Interpretation vs Reality

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 NIV

Today I did some research on something I thought I knew. But when I went to find the answer, it wasn't there, at least not like I thought it should be. We'd been operating all this time on something that wasn't true. The flip side is...it isn't wrong either! It was how we interpreted the language. We will need to re-examine our policy to make sure it's tight and backed up by the language.  This is verifying what we have heard or read to make sure it's true.

Interpretation is perception, perception is reality. Ten people can read one verse and come up with twenty different interpretations, applications or meanings. Which is why we must read with discernment and take our questions to the source. Ask God while in prayer to reveal what the verse is saying. Listen to what he says about how his law and instruction should be applied.

There is but one true God. There is but one true word of God. Be prayerful about both.

Love not War

“In your anger do not sin” : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:26‭-‬27 NIV

We all get angry. Even Jesus got angry. God gets angry. The difference between God and us humans is that when we get angry, we look for vengeance and justice. We curse the person who did wrong or who caused destruction or chaos. We tend to bring about vengeance on our own, to right the wrong and make them pay. Or worse, we turn the tables and do to them what they did to us.

What we must remember is that God knows when we've been hurt, when things have gone wrong for us. He knows and is ready to help make it right. We don't need to take justice into our own hands. What we must do is just love through the hurt. Love through the pain. Show grace and compassion through it all. Show God's love. In this then you will not sin but remain steadfast in your faith. And in the process share the power of God's amazing grace.

Me, Myself and You

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 2 Corinthians 5:14‭-‬15 NIV

Living for yourself. When you hear that what does it mean? To me it sounds prideful, selfish, and self-serving. We spend an awful lot of time teaching children to be of service to others, to respect each other and be tolerant. Yet when we reach adulthood we tend to forget these lessons. Our world is turned upside down every time someone disagrees with us. We cannot handle someone else being right or getting to the finish line first. This is where the self serving lives.

But Christ died for us all, a selfless act of love, grace and true compassion. He conquered sin and death forever, finishing the fight and the race. We no longer have to worry about getting there first. We are also charged to serve others and not ourselves. We are taken care of by God. We are then servants to continue his work here. It is not for our benefit but for his glory.

So it's not about being first. It's about doing the work God has commissioned us to do. We will all gain our reward in heaven.

What a world it would be if we all put others first.

Strength to Finish

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 NIV

I just read an article about verses that we frequently misquote. This is one of them. Since every word in the scripture is intentional we need to suss out what this one is speaking to. But I also believe that understanding the context allows you to apply the scripture to our modern, daily lives.

This one was perfect for me yesterday because I have been sick all week. I've been off work thankfully but I still had other obligations,  ones that require extra energy I just don't have. I needed to be reminded that no matter what I'm facing God gives me strength. He knows what daily responsibilities we have. He knows where our energy must be expended. He knows that we want to give it our all because when we do we glorify him.

He will give us the strength to do what we need to do. We need but to ask. He will help us teach that class, do the job, pick up the kids, fix dinner, wash clothes, whatever it is we need to do. He will also help us find the courage to share his word, and stand up for what we believe in a world trying to shush us. This is his promise.

So whether in context or applied to tour life, God's word is real, breathed from the Holy Spirit. Let is speak to you and give you strength.

What Do We Deserve

“I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” Jeremiah 17:10 NIV

All I could think when I read this verse was, woah. Our outward actions mean nothing of our heart isn't in the right place. God will know if we are giving because we want to or because we are expecting praise in return.

I went to get my hair cut and colored today. I've been going to the same hairdresser for years. She does a good job. She would not have been in business for as long as she has if her heart wasn't in it. She makes a living doing what she likes, her deeds match her heart.

We cannot fool god. He knows our heart and mind. We must examine our own motives and be sure they align forst with God's word and then with God's will for our lives. Don't be the ones who give to be seen. Give because your heart desires it.

Happy Birthday America

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV

Our founding fathers knew a thing or two about self-discipline. They were anything but timid, acting in full knowledge of what awaited them had they failed. They availed themselves of God's power and authority in setting up our country's founding documents. Where would we be today had they not been empowered to do what they did to ensure the freedom of the new nation?

Being full of the spirit of God we should be bold, acting in the full wisdom and knowledge that God gives us. We cannot fulfill our charge to spread the gospel if we are afraid. We must be bold, daring, but humble, kind and acting in God's steadfast love. For he is where our strength comes from. 

Don't be shy about God's love. What America needs...what the world needs...is bold Christians acting with God's love.

Mere Mortals

Now keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Hebrews 13:5‭-‬6 NIV

In these two verses God embeds five truths, five lessons...five! I want to focus on the question that is asked. He calls others 'mere mortals'. When I read this all I hear is the announcer at Disney's Haunted Mansion, you know the one who talks to you as you enter the hall. He talks about us being mere mortals.

I like how it's worded in the verse. If God is with me, what can these puny humans do to me? Take my money? God will provide all I need.  Physically hurt me? God is the great physician. Even go so far as to take my life? I will spend eternity with God.

Being content with this knowledge is not hard. Our spirit can be at peace knowing we do not have to be afraid. We will have struggles but nothing compares to what awaits us. Our future is secure.