Whose the "Nathan" In Your Life?
So how do we apply this ability to live victoriously over sin in practical terms? It's one thing to know we ought to have it, it's quite another to actually live it. In my own prayer time, I've been asking the Lord to keep me from falling into sin so that I would not bring dishonor first and foremost to His name, but also to that of my family and my church. My attention was taken to 2 Samuel 11 & 12. In it we find the infamous story of David & Bathsheba. We can chronicle David's downfall by seeing that first, he wasn't where he was supposed to be, he had forgotten his purpose. Second, he was fulfilling his own desires and when the temptation presented itself, instead of turning away, he gave in to the lusts of his flesh. At any point along the way David could have repented and stopped the sin cycle, but he chose not to. We all know that once sin gets its ugly foot in the door, it's difficult to stop (James 1:14-15). Sin, takes you further than you wanted to go, keeps you longer than you wanted to stay, costs you more than you are willing to pay. David's initial sin of covetousness, progressed to theft, then on to adultery, lying, and finally murder. This man who had previously shown strong spiritual character, had become callous and insensitive to the sin that was right before him until a man, a prophet named Nathan, stepped onto the scene. Nathan was no stranger in David's life. He had served him well in many previous situations.
The Lord sent Nathan to David to confront him with his sin. He proved to be a fearless friend and counselor, always willing to speak the truth in love, even though he knew great pain would come. Can you imagine the tremendous amount of courage it took to confront a king who could have you killed in an instant!? Nathan, led by the Lord, used great tact and wisdom in his approach to David which shows us how we present a message is equally as important as the message itself. Here's where David impresses me most and causes me to admire him in spite of his great moral failure. Immediately he received the rebuke and confessed his sin. He didn't try to shift the blame to Bathsheba for being so beautiful or seductive, or for her sunbathing on the roof. He didn't blame Uriah saying if he satisfied his own wife, perhaps she wouldn't have been agreeable. He certainly didn't blame his parents because of, well, we tend to blame our parents for everything! It is at this place in David's life that he writes Psalm 51, giving us incredible insight into the character of the man "after God's own heart".
Who knows what may have happened to David had he not put an end to the sin cycle he was on? Because of God's grace and mercy David is in the lineage of our Lord! And though the consequences of David's sin weren't erased, his relationship to his God was restored and David knew that's what he needed most! Let me ask you, as I've been asking myself, do you have a Nathan in your life? You and I can so easily deceive ourselves, justifying anything we do or want. But God provides us with two ways to guard against self-deception: His Word and true friends. Proverbs 27:6 states, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend. But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." Has anyone been trying to speak the truth in love to you over a matter of sin or potential sin in your life? If so, see them as God's messenger. Don't make excuses, make a decision to pray and quickly repent! "A broken and repentant heart, O God, You will not despise." No matter how miserable or guilty you may feel, pour out your hear to God and seek His forgiveness, then true to our Lord's character, He will forgive you, cleanse you from all unrighteousness and restore your joy! Aren't ya glad we serve an awesome, mighty God who is full of both love & compassion, One who stands ready to forgive the repentant sinner, no matter the sin?!
If you don't have a friend like Nathan, ask the Lord to give you one, but then ask Him to use you as a suitable "Nathan" for someone else.
My Hope is Built on Nothing Less, Than Jesus' Blood and Righteousness
I don't know about you, but I have personally had more than my share of being disappointed and hurt at the failings of others. Throughout my Christian walk, there have been those very close to me, as well as those through acquaintance, that have "fallen short of the glory of God". How does this affect me? After all, I know the Word declares that we ALL have sinned and fallen short. I KNOW that my eyes should be on Jesus and Him alone. But why does it hurt so bad when others' walk don't line up with their talk? I'm human just like you, and when people disappoint me, it causes me to wonder if it's only a matter of time before "everyone" will suffer the same fate? How do I get past this fatalistic, non-overcoming mentality? How can I live victoriously? I go to the Source of my hope and strength, JESUS!
