Beyond Just Hearing

Isaiah 50:4-5

"The Sovereign LORD has given me his words of wisdom, so that I know what to say to all these weary ones. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will. The Sovereign LORD has spoken to me, and I have listened. I do not rebel or turn away."

How easy is it for us to quickly offer a prayer when we are in need? I remember when praying was one of the most difficult things to do. While attending College (a Christian College) whenever we had group prayer, the last person who had their thumbs up was "elected" as the person to pray. It was always difficult. I was glad when one of my friends eventually asked whether this was right. It should be a privilege to be one to pray, and not to be "stuck with it". Looking back, I wonder if most of us was more afraid of God in our prayers, or what we had to say in front of friends? Prayer is primarily for God.

As we mature we come to realize that prayer is an easy part of every day of life. It is simply our conversation with our loving Father, and it can be done anywhere and at any time. However, our relationship... our communication is not just about speaking to the Lord. We must also listen. We must also spend time to listen to what He has to say to us. After all, He is not a "suggestion box" where we just leave our suggestions and requests. A relationship requires us to listen and to follow. Ah... yes, we need to "follow" as well. I recall a teacher asking if there was a difference between "hearing" and "listening". Indeed there is. Hearing is defined as "to perceive (sound) by the ear." Whereas listening is defined as "to make an effort to hear something" or "to pay attention." Listening takes hearing a step further through an "effort" to understand. This is true with reading Scripture. It is easy to simply read the words. It is another to make the effort to understand and let it dwell in our hearts. We need to listen, understand, and let His words live in us and through us.

The Perfect Drink

John 4:9-14

"Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (v. 13-14)

Just yesterday I went down to the second floor of our building to get a drink from the vending machine. I typically take with me a bottle of water, but on this day I happened to be without. After a long day, and without drinking much at all, I was thirsty. It was quite frustrating to find that it was not working. Granted, I was not dying of thirst, but it just left an unsatisfying and somewhat a helpless feeling.

I have been fortunate enough to never had known what it felt to be dying of thirst, and therefore expending all energies to seek water. However, I have some sense of what it is to feel thirsty and seeking that "perfect" drink to quench it. And if it is not "perfect" and does not satisfy completely, our search continues. As it takes longer than desired and not easily found, our search becomes more desperate and sometimes "clumsy" through compromises.

How about our thirst in life? What do we seek after? We may not be "dying of thirst", but many of us have thirsts yearning to be quenched by that "perfect" drink. It is also with the smaller things that keeps us so busy. What takes up our time?

There is only one "perfect" drink that never runs dry. All we need to do is drink because it is easily given. God is the only one who can satisfy our desires... our heart... our lives. His love is without condition and without limits. What more should we ask for? Why attempt to expend our energies on seeking our own solution, when the best one has already been handed to us. Instead, let us enjoy our time with the Lord who more than quenches our thirst.

"My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water." (Jeremiah 2:13)

Our Main Calling

Exodus 19:1-8

"You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself." (v. 4)

I remember accompanying a friend in a move from Boston to Cincinnati. We had a wonderful time sharing our ideas and thoughts. We always challenged each other spiritually. One of our major topics was whether it was important for churches to set visions and thereby create programs. We both knew the potential consequences when programs begin to dictate ministry instead of allowing the Spirit to lead it. Regardless whether it is a church or us as an individual, we can easily be caught up with the "work of the Lord" and allow it to drive us instead of God Himself.

However, I believe it is important that we understand God's will for us. I believe He guides us and therefore does provide us a vision and a goal. After all, He did command Moses to lead His people to first take them away out of captivity and into the Promise Land. The people were eager to leave captivity and seek the Promise Land. However, during the journey how often did they focused on the promise that they began to turn away from God Himself?

God Himself and instructed Moses to remind them how He took them away from captivity and brought them to Him. This is a reminder that our primary calling is to Him. His works then follow. Unfortunately, we all can easily be caught up in the works and lose sight that God first seeks our intimate relationship with Him first. God provides us visions and goals so we have a path to follow, but let us not lose sight of Him while walking this path. This path was set so we can enjoy our walks with Him, not to focus on the path itself. Therefore, let us always first seek Him, enjoy our fellowship with HIm, and then allow His works to follow.

