purpose

Witnessing through the Waves

~ ForCommonGround ~ 2 Comments

As a public school teacher, I am finding the values of my faith and the values of society coming more and more into contrast. I wear my faith on the outside and that has at times caused problems. I sponsor a Christian club in the school. We pray, we worship, we spread the word, and we study scripture. I get to be with some brave teens who are willing to step out amongst their peers and share God’s word, even when it causes ridicule. But there are many around the world who are doing far more and putting far more at risk. Those people make me want to do more, to risk more, to share more. And the reality is, it’s always been that way, since Christ Himself walked the Earth. I wanted to highlight one such story. This one is about Paul and Silas on one of their missionary journeys.

“As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour. But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city. They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice.” The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.”

Acts 16:16-24 ESV

The culture, and even the law will be against biblical principles. People will getting angry. It will cost. We may even have to pay with our health and freedom. But salvation spreads like wildfire in the midst of a dry and thirsty land. The jailer and his family were saved by Silas and Paul’s time in prison.

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.”

Acts 16:25-34 ESV

The courage and faith of Paul and Silas is inspiring. And we know that many others faced similar challenges as the gospel message spread throughout the world. Many believers still face those kinds of road blocks to their mission as ambassadors of Christ. Check out this story. Vani, a 30-year-old widow, spent 15 days in jail after being charged with kidnapping and “forcing” a child to convert to Christianity. During her two-week stay, she witnessed to more than 70 women, 14 of whom became Christians. Vani was charged in connection with an incident in early February, when she helped a teenager and introduced her to some other believers. Vani was arrested after the girl’s parents reported her to police. While Vani was in jail, the jailer encouraged her to share the gospel and pray for the other women because he had seen dramatic change in those who accepted Christ. Vani has been pursuing prison ministry ever since being released from jail.

The world systems have always been hostile to God,. Even in predominantly Christian societies, like the United States, the pure message of Christ is not welcomed in much off society. However, our mission to follow Christ and tell the world about Him remains the cornerstone for every Christian.

Take heart fellow brothers and sisters. Remember the words of Jesus Himself on the eve of His crucifixion.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.””

John 16:33 ESV

The Power of Jonathan’s Story

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Jonathan and his armor bearer

Jonathan, in my opinion, is one of the most underrated people of the Biblical story. I want to focus on how he exemplifies incredible qualities

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.””

Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭ESV

Courage– Jonathan was famed for his courage. He didn’t let numbers deter him. Because of his deep trust in God he wasn’t afraid to go up against enormous opposition. We hear a lot about David’s bravery, and certainly he was, but it’s interesting how Jonathan’s stories don’t get more attention. In chapter 13, he had already defeated the Philistines at Geba by leading a garrison of a thousand. Afterwards, a huge force of Philistines came against Saul and had them pinned down. Let’s pick up there. (1 Sam 14:6-15).

“for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

2 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭ESV

The phrase to fear not appears more commonly than any other command of God. Some variation of verses on fear appear over 300 times. God Himself speaks on it a little over 100 times. This drives home the point that we need to take this seriously. God wants us all, men and women, to live a courageous life. And when God says it, He doesn’t make and empty command. It’s not one of those “because I said so” type of statements. He always bases the command off of the fact that He is with us or that He is the one acting. To live a life of fear is to live a life absent of faith. Remember how Jesus rebuked His disciples in the boat when they were freaking out?

“And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.”

Matthew 8:26 ESV

Unselfish love- The next time we learn from Jonathan‘s life is after he meets David four chapters later. In the chapters between Jonathan‘s great heroism and him meeting David so much had happened. His father had been rejected by the Lord as king, Samuel had anointed David as the next king, and David had defeated Goliath and his victory was now overshadowing Jonathan‘s accomplishments. (1 Sam 18:1-4) Jonathan truly kept the command to “love thy neighbor” as yourself. Most people would have considered David to be Jonathan’s enemy. Jonathan was heir to the throne, but God appointed David instead. Saul fought against this with all his might, but Jonathan was willing to forget his own self-interest out of his love for David. Jonathan and David represent a picture of true friendship. Not only did Jonathan not bear animosity towards David, but he made a lasting covenant with him! He went so far as to protect his future rival for the throne.

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬-‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

We all need to have a higher regard for others and seek ways to serve in the small as well as the big things. Just like Jonathan, we should be willing to set aside our expectations and embrace what God is doing. Jesus is the ultimate reflection of that. He set aside heaven to walk among us. He put on humanity so He could give up His very life. He showed what it was like to live a life of service and to make time for those around us.