It is simply a fact of life that people are going to let us down. I know that there have been times in which I too have let others down. But praise God there is One who will NEVER let us down! Psalm 131 in the New Living Translation says this, "Lord, my heart is not haughty, Nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, nor with things too profound for me. Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the Lord, from this time forth and forever."
Today, I have had to make a CHOICE once again, to go to the Rock, to allow Him to quiet my wounded soul. He alone is sovereign. He alone is worthy of my praise and adoration. He alone is the source of my strength. He alone died for me! If you, like me, find yourself in a situation where someone has grievously let you down, even betrayed you, allow the words of both psalms written t o bring healing to your soul, Psalm 130:7-8 "O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is unfailing love and an overflowing supply of salvation. He Himself will free Israel from every kind of sin." As the treasured hymn declares, "My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus' blood and righteousness, I dare not trust the sweetest frame, BUT wholly lean on Jesus' name! On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand!" Fix your eyes on Jesus today, the Author and Perfector of your faith!
Humbly,
Girlfriends Don't Come Easy!
My husband and I moved to Southwest Florida over five years ago not knowing a single soul! Now, something you should know about me is that if there's one thing that gets my motor running, it's being around people, especially girls! Back home, I had all the social interaction I needed between family & friends and then, BAM!, all of a sudden they're all gone and you suddenly feel very insignificant, even "lost" at times. Now mind you, I moved here with a husband and two young children, but you and I both know that girls NEED girlfriends! I was feeling so lonely and nearly depressed that I began to doubt that the Lord even "called" us down here (do you sense an "Eve" moment coming on, "Hath God really said???"). I knew that God had called us but I sure wasn't feeling it! I naively believed that I could just waltz into other peoples' lives/relationships, and act as though I were automatically one of the girls. Well, you and I both know life just doesn't happen that way, especially not with girls. I knew that there were only two choices to make. One, I could continue feeling sorry for myself and "blaming" everyone around me for my loneliness, or two, I could begin to "be a friend" to those the Lord brought into my life and wait for the relationships to blossom.
I can honestly say that I believe I've finally entered a season in my life where not only do I feel loved, but I love loving them back! The group of women that God has brought into my life did not just happen! It has taken, in some cases, years to cultivate these friendships. Times of planting & pruning were necessary as well as a time to nurture these relationships by spending time together in Bible studies and in fellowship (aka Starbucks, lunch & shopping, you know, important girl time!!). I had my share of tears, but I am now at the point where Psalm 126:5 is ringing true in my life, "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy". Girlfriends, I'm singing a song alright and it's a song of praise to the Lord for the amazing group of women He has surrounded me with!
I've shed my share of tears over this matter of loneliness, but I can look back now and see that the Lord allowed me to go through that difficult season so that when I got on the "other side", I would be better able to understand, encourage and comfort my fellow sisters in Christ with the same comfort that I received. II Corinthians 1:3-4 says, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."
The choice is up to you!
Cursing, Not Just for Bars Anymore!
We found this to be true first hand when, after homeschooling my son from 4th-6th grade, he re-entered the Christian school realm. After his first day of school he came home to report with astonishment how many of the children at his school regularly use curse words. Now that he's entered high school, the shock and astonishment are in reverse. It comes when he notices someone who does NOT use foul language, they are the exception and not the rule! No wonder there seems to be a decline in morality across our nation, as there is a decline in holiness in our evangelical homes and churches. Could it be that so many of our Christian children are using this kind of language, not because of hearing it on tv or at the movies, but in the home! Of course, some would say, "you're so old-fashioned, get with the times". My Bible that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever as well as "out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth does speak". May I suggest that that we do not have as much a language problem as we have a "heart problem". We have lost our fear of God and His Word. We gloss over the Scriptures that, while they don't list every curse word for all generations the principle remains. It clearly says in Colossians 3:8 "But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips." Also, Ephesians 5:4 says, "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place." Out of place for whom you may ask? The believers of course, not those hanging out in the bars!
