Category: god

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The Christian Traveler 

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For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

I’m that Christian who had long convinced myself that I could never memorize Bible scripture.  I’m in awe of my friend Betsy who can roll out verses like a pro.  She doesn’t just know them; she uses scripture to comfort, encourage, convict and enlighten as she hikes her Christian path.  It’s what the Bible means by taking up the “sword of the Spirit.” (Eph 6:17).  

Earlier this year I finally understood this analogy.  Without scripture at my fingertips, I was like a soldier going into battle without ammunition.  Or as though I was on a road trip and forgot the most important thing to keep me going – snacks.  Realizing this, I set out to memorize Isaiah 26:3-4 which says, “You keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.  Trust in the LORD God forever for He is an everlasting rock.”  

When my mind strays to worries, fears and all the other things of this world that pull me away from God, I’m slowly using this new weapon as a reminder.  A reminder that perfect peace can only be found in the Lord. 

Last week, we looked at corporately attaining knowledge about our Christian faith to grow in sanctification. Through church participation or group Bible study we gain helpful insight into God’s Word.  Today, we will look at the individual means the Holy Spirit guides us on this holy journey.

Daily, personal Bible reading, whether through reading a book of the Bible, a teaching-style daily devotional, or individual Bible study book, is essential to gaining knowledge of the God we profess to be our King.  Without this, we close off an avenue for the Holy Spirit to work in us.  It’s our “sitting at the feet of Jesus,” learning His ways.

I’ve always recommended to fellow Christian travelers to do their Bible reading in the morning.  While we need to be careful not to become Pharisee-like in our routines, there’s a good reason I recommend this.  

The Right Path

Why do you already do the tasks in your morning routine?  You get cleaned up for the day, get energized and mentally review your daily schedule.  You might even exercise somewhere in all of that.  Keeping physically fit to “make it a great day.”  All that’s wonderful, until you hit rush hour traffic or you get a flat tire.  Or you get a giant project dumped on you that no one else wanted.  Maybe your child suddenly throws up as you’re about to take them to school.  It starts raining and you had a picnic planned.

You know, life happens and it’s only 8:30am.

I mentioned previously that my mom died suddenly last year.  I had just finished my evening prayers when I got the phone call.  Then, just four days later my 85 year old dad was given the news that his 10 year fight with bladder cancer had progressed to something much worse.  My life and my schedule were instantly thrown for a loop.  Each morning I did my studies and turned my schedule over to God. I began memorizing Isaiah 26. The Holy Spirit spoke through His Word encouraging me and teaching me.

On January 7, 2025 one of my devotionals used Genesis 6:22 to remind me of my purpose here on earth: “Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did.” In other words, live in obedience to His will.

So, before you start your day let’s get our heart, minds and souls fed and strengthened.  Let’s get ourselves aligned on God’s road.  We then set out, wading through burnt toast, coffee spills, traffic, rain, clothing mishaps, annoying people, and lost phones with being tethered to God’s perfect peace.  We are fully stocked with all our favorite road trip snacks.

You may wonder where to start?  That’s really not the problem.  The problem is just starting.  I can recommend, however, reading the book of Mark.  It’s fast paced and gives an overview of Jesus’ ministry.  

Roadside Service

The other daily tether on our journey is prayer.

I heard a great sermon by Tim Keller where he looks at Psalm 1 as our introduction on how to pray.  Verse 2-3 says, “but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.”  He explained how “meditating” is frequently misunderstood to mean gazing at our navel or the ocean.  But what it really means is having a conversation with God.  A two-way conversation.  Talking and listening. God speaks to us through the gift of His living Word, the Bible.

Here’s Dr. Keller’s example of how to mediate on the “law of the Lord” (meaning the entire word of God):

  1. Take a piece of scripture and read it a few times
  2. For 15 minutes or so write down 10 things you observe or learn in that scripture
  3. Circle two or three things that stand out to you or have special meaning to you at that time
  4. Think on those for the remainder of your day while talking with God

I guarantee if you do that a few times a week you will grow in your knowledge of the Lord.  You will see His beautiful promises, His truths, and His expectations for your walk with Christ.  

