What is Good?

My question to you is, what is good? what is bad? The dictionary says good is morally excellent, of high or adequate quality, well-behaved, kind. The dictionary defines bad as not good, bad quality, unpleasant. What is sin? Again, the dictionary says it's an offense against a religious or moral law. 

Many people in the world say " I am a pretty good person" or "I do good things". BUT, with God He is separating what is holy and common, this is not good and bad. Good and bad is almost like the surface stuff, holiness goes much deeper than that. According to websters dictionary it says holy is recognized or revered as sacred. For instance, there are people and religious groups that consider certain things sacred/holy (whether traditions, lands, or ideas).  For these people, they know there is a certain way to act or certain things to stay away from to keep the sacred sacred. 

You see holiness goes beyond just being good or bad. So why does God deal with the holiness? Because He is holy. God is undefiled and can not be in the presence of defilement, he is sacred and set apart.  

Consider the image below. There are three columns and two numbers to choose from for each. Observe each column and choose the line that is the straightest in each, either 1 or 2. 

Okay, for column one I would pick #2, for column two I would pick #2 and for column three I would pick #1. Did we get the same? maybe, maybe not. This little challenge is kind of up to the viewer because for each column  there isn't a line that is truly straight. So this means 100 people can do this and everybody is not going to get the same answer. Why? Because without a truly straight line we are only comparing bent to bent lines. 

Now try challenge number 2 below, same concept: choose the straightest line. 

Okay easy assignment right? In column one #1 is the straightest line, in column two #2 is the straightest line and lastly, column three #1 is the straightest line. Compared to the first image, this image probably was quick and easy to complete. You didn't have to stare long or hard. Why is this? It's because we compared two lines where one was truly a straight line. When comparing a truly straight line to any other line we are able to see what is straight or bent right away. Therefore we become more accurate in discerning what is correct. If 100 people were to do this challenge I am sure if not all, most would get the same answers over and over again. 

Now what has this got to do with you or me? Well let's go back to what we were originally talking about. Consider the first challenge comparing two lines that both had various degrees of bending. This is like comparing two people and trying to determine how "good" or "bad" they are. For instance, I can compare myself to someone else and say well I feel like I do "this, this and that" so I would say I am pretty good in comparison to "so and so" who only does "this and that". Another person can come along and say well I thing the other person is good because they do "this and that" where you don't do "this and that".  Again you see how 100 people can look at the same two people but come up with different answers why one person is more good or more bad.  Why? Because you are comparing two bent lines, both people aren't perfect.  So then how do we discern what  is good or bad? We must bring in a truly straight line, we must bring in someone that is truly good. That person is Jesus. Jesus is Good meaning pure, no defilement, no sin, even a step beyond good He is holy, set apart, sacred (Psalm 34:8; Psalm 107:1; Revelation 4:8; Hebrews 4:15). 

So do you see? When you bring into the picture what is true and straight you can accurately then discern what is true what is right and wrong, what is good or bad , and what is holy or common. So when I hold up Jesus and myself I then see how bent I truly am (no matter how less or more bent I am compared to another person, bent is bent). Just like the second line challenge. When I compare Jesus to me, Jesus wins every time because he is the perfect straight line. So does this mean I am doomed and shouldn't even try to compare myself to Jesus? NOOO, this realization just shows me I can't become holy without the only holy One. God is holy and perfect and because of that he can not reside with those who are any other way because it goes against his nature (who he is). This means we are the ones that must change, not God. God is never changing, perfect, he is our measurement of what is fact or fiction.  

Okay, how does he make me holy? Well first God had to redeem you from your way of life (your bent-ness *yes I made up this word*). Remember that you, me, we all are bent already because of our sin. Redemption: to pay off, to recover. This is what redemption looks like: God is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with he blood of his Son and forgave our sins.~ Ephesians 1:7. You see, we are bound/constrained by our bent-ness, we can't make our own-selves straight it requires divine restructuring of our inner parts. That is where Jesus steps in, he frees us from the constraints of sin and forgives us which looses us from our bent-ness (Romans 3:21-26).  This freedom sets us in right standing with God, meaning we can be in the presence of God because we are no longer considered common but holy. This has nothing to do what I did or accomplished but has everything to do with what Jesus did for me. 

