i just got done reading 2 Corinthians 7, one of my most favorite chapters in the Bible. Paul is addressing the Corinthians about his previous letter to them, that had denounced the sinful actions that were being done in their church.
He says that he does not regret it, though he did. Through the letter, the Corinthians were convinced of their wrong and repented. They were sorrowful for what they did and they turned around and stopped the nonsense.
The Corinthian believers were sad, sad about their wrong. Humans tend to think of sadness as a bad thing. If a friend of ours is down, we try to cheer them up. When we hear of someone talking about themselves like they're bad, terrible people, we tell them the opposite and assure them that they are nice, good people. In 2 Corinthians 7:9, Paul says he rejoices that the Corinthians were made sorry. He doesn't say that because he is sadistic and likes to accuse people and make them cry, but because he loves them. He knows that their sorrow led them to repentance. They were stuck in sin and they needed to get out, and their sorrow led them to the place where they decided to stop.
Godly sorrow leads to repentance. Sorrow isn't always bad. When we are sorry for something we did that was wrong, it is a huge indicator that our heart is in the right place. It shows that we want to please God and aren't happy unless we do. God disciplines His children for their good. He causes us to be convicted by our own conscience so we can only learn to please Him better. i pray that this attitude would be found in me when i am not in God's will. i pray that i would be sorrowful when i am not doing the right thing so that i may repent and remain in the light.
Walk with the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
God bless you and i hope you have a good day.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
The Weight of Evil
"But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked."Psalm 73:2-3, NKJV.
That's Asaph speaking. His words show the despair of one who trusts in God. He sees those who don't serve God enjoying ease and abundance of wealth.
Why do those who are evil get rewarded? Why do those who have no respect for God have good things and appear to have a good life?
i have heard often the complaints of Christians who see people doing terrible things with no regard for others and enjoying their happy, fulfilled lives. It is discouraging. i'm not gonna lie, i've seen jerks running around with smiles on their faces and i have wanted to hit them. Really hard.
God's Word has something to say about the issue of evil being rewarded.
God spoke through Malachi about the great day of the Lord, and said that those who fear His name will "trample the wicked." The wicked will be ashes under their feet (now please don't mistake this for a reference to the holocaust).
"'For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, and all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,' says the Lord of Hosts, 'That will leave them neither root nor branch.'"Malachi 4:1, NKJV.
God sees those who trust in Him and will deliver them ultimately. Those who do evil in this life will receive their reward in this life. But in the next life they have everything to lose. They will receive everlasting punishment.
Those who trust in God will not be ashamed.
"O my God, I trust in You; let me not be ashamed; let not my enemies triumph over me. Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed; let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause."Psalm 25:2-3, NKJV.
David knew that God would not let him down.
When Asaph was sad because of the wicked, he felt like he had done right in vain, that it was no good to do right. The good people get screwed over, right? But he said that when he entered the sanctuary of God, he understood their end.
"Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors."Psalm 73:19, NKJV.
Know that what Asaph, David, and Malachi said is the truth. God is just, and the wicked will get their just reward. This life isn't everything we have. We run to obtain the prize, the eternal reward. Those who do evil are shortsighted; they don't see eternity nor do they fear it. Things may be pleasant for a while, but don't think they're ready for judgment.
Now, don't gloat. But rather, look at your life and make sure you're right with God.
A Day at the Park
Looking back on the experience, they now remind me of the three blind mice. All comrades, all hanging out together, all blind.
It happened that i was meeting an old classmate downtown at Riverfront Park. i waited patiently, enjoying the scenery and the weather. It was summer, and i was pleased with the fun car ride i had downtown and being able to sit out in silence on a nice day by myself, though i was meeting a friend. It was an awesome time of solitude and sunshine.
As is wont when you are waiting by yourself somewhere public, my eyes strayed and wandered and observed every movement around me, all the people walking by.
Just down from where i sat, i saw three young girls, sitting and talking. They had their phones out and were chatting casually. i noticed they were the street type, who wore punk clothes and heavy makeup, and did what they wanted without caring what their parents thought (if their parents even cared).
i tried to ignore them and just enjoy my time waiting, but the thought of them would not leave me alone. i kept thinking of going to talk to them, to show them some kindness, but why should i? They would think i was weird and probably wouldn't even care. Highly likely they wouldn't care.
i waited a few minutes more and kept looking over at them, and couldn't stand it anymore. i slowly got up, took a few steps, then thought to myself, what am i doing?
i quickly quieted the doubt and with my resolve, continued walking in their direction. i finally got to where they were sitting, and there was a tree about a few feet in front of them. What's with the tree? i don't know.
i asked them if i could just sit and hang out with them until my friend arrived, and they all agreed casually. i could see they were somewhat uncomfortable, but not really bothered. i observed that they were middle school aged, and liked to wear cleavage-revealing tops. Perfect, i thought. i began talking with them, about little things and asking them what school they went to, what they were doing that day, etc. and not at all coming across as the creepy type (at least, i hope not). i sat against the tree, nonchalant style.
Two girls would look at me every now and then, but were mostly involved in their own conversation; but one in particular looked me in the eyes as i talked. Insecure as they were, i was surprised that one of them actually looked me in the eyes and listened with attention. i realized as i continued talking with them that this girl, the one who gave me the most attention, was the awkward third. The other two were better friends, but they all hung out anyway.
Her eyes haunt me to this day. i can never forget them.
After several minutes of conversation, i launched into telling the gospel. First i asked some question relating to Jesus. i can't remember exactly what i asked, but i think it was something to the effect of "Have you heard of Jesus" and "What do you think of Him?"
