Pretty Persuasion

My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.  1 Corinthians 2:4

I sometimes have a hard time expressing myself during a conversation;  I actually prefer to collect my thoughts and then write them down.  It’s hard to imagine the apostle Paul, the author of most of the New Testament, as a weak, fearful, and trembling kind of guy, but that’s exactly how he viewed himself.  He must have been much more impressive in written word than he was in person, regardless, people became believers not because of how Paul delivered the gospel to others, but because of God supernaturally proving His own truth.

You see, God’s power alone doesn't convince anyone to believe the gospel.  Jesus performed many miracles during His earthly ministry, and many that witnessed still refused to believe.  There is no amount of persuasion or wise tactics that will ultimately impact another person’s life, it all comes down to our witness to others and when people can see us trusting in Christ.

A believer who reflects such a trust will always be accompanied by God’s mighty power and there is nothing else like it that can change lives!

Against All Odds

Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God fights for you, just as He has promised.  Joshua 23:10

One of our sons' favorite Bible passages is the story of how the young boy, David, defeated the giant, Goliath.  In addition to being a story of remarkable triumph, we can take also take courage in knowing that God fights for us as well, despite the odds against us.

The reason I believe the story of David and Goliath resonates with so many people is because you simply don’t have to be ‘above average’ for God to accomplish great things through you.  God has always delivered His people no matter what circumstances they faced, and regardless of the odds.

Just knowing that God works through us despite our limitations is encouraging, so what limitations are holding us back from being great?

Walkin'

For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.  Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.  Colossians 2: 5-7

It seems like yesterday that our youngest son, Elijah, was transitioning from crawling to walking, but now he's growing up way too quick.  Our oldest, Elliott, will be in middle school next year which is hard to believe.

Many Christians associate faith with their salvation experience, but after we enter into a relationship with Christ, we must learn to walk with Him the remainder of our days on this earth.

We live in a performance driven society and many Christians also view their Christian life the same way.  God is not as concerned with our individual performance as He is with our faith.  When you think about it, we receive Christ in faith, so why would that change once we begin our walk with the Lord?

So what does walking with Christ entail?  We must learn to plant our roots in Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to dwell in us and build our foundation through obedience.  Finally, and over time, we must trust Him, which ultimately makes our faith grow exponentially.

Walking with Christ is a continuous process that will more than likely last the remainder of your lifetime, but as you trust God and your faith grows stronger, you will live in the stability of His love and blessings regardless of any circumstance you face.

Lessons

Rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.  1 Peter 4:13

The more I learn about Jesus, the more I begin to understand just how radical He was.  In fact, Jesus was and still is so radical that believers must seem insane to the outside world.  I mean, who in their ‘right mind’ says things such as “love your enemies” or “rejoice in your sufferings?”

Human nature has very little interest in a faith that includes joyful self-denial and hardships.  Basic Christian beliefs simply do not seem rational to those who live for today only and misunderstand God’s love to mean comfort.

We know that we can face hardships on this earth with joy because we know the outcome.  We also understand what it means to follow a Lord who suffered.

Even though it may not have always been evident at the time, Jesus won every battle He ever faced.  Appearances truly are deceiving.  Sometimes what seems like defeat is often times the road to victory, especially when God is involved. We may seem crazy for keeping our joy during hard times, but in the end, we know what our suffering was for…

Working Man

For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun.  Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom. Ecclesiastes 10:9-10

 

I have been blessed with some wonderful opportunities at work that I have been able to capitalize on recently.  It wasn't too long ago that I felt defeated and a bit like a failure, but after clinging to God's promises and with continued effort, things began to turn around in my career path in a big way.

Like anyone who has ever questioned a career move or daydreamed about greener pastures when you feel that life has been unfair, we cannot let the inequities of life keep us from earnest and dedicated work.

We must keep our perspective; we serve God, not people.  Whatever it is that you are doing, do it with all of your might and trust that with God's help, you will be successful.

I’m Amazed

Entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting at the right, wearing a white robe; and they were amazed. And He said to them, "Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified.  He is risen; He is not here; behold, here is the place where they laid Him.”  Mark 16:5 

Sometimes, especially with the arrival of fall, the wonderful and exciting news of the risen Christ, which is celebrated during the spring at Easter, can seem like a distant and fading memory.  The daily grind of life and our normal daily routines often dull our senses which cause us to forget just how amazing it is that our Lord and Savior conquered the grave.

On my morning jog, I noticed the bright rays of the morning sun breaking through the October clouds and it made me ponder how truly awesome our God is.  The disciples must have felt defeated, alone, and scared over the course of the three days between the crucifixion and the morning they went to check the tomb, especially Peter, who had denied Christ three times before Jesus’ death.

Just think for a moment how the disciples must have felt when they rolled away the stone and found an empty grave…thanks be to God!!!

Contentment Blues

How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying His commands.  Psalm 112:1

Happiness is a fleeting emotion that is based on our circumstances, while joyfulness is much deeper and comes from the assurance of knowing that God loves us.  For example, I sold my Apple Watch to a friend and upgraded and purchased the Apple Watch 2 last year, so until a couple of days ago, I have been happy about my purchase.   Now Apple has announced the release of the new Apple Watch 4 , I now find myself wanting and needing the latest version, because when it comes to Apple, they are the masters of creating the urge and desire in me to have the latest and greatest device. (Don't even get me started on the $1,000+ iPhone Xs or what ever it is...)

We need to remember that there is no passage of scripture where we are promised happiness in God’s Word.  However, God promises us something far greater-joy.  If you trust Him, and you know that the God of the universe loves you, and wants to have a relationship with you, and He has promised an eternal future for you, then you can be joyful too.

This kind of joy is not temporary and fleeting and runs much deeper than happiness, because it’s not based on your circumstances. How is your life characterized?  Is it by joy or happiness?