Submission to the will of God (1 Samuel 20:31) Jonathan, being confronted with the reality that he would never be king, was given a choice, to stand against David or to submit to God’s plan for his life. (Verse 42) Amazingly he humbly submitted himself to the will of God, even when it meant giving up his future kingdom. He didn’t pursue his own interests or push for his own way. When he realized that God wanted to establish David and not himself, he humbly bowed out of the picture and submitted to God’s hand. How many of us would do that? Again in 1 Sam 23:17 Jonathan chooses to be steadfast when the opportunity to step outside of God’s will is presented. At the very least he could have done nothing. Many of us won’t choose to stand in the way of God but our inaction can be much the same.

Matthew 6:10 shows the heart of the Lord’s prayer is to pursue God’s will on earth as it is in heaven. In Matthew 12:50 Jesus himself says doing God’s will is what defines a Christian. James 4:13-15 calla us to put more focus on His will when setting our schedule. Just how much are we willing to lay aside our own plans when the godly interruption occur?

Loyal love – Jonathan was extremely loyal. He saved David’s life on more than one occasion and was a loyal friend. However, he was also a loyal son and didn’t reject his own father. They remained “undivided even in death” (2 Sam 1:23). Jonathan even said that Saul did nothing without discussing it with him (1 Sam 20:2). It reminds me of Ruth and her devotion to Naomi. Proverbs 17:17 says we need to love at all time. The “love chapter” 1 Corinthians 13, says loyal love endures all things and hopes all things. It’s powerful and it’s not circumstantial. Jesus says in John 15:13 laying down our lives for another is the greatest act of love. And as amazing as all these stories are, it’s the story of Christ that demonstrates amazing love.

“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

Seeking

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What are you looking for in life? How about today? When you woke and started your journey, where did your thoughts drift?

For me, a lot of the time, I immediately go to my to-do list for the day. Whether it be my teaching subjects, preparedness, window cleaning lineup, or any of the many other obligations and responsibilities that life has for me. But God has been speaking. Even today, as I sat down to write this, God is reminding me of where my thoughts need to be. I feel Him asking me the question, “what exactly are you searching for?” The majority of my thoughts tell the story of a man who wants to be useful, productive, and provide for his family’s needs. And that is where my heart is. But am I searching for it in the right ways and the right places?

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”‬‬

Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬ ‭ESV

Literally everything we could ever need in a day, in our life, is experienced in the presence and pursuit of God. I couldn’t be more useful than by sharing Jesus’s goodness and love with others. I couldn’t be more productive than by making disciples. I couldn’t provide anything greater for my family than a godly example or sacrificial love and a life of serving others. All of that comes in seeking God’s kingdom. That will make me the best teacher, the best parent, the best spouse, and the best version of everything I could possibly be. But is that what I am searching for in my day? Is it what you’re seeking out?

“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”

Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

God promises us that if we really search for Him, that He will be found. That begs the question, are we truly seeking Him out? What does that even look like? How would we begin our days and end our days and live out everything in between if that’s what our mission was? Jesus said to seek His kingdom and His righteousness. So, in simple terms, to seek God is to live in a right way before Him and before others. That’s what righteousness is. And also to want to see God’s kingdom here in this world. To do that, we live as He did. It’s to act as that city on a hill and a light to the world. We seek God when we seek to reflect God. Because we need to abide in Him, as John 15 says, in order to bear the kinds of fruit that Jesus did. To abide in Him means we live in such a symbiotic relationship that His spirit dictates our thoughts, actions, and words.

“I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.”‬‬

Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭45‬ ‭NIV

One way we can know if we’re searching for God is if we’re experiencing freedom. Things like anxiety, depression, anger, bitterness, and the like, are all clear indication that we aren’t seeking God or the things of God. Precepts are by definition a general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought. God has given us ways of living that will enable us to live the fullest life possible. In Micah chapter six, we are told that God calls us to seek justice, love mercy, and to walk in humility. Those should be markers of our lives if we’re search for God.