We don’t need flowery poetry to talk with God.  And God doesn’t need you to speak in tongues (He’s well-versed in whatever language you naturally use!).  You may have heard the Bible verse, “pray without ceasing.” That isn’t something that looks like being a cloistered monk all day.  It means when something good happens, you immediately thank Him.  When you are in a tough spot, ask Him.  When you sin, seek forgiveness and help.  In the morning seek His will, not yours, for the day.  And in the evening review how you saw Him at work in your life.  A constant “roadside assistance service” to our God.  The Holy Spirit is ready and waiting to fill you up with the knowledge and wisdom of God through answered (or even unanswered) prayers.

Friend, do you want to grow closer to God — meaning you are walking the path of sanctification?  If you want what the Bible calls “the mind of Christ,” it’s like any earthly relationship.  You need to get to know Him.  You must spend time with Him.  

Through private, quiet contemplation and study and congregational teaching and worship the Holy Spirit reveals our glorious God.  He holds your hand while you travel through this Christian life.  

I’ve learned a lot about how much God loves us and how to see Him throughout my day these last six months.  I’ve learned on my long drives home from my dad’s house after a day of doctor visits to thank God for all the ways He has helped and strengthened me.  And although I haven’t yet achieved “perfect” peace, I’m at least going in the right direction.

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.  John 16:13

This week’s question: What Bible scripture have you memorized that you use often?  Or which scripture would you like to memorize?

Next week: We plunge into seeking the joy of trials. 

Bible, bible study, Christian, Christian Church, christian encouragement, christian men, christian parenting, Christian women, Faith, god, Jesus, Jesus Follower, religion, scripture, Uncategorized, wisdom

Ready, Set, Roll

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His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.  For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:3-8

When my oldest daughter was little, she announced the desire to roller blade.  So, we bought the skates, helmet, wrist and knee pads to embark on this new adventure.  After the first outing, which saw numerous falls, she then announced she was a complete failure and wanted to quit.  The skill building process is not one which children seem to embrace readily.  They’re easily frustrated, disappointed and prone to toss it all in the trash.  

My daughter thought that she could strap on those skates and glide her way around the neighborhood with ease – enjoying the freedom of movement and wind in her hair – without having to actually learn how to skate.

As adults we usually understand this process.  We come to realize the time and effort needed to learn a topic, skill, language, job, etc.  Yet there are still times when many of us think a lesson or two should do.  I’m reminded of this fallacy each time I take to the golf course.  As an occasional golfer, when I whiff a shot and get frustrated or even mad, I must remind myself how little I play and how rare I practice.  

What does this have to do with being sanctified in Christ?  For the past year I have been a discipleship coach with an online ministry.  The students sign up for a course, answer questions about Jesus and the Bible, and ask me their questions on Christian doctrine or scripture.  When asked why they are taking the course, all say they want a closer relationship with God and Jesus.  They say they want to grow their faith.  But my friends, here’s the truth.  Only one has completed the course.  Many don’t even start it.  I don’t take it personally.  The stats are the same throughout the program.

They have to opportunity to strap on the skates, to attain their goal of freedom in Christ yet they don’t want to learn how to do it.  So, I have to ask you, do you want to learn how to grow in your faith, in your relationship with Jesus?  Do you really?  It’s not a passive activity.  Sanctification doesn’t just descend upon you and poof you’re fully changed.  The Holy Spirit prompts us, presents opportunities for growth, and when we step forward, He changes us.  

Let’s go back to the scripture at the top of the page.  There’s a word repeated throughout which leads us to not only being an effective and productive member of Christ’s kingdom but also how to grow closer to God.  Do you see it?

Knowledge.

That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.  You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:20-24

When you accept Jesus as your LORD and Savior, God isn’t expecting you to strap on your skates and head off onto the nearest beach boardwalk skating and dancing gracefully to the tune of Boogie Nights.  No, He says, “Follow Me.”  Learn from Me, watch Me, imitate Me.  Change with Me, while the Holy Spirit holds your hand.

How do we do this?  Today let’s talk about knowing God and I mean really knowing God – as much as He allows. Knowing Jesus’ words and understanding as much as the Holy Spirit wants to reveals to us.  Our faith is built on the truths of God so we can stand firm on the battlefield.  So that when we slip and fall, we can know we are still loved and forgiven.  We accomplish this with His help both congregationally and individually. Today we will roll into the topic of congregational learning, why and how to seek it plus, tips on preparing yourself for the best experience.

