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.

Full of Faith

Approaching God has always been a subject that has produced different responses from many groups of people and religions across the world. Some think they can come on their own terms and according to their own 'truth', while others think that God could never accept them because of all that they've done and all that they've been through. The reality is that we have a clear directive from God's word that tells us how to approach Him and it's stated in a simple yet profound way in Hebrews 11:6: ... But without faith [it is] impossible to please [Him], for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. The Message Bible makes it even more descriptive and compelling in everyday language:

It's impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.

What an amazing picture of how simple it is to come to Him, while still holding true to how deeply we must believe in and commit to Him. God has set us up to succeed in that He tells us to come and seek Him by faith and that He actually 'cares enough to respond to those who seek Him.' He cares so much so that He provided His only son so that we could be reconciled through the forgiveness of our sins, provides the ability for us to do what He sets before us, remains unchanging in the way He relates to us throughout time, and loves us unconditionally through it all. If anyone was ever deserving of our faith, it is Him.

Whether you're going through something difficult or all seems well, remember that He is unfailing in His promises and love toward those who seek Him (Psalm 119:89-90; Psalm 103:17-18). He has shown Himself to be trustworthy, always working things out for our good (Romans 8:28). He is the one who knows the beginning from the end, and no matter what you see with your natural eyes, you can always have faith in God, knowing that He has your best in mind. He has said, 'I will never leave you or forsake you' (Hebrews 13:5) so you can trust in Him with all your heart (Proverbs 3:5-6). He truly is the rewarder of those who seek Him diligently, with a heart that's full of faith.

Let's Celebrate!

Celebration in the context of scripture can sometimes be downplayed in light of other 'bigger issues', but it is definitely an important part of who God has created us to be. It's no coincidence that we have special ceremonies and occasions at different times in life. We all are accustomed to parties related to birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, graduations, starting of a business or other organization, and a host of other things that we could list. As we consider this topic, let's look at some examples from the Bible to see how this all plays out from God's perspective.

Psalm 98 gives us a great general view as to why celebrating is a Godly and fruitful activity. We are called in this scripture to '... sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things...' (v.1). God's works are incredible in their display of His power, mercy and goodness toward us and we should celebrate and give Him thanks accordingly. Throughout the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy we see the feasts that the people of God were called to which were steeped in celebration and thanksgiving. In addition, we all remember the call that is set before us in Psalm 100 to '... enter his gates with thanksgiving and come into His courts with praise' (v.4).

So whether it's a birthday, wedding, anniversary, graduation, or some other special occasion, remember that God's faithfulness and mercy are ever-present in our lives and need to be acknowledged. Just remember to keep Him at the forefront of our minds and in every opportunity we have to reflect on His goodness, let's celebrate!