It certainly takes intentional living. It takes a lot of prayer, time alone with God, looking for Him in the mundane and the miracles. It takes persistence to serve and give, especially when it’s hard to do so. It takes surrender of our selfishness. To seek God is to be consumed with Him. And we can’t be consumed with Him and ourselves at the same time. If you’re like me, then you probably need to let go of the incessant planning and live more in God’s embrace because that’s where peace and purpose are really found.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

Rewriting the Fall

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When sin entered the world, everything changed, and not for the better. But that has not prevented God from reaching out in the brokenness to provide healing and restoration. In Genesis, chapters two and three, we see what is often referred to as “the fall”. In those moments, God’s creation is submitted to death and an unraveling of sorts. The serpent deceives Adam (meaning humanity) and Eve (meaning life), and rifts and negative alterations begin immediately. God then meets with them and lays out the most unfortunate consequences of their choices. Consequences that have been rippling through the world ever since. If you haven’t read about these events before, or in a while, then it would be helpful for what I’m going to be writing about. I’m going to break down Ephesians chapter five over the next two posts and draw them back to the events of Genesis. Let’s get started.

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.”

Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭ESV

Right off the bat we see one major contrast. The words, be imitators of God from Ephesians 5 verses you will be like God from Genesis. What was eating from the tree but an attempt to be like God? He wants us to be like Him. But not in the way the serpent did. Not in the way of worldly wisdom. Not in the way of self promotion or self help programs. He wants us to be like Him through His Holy Spirit, through surrendering ourselves, through promoting Him to the world.

The words Covetous and idolater both appear in Ephesians five and are contrasted with having gratitude. This can be compared to the root of why Adam and Eve took from the wrong tree. To covet means to wrongly desire something. Idolatry means to wrongly worship something or someone other than God. They had the entire garden, and yet they wanted more. They had God, but they wanted to become as gods. They elevated themselves and their desires above God. Genesis 3:6 says they desired the tree and what came from it. They could have been thankful, but instead they felt they were missing out and they wanted to be as god themselves. How often could we be more thankful rather than seeking more, which often leads us into doing the wrong things, with the wrong motives, and/or with the wrong attitude? The antidote is to surrender our will to God’s will. To pursue God’s kingdom and His righteousness above all things.

“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them;”

Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Don’t be deceived with empty words, but understand what is pleasing to the lord. That’s the snake. Deceiving them (and us) with empty words, slanting God’s words, and Adam and Eve participated in it. The world is still participating in it. The serpent spoke the line, did God not say and you won’t surely die. We can’t possibly imitate God when our faith is derived from false pretenses. When truth is mixed with any amount of lies, we live from lies. And a dishonest faith will never embody God or His mission for you and me.

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭ESV

Be wise therefore for the days are evil…they took the wrong wisdom and did what was evil. God. Clearly spoke His will to both Adam and Eve, yet they did what was right in their own eyes. When we elevate our desires above God’s will, bad things happen. What was God’s will for them? Eat and enjoy ALL of the garden but one tree.

In the book of James, wisdom from below and wisdom from above are contrasted (James 3:13-18). Where did Adam and Eve made that fateful decision they got their wisdom from the serpent and from the tree not the spiritual wisdom from God. In James chapter three it highlights how the wrong source of wisdom equals jealousy, selfish ambition, and is false. However, the right source is pure, peaceable, open to reason, merciful. That is brings about a harvest of righteousness. Hence the garden imagery.

God’s mission in the world has be to rewrite the fall. To bring His kingdom to Earth, in our hearts and lives. We are invited to be participants in that mission, by imitating Him. But that can only be done by knowing Him. He has been revealing Himself to the world since the beginning. And the serpent has been deceiving the world through the ages. Which voice will you choose?

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

Walking Billboards

~ ForCommonGround ~ 1 Comment

It may seem like an odd concept, but we are all marketing something. The way we dress, speak, act, and carry ourselves, are all sending messages to those around us. The question is, what are you advertising? For those bound to Christ, the answer is given to us. God’s purpose for all of us is to be image barrers. That is far more than our physical appearance. It entails a lifestyle. Our entire beings are wrapped up in this. No one did that better the Jesus of Nazareth. He is God in the flesh. The full radiance of God contained in Him. He breathed out the life of God everywhere He went. Once we take on the name of “Christian” we are devoting ourselves to display the life of Christ through our very own. What we wear, how we speak, and our actions should all announce the One our hearts are devoted to. This is just as challenging to me as it is to anyone reading this. There are days I fall flat. In those moments too, we can display humility and experience the grace won for us by Christ.