When Jesus called the disciples, He didn’t just hang out with them.  He taught them.  The entire book of Matthew is Jesus teaching these disciples what the Kingdom of God is actually about and how the citizens of the kingdom act, think and love.  It wasn’t by osmosis.  It was by sitting at the feet of a teacher and putting what was learned into practice – an internship program of sorts.  

In modern times we call that going to church.

Friend, if you’re one of those folks that thinks they don’t need to go to church because it’s “just a building” or you were hurt by another believer in a church, and you are learning to skate all by yourself, then you don’t know the full Word of God.  Scripture after scripture tells us, even admonishes us, to gather to hear the Word and to worship Him.

God’s Holy Word calls us to commune with other believers in our process of sanctification.  Jesus didn’t just call one person, He called 12.  And then hundreds sat at His feet.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42

The Sermon on the Mount might be considered the first large church meeting.  People gathering to hear the teaching of Jesus about the Kingdom of God.  He gave insight to the Law they’d never heard before.  They were blessed, convicted, and fed.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.  For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Hebrews 10:25-27

Did you catch all the reasons to go to church? To show love to each other; to do good works with each other; to encourage one another; and don’t miss this one – to gain knowledge to help us not to go on sinning.

When you trust in Jesus you are made a member of the body of Christ – not just an independent body part.  You need the body and the body needs you to learn to roll with God. Choosing a church or group should reflect your thirst for learning God’s Word and desire to worship Him.  

This week, if you aren’t in a church, start looking and visiting.  Before you go try and look up the church online.  Search for their “what do we believe” page. If they don’t have a page like that, I recommend you skip that church.  Be prepared to visit a number of churches.  If you want some tips on what to look for in a church, ask in the comments below!

Meeting together is not a choice in God’s view.  It is not only a place to be uplifted by other believers but also to gain knowledge and wisdom about Him.  Without this, we are prone to believe so many of the devil’s lies about God.  It’s a commitment to life-long learning so we can step out and skate into the truth and freedom from sin.

Your church should be a place of spiritual growth.  A teaching environment, not a personal counseling session intended to make you feel good for a bit.  Sermons should leave you thinking, contemplating on your obedience to God’s will, not how it’s ok to disobey God.  They should bring you new insight into scripture, not creating new scripture.  The teaching must be God focused, not you focused.  

Here’s some tips on being in the right mind before you walk into church or even Bible study this week:

  1. Pray and be in joyful anticipation that you will learn something new about God today. Romans 10:17, Psalms 119:16
  2. Think with eagerness on how you get to worship God today. Hebrews 13:15
  3. Be watchful, excited and intentional about how you can be a cheerful, welcoming, or comforting person to someone else in the congregation (especially looking for people you don’t recognize). Hebrews 3:13, 1 John 4:12
  4. Take what you have learned and teach someone else. 1 Peter 3:15

Friends, this coming Sunday so many of you get to hear God’s Word taught without fear of persecution like so many of the early Christians experienced.  Some Christians, as in Syria and Egypt, face this still today.  When you plan out your weekend be sure that God is first on your list of skill building opportunities you want to do.  He is waiting to see you roll in, ready to praise, pray, learn and love.

This week’s question: What do you (honestly) think is the most important decision in choosing a church?

Next week’s post: Your individual search for knowledge and wisdom

Bible, bible study, Christian, Christian Church, christian encouragement, christian men, christian parenting, Christian women, Faith, god, Jesus, Jesus Follower, prayer, religion, scripture, Uncategorized, wisdom

To Walk In His Steps

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“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.  They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.  Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.”  John 17:15-19 

If you’ve spent any time reading my posts you’ve probably discovered I have had a difficult relationship with my parents.  My father, the atheist, and my mother, the rejector of all things “church” have led lives which saw an ever-decreasing circle of family and friends.  During the last 10 years or so, my mother set about turning her back on not only me but one of her granddaughters and subsequently her two grandchildren.  My dad, a quiet, unassuming man, felt the best way to keep the peace was to follow along.  So, one day he told me to stop calling and checking in because each time I said even, “Hello” his world would turn to chaos.

Much of what my mom set about doing was, I believe, due to mental illness as time went on.  However, I also came to realize she suffered from a life-long emotional need that was never fully met.  She desired love but just could never fully surrender to what that all entailed – time spent together, joy, forgiveness, empathy, giving freely, and even physical contact.

