For Freedom

In the book of Galatians, the Apostle Paul encourages the church at Galatia to remember that God had set them free to walk in freedom: For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1).  The importance of freedom in our lives cannot be over-emphasized.  It's a principle created by God and so important to Him that we see it's presence at the very beginning of humanity in the Garden of Eden.  Adam and Eve were not required anything except to stay stay away from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and even that they were free to disobey if they so chose and we all know how that one worked out (Genesis 2-3).  Despite the fact that it was God's desire for us to be protected from that tree and all the havoc it has wreaked on humankind over the years, freedom is so valuable to Him that He still gave us the opportunity to choose, by placing it in the Garden.  He knew that true love and commitment from His children would only come when we had the freedom to choose to love, obey and serve Him.

Freedom is a litmus test for our heart's desires.  The only way we know that love for anyone or any thing is valid is in the place of being free to choose.  When there is total liberty to do otherwise and we still choose someone or something, it's in that place that love is affirmed.  A slave may do what He's told, but a faithful son or daughter does things to honor their mother and father.  When our hearts are moved to do those things that honor God and are dear to His heart regardless of regulations, this is true commitment, true worship and true love.  Our heavenly father desires great things for us, but He will never take pleasure in us accomplishing or attaining them so long as it's not in true freedom - first from sin, and then from being led by obligations and regulations.  He wants us to choose the life and blessing He has for us, out of a place of pure relationship.

So today, remember, it is for freedom that Christ has set us free so let's walk in it for His glory.

Time for Harvest

As I was thinking about the subject of giving, I remembered a post that I wrote a few years ago entitled Harvest is Coming. In that post I discussed the reality of what the Apostle Paul stated in Galatians 6:7: "God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." The fact that God is truth reassures us that we can trust what he says.  When he declares that he will not be mocked and that we will reap what we sow, he means it.  He is God and there is none who is as just, true, valid, unchanging and faithful as he is.  From the creation of the world (Genesis 1), to the prophesies of Jesus' life, death and resurrection (too many to list :-)), to the great plans he has for each of us (Jeremiah 29:11), not one of His words has ever failed.  With that in mind, remember that we will undoubtedly "reap in due season if we don't lose heart" (Galatians 6:9) as we continue to walk by faith and not by sight 

(2 Corinthians 5:7).

So whether it is your time, your money, a gift, a smile, a hug or any other act of selflessness, be encouraged that you will definitely reap a good harvest on good seed in God's timing.

The Opportunity of a Lifetime

Consider today how great the gift and opportunity is that we have in Christ. Hebrews 4:14-16 tells us that we are able to approach the throne of grace boldly to obtain mercy and then find grace to help in time of need. All because of what? The blood of Jesus. The finished work of the cross enables us to return to the Father’s original plan for us: relationship with Him. Today, you are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) regardless of what you may feel like. You are the righteousness of God through the work of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21) no matter what mistakes you may have made. You are Christ’s ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:17-21) calling the world to be reconciled to Him, even if you don’t think you have much to say. Today, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). In everything, remember that God has made a way for us to return to Him and to tell others the same great news.

So each and everyday, I encourage you to go in the grace of God, fulfilling all that He has planned for you as you walk with Him. We've only got one life to live here on Earth, so let's embrace the opportunity of a lifetime.

Worship and Relationship

Today I was thinking about the reality of what we as a team of worship leaders do in the body of Christ, and it struck me like it never has before. We help to build relationship - first with God and then with each other. As we come before the Father each and every time, it's to express our love using our music and other artistic giftings, and to call others to do the same. This is an incredible opportunity to be an example of what Jesus said were the two great commandments in Matthew 22: to love the Lord with all of your heart, soul and strength and then to love your neighbor as yourself. As we come to the Father in corporate worship to pour out our love for Him with authenticity and accuracy, we bring a display of worship that He loves to inhabit (Psalm 22:3). At the same time, we simultaneously are calling our brothers and sisters to do the same. Through this act, we show our love for our 'neighbors' by not leaving them out as we express a sincere desire for them to attain one of God's heart cries for us: unbroken fellowship with Him through Jesus Christ. What we are saying as we lead others in worship, is 'you are important enough to God and us, that we want you to join us in fulfilling one of the great purposes of our lives: glorifying the God of all creation.'