There are those in my life who have helped me along the way. They are the ones who show me Jesus day in a day out. My hope is, that you too can think of people in your own life who have pointed you towards Jesus by their devotion to Him. So many people have been introduced to Christ through the lives of others. The world is watching. Our family is watching. Our friends and coworkers are watching. We have chosen to be clothed in Christ. Lets wear it well.

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16 NIV

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

Meditation and Memorization

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Image from Grace Chapel

During the Cold War, many Christians in Eastern Europe would memorize entire books of the Bible and then destroy their copies. They had to do that because they would have either been arrested, sent to prison camps, or disappear. There was no room for God in the Soviet Union or their satellite states. To have any God other than those in power was akin to a crime against the state itself. Still, in places like North Korea, China, Vietnam, Iran, Indonesia, and more, the persecution towards believers forces them to absorb as much of God’s word as possible because they can’t risk being caught reading openly. For those of us not living under the tyranny of a radical theocracy or a commnunist system, memorizing scripture can still serve an important role in our journey of faith.

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:11 ESV

Knowing God’s word…I mean really knowing it…helps us in the war against sin. Satan, our flesh, and the cultures of the world are constantly whispering, and often yelling, messages in our ears that lead us into sin. By memorizing scripture, we give ourselves a weapons cache to fire back. Jesus demonstrated this when He allowed Satan to tempt Him in the wilderness. Every temptation was met with God’s word. The only way we can do the same is to know how to distinguish messages that line up with scripture and those that do not. A huge fault I see in so many Christians is an utter lack of biblical knowledge. I’m not referring to seeking a degree in theological studies. I’m talking about a lack of knowing what is said in the Bible. When we don’t know what God says, we’ll believe what those opposed to Biblical principles say.

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Joshua 1:8 ESV

We can’t live out scripture if we don’t know scripture. Every believer should be a student of their Master. To meditate on scripture is to meditate on the Lord Himself. The more we focus on the story of God the more we know Him. The more we know Him the more we love Him. The more we love Him, the more we live for Him. Just as any relationship thrives on attention and communication, so to does our relationship with the Lord. Our lives of devotion should be a pattern of prayer, reading, and praise.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2 NIV

Our mind is a battleground. Our mind is also malleable. We have the ability to make it into what we want. And since so much of what we say and do is determined by the mind, why not pour more energy into making it a core of light. From the moment we start absorbing things as a child, negative things creep in. We have to fight for hope. We battle for purity. We war for compassion and generosity. The nature of the fallen mind is to look inward, preserve self, seek comfort, elevate self importance or dwell on self pitty. Our minds need transformed. One of the best ways to do that is through meditation and memorization of scripture. That, in turn, will help us to focus on pure and truthful things. Our eyes will turn outwards towards those around us. Our self importance will diminish, yet at the same time, we will feel more loved and valued than ever before.

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

John 15:7 NASB

To abide in Christ is equated to having Christ’s words abiding in us. This isn’t a reference to Christ dwelling in us, it’s a call to know His words. To abide means to obey, stick to, hold to, and follow. When we are so intuned with Christ and His words, then our desires will be His desires for us. The things we ask for in prayer will align with the holy life that Christ is calling us to in the first place.

So whether we live in an area where the Christian faith is heavily restricted or even persecuted, an area where affluence and apathy attempt to shadow the call of piety, or an area where freedom allows us to live out our faith, it is equally important to pursue a rich understanding of God’s word. As followers of Christ, we are called to love Him and to make Him known. We can’t do either if we don’t know Him. No one else has ever loved you more. No one else crafted you. No one else pursues a relationship with you like Jesus does. The greatest gift in this life will be to know Him.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

Light

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There are three major movements in scripture that highlight the power meaning of light. One, the creation of the world (Gen 1:1-3). Two, Christ’s incarnation (John 1:1-5). And three, the new Heavens a new Earth being formed (Rev 22:1-5).

Each of these movements were acts of creation to bring about something new. Movement one, the world is made. Movement two, the Word became flesh, which in itself is an act of creation, but also, what Jesus came to do was to create a whole new thing in the Church. The body of Christ is a creation. Those who put their faith in Jesus are called a new creation in 2 Corinthians 5:17. That new creation is not supposed to behave, think, or even feel like the old self, but like the new self. (Ephesians 4:24, Colossians 3:12-14, Romans 6:6) At the end of time God is going to remake all things into a new heaven and a new earth. This act of creation is talked about in Isaiah 65:17, Hebrews 12:26-27, and Revelation 21:1).