The Bible tells us emphatically to “honor your father and mother.” (Exodus 20:12 & Deuteronomy 5:16).  Jesus, in Gethsemane, told His Holy Father that He would suffer an excruciating death in order to do His Father’s will.  Well, I spent a lot of time with God over the last 20 years trying to figure out exactly what that meant.  I sought to understand what walking in Jesus’ obedient steps would look like in my life.

I may have said in the past that my process of coming to a “good place” with my parents went through all the stages of grief.  

  1. Denial
  2. Anger
  3. Bargaining
  4. Depression
  5. Acceptance

At some point I realized I was in the midst of this process because I grasped that what was happening was the death of something that God has ordained as good – the parent/child relationship.  When I finally stopped working so hard at getting their approval and love, I needed to see what God wanted out of me in terms of “acceptance.”  How could I show the love of Christ and glorify Him in my steps?

The LORD, was sanctifying me through a very personal and long-term problem.  I knew the acceptance of the situation still meant I needed to obey His Word.  That became obvious during COVID and my prayer time.  My prayers turned from “please fix them” to “how can I best love these folks that gave me life?”  I obeyed when He showed me the way.  And even though I was turned away so often, I was no longer hurt because I knew I served Him well.

Last year, the LORD moved this situation into a new realm.  I truly believe He saw I was ready for more Kingdom work.  On July 11, 2024 a family friend called to tell me my mom had suddenly died from an aortic embolism.  My father had called him to get a ride home from the hospital.

As I rushed to my parent’s home to meet my dad, I didn’t know what to think, what to expect.  But I knew God had shifted my life and I was ready to embark on whatever new path of sanctification He was taking me.

As I stood next to my father, who sat stunned in our friend’s passenger seat in his driveway, I felt God’s powerful presence leading me to complete forgiveness, compassion and love.  I embraced my dad and we cried together.  I took a big leap forward that night on my way to Jesus’ desire of holiness in me.

I’ve hopefully set the framework of why we get sanctified and by whom in the last few posts.  Over the next few weeks, I’m going to show you some practical ways the Holy Spirit, given through Jesus’ death and resurrection, calls us, speaks to us, guides us, and comforts us as we are being sanctified.  Lessons learned over the last few years, especially the dramatic turn of events in my life last year.

We will walk through these 5 potential spiritual growth areas:

  1. Knowledge
  2. Trials
  3. Obedience
  4. Wisdom
  5. Stewardship

So, I hope you join me next week as we stride our way into our first topic of knowledge – the way to gain it and use it to bring us closer to our God Almighty.

This week’s question: In absolute honesty, where do you turn to first when you have questions about the Christian faith?

Bible, bible study, Christian, Christian Church, christian encouragement, christian men, Christian women, Faith, god, Jesus, Jesus Follower, religion, scripture, Uncategorized, wisdom

It’s Not You, It’s Him

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Philippians 1:6  “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

In a survey done a few years ago about what Christians believe, more than half (55%) agree that “everyone sins a little, but most people are good by nature.”  I have to assume that when people answer questions like this, they’re thinking specifically about themselves and people they love.  Because friend, if you believe this you haven’t poked your head outside in a while, like a long, long while.  You haven’t been to a kid’s sports event.  Apparently, you were asleep during the great toilet paper crisis of 2019.  That’s just the small stuff.  If you really want to know how good we humans are, read up on your national and international news.  War, rampant fraud, poverty, murders, rapes, greed – getting the true picture of all that goodness?

Christians who believe they are basically good then must erase the need for Jesus.  I suppose this error still works for that 55% since the survey also found that almost half (44%) say that Jesus was a great teacher, but he was not God.  Thus, we don’t need anyone to come and save us from our sins, right?  We don’t need anyone to clean us up, clothe us in majesty so we can stand righteously before the One True God.

That definitely wasn’t the prophet Isaiah when He was brought before God.  Isaiah 6:5 shows us his situation — “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”

Isaiah, when brought before God, saw how unworthy he truly was when compared to our Holy and Majestic God.  My friends, it’s not until we realize we are just as unclean can the clean-up truly begin.