Is that it? I have been redeemed I have accepted the free gift of Jesus and acknowledge He is Lord , am I done and just waiting for the end? NOOO. Being redeemed is not just fire-insurance (from hell: complete separation from all that is good and true who is God). It is to set you on the path of restoration.  Restoration: to bring back to good condition; to give back. This is what restoration looks like: Look, Gods' home is now among his people! he will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever (this is the final restoration of God's people to himself).  You see after being redeemed you are set on the path to be restored. You are being continually made new from your bent-ness so that you become more and more like Jesus.  This is a journey and process because we still live in a sinful world and earthly body. The work Jesus does on you isn't starting on the outside, he goes straight to your inside (your being, your spirit, your character). He does what only he can do (Acts 3: 19-21). 

Okay now is that it? I am redeemed, I am being restored, I am good...NO AGAIN. Nope if we ended there it would be a pretty selfish process, that is ALL about me! God is selfless, loving, and just. He didn't create a process that was all about selfish ambition. No, after being redeemed, while being restored and on the path to full restoration he calls you to share the good news! He says okay you are being made new (putting away what opposes the character of God), now share. Share your testimony, share your journey, share what I have done and am doing in you and what I have done for others who don't yet know (2 Corinthians 5: 15-21).  We are all going to die, so we have only this life to choose Jesus or not (Hebrews 9:27). The choice is yours, no one can twist your hand to trust in him. I would just say, you don't know it now (if you don't know Jesus as Lord) but He is the best decision you could make in your life. He loves you, loves you enough to die for you before you even step on to the path of holiness.  Who can say that? Who else would do that? Die for you knowing the wrong, the deception, the guilty verdict we hold; all because he wants you to turn to him, love him and be changed for the better. 

And the one sitting on the throne said : Look, I am making everything new! What I say is trustworthy and True! It is finished! I am the Alpha and Omega--The beginning and the end . To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.~Revelation 21:3-7

Oh how marvelous is the presence of God! How wonderful are his mercies that are new every morning!! Are you thirsty to for the Lord, the living God, the sovereign King who created all things? God says if you thirst after me you can receive freely from the source of life. Jeremiah 17:7-8 says those who trust in the Lord and place their hope and confidence in Him is like a tree rooted deep. This tree is planted by a river and has a lasting source of water. So no matter the weather, whether hot, cold, dry it stands unaffected.  The tree keeps baring fruit and staying green.  For those who are Christians your source is Jesus. So no matter what is happening in your environment, stand rooted in Christ. You see the verse doesn't say the tree doesn't experience the droughts, or the heat. But it does say the tree stands not worried or bothered by what is happening in the midst of where it is. Thank you Lord! So get up Child of God! Grow deeper into the presence of the Lord.

There is an inheritance open for the taking. Revelation 21:3-7 verses are talking about an inheritance and it is open to all who want to take part. Jesus Christ redeemed you by dying on the cross to pay for your sins and He will come again to bring final restoration to his children.  But continue reading on, after verse 7 comes verse 8. It basically says those that are unholy, those who choose to stay in their bent-ness will be forever cast away from the holiness and goodness of God (Revelation 21:8). See as stated before we all are going to die in this world, but after is eternity (forever). We make the choice now, in this life,  whether we will be forever with what is good and just (Jesus) or forever separated from any goodness or justness. Verses 3-7 is only for those who choose Jesus.  The question is do I choose to live according to my own will, my own desires, my own bent-ness or do I surrender myself to the one who gave it all to me, to live a life worthy of his holiness?

I hope you consider today what was said. I pray that it opened some eyes, perked up some ears, and pierced hearts today for the saved and unsaved. Walking with Jesus doesn't mean I am perfect, far from it. But it does mean I can correctly discern what is right and wrong in myself and then I can repent and turn to Jesus for help to unbend my bent-ness. Thank- you Lord!

Thank- you Lord for your grace, giving me gifts and benefits of being a child of God which I am undeserving of. Thank-you for your mercy towards me, that even in my fickleness you are compassionate and with-holding your wrath from me.  Thank you Lord for your patience with me, giving opportunities to repent and turn to your presence. Jesus you are Lord, you are King, you are the one and only living God. Forgive me of my selfish ambition, continually turn my heart to you. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Worship song below:

Thy Mercy, My God

Keep Watch!

 Keep watch is action. 

Imagine being a lifeguard, you have all the equipment to save anyone in trouble. All you have to do is KEEP WATCH. Is this truly important? I mean what is the problem of taking a break, scrolling on the phone,  maybe a quick nap while on duty? Well I am sure you know what the problem is with that, it's evident, it can come down to life or death. You see, as a lifeguard it is their responsibility to keep watch, stay alert, warn those in danger, and be ready to save those that need help.  So how crazy do I look or how ridiculous is it if I sign up to be a lifeguard and just decide to not keep watch but just stay to look the part? I am at that point useless, I might as well be one of the guests at the pool.