Unfortunately obscenity, foul language and coarse joking are so common today that we begin to take them for granted with the mindset, "everybody's doing it." Everybody, whoever they are, may be doing it but that doesn't change the fact that the Bible, not me, calls this sin and "out of place" for a believer. The Bible also says that "judgment begins in the house of God" which is exactly where this battle needs to begin. It's time for those who take the name of Christ to take serious the admonitions in His Word to be "Holy for He is holy". If we want to see our nation changed, we, the church, must lead by example and quit straddling a fence which is so easy to fall off!
Connecting Godliness with Love?
Naturally (hopefully) it's easy (or at least easier!) to love your own family but, is it true for you like me, that the further you move down the line from those in your "inner circle" it becomes less natural to have a genuine love for others? Until recently, I always thought this was just the way it was supposed to be until I read in 2 Peter 1:7-8 which says in the NLT, "Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." Verse 3 in this same chapter tells us that "as we know Jesus better His divine power gives us everything we need for living a Godly life."
First, it isn't going to come "natural" to love others. This can only happen by the Spirit's power. Let's face it, there are going to be people in your life that just plain make it hard to like them, much less love them! In Rick Warren's book "Purpose Driven Life", he calls these people "EGR" (extra grace required). I believe these verses tell us that first we can only have this supernatural love because of Christ's divine nature at work in us as believers. Secondly, there is a divine progression at work here. First, you must desire to know God better and then begin to act on that desire by reading and studying His Word. You will become more Godly as you apply this living Word to your life and you will find that your love for other Christians will begin to grow. Then, as that love matures you will begin to have a genuine love for those outside your biological family and spiritual family.
If you're struggling with loving others, can I suggest the cause may not be as much of a "love issue" as it is a lack of Godliness? I saw this truth first hand with my own husband. Grant went through a difficult time spiritually earlier in our marriage where he claimed to not like people. He really did not want to be around anyone other than our children and I (which was also a bit "ify" sometimes) haha. This was not at all like the Grant that I married because that person LOVED to be around people and people loved to be around him. That was one of the qualities that I appreciated about him. But, as his walk with Christ began to wane, so did his love for others. That shocks most of you who know Grant now but it was a very sad time for both of us. However, as soon as He began walking in a right relationship with the Lord again, I saw him morph back into the person who loved others and was loved in return.
If you found yourself lacking in the "love department" this season, you're not alone! But, will you determine to begin 2008 with a desire to know Jesus better so that His divine power can flow through you. Then, as you grow in Godliness through His Word, thereby allowing His agape love to flow, first to your families, then to the watching, waiting, love-starved world around you, others will be drawn to Jesus Christ and He will be glorified and you will be partakers in His divine nature!
Why Can't I Be More Like Mary?
I see the immediate difference between the two of us when I read of her response to the Angel Gabriel's announcement that she would conceive and give birth to Jesus, the Son of God. I would have pulled an "Elaine" and said "Get Out!" Not her, she responded to this incredulous, miraculous news by saying, "I am the Lord's servant, may it be unto me as you have said." That's it. What an example of complete faith, trust & maturity this young teenage woman is! Of course when Mary said that, she didn't know about the tremendous opportunity she would have. She only knew that God was asking her to serve Him, and she willingly obeyed. She didn't have to have all the facts in order to be obedient. I would have required so much more information than this, how about you? I tend to get anxious when the "plan" doesn't come together in my time or my way. I'm certain the Lord grows weary of my desire to "help Him" along the way!
