, unforgiveness, immorality, idolatry, compromise, an unloving spirit, harsh judgment, being overly sensitive, feelings easily hurt, eagerness to vindicate yourself, etc.
We must remember these enemies that plague us also cripple our testimonies and act as a barrier to revival. These enemies prevent us from having victory in our lives. They also prevent us from showing a decaying and dying world the power of our God.
We are reminded in Ephesians 6:11 "we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places".
Every day of our lives we are doing battle with an enemy who knows our weaknesses. Our thought life and our personality is the battle field. The conflict we face is that "we wrestle not with flesh & blood". It is not the humans around us but the evilness of satan. We need to remember this!
But we do not have to succumb to our enemies. We can have victory because God has a purpose for each of our lives. It started with God pursuing us, forgiving us, granting us salvation, allowing us to be part of His family and inheritance in His kingdom. Is all that not worth fighting for? Or do we just give up,say it's too hard, I'm too tired, it's their fault, let someone else do it, it's not fair or it's impossible.
Do we want deliverance from these enemies that stop our growth in the Lord? Do we want to experience God's power in overcoming these enemies who continually taunt us?
Conflict vs Victory - are we going to surrender to our enemies, or claim victory in Christ. Will we stand firm as the Israelites did as they approached the raging waters of the Jordan, eagerly waiting to cross into the promised land? Stand firm, plant your life in the word of the Lord, grab hold of His promises, set your eyes on God. Do not look to the left or the right but only straight upward on God. Spend time with Him so you can discern His voice and filter all the noise of world.
Focus your thoughts on Joshua 3:10 "The Lord is with you".
Remember Jesus was a conqueror. He is with us and because He was victorious and a mighty conqueror so can we!!
Let us face those enemies, especially the ones we feel are impossible. Let us follow Christ's example. We cannot do it on our own, we need Him. Let us put Jesus between us and those enemies that continue to plague us. No more defeat, just keeping our eyes on Jesus and realizing He can do the impossible. Let us walk firmly into the promised life He has for us!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)