They gave the typical explanation of the Savior. "Didn't He die for our sin or something...?"
So i told them about how i had no hope, i was lost. And i told them how i met the Savior, and told them who He really was and what He did. All through my narrative, the girl with the haunting eyes paid the keenest attention and i directed some of my narrative solely to her. She looked at me and listened, and i felt that she was intensely hungry for the gospel which i tried to explain.
Time ran out, i had to go meet my friend.
So i went. i told them thank you for letting me hang with them, and they said goodbye, have a nice day, and were very nice as they sent me on my way.
So i met the friend and we talked, but my mind was still on that event that had become the highlight of my day. It would never leave my mind. i will never forget them, and the impact they had on me. i hope i somehow made an impact on them, or rather, that Christ had an impact on them.
It happened that i was meeting an old classmate downtown at Riverfront Park. i waited patiently, enjoying the scenery and the weather. It was summer, and i was pleased with the fun car ride i had downtown and being able to sit out in silence on a nice day by myself, though i was meeting a friend. It was an awesome time of solitude and sunshine.
As is wont when you are waiting by yourself somewhere public, my eyes strayed and wandered and observed every movement around me, all the people walking by.
Just down from where i sat, i saw three young girls, sitting and talking. They had their phones out and were chatting casually. i noticed they were the street type, who wore punk clothes and heavy makeup, and did what they wanted without caring what their parents thought (if their parents even cared).
i tried to ignore them and just enjoy my time waiting, but the thought of them would not leave me alone. i kept thinking of going to talk to them, to show them some kindness, but why should i? They would think i was weird and probably wouldn't even care. Highly likely they wouldn't care.
i waited a few minutes more and kept looking over at them, and couldn't stand it anymore. i slowly got up, took a few steps, then thought to myself, what am i doing?
i quickly quieted the doubt and with my resolve, continued walking in their direction. i finally got to where they were sitting, and there was a tree about a few feet in front of them. What's with the tree? i don't know.
i asked them if i could just sit and hang out with them until my friend arrived, and they all agreed casually. i could see they were somewhat uncomfortable, but not really bothered. i observed that they were middle school aged, and liked to wear cleavage-revealing tops. Perfect, i thought. i began talking with them, about little things and asking them what school they went to, what they were doing that day, etc. and not at all coming across as the creepy type (at least, i hope not). i sat against the tree, nonchalant style.
Two girls would look at me every now and then, but were mostly involved in their own conversation; but one in particular looked me in the eyes as i talked. Insecure as they were, i was surprised that one of them actually looked me in the eyes and listened with attention. i realized as i continued talking with them that this girl, the one who gave me the most attention, was the awkward third. The other two were better friends, but they all hung out anyway.
Her eyes haunt me to this day. i can never forget them.
After several minutes of conversation, i launched into telling the gospel. First i asked some question relating to Jesus. i can't remember exactly what i asked, but i think it was something to the effect of "Have you heard of Jesus" and "What do you think of Him?"
They gave the typical explanation of the Savior. "Didn't He die for our sin or something...?"
So i told them about how i had no hope, i was lost. And i told them how i met the Savior, and told them who He really was and what He did. All through my narrative, the girl with the haunting eyes paid the keenest attention and i directed some of my narrative solely to her. She looked at me and listened, and i felt that she was intensely hungry for the gospel which i tried to explain.
Time ran out, i had to go meet my friend.
So i went. i told them thank you for letting me hang with them, and they said goodbye, have a nice day, and were very nice as they sent me on my way.
So i met the friend and we talked, but my mind was still on that event that had become the highlight of my day. It would never leave my mind. i will never forget them, and the impact they had on me. i hope i somehow made an impact on them, or rather, that Christ had an impact on them.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Do Not Lose Heart
As i prayed this morning, two very important things came to my realization.
The first is that Christ served the whole time He was on earth. He came to serve, and He did; ultimately in His death for man's salvation.
"Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28, NKJV.
The second is that i should serve.
i am learning to put aside myself, and to take up the cross and follow after my Savior, who considered equality with God something not to be grasped (Philippians 2:6).
When i grow weary of the little things people do that annoy me (whistling, for instance), of doing chores, or when i don't feel like answering kindly to my mother who asks me to do something, i think of these verses. To take up my cross is what i have to do to follow my Savior. It means selfless serving. i should do this often, in fact, every day.
"Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." Mark 8:35, NKJV.
So i must deny myself.
This is what i say to you. When you get weary of doing what you know you should do, don't give up. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the strength and desire to keep serving. Christ served. He did it for us, He did it for you. And remember these words from Paul:
"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." Galatians 6:9, NKJV.
The first is that Christ served the whole time He was on earth. He came to serve, and He did; ultimately in His death for man's salvation.
"Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28, NKJV.
The second is that i should serve.
i am learning to put aside myself, and to take up the cross and follow after my Savior, who considered equality with God something not to be grasped (Philippians 2:6).
When i grow weary of the little things people do that annoy me (whistling, for instance), of doing chores, or when i don't feel like answering kindly to my mother who asks me to do something, i think of these verses. To take up my cross is what i have to do to follow my Savior. It means selfless serving. i should do this often, in fact, every day.
"Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." Mark 8:35, NKJV.
So i must deny myself.
This is what i say to you. When you get weary of doing what you know you should do, don't give up. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the strength and desire to keep serving. Christ served. He did it for us, He did it for you. And remember these words from Paul:
"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." Galatians 6:9, NKJV.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)