When we do, so many of us start working really, really hard at getting “cleaned up.”  We clean and we clean.  And like Lady Macbeth we cry out, ““Here’s yet a spot,” she cries, desperately rubbing. “Here’s the small drop of blood still.””  Her sin caused such guilt and shame she sleepwalks constantly washing her hands. 

Oh, we may fool ourselves into thinking how much better we are for having gone (or thought about going) to church a few times, or even regularly.  In fact, our piousness may ooze out of our pores.  We give to the right causes (just enough not to hurt) and are righteously offended by other’s not-so-godly behavior.  We volunteer (or at least we want to) and we wear our symbols of our faith.  But still that spot won’t come out.

“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? .... But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

If you recall my first post, “The Coat of the Holy Spirit” I wrote about three phases of sanctification:

  1. You were sanctified (Justification)
  2. You are being sanctified (Sanctification or Made Holy)
  3. You will be sanctified (Glorification)

Of these, which are you to keep scrubbing away to get those spots out?  This is, of course, a trick question. It’s all Him, not you. All He asks is for you to listen, trust and obey His Word.

So how have we been sanctified?  By the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ.  He chose you before time began.  Only the blood of Christ satisfies the requirement God has to give the guilty mercy and grace.  Remember, we are ALL sinners.  We all deserve death and eternal separation from the Most Holy God.  The gift of Christ was given freely because “God so loved the world…” John 3:16.

“But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as first fruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13  

You are being sanctified right now, even by reading this post!  You are gaining wisdom (I hope), which was given by Christ to the disciples — to generations since, to me, pastors, teachers, fellow believers — imparted to you!  The Holy Spirit, imputed to you by Christ, is living inside you opening your heart, your mind, your eyes and ears to God’s Word and promises.  

“In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.” 1 Peter 1:3

Lastly, you will be sanctified when we see Christ again and rise from the dead, fully healed, fully restored as God has planned since creation.  How beautiful is that?  A gift from our Creator to those who simply believe.

So, who is responsible for making us holy?  The short answer is always Jesus.  When we love Him, we desperately want to obey Him, to please Him with our love. 

Thank you, LORD, for doing the work for us.  For not having us make endless, pointless sacrifices to try and wash the spots off our souls.  For being the only True God who loves us so much that He died for us.  No other man-made gods have done the same.  That is love.  And for that we can be eternally grateful.  Amen

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

This week’s question: Do you struggle with the word “obedience?”  Why do you think God calls us to obedience to Him?

Bible, bible study, Christian, Christian Church, christian encouragement, christian men, christian parenting, Christian women, Faith, god, Jesus, Jesus Follower, prayer, religion, scripture, Uncategorized, wisdom

The Coat of the Holy Spirit

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Hagiasmos — To be made holy or separate 

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we  have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.  And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:1-4

As I’m writing this my BSGs (Bible Study Girls) are working in the book “Now and Not Yet,” by Ruth Chou Simons.  We’ve just completed a week long study on Joseph’s life found in Genesis 37-50.  Joseph’s story is one of those known by believers and non-believers far and wide, mostly because of that coat.  You know the one – of many colors that his dad Jacob made for him.  That coat became a visual reminder of Joseph’s favored son status amongst his brothers.

You’re probably familiar with the story but here’s a quick re-cap:  Joseph’s brother’s get angry when he shares a dream about ruling over all of them.  They plot to kill him and instead sell him as a slave to some passing folks heading to Egypt.  In Egypt, God puts him into one of Pharaoh’s official’s homes as a servant.  He’s quite successful there managing the household.  But Potiphar’s (the official) wife lusts after Joseph.  When he rebuffs her, she lies and says it was Joseph trying to have his way with her.  So, Joseph gets thrown in jail.  But God puts his favor on Joseph in jail and he becomes the second- hand man of the jailer.  Eventually, news of Joseph’s dream interpreting skill reaches Pharaoh who asks him to interpret a dream.  Joseph tells him about a coming time of plenty then drought.  Pharaoh then puts Joseph in charge of saving the Egyptian people from starvation.  Eventually, Joseph’s brothers come to him asking for food, not realizing it’s their long lost brother.  A happy reunion ensues when Joseph forgives the brothers.

Whew!

When asked at the end of the study week what three things stood out to me, I answered with this: 1) Even in the worst, he made it the best.  2) We don’t hear of God telling Joseph what to do.  And 3) Joseph’s walk with God just seemed a part of him.  