Who Do You Worship?

1 Kings 18:21

"Elijah went before the people and said, 'How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.'"

In the midst of terrorism... as immorality and darkness seems to overtake the world... while religion seems to drive faith out of churches... while it seems as if the world will only get worse... we must not fall into the trap that there is no hope and that matters will only get worse. It is easy to be distracted by what is wrong with this world and believe that there is no hope. It may not be in a grand scale as the corruption of this world. It may be about our country, our state, our neighborhood, or church, or even our family. Things may not seem as if it is going well, but where is our focus? Is it with the winds blowing or the waves of water that may be crashing down on us? Is it because of the miracle of walking on water seems to be unreal or impossible? Ah, where is our focus now?

Israel had many encounters of despair, but in many instances God raised a godly person, a prophet, to help lead them to hope... he lead them back to God. During the wicked times of Israel where wickedness and idol worship prevailed, God intervened. Elijah whose name means "The Lord is my God" was sent to deliver the message to Israel to put their faith in God. His question was simple: who do you worship? We need to decide who in our life will we put our faith on. We cannot waver back and forth, but must decide how we will mold our lives. Do we put faith in our money? Do we rely on our jobs? Is our faith on our pastor? Do we put faith in our own abilities? Or do we put faith on our Heavenly Father and lay our lives in His hands?

There is hope in all situations. We should recognize the events around us, but our focus should not be on it. After all, God is hope and therefore if we put our faith in Him then we will always have hope. Let us shape our thoughts... our being on Him and let us rejoice for He is good!!!

Spiritual Training

1 Timothy 4:1-11

"Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy singing that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe." (v. 8-10)

It has been so hot and humid here in Charlotte during the past several weeks that it has been quite difficult (and lacking motivation) to continue my cycling regiment. My primary goal was to get back in shape and lose some weight. After two weeks of non-activity, I have already felt the impact. My weight was immediately back, my energy levels have dropped and my migraines have increased. Regular exercise not only reduced the number of illness, but it has made me feel better overall. Unfortunately, it also takes work. However, in time it becomes easier.

Our spiritual being also requires a regular regiment of exercise. We must train ourselves to be godly on a regular basis. It will not only reduce temptations in our lives and our chances of sin, but will also allows us to have pure joy and feel bette overall. We will be awarded ultimately in the end, but we are promised to be impacted currently ("holding promise for both the present life and the life to come" (v. 8b).

Therefore, let us train on a regular basis, have hope in the our loving Father, and receive His blessings in our lives starting today.

No Regrets

1 Peter 4:12-19

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, 'If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?' So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good." (v. 12-19)

Oh what a joy it was when we first learned of the truth of the love of God and the gift of life He gives us. When we accepted His gift of His Son and became His son and daughter, we were absolutely embraced by His love. We were at first saddened when we recognized the sins we have committed, but were then lifted up in pure joy from His love.

As we matured as sons and daughters, we continued to face many trials and tribulations. It was difficult to strip away our old nature. It sometimes seemed easier to do the same things, especially when our friends made fun of us and/or didn't support us. It is even more difficult when it seems as if we can "cut corners" to be in a better place for ourselves, especially when it comes to our pride.

However, as sons and daughters we know the truth. The truth is that we have been set free from the bondage of sin through the blood of Jesus Christ. We have become sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, and are inheritance of His kingdom. Even though we may suffer, we suffer for Him. Christ suffered the worst in our place: rejection by His own people, and rejection and separation from the Father as He bore our sins. Therefore, there is no regrets. Everything we do we do as His sons and daughters. We can find pure joy in His joy over us.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Peace in Life: Two Step Process

Psalm 119:33-48

"Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. I will always obey your law, forever and ever. I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, for I delight in your commands because I love them. I lit up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees." (v. 43-48)

As humans we are always seeking to find peace in our lives. We desire a comfortable life with the freedom to do anything without any worries. We want to lead a joyful life with hope for all circumstances. Fortunately for us sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father this is possible. We will always find truth and hope in the Living Words that God has given us. However, the peace and freedom we seek does not come from just reading the Scripture. It comes from having faith and living accordingly. The Word is living because it should be living in us and through us. We cannot simply read the Scripture as a historical book. Prescriptions are provided. If we are to gain the health and benefits it provides, then we must have faith in it and actively partake in it. We are to "walk about in freedom" because we "have sought out His precepts (v. 45)."