Keep watch is action.

What if I told you people do this all the time! Would that shock you? Well, I am not speaking of lifeguards but those who call themselves christians. As a christian we have a responsibility, just as a lifeguard,  to keep watch. What are we keeping watch for? We are watching for the day of the Lord's return (Matthew 24:37-42).  But keeping watch is not just for my own sake, that would be a selfish way of thinking. No, as a christian it is my responsibility to help those drowning, warn those running on slippery floors, blow the whistle to get the attention of those in harms way. In Matthew Chapter 5 Jesus begins the sermon on the mount, he first talks about the blessings of God. We call these the beatitudes, which are blessed sayings. Blessed sayings for who? For those whose heart is like Jesus (Matthew 5:3-11).  The next thing Jesus speaks on is salt and light. Jesus says salt without flavor  and light hidden is useless (Matthew 5:13-16). What point is adding tons of salt to food when the salt itself is no longer salty? What good is my flashlight in the dark when I just hide it and no light is shown? What good is a lifeguard that doesn't watch and take action? What good is a christian who just plays the "christian" part without really impacting those around them? 

Just recently, I read a post called Awakest, Thou That Slumbereth! (this is a wonderful read for the church and I encourage you to take some time to read).  This article encouraged me towards examination for myself and I am grateful for that. The Bible speaks of keeping watch, remember keep watch is action! 

In Matthew 25:1-12 Jesus gives a parable of the kingdom of heaven where ten virgins went out to meet the bridegroom. Well in due time they all became weary and went to sleep, so when the bridegroom came calling only five were actually prepared to go. At the end of the parable Jesus says in Matthew 25:13 to watch therefore, for you don't know the day or the hour when the son of man returns.  Understand, there are consequences for sleeping during times when you should be awake. You can't just sleep on the job, you can't just sleep on your responsibilities and as a child of God I can't just sleep on my call to action.  Read this excerpt from the previously mentioned article: 

"Yet, I made a big mistake. Somehow, I began to equate “slumber” with inactivity. I thought that those who were “sleeping” were basically those who were doing nothing…people who were lazy…but I couldn’t have been more wrong. That is when God directed me to study sleepwalking. Webster’s defines sleepwalking as: The act or an instance of walking or performing another activity associated with wakefulness while asleep or in a sleeplike state. You see, sleepwalkers are active. They are doing things. From the outside looking in, they have every appearance of being awake. However, they are technically asleep. Please hear me when I say that this same thing can happen to you spiritually! You can walk through life with no consciousness of your real spiritual condition, in a dream-like state, believing that you are what you are not. You can be active in your church, praying, fasting, studying, and all the while be sleeping spiritually. How do I know? It happened to me. "

 Being spiritually asleep doesn't necessarily mean you don't do anything it could mean you are sleep walking. You see this isn't condemnation this is just a wake up call. A wake up call for who? I am pointing the fingers at myself, I am not exempt.  But I am sounding the alarm for those too who need to awake. We must evaluate ourselves truthfully. 

"Unresolved and unrepented sin opens the door. Unforgiveness, pride, lust, gluttony, self-consciousness, fear...the type of sin does not matter. That is why it is so important to examine ourselves to see if we be in the faith. Don’t let your salvation become something you dream about, or dream away. The day of your salvation is now! Maybe you read this article and can see some of yourself in these words. Maybe you have been wondering why you are almost comatose when it comes to finding out and doing God’s will for you in these last days. Maybe you are starting to feel as if you are becoming a part of that Laodecian Church. If so, I can only tell you what God has told me, “Wake Up, Keep Watch!” (Isaiah 52:1-2). Don’t think that God will just remove this spiritual haze from your life. Cry out to God for deliverance. Examine your life and see where there may be areas of compromise with sin. God promises that when we wake-up, He will give us the light we need to be revived ( Ephesians 5:14)."

 What better time to call out to the Lord than now? What better time to act, to awake and keep watch than now? Luke 18:38-40 tells of some blind men who cried out to Jesus saying "Jesus son of David have mercy on me". They weren't whispering this they were insistent, raising their voices above the crowd because they were desperate for him. Those around them told the to be quiet and they yelled even louder " JESUS SON OF DAVID HAVE MERCY ON ME!". That's desperation from the heart! Do you want this thing foreal!  No matter what is going on around you, no matter how many nay sayers, go to Jesus!