I pointed out to the ladies that the first time you even hear Joseph speak God’s name is when he rebuffs the wife.  He said it would be wicked and sinful thing against God.  After that even in jail while interpreting dreams, you don’t get Pauline-like statements about suffering and perseverance for God.  But when asked by Pharaoh if he could interpret the dreams he said, “I cannot, but God will give Pharaoh the answers.”  And when Joseph finally revealed who he was to his brothers he made the amazing statement, “And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.” Genesis 45:5

From favored son to dropped into a well to die.  From slavery to Pharaoh’s trusted servant.  From betrayed to forgiving.  Joseph had God embedded so deeply in him that each trial, each good thing, was of God.  It was as though he wore God as a comfortable, favorite coat.

You have to think as the years went by while in Egypt, he thought of the brothers who tried to kill him.  As he sat rotting in jail for years, of that beautiful, multi-colored coat.  We now can read the full story, but Joseph himself never knew what was to come.  He only knew God was with him.  

Raise your hand in all honesty if you would be plotting your revenge or how you would turn your backs on your family (or friends or neighbors or fellow church members) after being treated so terribly.  All the while waiting to hear God’s voice telling you what to do or how to feel about it all.  

When the time came to stand face to face with his brothers it wasn’t anger and bitterness that he expressed.  He could look back at the betrayal of Potiphar’s wife and how it led him to years in jail all to be worked out by God.  He saw how God, through his slavery, used him to save hundreds if not thousands of people.  God didn’t have to reveal some new great truth to him.  He slipped easily into wearing God’s goodness in the trials.  He saw that God was sovereign, and he trusted Him.  God was teaching him to persevere, leading him up to redeeming his family with forgiveness.

That’s sanctification.

We’re the fortunate ones to have the entire story of the Bible laid out in front of us.  We get to see the work of an even greater Joseph – Jesus.  We see how His Father asked Him to wear a different coat – one lined with all the blackness of our sins.  His suffering and perseverance redeemed all humanity.  His gift to us?  The Holy Spirit residing in us for our time here in this world.  So like Joseph we too can wear the living God each day.  A majestic, wise and powerful inner coat.  Having Him be a natural way of life for us – obeying, trusting and persevering.

Friends, we were sanctified by the blood of Jesus.  Giving us justification to stand before God in peace.  He has clothed us in white, having removed that dark punishment of death.  We are being sanctified right now by the Holy Spirit guiding us through the hatred or lack of love we experience, the lies told about us, the tragedies and trials.  He bathes us each in God’s glorious light that we might shine it out to the world!  And what is all this for?  We will experience our final sanctification when we are glorified and the purple robes of kings are placed on our shoulders.  When we face our LORD and He says to us, “Welcome home, good and faithful servant!”

Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2.

Until then, God purifies us.  He is making you holy, “hagiasmos” or set apart.  Walk like Joseph through your day, wearing not that shiny, sparkly coat of the world, but rather the coat which envelopes you inside and out with the Holy Spirit.  He will make you more valuable than any favored, earthly treasure.  He will clothe you in something more precious than gold.

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,
    but people are tested by their praise.  Proverbs 27:21

This week’s question: What’s been the most confusing or challenging part of your Christian journey?

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New Series Starts Monday!

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We believe God and that Jesus died for our sins. Now what? Why aren’t we instantly living a peace-filled, joy-filled life? Why do seemingly bad things keep happening even though I trust in Jesus? And why do I still feel far from God?

Friend, you aren’t alone if you have or are currently asking these questions. Starting Monday, March 4 join me on a journey to answering those questions and more about this amazing thing called our Christian faith.

I’d love to hear from you and your faith building journey each week so be sure to drop a comment! And please share this series with your friends and family or anyone that is asking these same questions.

Your Sister in Christ, Kris

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On Being Sanctified

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"...you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 2:5

What’s the difference between discipleship and sanctification?  If you’ve been justified why does any of that matter?  You might even ask what does it mean to be justified?  Is your faith a private or public matter or maybe both?  Are you prepared to hold fast to Jesus during the trials of life or are you worried that you might lose your faith when disaster strikes?  Did you lose faith when disaster struck?  And when someone sees that cross dangling from your neck or wrist are you prepared to give biblical answers about God?  Lastly, has your church, if you attend one, been at your side to help you answer all these questions?

