Jesus Journal- Galatians 1:15

Wow, this devotional from My Utmost for His Highest hit me in the face today.  Mainly the line: "Christian workers fail because they place their desire for their own holiness above their desire to know God".

Wow, what a trap.  And it's a trap twisted from a sincere heart trying to obey!!  What a reminder to only strive to know God intimately and let him work on your sanctification (process of becoming holy/living free of sin), not the other way around.  If my goal is something other than Christ, beware!!

FEB 1st

Do You See Your Calling?

. . . separated to the gospel of God. . . -Romans 1:1

Our calling is not primarily to be holy men and women, but to be proclaimers of the gospel of God. The one all-important thing is that the gospel of God should be recognized as the abiding reality. Reality is not human goodness, or holiness, or heaven, or hell- it is redemption. The need to perceive this is the most vital need of the Christian worker today. As workers, we have to get used to the revelation that redemption is the only reality. Personal holiness is an effect of redemption, not the cause of it. If we place our faith in human goodness we will go under when testing comes.

Paul did not say that he separated himself, but "when it pleased God, who separated me . . ." (Galatians 1:15). Paul was not overly interested in his own character. And as long as our eyes are focused on our own personal holiness, we will never even get close to the full reality of redemption. Christian workers fail because they place their desire for their own holiness above their desire to know God. "Don't ask me to be confronted with the strong reality of redemption on behalf of the filth of human life surrounding me today; what I want is anything God can do for me to make me more desirable in my own eyes." To talk that way is a sign that the reality of the gospel of God has not begun to touch me. There is no reckless abandon to God in that. God cannot deliver me while my interest is merely in my own character. Paul was not conscious of himself. He was recklessly abandoned, totally surrendered, and separated by God for one purpose- to proclaim the gospel of God (see Romans 9:3).

Jesus Journal: Hebrews 12:1-3

Hebrews 12:1-3

New International Version (NIV)

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

(Again, my reading schedule is based on www.goodmorninggirls.org Winter session.)

In verse one it talks about "let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily in tangles..."  The verse says and sin in there and so the things that hinder are things that slow us down or would get in the way of our focus, not just sin. Like our physical body, and what we put into it and if we condition it. Like what we put into our minds. Like what we buy and what we choose to engage in.  This encourages me to examine my life making sure I'm not reading or watching things that would hinder, or have a strong desire for "things." Right now I have really been struggling with what I put into my body and exercising. It is a hindrance to my attitude when I am inactive. I notice when I have discipline with my physical body it is easier to tame my mind and attitude to submit, even when I am being diligent with my Bible study. (For instance, sleep is such a trap for me! I don't even have kids yet and the desire to sleep longer is like quicksand for me in the mornings. I give in to more sleep, skip my exercise, and all day long feel gross.)

Another neat thing is in the very first verse where it talks about we are "surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses." That cloud of witnesses could be extrapolated to include all believers here on earth, saints in heaven, and the angels and demons. And so with such a great multitude watching us it encourages us to throw in the extra effort and finish strong.  Picturing Jesus at the finish line of our life ready to bear hug us and celebrate is a huge motivator.

And it also says "let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."  To me that echoes yesterday's verse where our days are numbered. We are given a set race of our own, it is marked out for us uniquely, each day is numbered and the path is ordained by God. 

The writer shows us how Jesus is our ultimate encouragement in vs 2-3. Jesus endured the cross because he had the joy of his ultimate goal of providing salvation to those he loves as his focus. So we are to look through our current situations, forward to the joy in our reunion with God. 

What are your hindrances?  I would identify my hindrances right now as being the poor food choices I am ingesting, lack of exercise, and the desire to take the easy route. So now that they are identified I have the choice whether to do something about it or not!  So here is my baby step beginning plan: Exercise three times a week minimum. Dessert just once a day, as opposed to several times a day!  And to start adjusting my mental script away from self focus and meditate on a Bible verse instead when I am tempted to think "woe is me" thoughts.  This week I will focus on Heb 12:1-2a: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."

Update: I had a friend comment that: "our races will all look different because our callings in this life are all different. Some of you may appear to be doing so much more than me, but our race is just different. This is also why we all NEED each other. We have different strengths to help each other finish strong."
Use this to combat assessing other people's lives as better/worse journeys than your own. They are all tailor-made to us.

Jesus Journal: Psalms 90:12

Today's reading is Psalms 90:12

Psalm 90:12

¹² Teach us to number our days,
    that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

 This verse irritated me today.  And honestly, I do know why.  Often I find myself just praying the Lord would take me home to Heaven so I wouldn't have to deal with how irritating Earth is.  Mainly, how irritating it is to have to earn a living.  Then, God reminds me with these kind of verses that if we are still here on this earth, living and breathing, day by day...then there is a reason.  He wants us to find important what He finds important.  

Psalms goes on in the same chapter to say:
¹³ Relent, Lord! How long will it be?
    Have compassion on your servants.
¹⁴ Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
    that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
¹⁵ Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
    for as many years as we have seen trouble.
¹⁶ May your deeds be shown to your servants,
    your splendor to their children.
¹⁷ May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;
    establish the work of our hands for us—
    yes, establish the work of our hands.

