Lemonade

 

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character, and character, hope.  Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5: 3 - 5 NKJV 

There is a old saying that when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.  I always thought that that was sound advice from someone who had seldom tasted the sting of life's disappointments.  In fact, if I were to live by this advice lately, I'd be bottling lemonade by the gallons.  What else are we to do when life circumstances get in our way of being happy Christians?  If I was still in the church circle I'm sure that by now I would have been scolded that God was somehow punishing me for some sin I may have done.  Perhaps it was a bad thought from my past that riled up the Lord?  That would be believable, if sin were still an issue for me.  The apostle Paul tells us in Romans that we should now consider ourselves "dead to sin" {Romans 6:11}.  Sound advice from a man who could have sold a few jugs of lemonade himself back in the day.  So, how are we to approach those situations in our lives where it seems like there is nowhere to turn?  Again, Paul helps us out in this.  According to Paul, our struggles eventually produce perseverance, character and hope.  Not bad for feeling like we have our backs against the wall.  When we attack the lemons of life head on, not only to we make lemonade, but we sharpen our own character as a result.  Not only that, but by tackling our issues, we gain a sense of hope that maybe things aren't as bad as they first seemed.  When we finally emerge victorious on the other side of our struggle, we may do so knowing that we were not alone in our journey.  For it was Jesus Himself who walked that road with us.  Jesus?  Yes, the very same Jesus whom Paul tells us lives in us today {Galatians 2:20}.  As we all know, Jesus was well aware of the lemonade side of life.  

Considering this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.  And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."  Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christs sake.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12: 9 - 10 NKJV 

I consider Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 12 to be as much of a mystery to new believers as the mystery of the gentiles which is Christ in us.  Whatever does he mean that when he is weak, then he is strong?  What does he mean by saying that he boasts about the lemons in his life?  To help answer this question I defer to my own recent experiences.  During a few recent stressful events in my life, I was reminded by a good friend who continues to remain nameless (who am I kidding?  People know who he is by now!) that I was not walking through these tribulations alone.  Heavens no, for Jesus Himself was with me the entire time.  It is in times like these where we may feel that we cannot go on, but it is here also that the strength and perseverance of Christ Jesus works through us.  Why did Paul rejoice in his tribulations?  Because he knew the truth, that it never was him that made those lemons into lemonade.  It was only by the grace and power of Christ in him that Paul was able to chop up all of those lemons.  As for us, you and me, we indeed can have that very same realization when the situations arise.  The realization that we are but vessels for Christ Jesus who is in us.  What better opportunity for Jesus to reveal Himself to those around us than by working through us.  In the end, the label on that jug of lemonade will not proclaim it was bottled by us...but by Christ in us!  

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Romans 8: 28 NKJV 

~Scott~ 

Tradition Versus Jesus

 Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us.  He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

Colossians 2: 14 NKJV 

I've heard the question more than a few times.  Which is more important, traditions or knowing Jesus.  Now, most well meaning believers know that the obvious answer is to know Christ Jesus, but they tend to go about it the wrong way.  They tend to think that they are getting closer to Jesus by following man made  church traditions.  I grew up following such traditions, so I know a little about what I speak.  But I still ask, what does following tradition have to do with knowing the man Jesus?  For there is absolutely nothing I can see in these traditions that has brought me closer to Christ.  Not tithing, nor prayer or gathering together in church.  All have led me to follow a church paradigm and not know Christ.  What HAS brought me to the realization of who Jesus truly is is the revelation of the Father.  The apostle Paul speaks to his own revelation in Galatians.  Paul speaks to "when it pleased God" that He would "Reveal His Son in me"{Galatians 1:15-16}.  This is how we will come to know Jesus as He is.  In fact, many believers may be shocked to know that Jesus wasn't too hip on organized religion.  He often took the opportunity to point out the flaws in the religious systems of the Pharisees of His day.  His "Woe to the Pharisees" we find in scripture is but a example of how Jesus saw organized religion {Matthew 23:13-36}.  No, the gatherings which the church of the early believers of Jesus partook of were far different from the man made church services we see today.  Paul gives us a glimpse into the works of this early church in Acts 2.  Can you imagine a church service where the congregation shared what they had with those in need?  A group of believers where sharing meals and happiness go hand in hand?  No, because we have been entrenched in a religious system for far too long to know the difference.  

Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.  So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.  

Acts 2: 44 - 46 NKJV 

Imagine my surprise as a young believer when I was introduced to the "community" church concept.  There were home groups as well as monthly get togethers for all.  However, one key stone remained unturned, that is knowing the man Jesus for who He truly is.  Most believers who have not delved into the writings of Paul may never come across the revelation he gives us about Christ Jesus in Galatians.  It is Paul who introduces us to the truth of Christ in us {Galatians 2:20}.  Yes, Jesus lives in you today.  I know, I've heard all of the traditionalists who stick to their guns and make various claims that in their minds debunk the belief that Jesus could ever live in us.  First and foremost is our very own sin issue.  How can a holy Christ find refuge in a sinner?  Simple...we're now dead to sin.  Huh?  Paul tells us in Romans that the finished work of Jesus on the cross has freed us of sin debt {Romans 6:6}.  Our old nature was put on that cross with Christ, that we would no longer be slaves of our sin.  This is how Jesus Himself can and does live in us today.  So, are Paul's words in scripture just that...words?  I don't see it that way.  Especially when a tradition based pulpit pounder tells me to accept the scriptures he gives me, but to disregard the words of Paul which I know in my heart to be true.  For it is the revelation of the Father that has given me the knowing of Christ Jesus in me.  It is this same revelation which will introduce you to the truth of Christ in you.

~Scott~ 

A Higher Standard

 

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the richness of His grace.

Ephesians 1: 7 NKJV 

One question always bothered me while I was in a mainstream church.  That is, if Jesus died to rid me of my trespasses, why do I need to still worry about them?  Yet, each and every Sunday morning I was sure to be reminded of just how bad I had behaved and that I not only needed a Savior, but that I needed to continue praying that He would forgive me.  How does that work?  Jesus gives Himself for me yet I need to keep asking Him to?  In jest I invented a saying which I would tell to a select few pastors, 'How many times does Jesus need to be crucified?'  Well, sometimes it seems that Jesus is on a never ending path to and from that cross.  Although we have read in scripture that He has provided for our salvation, we're also told that we need to keep praying for forgiveness.  Why is that?  I'll tell you why, we're our own worst critics.  Once we have the knowing in our hearts that God has provided for the washing of our sins, we can rest in assurance that we are forgiven.  That's it, end of story.  If it were that easy, right?  Well, it is.  The apostle Paul tells us in Romans that we should now consider ourselves "dead indeed" to sin {Romans 6:11}.  That's right, Paul knew that Jesus did not need to be continually martyred every time we feel guilty over our past.  What's done is done, and Jesus has paved the way for us to proclaim with confidence that we are indeed dead to sin.  But, as I said, we are our own worst critics.  Each time we feel guilty over what once was, we feel the need to pray for Gods forgiveness.  Now, I'm not one to tell someone just how they should deal with their prayer life and God, to each his own.  That being said, if it makes one feel more assured praying to the Father for the forgiveness they already own, then who am I to tell them not to?  The bottom line is, when we know in our hearts that we're forgiven, we can speak it with confidence.  

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 

2 Corinthians 5: 17 NKJV 

You will notice in Paul's reminder in 2 Corinthians of our new creation in Christ Jesus what has happened to our old ways.  As Paul tells us, 'old things have passed away.'  They're gone, forever.  Paul never mentions that Jesus left some sin unforgiven to hold over us.  For this reason, Jesus proclaimed on the cross, 'IT IS FINISHED.'  He had accomplished what He had been sent to do, and nothing will ever take that away from us.  Now, the accuser will try to convince us that we are still that sin stained person we used to be, but that does not make it true.  For there is but one truth, we are a new creation in Christ {2 Corinthians 5:17}.  Not only that, it is Christ Jesus who lives in us {Galatians 2:20}.  Knowing this, we can sit through a entire Sunday sermon on the sin of mankind and know that Jesus has provided for your forgiveness.  That old man we used to be is no more.  In his place is the Spirit of Christ Jesus who gave Himself for us.  