I believe Mary's response is one that God awaits to hear from His children still today. Will we trust God and His plan even when we don't understand or can't see the outcome? Isn't that, after all, what faith is? Being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see? If God was for me to the point that He did not withhold from me His only Son, why would He ask me to do something or endure something that would cause me harm? Of course the answer is He wouldn't! I have faith in God's character, that He is who He says He is; and in His promises, that He will do what He says He will do. And when my faith is weak, I simply pray, "Lord I believe, help my unbelief."
Discipline, A Good Thing?
The Bible says in Hebrews 12 that the Lord "disciplines those He loves" and that "no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." This past week I experienced a bit of discipline from the Lord.
My daughter Paige and I were at my son Zac's high school basketball game. He attends a Christian school but we were playing against a public high school. While sitting in the stands, waiting for the game to begin, I was observing (ok, people watching) those around us. Two rows in front of me there sat several teenagers and as I listened to their loud conversation, I heard them ridiculing our team because of it being "Christian". They were saying things like, "they can't do this & that, they're Christian" and "I bet they even prayed before the game" laughing as they were talking. I wish I could say that I looked on these kids with compassion as it seemed evident they didn't know Jesus as Lord. Instead, I sat there feeling angry thinking how unGodly these children were and how glad I was that my son didn't have to be around such rebellious kids. That mama bear instinct in me began to kick in and I was ready to fight!
Then it happened, just as I was feeling smug about who we were in Christ, the Lord, gently but firmly said to me, "don't be upset with how they're acting, it would be strange if they didn't act that way, it's not in their nature to reverence Me." I was expecting them to act like Christian children should act which is impossible because as the Word tells us in Romans, without Christ, we are ALL slaves to sin. Why would I show disdain for the lost for behaving the only way that comes "natural"? What would be much more "unnatural" is for a "believer" to act habitually & willfully sinful.
Rather than sitting in those stands with a self-righteous attitude, I should have been praying that the Lord would give me an opportunity in some tangible way to show the love of Christ. I'm quite certain the scowl on my face did not endear me to any of them as I sat there cheering for my Christian school! I have asked the Lord to forgive me and so I don't sit feeling condemned, rather, as a result of the discipline, I will face the rest of our basketball season with a new perspective, that of Jesus Christ who came to "seek and to save that which was lost". Yes, I'm thankful for the Lord's discipline because it reminds me that I am His child and that He does love me!
If God is For Us, Who Can Be Against Us?
Recently in my life, there arose several circumstances in which I was feeling overwhelmed. I knew better than to feel this way ,but the truth is, I was still "feeling" it. I know I'm not the only one who has these feelings from time to time, so it's not really a question of "if" they will come, but when they do come, how should you handle it? Why was I one day "feeling" ok and optimistic, and the next feeling hopeless? As I began to share with my husband my emotions, he asked me the probing question, "What's changed about your situation from a few days ago"? He knew that a few days ago I was feeling on top of the world! Of course, nothing had changed, so what was the reason for my despair and how could I overcome my feelings of hopelessness?
First of all, the reason for my despair was the fact that I had forgotten "whose" child I was and what my Father has promised me in His Word. Instead of doing what I knew I should (pray and read the Word), I decided to dwell on my circumstances. I know we can't control our thoughts but we can CHOOSE to think right thoughts! Once Grant got me on the right track again (thank the Lord for a husband who knows truth!) my eyes could focus on the privileges and promises that I have as a Daughter of the King! Romans Chapter 8 is a tremendous source of encouragement when we're going through any difficulty. It reminds us that: 1) If God is for us, who can be against us?; 2) Nothing can separate us from the love of God; 3) Who dares to accuse us whom God has chosen?; and finally, 4) Despite all these things (trials), we are MORE than conquerors through Him who loved us!
Let me encourage you today, if you are going through one of life's difficulties, whether it be financial, marital, relational or anything else that seeks to rob you of your joy and hope, take comfort in the words of the Apostle Paul found in 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10 "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. That is why for Christ's sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Be strong in the Lord today and in His mighty power!
Reaching for the Prize With You,