The Psalmist agrees with me! Verse 13 he says Lord please! Come quickly and fix this life!  You're powerful, you can sweep it all away with a stroke of your hand! You're taking too long!  But God cannot be rushed (2 Peter 3:8-9).  But then he changes his tone.  He writes beautifully how the Lord is our satisfaction and our happiness.  Even when we are afflicted by life on this earth and trouble and irritations, the Lord is our source of satisfaction, joy and happiness.  And he ends with directing our attention back to God, away from our tedious days, and back to the Lord's works.

So I am reminded yet again - it's not about me.  It's all for His glory.  After all:  Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, (Colossians 3:23)

Lord, I do pray you teach me to number each of my days, to recognize they are limited and parceled out one by one to us.  I pray that I number them in a way that you find valuable, that I fill my days seeking You, that my heart may be filled with your wisdom.  Change my attitude, change my motivations.  Change my desires for an easy, microwavable life.  I submit myself to Your plans for my days.  Establish the works of my hands for me.

Jesus Journal, Eph. 5:1-14

Today my Scripture reading was from Ephesians 5:1-14, reading plan by www.goodmorninggirls.org

Ephesians 5:1-14

New International Version (NIV)

5 ¹ Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children ² and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

³ But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. ⁴ Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. ⁵ For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.^{[a] 6} Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. ⁷ Therefore do not be partners with them.

⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) ¹⁰ and find out what pleases the Lord. ¹¹ Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. ¹² It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. ¹³ But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. ¹⁴ This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
    rise from the dead,
    and Christ will shine on you.”

I love how we are challenged to be imitators of God in Eph 5:1. In chapter 4 it talks about in verse 14 that we should "no longer be like infants tossed back-and-forth by the waves." And as grownups/mature adults/deep ponderers we are called to unity in the body of Christ. This is what comes before chapter 5 when it calls us to be imitators. Ephesians, as a whole letter is calling us to unity with each other as a church, in our families, in our relationships. It's showing us the results and aim of what a Christian life should look like: Christ. (I'm writing this for myself as a record of what I'm learning I'm not trying to preach/teach at anyone else!)

I have in my notes that within Eph. 5:2 is the definition of "propitiation". Propitiation is a part of the salvation process, The satisfying payment (the appeasing act), a fragrant offering and sacrifice, to God.  Christ is our fragrant offering to God that satisfies our debt.  Not only is it a satisfying payment, it's fragrant, it smells good! No longer are we enemies with Christ and God, instead we are now like smell-good baked goods to Him!  So now our challenge is to act like it! It comes out of our devotion to him and desire for unity, not to obtain any more favor or acceptance by Him. He already wants us.

I especially love verse 10 also. "Find out what pleases the Lord." I am trying desperately to learn this. In my quiet times this is what I've been researching. And we must remember that because of Christ's propitiation, we already are pleasing to him. But now we, in our sanctification process, are striving to imitate Christ, to strive for unity on this earth and be an example for unbelievers that we are different, living in light instead of darkness. Ephesians 1 tells us God's ultimate purpose v.10, is "to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head in Christ." Our practicing to imitate Christ and striving for unity glorifies God.  Unity is our goal because we are told it is Gods goal. Our imitating Christ results in unity. Unity glorifies God.

I write all of this for myself. To remind myself that imitating God is not another checkbox on my to do list. Who needs any more of those? It's a lifestyle. It colors everything, my actions and reactions. My active choices and when I'm silent. The light is uncomfortable for the darkness.  I was asked just the other day in the grocery store why I have so much joy. Yes it really happened. Always be ready with an answer for why you are imitating Christ! I fumbled a bit on my words and wasn't nearly as bold as I would like to have been with my answer. But I praise God for the opportunity. And now I know for next time a planned response I want to say.

What would you say if someone asked you the same question asked to me: "Why are you so happy? Can I assume it's because you have joy through your faith?"  Always be prepared with an answer like it says to in 1 Peter 3:15.

1 Peter 3:15

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁵ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

What I've been learning from the Lord lately

I got up early and reflected today over my Bible Study's verses this week.  I really felt connection with the Lord and I feel like he's answering my prayer to grow my affection for Him.  This verse came to my mind as I was praying:

Philippians 2:14-18

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁴ Do all things without complaining and disputing, ¹⁵ that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, ¹⁶ holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.¹⁷ Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. ¹⁸ For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

Strangely enough, I was convicted over verse 17...being willing to be "poured out" without expecting anything in return.  I will have to mull and pray over that verse.  That picture should directly affect how I approach work each day and when we travel. I want my purest motivation for working and pursuing concerts to be that people will be able to hear the good news and lives will be changed.  We've already seen that happening with multiple people surrendering their lives to Christ this year, I'm excited!  

I do thank the Lord that we are getting to experience his literal provision each month.  I know our faith wouldn't be tested in that area or strengthened if we both had traditional jobs.  I can view it as a blessing that God gets to teach us first hand about providing work each month for us to complete.