~Scott~ 

The Booklist Of Common Sense

 

And we know that the Son of God has come and given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 

1 John 5: 20 NKJV 

I was looking on Amazon the other day for a particular book on history and decided to check out the Christian book section as well.  Well, I have never seen so many books on common sense in my life.  It seems that the Christian book scene is chock full of books from teaching us not only how to pray but how God can bless us into being a millionaire (Yes, there's a book on that!).  This is both intriguing and disappointing in my mind.  I mean, does a believer really need a book on how to learn to pray?  For what are our prayers but conversations with the Christ Jesus who is in us {Galatians 2:20}.  I find it sad that there would be people out there who would purchase a book simply for the opportunity that the Lord would bless them with being a millionaire.  Now, I've owned a few common sense Christian books in my time as well.  However, the one Christian book that I have never grown out of is my bible.  If you are looking for a book on how to pray, speak and act in a Christian way, then the bible is for you.  For in its pages we will find the very words we need to learn and know our living Lord Jesus.  Yes, I said living.  Yes, Jesus was persecuted and crucified, but He has overcome that and His Spirit now resides in us.  The apostle Paul introduces us to this truth in Galatians 2.  As we read the bible, we are introduced to the coming Lord Jesus through the old testament, then we see His life and words in the new.  I have to say, we could do away with every single Christian fad book on common sense if we would simply follow the words of Jesus.  Want to learn how to pray, Jesus lays it out for us in Matthew {Matthew 6:5-15}.  Want to learn how to treat others?  Read the words of Jesus we find in Matthew 5 {Matthew 5:45-48}.  However, far from being a instruction manual on Christian living, the bible is actually our introduction to getting to know the truth of Christ Jesus.  The knowledge of knowing that it is He who lives in us.

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."

Galatians 2: 20 NKJV 

Contrary to contemporary Christian reading, you won't find it written in the bible that God will bless you with being a millionaire.  So, if that is your goal with being a believer, you will be disappointed.  However, what the bible and the words of Jesus will offer you I believe is something worth far more than anything money can purchase.  Can all the money in the world buy you the assurance that you will never need to fear dying?  I have never had a million dollars, but what I do have is my knowing in Christ Jesus that He has overcome death so that I will never need to {Romans 6:8-9}.  I don't boast a wealthy stock portfolio, but what I do have is the knowing that through Christ Jesus I am no longer a slave to sin {Romans 6:6}.  Yes, you could be a millionaire and still have a deeper knowing of Christ, that is undisputed.  However, I refuse to allow some contemporary flash in the pan author convince me that I can pray my way to financial success.  Now, that in no way means that if God SO CHOOSES to bless me, He can and will.  The reality is that it's not up to me...or you.  The reality is that God gives us breath and life each and every day of this life, all the while preparing us for our life with Him once our time here is at a  end.  That, my friends, is worth far more than money. 

"And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."

John 17: 3 NKJV 

~Scott~ 

To Motivate

 

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

Colossians 3: 23 - 24 NKJV 

The story goes that NBA legend Michael Jordan was at dinner prior to the start of the 1996 finals when he ran into opposing coach George Karl in the same restaurant.  Jordan was expecting a greeting from the Seattle coach, but got nothing of the sort.  In fact, Karl simply ignored Jordan the entire time.  Feeling slighted, Jordan used this moment as motivation to defeat his opponent.  The Chicago Bulls did just that...in six games.  Michael Jordan ultimately won the most valuable player award for the series.  I was thinking of this episode the other day as I went through another session at the gym.  The question came to me, what is it that motivates us?  I have to admit that I do get some inspiration whenever I hear that someone is of the belief that I can't do something.  I don't normally take it to the Michael Jordan level, but I do tend to take more than a few of these slights personally.  This can be a good as well as a bad thing.  Good in that I have motivation for that which I do, bad because it has caused conflict between myself and others in the past.  For where I see someone doubting my ability may not be anything but that same person looking out for me.  Still, I've taken far too many of these interactions personally.  So, what is it that motivates us?  Well, there will be a different answer for different people.  While Michael Jordan may have used his interaction with George Karl to fuel his championship run, someone else may have just as well forgotten about it.  These days I find myself not depending so much on what others think of me for motivation, but on the man that I know I am.  