A Winning Strategy

1 Corinthians 10:1-13

"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." (v. 12-13)

There are many differences that can be found between a man and a woman. It is said that the typical women would like to talk out their problems in hopes to find a solution. They would talk to others about their problems as they work through them. Men on the other hand prefers to keep it to themselves. They would ponder their problem and attempt to find a solution. It is only when they discovered the solution would they begin to discuss it with others. This is one of the reasons why a man would get into a trouble with a woman for not being open. It is why some of us men get into trouble for not stopping to get directions when we are lost.

Although this may be a general truth between men and women, I believe we all have some things in our lives where we are determined to solve the problem ourself and not be willing to ask for help. Unfortunately, these decisions all have consequences.

Temptations are areas in our lives where we can have severe consequences if we are not careful. Most of us fall into the temptation and sin usually for two reasons: 1) we were overconfident in ourselves; and/or 2) we we did not seek help.

Overconfidence can be dangerous because it usually leads to carelessness. We should indeed have faith that we can overcome, but it is only through the strength of the Lord. It is when we accept His Spirit in us and be strengthened when we can have the confidence of overcoming temptations. However, our faith in Him, also means that we need to be careful. There are times when it is best to flee from temptation to avoid sin.

In 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 we are given hope that God will never allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear and that He will provide us a way out. We are reminded of us many times to give us hope. However, we often times forget the key point. We will not be tempted beyond what we cannot bear, not that we can solve it on our own. In fact, it is emphasized in the next sentence that He will provide us a way out. In other words, we must be dependent on Him. We need to pray to God, trust in Him, and be still to hear Him. It is through Him when we can overcome temptation.

Let us therefore fix our eyes on Him, and when the waves come not worry because our strength comes from the Lord and He will protect us and keep us from harms way.

Honesty and Kindness

Exodus 23:1-13

"Do not spread false reports. Do not help a wicked man by being a malicious witness. Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd, and do not show favoritism to a poor man in his lawsuit. If you come across your enemy's ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to take it back to him. If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help him with it. Do not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits. Have nothing to do with a false charge and do not put an innocent or hones person to death, for I will not acquit the guilty. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous." (v. 1-8)

When I was younger I was very thin. My mother would worry and always insisted that I had more to eat. Some girls were envious because my waist were smaller than theirs. After I got married, and especially after children, I put on some weight. I now have the reverse problem, and working on losing it. However, as I returned to my "stomping grounds" when I was younger I met a friend who simply did not recognize me, and immediately blurted out "You're fat!!!" I could not deny the truth, but the two simple words were very sharp and very hurtful. They immediately recognized how unthoughtful it was, but it was already too late - the damage has been done.

Then I recall when a friend had recognized that I had my pants zipper open and part of my shirt showing through. After an hour or two of walking around in the city, we encountered another friend who simply asked if I were hot, kindly informing me of my open zipper. My first friend knew about the little issue, but was more concerned about my feelings and therefore could not sure the truth of the matter.

Most people do not want to befriend those are not truthful. We typically steer away from those who simply cannot be honest with us because we would always question their intent. On the other hand, we do not want to fellowship with those who are not honest, but are sharp with their words. Conveying honesty can be done in many ways. Although one without the other may be somewhat beneficial, but it can also be more harmful. In fact, one cannot operate appropriately without the other: if one is honest, but unkind, could it not sometimes lead us to question whether it is the truth; and if one is kind, but dishonest, would you not question their kindness? The combination of honesty with kindness completes the person who rely on and enjoy being around. It is in fact a law given to us as Christians. Let us therefore learn to walk in truth and kindness.