A few of my friends volunteer with an online Christian ministry that helps both believers and non-believers find answers to some of the most fundamental questions about our faith. Of the 38 students I’ve worked with over the last eight months, nearly all identified as Christians. Yet, without fail, they all admitted that they didn’t truly know the God they claimed to follow. Sadly, this is not an isolated case. A nationwide survey found that only 1% of churches have active discipleship programs—programs specifically designed to strengthen our foundational understanding of Christianity. These programs aim to fulfill Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19: to make disciples.

But really, what is the goal of all of this?  It’s two-fold.  The first is sharing the Gospel across our communities.  But the second, seemingly most overlooked part of the job for our churches and each believer, is helping our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ remain steadfast and on the narrow path.  In other words, becoming more Christ-like or sanctified.

I’ve gone through quite the trial these last few months and I’ve come to realize how much work, not only I had put in, but was put in to me to help me through it.  There was death, deep forgiveness, immeasurable love and patience, a church loss, joy, and tears.  Holding my hand through it all was the gift of the Holy Spirit, the teachings of God’s Word and many, many fellow believers (some who know me well and some who will never know me at all!).

When life took an unexpected turn last year, I had just finished my last series, “30 Days of Worship.”   I missed writing and missed connecting with all of you. I found myself gazing longingly at my computer.  But God whispered, “Not yet.  I’m teaching you a new thing.”  So here I am, still in the midst of my new thing.  But looking back to what I have learned, ready to do my part in discipleship.  Sharing with you the Good News and how we can hold fast to it.

I hope you join me over the next month or so as I share with you my new series, “On Being Sanctified.”  Why? Because we can all use a little help getting through the fires as God purifies our hearts, preparing us for the day we see our LORD and Savior face to face.  Please follow the blog for my posts and share with your friends!  

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Day 30 In Christ Alone

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“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

For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. Psalm 62:1

Earlier this year I trained to be a discipleship coach for an online ministry.  Anyone who searches the internet using certain, key words may encounter the link which offers a free course called Knowing Jesus.  People from all over the world work through the free  course seeking to grow closer to God through the truth of Christ, the Holy Spirit and the Bible.

I recently had a student who said Jesus was a very obedient servant of God.  While that is true, I told her that limited view of Jesus doesn’t ensure we understand the full holiness and deity of Christ.  I explained to her Jesus was fully man and fully God, a sometimes confusing concept.  I asked if that information was new to her, a self-professed, occasionally attending church Christian.  She replied,  “Yes.”  

That one word actually made me sad.  Sad over how the “church,” meaning we, the body of believers have sometimes failed to make clear the place that Jesus sits in heaven.  How we have failed to loudly celebrate that only Christ can be the one to cleanse us of our sins so we can, with His cloak of purity laden over our shoulders, come before the Father.  And the way churches, fellow believers allow our friends and neighbors to remain in the dark about the love the Trinity has shown all humanity  —  when God humbled Himself to walk among us and give us the message of eternal life.

You see, without seeing Jesus in His rightful Holy position we also can’t look to Him for all hope and strength and peace.  Because no average man can give us that.  No, it takes a King of Kings, a Lord of Lords, a solid cornerstone.  Christ alone.

Jesus, the man, was tender, strong, felt pain, and was ever obedient to His Father.  At the same time, Jesus, the Word in flesh, was sinless, wise, merciful, a healer, a life-giver, prescient, could calm storms, and fill nets and endless food baskets.  But most of all Jesus the Holy One was the required sacrifice for our forgiveness of sins.  

He gave His all for us  He suffered much for us.  He loved tremendously for us.

When this same student mentioned she’s too tired on Sundays to regularly attend church, I told her I too used to think church was just another thing on my to-do list.  But when I realized the amazing gift that He gave us in Christ I was compelled to worship Him in gratitude and submission.  Instead of obligation, church became a soul-filler.  When I lift my hands up to Him in love, He reaches back to me through the Holy Spirit and grabs hold of me.  I know that nothing else in this world can ever pluck me from His hands.  He will never let me go.  He brings us home in victory.

If you don’t have this relationship with Christ, call on Him today.  Give Him your all.  And the Lord of All will give all eternity to you.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the past 30 days of Worship as much as I have!  If you missed any posts, I’ve compiled the entire series here.  Please share with your friends today to support this ministry and help be a light out into the darkness.