So the next time you step up to lead worship, whether you sing, play or dance, bear in mind that you should be declaring your undying love and commitment to our Father, as well as your love and concern for your fellow brothers and sisters. Let's passionately keep worship and relationship intimately tied as we express our love for the Father and call others to do the same.

Give Like God

From the beginning of time God has been a giver. When it would benefit Him in no way other than to have relationship with us, He created mankind and the world we live in. When it was time for us to begin this life and take care of the earth He made, he gave us everything we would ever need. And above all else, when our sin separated us from Him, He gave His only son to bring us back (John 3:16).

Giving is not just something that Father God does, but it serves to help define who He is. 2 Peter 1:3 tells us that by His divine power we have been given everything that pertains to life and godliness. In the garden He gave life, blessing and purpose. Through the years that man wandered, He never stopped giving provision. Through the prophets of the Old Testament He gave correction and direction. And finally, through Jesus Christ, He gives us eternal life. Truly the attribute of giving marks Him as one who is loving, kind, merciful and compassionate, and so it must mark us. If we serve the God of the universe, in whose image we were created, then our lives must display the gift of giving.

Our time, talents and treasure are not our own, but are entrusted to us by God to live this life while blessing those around us. In so doing we further solidify our role as his ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20) and as His children (John 1:12). So as we're right in the middle of celebrating the birth of Jesus during this Christmas season, remember that we're not only blessed to receive, but also to give like God.

Created for Relationship

After celebrating another birthday last week I am really thankful for relationships. I received such an outpouring of cards, gifts, texts, letters, Facebook messages and e-mails that it is overwhelming. The love and gratitude expressed by my friends and family was huge and my response in thankfulness was just as great because I begun to realize that it is only through valuing and committing to relationships that we reap the benefits. By embracing everything, including the tough times, we have the opportunity to enjoy all of the benefits and blessings. In Genesis right before He created man, God said, 'it is not good for man to be alone' (Genesis 1:18). In this, God not only spoke of marriage, but of all relationships because there was no other human but Adam up to that point. God's desire was that in the same way He created man and wanted fellowship with him, He wanted Adam (and all of future mankind) to have the opportunity to fellowship with others who were like him.

Just as the two great commandments referenced by Jesus in Matthew 22 state - love the lord with all your heart, soul and mind and love your neighbor as yourself - we were created to love God and love each other. Regardless of whether it's easy, or filled with challenges, we are called to live this life in relationship: with God and others. So cherish it, enjoy it, work at it and succeed in it because truly, we were created for relationship.

The Power of Agreement

Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven (Matthew 18:19). Unity is a powerful thing and is highly valued by our Heavenly Father. After man was created, the first thing God said of him was that it was not good for man to be alone. This was not only a statement of the need for creating the institution of marriage, but about the need for humans created in God's image to come to a place of unity with others concerning their purpose. As humanity, we have been designed by God for His glory and for relationship with Him, but we've also been designed for relationship with one another. In the context of that relationship, the necessity for purpose by design of God is undeniable. We are created for good works as Ephesians 2:10 states, and that purpose is fulfilled as we come together with one mind and heart for God's glory. As Psalm 133 tells us, God sees it as 'good and pleasant' when we dwell together in unity because in that place God knows that as we walk in relationship with Him and one another, we are able to fulfill what He has desired for us from the beginning: loving Him, and loving one another. With this is mind, remember what we've been exhorted to do in Hebrews 10:24-25:

²⁴And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, ²⁵ 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.

Coming together for community and mission is key to fulfilling our purpose in Christ. He has made a place for us because He knows that if we will 'agree on earth about anything', He is able to work it out in and through us according to His will. Realize that this is why the enemy so desperately tries to sell us a bill of goods to unify under ungodly causes that directly contradict God's word. Our response to that must always be to rally under the banner of God's word and Spirit in Jesus' name so that we will do what He's called us to do and be what He's called us to be. So whether it is a particular mission, Bible study, family time, fellowship or corporate worship, never forget to embrace the power of agreement.