Each of these movements had the same centerpiece, which is Jesus. How did God create everything? He spoke it into existence. Colossians 1:15-17 states it was by Jesus, through Jesus, and for Jesus that all things were created. How can this be that Jesus created all things when Genesis 1 doesn’t mention Jesus? Well it does actually. Pair Genesis 1 with John 1. The very words God spoke were Jesus. He is the word, which is also why Jesus can say that all scripture (God’s word) is about Him in John 5:39. In the final creation it will be the Lamb and the Almighty who serve as both the light and the temple. From beginning, middle, to end, we see Jesus at the center of it all.

Each of these movements had the same purpose which is to bring life. Often light and life are interwoven. We need light, plants need light, animals need light. According to healthline, light gives us well needed vitamin D, helps with mental health and focus, and improves our circadian rhythms and sleep patterns. Light is life-giving.

In John 1 Jesus is both the light and the life of men. In Colossians 3:4 Jesus is also referred to as our life. In John 8:12 Jesus is proclaimed as the light of the world. Those who follow Jesus are also called the light of the world. Just as Jesus brings life, we are supposed to be little life-givers ourselves. Our words and actions should inspire and encourage and strengthen the weak and downhearted. We should be serving, loving, sharing, and speaking truth and life to those around us. Where Jesus goes, life goes, therefore where followers of Jesus go, there life should be also. God created life in the beginning, but first had to make light. God created a new life in Jesus, but first the eternal light had to become flesh and enter the world. God will create a new glorious life in the age to come, but first He will become the light and life that shines through it all.

Making the Most

~ ForCommonGround ~ 5 Comments

How often do you think about how long you have on this earth? I don’t mean to sound morbid, but I probably think about the length of my existence at least a few times a week if not almost every day. Death is something that we all will face. It’s a painful reality. However, I’m not speaking about dwelling on the end so much as how we use the time leading up to that end. Psalm 90 verse 12 is a prayer that suggests we should all be asking for a heightened awareness of the time we have. The New Living Translation says, “Teach us to realize the brevity of life so that we may grow in wisdom.” It’s a good thing to know that we are temporary. That our lives won’t go on forever. That we aren’t invincible and that life could be over in a moment. That realization is meant to give us wisdom.

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Ephesians 5:15-17 ESV (emphasis added)

Almost every night, without fail, my children try to get in some last minute play time when it’s actually time to be getting into bed. It seems like we have an identical discussion each time. I tell them that they need to be winding down and getting ready for bed and not making a mess (that they had just cleaned up not long before). They will respond with, “we didn’t get to play earlier so we really wanted to now.” I will do my best to show empathy while at the same time expressing to them that we don’t have time in a day to do everything that we would want to do. So we have to prioritize. That’s hard for kids. Many of us as adults are still learning that same skill. Our lives have only so much time allotted to them. Our years go by like a whirlwind. Before we know it, we are on to the next month. The days can be a blur. This is why it is so important to number our days. To walk carefully and thoughtfully. To be wise and to use our time the best way we can. And to do that, we need to know what the will of the Lord is for our lives.

There are many passages in the Bible that describe the brevity of life.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:15 says life is a shadow
  • Psalms 78:39 says life is a passing wind
  • James 4:14 says life is but a vapor
  • Job 9:25 says life is swifter than a runner
  • Job 14:2 says life is like a flower that comes forth and withers

How does God want us to make the most of our time? What does a life well-spent look like? I think that is a question that could take many blog posts to address. One that deserves serious contemplation and daily reflection. For now, lets look at one passage as a starting point.

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:12-17 ESV (emphasis added)

So much is in these six verses but imagine how our days might be different if we memorize and meditate on being: compassionate, thankful, forgiving, kind, humble, and patient. And we spent our time singing praises, teaching others, encouraging others, and helping carry the burdens of others. Imagine the peace of mind that we would experience if, at the end of the day, we could look back and say that our lives were well spent. Too often, my days are full of “getting things done” that I miss out on more important things. Too often, I’m doing good things and miss the greater things. But our lives don’t have to be devoid of responsibilities to reflect the words of Colossians. I believe we can be about our jobs, daily requirements, parenting, and being a spouse, and still reflect all the things God has called us to. In fact, it is in our relationships and responsibilities that we have the greatest opportunities to reflect Jesus. But it does require a switch in how we approach everything and everyone. Mostly, it requires a heart surrendered to Jesus to make the most of our lives.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.