Strategic Retreat

Genesis 39

"She caught him by his cloak and said, 'Come to bed with me!' But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.'" (v. 12)

In war, there are many strategies that are taught in terms of the art of war. In fact, many famous statements are used when it also comes to life. For example: "we may have lost the battle, but we will win the war." Another one that has better relevance is "to run away today so we can fight another day." There is such things as a "strategic retreat." If we know that the odds are stacked against us, then it is best to pull away, regroup our thoughts, and then return to improve our odds. We especially do not head towards trouble if we know it may harm us. After all, a sailor does not head towards seas if his instruments indicate an oncoming storm.

Similarly, we need to sometimes strategically retreat when there is temptation we know that we cannot overcome. In fact, we should steer away from them when there are indications of them. Growth doesn't necessarily come from weathering through it. Often times it is best to immediately run away from it, so we can prepare for it so when we cannot avoid it we will be stronger. After all, there are some temptations where we can easily fall into sin and it can grow immensely immediately like lighting a spark in a very dry forest. Let us therefore learn to "run away from temptation today so we can fight another day."

Joy in the Lord

Genesis 41:46-57

"It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering." (v. 52b)

Too often we believe and act as if it is the end of the world when we are faced with trials and tribulations. When difficulties arise, we sulk in our misery. We sometimes enjoy surrounding ourselves with others who are suffering, and may even attempt to argue who has it worse.

Joseph on the other hand depended on God. He placed His faith in Him. He believed the earlier dreams he had received in God, and in times of trouble he continued to have faith in Him. In doing so, God provided opportunities he would probably not received otherwise. However, these opportunities only came after he was sold as a slave and then thrown into jail. Even through these adversities, Joseph placed his faith in God.

Similarly, we too should always seek His face. We should not let the sufferings depress us. If we hold on to the promise that God has given us (our eternal life with Him where we will have a new body in a new land and without any sufferings), then as Joseph we can overlook the current sufferings, especially if opportunities will be provided. Let the joy of the Lord be complete in us by putting our faith in Him and not let the tides of momentary events sway our emotions.

His Way

Matthew 26:36-46

"Then he said to them, 'My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.' Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'" (v.38-39)

Jesus knew the events to become and the time it will take place. How difficult it must've been to know that He was about to bear all the sins of men throughout time. He was to betrayed and rejected by His creators, only to be crucified not because of what He had done, but because of his betrayers. It was so burdensome that He Himself indicated His "sorrow to the point of death."

However, He did not run away. Even when His closest, His disciples, were asleep and was of no comfort in His sorrow, He remained. Although it was very difficult, His love for us was greater. And in the midst of His sorrow, He turned to the Father through prayer. He submitted to the Father allowing HIs will be done.

We too must submit to the Father, especially in the times of difficulties. Instead of burying our head into the sand, we should pray and have faith in Him. His love will prevail, so let us allow His will be complete in us and through us.

His Junior

2 Corinthians 3:1-6

"You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts." (v. 2-3)

In college, I had a roommate who had a very distinctive laugh. I could hear his laughter down the hall because it was so unique and carried for a distance. As we became good friends, I was later told that I was his junior. They claimed that my laughter has changed to become more like his. As time went on even after college, I had become aware how my laughter would change with those who are closest around me.

It is amazing how we all begin to "imitate" various behaviors of those closest to us. As we do, people take notice of the similarities. Isn't that what makes "best friends"?

Well, this is very true for us as sons and daughters of God. Have we become imitators of Christ, so that the world may see Him through us? Are we not the example of Christ Himself? Have we become His junior?

One Who Loves Us

Romans 8:28-39

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: 'For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.' No, in all these things we are more than conquerers through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (v. 35-39)

Wow! What an amazing passage from the Bible. This Scripture is well known. However, how deep have we explored these words. Typically we can feel great about the love that is given to us. It is an amazing love. However, do we spend time to trace this love back to God. Is it just the love that we focus on, and not the One who is loving us? In fact, have we not heard that God IS love.