Lord thank you for this day! You are Holy, Just, Sovereign and True. Thank-you for your continual call to your church to wake-up, keep watch, and take action. Help us to take that to heart today. I pray that my actions will not be done mundanely but that my actions and words will be ones that are intentional.  Bless those Lord that continue to be your hands and feet.  I pray for those who have not yet accepted your call that you will place your laborers in their path to drop seeds of truth. Jesus give me eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart to follow your directions. In Jesus' name AMEN

Be My Shalom

A Seeking Generation

I recently just got back from a missions trip to Honduras. This was my first missions trip and I pray not my last. It was an absolutely amazing experience! We were able to meet the needs of the villages, share the gospel and bask in the glory and presence of the Lord.

One day a Nicaraguan gave his testimony. One of the things he said has stayed with me and I can’t stop thinking about it. He said the church in Nicaragua was ready to go underground when the time comes. Such a powerful declaration!!

Do Christians here in America have the confidence and boldness to say this? Yea we aren’t in a situation like that yet but are you prepared to be? When persecution is at the table will you stay or walk away?

Those who are given much are also required of much. Comparing America to Honduras or Nicaragua, we (the church) are given much by the Lord! We have all kinds of access to the Word of God, we have tools and opportunities to share the Truth. Do we take them or let them pass us by, leaving it to be the responsibility to others? 

We should be a seeking generation. Ones who seek the face of the Lord continually. Our eyes must be turned from evil and turned to what is holy. 

Imma be honest, this is something I must work on! I can no longer let opportunities to advance the gospel pass me by! I want to be a generation that seeks the face of the Lord the living God.

~Pray for those who are your brothers and sisters in Christ, those that are standing firm in the Lord in the midst of persecution~

        Listen to this:

   Give Us Clean Hands

Psalm 24

1The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness,

The world and those who dwell therein.

2For He has founded it upon the seas,

And established it upon the waters.

3Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?

Or who may stand in His holy place?

4He who has clean hands and a pure heart,

Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,

Nor sworn deceitfully.

5He shall receive blessing from the Lord,

And righteousness from the God of his salvation.

6This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him,

Who seek Your face.

Selah

7Lift up your heads, O you gates!

And be lifted up, you everlasting doors!

And the King of glory shall come in.

8Who is this King of glory?

The Lord strong and mighty,

The Lord mighty in battle.

9Lift up your heads, O you gates!

Lift up, you everlasting doors!

And the King of glory shall come in.

10Who is this King of glory?

The Lord of hosts,

He is the King of glory.

G.P.A

Just this week I read an article called God's Perfect Plan for Your Life, at first I was just skimming then it started to hit home for me so I had to restart and I giggled alittle and said "thank you Lord" for once again seeing and speaking to me.  It talked about the GPA that is important.  When I hear GPA I like everyone think grade point average. Oh man, every time I think of this I just sigh within myself. I have always said school doesn't come easy to me. My personal experience in college (academic wise) was beyond challenging. I remember crying on the phone just feeling so overwhelmed. I was so focused on my grades that I wasn't focusing on  what was most important, which is Christ.  Instead of making time to grow my relationship with the Lord, I was filling my time with more studying and more work.

This article was a reminder of what is truly important, Gods' Praise & Approval. This is now my new GPA of life. I share this because it is easy for me, and I am sure others to get swept away into what the world tells us is important. Whether that is grades, success, money, having family, owning a home etc. As a christian my focus should be on what God says is important.  This doesn't mean I don't try on my part but I can't let myself get swept away with the temporary.  

The Bible is full of truths!  The Father has not left us emptied handed.  He says if I draw unto Him, He will draw unto me (James 4:8). I mean can you imagine! The most sovereign, holy, gracious and loving God wants you to come close to Him. He promises He will come close to you. Jesus lived through a sinful world, died and rose again for you (Romans5:8)! He wants all of me not just  Sunday me, or an hour in the morning me. Jesus wants my whole life to be committed to Him because he is faithful in all things and He will finish what He starts in me (Psalms 37:5, Philippians 1:6).  

You see a life with Christ is more than God- talk but God-acts, one without the other is just outrageous nonsense (James 2:14-17).  We are fooling ourselves if we think a relationship with God does not result in growth and action.  God has provided every person with gifts that not only benefit yourself but those around you (1 Peter 4:10). Christ says if I am serious about living a new life in Christ, I must pursue the things that God presides over. I can't be absorbed with the things right in front of me but rather looking up to Jesus (Colossians 3:1-2). 

Jesus loves me. He wants a relationship, a true relationship with me. I am not perfect but I am a continual work in progress. The important thing is not to become stagnant but to grow more like Jesus every day. He is so good! The Lord continues to show me  His goodness and faithfulness! 