Faith and Fruit

~ ForCommonGround ~ 1 Comment

God will never allow our faithfulness to be fruitless. There is power in simply being available. We never know who we might notice when we aren’t busy looking at the to-do list for the day or hustling from one place to another.

It starts with making the next right choice; seeking to honor God in the mundane as well as in the extravagant. We also have to be willing to see the hurting people around us and then do what we can to meet their needs. It might be as simple as being a listening ear or shoulder to cry on. And because everyone is met with discouraging messages day in and day out, we should never underestimate the power of encouraging words.

If we love as followers of Christ are meant to, our world becomes a much bigger place. Full of life giving energy, empowered by the Holy Spirit. To have that we need to be open to dialogue, willing to pray for and over others, ready to share why we believe the things we believe, and looking for ways to lend a hand. We can know that every encouraging word, every prayer, every act of service, and every time we make time for others, will be used for other’s good and God’s glory.

Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit…” Who do you know that needs to hear they’re loved? Who could use a helping hand? Who needs to be noticed? Who needs to see Jesus?

Don’t Forfeit the Priesthood

~ ForCommonGround ~ Leave a comment

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

‬‬ ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:9‬ ‭ESV

The Dictionary definition of a priest is one especially consecrated to the service of a divinity and through whom worship, prayer, sacrifice, or other service is offered to the object of worship. He acts as an ambassador, a chosen vehicle through whom Yahweh God has chosen to serve the people and represent Him, on His behalf. It may be hard to think of yourself (if you’re a follower of Jesus) as a priest. For many, a priest is a specific position held within the church. That’s not how Jesus commissioned it. Everyone who claims allegiance to Christ is a member of the royal priesthood. Just quoting the bible like that could have gotten you executed 500 years ago, by none other than church leadership. And that’s because people have distorted and forfeited the priesthood since the beginning.

Here are a few examples from history of forfeited priesthoods:

1-Adam and Eve in the garden. The two were the first ordained priests in God’s created order. However, they took knowledge for themselves rather than relying on God’s wisdom to govern their decisions. The result was sin and exile.

2-Moses at the burning bush and at the rock. He allowed insecurities to keep him from the call of God. Moses argued with God when he first received the mission to return to Egypt. So Aaron became the voice. During the wandering in the desert, at the rock, Moses failed to give God credit for bringing forth water so he lost out on the promised land.

3-Aaron and the golden calf. He allowed the people to sway him rather than trusting in God. He didn’t lead in faithfulness, instead he followed in the peoples unfaithfulness.

4-David with Bathsheba. David was not exactly a priest but he was one who was to reflect the priestly king. However, he allowed his own selfish and lustful desires to cloud his judgement which led him into sin. He and Israel both paid the price for it.

5-The Pharisees as white washed tombs full of dead men’s bones. Jesus’ rebuked the Pharisees for failing at leading Israel. They were blind guides, led by their own self promotion and control. Jesus pointed out how they clothes themselves with godliness but inward they were corrupt.

So what does it mean for us as Christians to be a part of a royal priesthood?

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 ESV

We can fill the role of priest through doing good. Good works, while not a means of salvation, do act as a means of demonstrating salvation. Without goodness and kindness, one should definitely question the genuineness of their faith.

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

Philippians 2:14-16 ESV

We can also be faithful to the priesthood through godly speech. Circumstances don’t dictate a Christians sense of peace. Complaining is what the world does. Speaking hope and love and peace and truth is what followers of Jesus do. Oswald Chambers said that you could measure one’s faith by how content they are. Contentment and complaining cannot coexist.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV

One great way to be a priest, and often overlooked, is through purity. The world is perverted. So much so that purity is a foreign concept. Since our bodies are His temple, we should be very careful how we use it. Imagine getting drunk in God’s temple, or being sexually immoral in God’s temple. It’s un fathomable. We should be looking at ourselves in the same fashion.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV

The one overarching thing we can do is to make it all about Jesus. If He is our mission, then our words, actions, and decisions will follow suit.

As a royal priesthood, we should learn the lessons from those who have gone before us. You and I have a holy calling on our lives. Parents are priests of their home. Employees are priests of their workplace. We are all priests in the world. No one can fill your role as priest. Nor should we want that. The world needs to be led and worship. It needs to see people fully surrendered to a higher calling.

Don’t forfeit your calling brothers and sisters!