Unfortunately, we separate the two. Most of us find comfort in the love, but forgets who is loving us. The last verse is the key, "love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord". Through the sacrifice of the Son of God do we find agape (unconditional) love. It is through His death and resurrection that makes such love possible to be "untouched" by anything and made available to all. All that is left is to accept it and embrace it. It is then when we can truly experience the love of God.

Through His Strength

2 Chronicles 16:1-13

"...'Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the LORD your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand. Were not the Cushites and Libyans a mighty army with great numbers of chariots and horsemen? Yet when you relied on the LORD, he delivered them into your hand. For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.'" (v. 7-9)

Whenever difficulties arise, it is so easy to attempt to resolve it ourselves. We will work on it through the sweat of our brows. We may be successful, but at what cost? We may also face down at the issue, and easily become angry or depressed over it. These are all problems either because it shifted our priorities, or we expended our energies on it to leave no strength for others, or we may in general have a wrong attitude about it. If any of these are true, then we are sinning against God.

The main problem with relying on our strength and not of the Lord is that this is a display of either (or both) hiding something or lacking faith in Him. In all circumstances, whether big or small, it should first be given to the Lord. As in a special relationship, we want the other to share everything with us, so to does our Lord. This is not to say that we should not work on the issue, especially when a simple solution is staring us in the face. It is primarily about first giving it to the Lord, and trusting Him. Sometimes those easy solutions may not be the correct action to take either. By putting our faith in Him, we will have His infinite strength. Therefore, let us rely on Him. In all circumstances, let us first give it to Him, rely on His strength, and find pure joy in it.

Living by the Spirit

Galatians 5:16-26

"So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not be gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.... Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." (v. 16-18, 24-25)

I remember when I was a child doing a science project where you filled half the bottle with windex and the other half with oil. One was deep blue, and the other black. One would've thought that it would've mixed together and changed colors. However, in this case they did not. One type of liquid stayed on top and the other on the bottom. If you turn the bottle upside down, the liquids would immediately move to their positions again. They would "push" on one another and force each other apart, especially to finds its place. Their difference in characteristics (density) keeps it apart.

This science project reminds me of us. We are like the bottle. We are filled with the Spirit or with the sinful nature. Their characteristics are very different, and the fruits of their labor are very different. One will always "please the heavens" and will be on top, and the other "drags us to hell" and will always be on the bottom. They will always "push" on one another, and will always be apart.

However, what would happen if we fill ourselves more with the Spirit? The bottle can only contain so much, and therefore there would be less of the sinful nature. Therefore, if we want to bear more fruits of the Spirit, then we must live and walk with the Spirit. We must focus on the Father and increase the Spirit thereby reducing the sinful nature.

A Prosperous Life

Psalm 107

"Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things." (v. 8-9)

Our nation is so blessed. It has been a prosperous nation with great advances. Unfortunately, it seems as if we have ignored such advances and blessings, and continue to work towards further prosperity. Instead of enjoying what we have, we are already seeking the next advancement. For example, I have always stated that "technology is both a blessing and a curse." The mobile phone for instance has made it possible to be in communication whenever necessary. Instead of embracing such blessing, we have made it into a curse by now expecting communication 24x7. Our work has bled into our daily living through expectations of always being accessible. There is no longer a clear distinction of when work ends and home life begins. The work life has bled into home life because we choose to further prosperity instead of enjoying what has already been given to us.

This is one of the major problems in America. We are constantly reminded that "we should deserve our just reward", "we need to demand what we deserve", "we need to grab what we want", and especially that "life is about making the big bucks." We are continually never satisfied with what we have, and overwork to get more. We no longer "work to live," but "live to work."