To listen to today’s song, click here: In Christ Alone

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Day 29 Good Day

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Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:1-5
“The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lordturn his face toward you and give you peace.”’ Numbers 6:24-26

I’ve heard a famous Christian teacher tell audiences this profound truth: “It’s one thing to see a miserable sinner but a miserable Christian is a tragic thing.”  While we all, believers and non-believers, have heartbreaking or difficult events in our lives, we have to acknowledge that the majority of our lives run from fun and exciting to dull and average.  Yet throughout it all Jesus followers should emulate the apostle Paul and be always searching and living gratefully for God’s ever presence in our lives.

This truth really hit home for me when I read Corrie Ten Boom’s famous book, “The Hiding Place.”  Her sister Betsie could find joy in God’s provision even in the darkest moments of a Nazi concentration camp.  Corrie, more of a like-mind with me, would roll her eyes when her sister would make joyous declarations such as, “Give thanks in all circumstances.  It doesn’t say ‘in pleasant circumstances.’  Fleas are part of this place where God has put us.”

As lights of the Lord reflecting out God’s love and goodness to the world, we need to be especially mindful of our outward attitude and appearance when events go awry in our lives.  Showing the world who we trust and who is working for our good. And when events turn to joy we need to give it all up to God in His bountiful mercy and glory.

I first heard this song about having a good day when I was visiting and caring for my two-year old grandson.  My daughter had shared with me Owen’s Spotify playlist so we could listen to his pre-school songs in the car.  You know, fun stuff like “icky sticky bubble gum” and the “wheels on the bus” played on repeat.  When this bright and joyous song came on in the car he exclaimed, “Mommy’s song!”  We sang along with vigor.

I asked my daughter about it later that day.  She explained they play this song every morning on their way to work and daycare to set the tone for the day.  To remember that with God in our lives it can always be a good day.  Because while the Lord has blessed us with breath and we acknowledge that the creator of the universe knows our very name, we can have a great day in every single way.  

Friend, I once thought this view of life was blind to the realities of the world.  Until the scales were taken off my eyes and the truth was revealed.  Emmanuel, God with Us, shines His beautiful light on us in all circumstances.  So play it loud and sing it like ya mean it. Because today can and will be a good day.

Click here to listen to today’s song: Good Day 

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Day 28 Stand

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Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’  If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.  They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.  John 15:20-21
Praise be to the Lord for he showed me the wonders of his love when I was in a city under siege.  Psalm 31:21

One of my church pastors provided me with not only an “ah ha” moment a few weeks ago during his sermon on Philippians but also a “duh” revelation.  Here’s what he said,  “We have to remember the letters written by Paul to the churches were not written to individuals but to the church body as whole.”  As readers and students of scripture we can get caught up thinking a verse was speaking directly to me and my life.  

It’s an important change of perspective, especially these days when folks who call themselves Christians promote the idea that we don’t need to go to church.  Or we can just do church by watching it on TV.  Not only are we directed in scripture to be part of a body of believers we are also to actively participate in that community.

But why?  Let’s first look at what happened to those of us who lived in areas where our churches were shut down during COVID — some for two years.  People became disconnected, dispirited, lonely and worse.  Be completely honest, watching someone on TV preach the Word is not the same as being in the same room with other believers.  We get distracted, make a snack, check our phones, etc.  Instead of exiting the doors and talking with those who just listened to a powerful message.  Sharing our questions, our revelations, or how the message truly lifted us.

When we don’t have that community, we also don’t have the support to sustain us when trouble hits.  Standing in the face of trials even when it seems almost unbearable.  We don’t have the ability to look around at all the faces of those who know and love Jesus like we do.

God provides every opportunity to help us when darkness wants to have its hand on our lives.  When the world calls us crazy, we can stand firm and announce, “there’s quite a few of us crazies and we celebrate our God and Savior every week across the world!”  

Just like we can forget the epistles were written to bodies of people, we can also forget every word written to encourage and support them was done so because they were facing trials –greater than any westernized church today.  If they could stand while facing death for even meeting, for proclaiming that Jesus is King, then we can stand too.  Let’s do it in community, together.

Click here to listen to today’s song: Stand