Reputation is who men think you are.  Character is the man God knows you are.

So who am I?  For that I turn to the apostle Paul, who gives us a insight into the person we all are inside.  Paul tells us that our one true identity lies with Christ Jesus who lives in us {Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:8}.  That's right, the man that I am has never been defined by my appearance or family name, but by Jesus Himself.  The knowing of Christ in me is not something I found taught in a church sermon.  Nor in a church Sunday morning class.  Rather, my knowledge of who I am in Christ came to me the same way it came to Paul, through the revealing of my heavenly Father.  Did Jesus ever use anything to motivate Him?  Well, I believe that Jesus used His work for the Father in many ways to motivate Him in those times where He may have been feeling down.  Now, no matter what you've ever heard about Jesus, He was indeed a man and subject to human feelings and emotions just as much as you or I.  I do believe that there were times that Jesus Himself needed motivation to continue the work the Father was doing through Him.  We are told that Jesus wept {John 11:35, Luke 22:44}.  We have all heard of Jesus' rant against the Jewish authorities of His day {Matthew 23:1-36}.  So what is it that I use for motivation?  Simple, despite all that is going on all around me, I know exactly the man I am.  I am not defined by appearance, heredity nor what others may think of me.  THIS Jesus is the man who I am.  

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.  Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.  And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."  Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christs sake.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.  

2 Corinthians 12: 8 - 10 NKJV 

~Scott~ 

Wining Gods Love

 

But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5: 8 NKJV 

As is my habit, I was listening to a early morning sermon on my way to work this week when I was nonce again reminded of my former days in the church.  The pastor reminded his listeners that in order to save those around us, we need to remind them that they are dreadful, failed reprobates on their way to a eternity in hell who need saving.  Does this form of evangelism sound familiar to anyone?  Tell your neighbor how evil of a sinner that he is before you introduce him to God?  Does anyone believe that this is effective evangelism?  If you do let me ask you this one question...when was it that God started loving you?  Did He began loving you when you first read the bible?  Did He start loving you when you were baptized?  When did God start loving you?  Well, we're told that God has always loved us.  In fact, He loved us enough to save us from who we once were {Romans 5:8}.  We are also told in scripture that Gods very nature is that of love {1 John 4:8}.  So, when did God first start loving you?  I believe that God has loved me even before I was born.  It was from His love for me that He created me in His own image {Genesis 1:27}.  Yes, even before my flesh carried me in ways that were contrary to Him, God loved me enough to breathe into me the breath of life {Genesis 2:7}.  God knew that I would run afoul of what was the right thing to do.  However, despite that, He knew me for who I truly am.  His child.  Dare I say that if I did have to compete for the Lords love and favor that I might not have fared so well.  It is because of this that I needed a Savior.  Christ Jesus was the one who took my sin upon Himself at the cross {2 Corinthians 5:21}.  Make no mistake, it is because of Gods love for me that Jesus died for me.  Gods love for me once again on display.  

For in grace, through faith, are you saved, and this is not out of you; it is Gods approach present, not of works, lest anyone should be boasting.

Ephesians 2: 8 - 9 

Concordant New Testament

What would it have been like had God, knowing that we would run afoul of His statutes, simply erased man He had created and started over once again from the beginning?  Believe it or not, I have heard pastors entertain this notion.  To this I answer, would the Lords love and grace be shown were He to destroy that which He created?  Let's be honest here, it is BECAUSE God know of our makeup as people that He left creation as it is.  God knew all along that I was going to need the redemption which only Jesus could bring.  This is His love poured out upon me through Christ Jesus.  What need would we have of a Savior were God to simply toss us out and start over again?  But wait, didn't God do just that in the days of Noah and the great flood?  Not exactly.  Yes, the Lord did erase a good part of His creation, but Noah and his family as well as the animals of the earth and birds of the air were spared.  So the question still remains...when did God start loving you?  Has He ever stopped loving us?  I believe that the mainstream church has gotten it wrong when it comes to evangelism.  We feel that we need to remind others of how bad they are before we introduce them to the love of God.  How tragic this is for the new Christian.  Why not remind the new believer of the love and grace of God instead of dwelling on the sin issue?  It is sin that is the toxic concoction in Christianity today, talked about as if we still face the battle of trying to win Gods love and mercy.  Bad idea.  The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans that we who follow Jesus are "dead indeed" to sin {Romans 6:11}.  God loves you.  

Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.  For he who has died has been freed from sin.  Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more.  Death no longer has dominion over Him.  For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.  Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6: 6 - 11 NKJV 

~Scott~ 

Something To Remember

 

"Oh, that my words were written!  Oh, that they were inscribed in a book!  That they were engraved on a rock.  With an iron pen and lead, forever!  For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth.

Job 19: 23 - 25 NKJV 

I recently came across a few old notebooks I has once used as a journal.  Normally, this wouldn't be that big of a deal, as I do tend to write my thoughts down from time to time.  Yet what made these notes different was that they were written during a few challenging periods in my life.  As I read on, I read once again of the days of pain, anxiousness and excitement in my life.  Sure, I recall these days pretty well, but as usual, time seems to fade our memories.  One entry caught my eye from a day I waited to hear back about a job application I had submitted.  I remember asking my friends at church to pray for me that I would get this job, as it would be a good opportunity for me.  I remember struggling in my spirit as I prayed that God would indeed open that door for me.  Was I praying enough?  Was I behaving right in the Lords eyes?  In my Christian way of thinking, everything had to line up in order for God to work a miracle in my life.  It pained me as I read my own words of the trauma that I put myself through while waiting for God to work.  Was God upset with me?  Had I done something wrong to anger Him?  With each passing day I did not hear about the job I wanted, I began to wonder more and more if God was hearing my prayers.  I noticed that my prayers had turned from prayers of requests to questions of why He was making me wait so long.  Yes, I know, patience has never been my strong suit.  Reading on, I read of how my anxiety affected me physically.  I read of how I came down with a few colds during this time, which I wondered was Gods way of trying to tell me something?  Finally, I came to the last page.  This page had just the date and one simple word written upon it...AMEN!  Yes, I got the job, despite all of the worry and anxiety I endured in the process.  It turns out that God wasn't upset with me at all.  It was all part of my journey with Him.  

"With Christ I have been crucified, yet I am living; no longer I, but living in me is Christ.  Now that which I am now living in the flesh, I am living in faith that is of the Son of God, Who loves me, and gives Himself up for me." 

Galatians 2: 20 

Concordant New Testament 

Many believers, myself included, have been encouraged at one point or another to do daily journaling of their daily walk.  I can't say that I am a devout journal writer, but I do find time to write when the situation warrants.  Some people have asked me, what is the importance of writing a journal?  I tell them that it is a record of our walk with the Lord.  There have been many times and many situations in my life where I wish I had written a account.  Why?  Because after I came through those situations I grew in my understanding and knowing of the Father.  When I look back now on writings I have done in the past, I see no mention of Christ in me.  That revelation came later in life.  However, what I do see is someone adhering to the church rules of exactly how we should approach God.  Back then, I came before God with my head held low in shame.  For I knew that I was guilty, I was told as much every Sunday.  My prayers were often along the lines of God, if You can forgive me, grant my request.  If He can forgive me?  It is though the finished work of Jesus that I AM forgiven!  It is also through the finished work of Jesus that I need not worry over sin any longer {Romans 6:6-11}.  What has changed in my journal writing?  For one, I remind myself that it is Christ Jesus whom I walk with each day {Galatians 2:20}.  I also remind myself that my prayers are not requests I make to the Father, but a conversation I have with Jesus who lives in me.  

Knowing this, that our old humanity was crucified together with Him, that the body of sin might be nullified, for us by no means to be still slaving for sin.  For one who dies has been justified from sin.  Now if we died together with Christ, we believe that we shall be living together with Him also, having perceived that Christ, being roused from among the dead, is no longer dying.  Death is lording it over Him no longer.  For in that He died, He died to sin once for all time, yet in that He is living, He is living to God.  Thus you also, be reckoning yourselves to be dead, indeed, to sin, yet living to God in Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Romans 6: 6 - 11 

Concordant New Testament

~Scott~