Unfortunately, the primary issue stems from the initial idea; the idea that these things are ours. We believe that these are our just rewards, and therefore they belong to us. In truth, they all belong to God. It is our Heavenly Father, our Jehovah Jirah, who provides. He is not the provider of just the big things, but in all things including the small ones. He is the creator of all things, and therefore belongs to Him. It is God who blesses us. If we begin to live in this light, and thank Him for His provisions to our needs, then we can learn to become satisfied. It is then when we can live a peaceful and truly a prosperous life.

The Final Sacrifice

1 Peter 2:13-25

"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 'He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.' When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." (v. 21-25)

We always attempt to keep our house in a acceptable state of cleanliness. However, with children running in the house, our acceptance level had declined. Regardless, we work hard in keeping it clean. However, when we have guests, our acceptance level returns to a very high level. We do our best to present a beautiful clean house. However, during the process if time is running out, we have a "special room" where we dump things into when we cannot appropriately clean them. It is a room where we sometimes tell our guest of two german shepherds as a watchdog behind the door. The house in general may be clean, but it would be disastrous if the guest walked into that room. Unfortunately, it's worse after our guests leaves. We are typically exhausted, and either the mess in the "special room" is forgotten and collects over time, or the mess just gets re-distributed back into the house.

Unfortunately, we as Christians treats our sins in the same manner. Many of accept the gift of eternal life of Christ, but continues to treat in a similar fashion. We now recognize its wrong, but we attempt to sweep it into a "special room." We treat Christ's sacrifice as if it was simply to cover our sins. Christ's sacrifice through His death and resurrection was not a sacrifice as in the Old Testament. It was not an atonement as translated in the Old Testament as "a covering" or "to cover over something." He sacrifice was to wash away our sins once and for all. To have our sins completed washed away is very different than covering it up. So to must our attitude be. When we sin against God and then receive His forgiveness, then we must take every attempt to prevent from sinning again. His forgiveness, is not about "rearranging the deck furniture on the Titanic." We do not just cover it up, only to have it appear elsewhere in our lives. Our acceptance of His forgiveness means the elimination of the event AND the attitude of the sin.

Let us therefore not diminish the power of the cross. His sacrifice was not like the sacrifices of animals in the Old Testament. It was done once and for all as Jesus spoke His last few words, "It is finished."

Gaining Respect

Daniel 1:1-16

"But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way." (v. 8)

Even during difficult times and while being captive, Daniel did not forget his faith and did everything he could to prevent compromising it. This included showing respect to his officials, although they were his captors, and always attempting to abide by their given processes. He did not simply ignore the captors way to avoid compromising his faith. He followed his chain of commands, and requested a change.

As Christians, we must do the same. In fact, Scripture teaches us to respect and obey our local authorities. Our fundamental beliefs should never be compromised. However, we should do everything possible to work within the system to avoid compromise whenever possible. By doing so, we would potentially earn the respect of the officials and possibly win their hearts as well.

You'll gain respect when people see
That you are faithful to God's Word;
There may be some who disagree,
But they will know you love the Lord.
- D. De Haan

If you're living for Christ you may lose some friends, but you won't lose their respect.

Carefree Life

Psalm 121

"I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.... The LORD will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." (v. 1-2, 7-8)

As I watch my children grow up, I've come to appreciate the natural bond that has been developed between child and parent. Whenever there is an issue or problem, our children turns to us to help resolve these things. Many times they do not comprehend what is being done, but they rely and trust their parents that they will make things better. I also enjoy watching them experiment and explore new things, but only to the point of knowing that either mom or dad is near enough to run back to if something unexpected was to happen. They instinctively trust in the comfort of the safety that we provide for them. And as parents, we instinctively provide such safety (in some cases overly protective). Our children's lives are carefree because they can enjoy life without having to worry about it since they naturally find comfort in their parents.

Similarly, our Heavenly Father has promised us to be our helper. He will constantly watch over us and will keep us from harm. His presence has no boundaries, and He can easily watch over every little step we take. Therefore, let us have confidence in Him. Let us place our lives into His hand. We may not always comprehend what He is doing, but if we can have the faith in our Father as a child would have for their parents, then we can live a more carefree life. It is only when we release our entire life into His hand when we can have such freedom and joy.