The Lord's goodness does not only reach to me. Jesus has set before all people an open invitation to know who He is and understand the love He has for you. Thank you Jesus! Thank you Lord for your love and patience towards me. Open my eyes to see your hand, give me ears to hear your voice, soften my heart to obey your words. Be the love of my life Lord! I pray for those Lord who feel lost, trapped  and confused. Jesus send your Holy Spirit to comfort them and draw them unto you. Let your glory be shown in their lives. Thank you Jesus! AMEN

Take 10 minutes to listen:

Precious Jesus

"Jesus Jesus

Oh how wonderful is your love for me!

Oh how great the price you paid for my eternity!

How beautiful!

You have bled and died for me!

You are the air I breath!

You are my everything!"

Cumbered about much.....

 

    What does it mean to be cumbered? Well something that cumbers "clutters up" or "is in the way" or "hinders something else". So if a person is cumbered there is something that is blocking or preventing that person to do another thing. Why am I stuck on this word? I am glad you asked :)

    In  beginning of Luke 10 Jesus is sending his followers out to various cities to  heal and proclaim that the kingdom of God had arrived. Half-way through the chapter Jesus begins speaking to a lawyer about loving the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind but also not to forgot to love your neighbor as yourself. Now this brings us to where cumbered comes to play.  Luke 10:38-42 tells us that Jesus and His disciples came to Martha's house along their journey.  Martha of course was making food, cleaning, providing for the needs of her guest. Sounds like alot of work right? Then you will understand Martha's dismay when her sister (who lived with her) was not found helping but sitting listening to Jesus speak! One moment, as I interject. Now if I had company come to my house and my sister did not help me get things out, cook clean whatever, I would have a fit! I would be thinking "we both live here, this is alot of work, I need some help!".  Okay back to the story, Martha was feeling some type of way about her sister sitting around and  not helping out. Luke 10:40 in KJV says Martha was cumbered about much serving and went to tell Jesus. She says: "don't you care? I am serving alone with no help from my sister. Tell her to come help me!".  Now can you hear how she is speaking? Imagine her tired, overwhelmed, maybe even irritated. But in Jesus' response you can hear the love, care and tenderness. He says, " Martha, Martha you are concerned and troubled about many things" (Luke 10:41).  In that one verse, He tells Martha "I see you", I know you are burdened". Wow! I mean don't you love that! But Jesus doesn't stop there, He goes on to say that Mary has chosen what is important, what is essential, that which is good (Luke 10:42). 

    You see Martha was cumbered about many things like getting the food ready, cleaning up, providing needs, etc.. All of these things were hindering her from just hearing the words of the Lord. Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet and bask in His Words, yes there were things to be done but it was more important to set her eyes on Jesus in that moment.  How do I do that here and now? Well, Jesus didn't leave us emptied handed when He went back to the right hand of the Father. He sent the Holy Spirit to help guide us,  comfort us and reveal the truth and promises of the Word of God. You see we can set aside lifes clamor and choose what is good by sitting at the feet of Jesus . We do this by reading His words for us and to us that come straight from the Bible.   

    I could see myself in this story. The verse said Martha was cumbered about much, I heard "She is cumbered about much. My beloved you are concerned and troubled about many things. Choose what is good. That which is good is right before you, there will always be tasks to be done, things to figure out, questions to answer. I am the answer to it all, nothing else will suffice." 

 You see Jesus said "I see you" the question is then do I see Him? How do I see Jesus? By placing my eyes on Him. There must be a shift of focus from the stuff around us to the One, the King of Kings, the one who provides all answers. Today's devotion brought up the theme for this blog. It says : " Relax in my healing presence. As you spend time with Me, your thoughts tend to jump ahead to today's plans and problems. Bring your mind back to Me for refreshment and renewal. Let the Light of My Presence soak into you, as you focus your thoughts on Me. Thus I equip you to face whatever the day brings. This sacrifice of time pleases Me and strengthens you. Do not skimp on our time together. Resist the clamor of tasks waiting to be done. You have chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from you." So you see, don't allow the clamor of life whether it is tasks, worries, bills, sicknesses ,money, nor questions keep you from turning your eyes or your feet towards the Lord. 

Thank you Lord for your grace! Lord help me to continually proclaim your promises, no matter what direction life appears to be going. You are the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). You tell me to seek your face, to give thanks to you, to tell of all your wonderful works (Psalm 105:1-4). You are awesome Jesus, thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to bring comfort and clarity and oh so much more!! Let your living waters flow throw me. I pray for those who have not yet become a child of God, I pray their hearts will be softened and their eyes opened to what is truth. In Jesus name AMEN