..."Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which translated means, 'God with us.'" Matthew 1:23
..."It is written, 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.'" Matthew 4:4
..."Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great." Matthew 5:3-12
..."Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8
..."Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul...are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword...he who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it." Matthew 10:28-39
..."Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
Psalm 18:1-3
"I love You, O Lord, my strength."
The Lord is my rock and my fortress
and my deliverer, my God, my rock,
in whom I take refuge; my shield
and the horn of my salvation, my
stronghold.
The Lord is my rock and my fortress
and my deliverer, my God, my rock,
in whom I take refuge; my shield
and the horn of my salvation, my
stronghold.
I call upon the Lord,
who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.
who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
A Sweet and Bitter Providence
“God’s purposes for his people is to connect us to something far greater than ourselves. God wants us to know that when we follow him, our lives always mean more than we think they do. Naomi had no idea in the land of Moab that God was making her the ancestor of the Messiah. For the Christian there is always a connection between ordinary events of life and the stupendous work of God in history.
Everything we do in obedience to God, no matter how small, is significant. It is part of a cosmic mosaic that God is painting to display the greatness of his powers and kingdom to the world and to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places (Ephesians 3:10). A deep satisfaction of the Christian life is that we are not given over to trifles. Serving a widowed mother in law, gleaning in a field, falling in love, having a baby—for the Christian these things are connected to eternity. They are part of something so much bigger than they seem" (p. 121).
~John Piper, A Sweet and Bitter Providence
Everything we do in obedience to God, no matter how small, is significant. It is part of a cosmic mosaic that God is painting to display the greatness of his powers and kingdom to the world and to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places (Ephesians 3:10). A deep satisfaction of the Christian life is that we are not given over to trifles. Serving a widowed mother in law, gleaning in a field, falling in love, having a baby—for the Christian these things are connected to eternity. They are part of something so much bigger than they seem" (p. 121).
~John Piper, A Sweet and Bitter Providence
Monday, May 24, 2010
A Real Woman...Does Hard Things!
We had the privilege of hearing Alex and Brett Harris speak this past Saturday in Surrey, BC at their first stop of the 2010 Do Hard Things Tour. If you have never heard of the Harris', please stop by their website, www.therebelution.com , and be encouraged! Their "Modesty Survey" is a very convicting and inspiring tool!
I was so grateful to be able to attend this conference because God was glorified in every word that was spoken and every song that was sung. Alex and Brett have challenged themselves and our generation of young people to rebel against the low expectations of our ungodly culture and strive to "Do Hard Things" for the glory of God and the advancement of His Kingdom.
The most wonderful part of the conference was when Brett presented the true Gospel message. It was so amazing and humbling to see God's Holy Spirit open up the hearts and minds of some of the young people. This was not a "bow your head and invite Jesus in your heart" event. There was no manipulation or emotional music to draw people in. It was an opportunity for every person there to public pronounce Jesus Christ as Lord! It was not about just accepting, believing, and confessing. It was about repenting and turning from sin; about living a radically different life. It was about obedience to the One who suffered and died for us. It was not about us, but about Him and giving Him glory! It was a life-changing day!
Alex and Brett and the entire Harris Family would covet your prayers at this time as their mother is very ill with stage 4 colon cancer. Praise God that she is resting in Jesus for her strength and that Alex and Brett were able to remain bold in their message. Please lift them up, along with their dad, Greg Harris, and siblings Josh, Joel, Sarah, Isaac, and James as they watch God's sovereignty and love unfold in their lives.
I want to share with you the definition of "A Real Woman" taken from The Rebelution:
A Real Woman...
...seeks to make God her number one desire and the Lover of her soul, knowing that only He can fully satisfy. Psalm 73:25 "Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth."
...realizes her imperative need to allow the Holy Spirit to control her emotions and expressions of them. James 1:19-20 "This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God."
...does not complete for equality with men or chafe at God's design for male and female, but delights in and understands the importance of her calling to complement man's role. Ephesians 5:22-24 " Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior or the body. But as the church is subject to Christ so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything."
...does not wallow in self-pity or make a habit of voicing complaints, but radiates cheerfulness and joy. Proverbs 17:22 "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones."
...portrays chastity, modesty and reverence in her manner, and wears the ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is her true beauty. Titus 2:4-5 "Older women...encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God would not be dishonored."
...does not have a nagging, contentious or manipulative manner in which she deals with others. Proverbs 21:9 "It is better to live in a corner of a roof than in a house shared with a contentious woman."
...appreciated her father's protection, and respects and submits to his authority. In so doing, she is preparing herself to exercise the Biblical role in her relationship with a possible future husband.
...is trustworthy and gains the respect of those around her. Proverbs 31:10-11 "An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain."
...is glad she's a woman and rejoices in her femininity, expressing it through her attitude, appearance and bearing. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 "Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness."
...encourages and builds up those around her instead of criticizing and tearing them down. Ephesians 4:29 "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear."
...is not offended by respect shown her through gentlemanly courtesies (opening doors, etc.) but cultivates the differences between the sexes that make her worthy of this deference. 1 Peter 3:7 "You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered."
...holds her virginity before marriage sacred and will not compromise it for anything. (This one is for guys too!) 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 "Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body."
...uses her years of singleness to seek and serve God without distraction, and is content to leave the details of her future to Him. 1 Corinthians 7:34 "The woman who is unmarried, and the virgin, is concerned about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit."
...values the cultivation of her mind and diligently seeks after wisdom and knowledge. Proverbs 22:17-21 "Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge; for it will be pleasant if you keep them with you, that they may be ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the Lord, I have taught you today, even you. Have I not written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge, to make you know the certainty of the words of truth that you may correctly answer him who sent you?"
...does not relate to members of the opposite sex in a flirtatious or forward manner, but instead saves all her passion for her future husband. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 " For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to posses his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentile who do not know God; and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warn you. For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification, Se he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you."
...restrains herself from listening to, or participating in gossip, but instead speaks with wisdom and discretion. Proverbs 11:12-13 "He who despises his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding keeps silent. He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy conceals a matter."
...is not boisterous or loud in her speech or actions but is characterized by a gentle and quiet spirit. 1 Peter 3:3-4 "Your adornment must not be merely external - braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God."
A Real Woman...Does Hard Things!
I was so grateful to be able to attend this conference because God was glorified in every word that was spoken and every song that was sung. Alex and Brett have challenged themselves and our generation of young people to rebel against the low expectations of our ungodly culture and strive to "Do Hard Things" for the glory of God and the advancement of His Kingdom.
The most wonderful part of the conference was when Brett presented the true Gospel message. It was so amazing and humbling to see God's Holy Spirit open up the hearts and minds of some of the young people. This was not a "bow your head and invite Jesus in your heart" event. There was no manipulation or emotional music to draw people in. It was an opportunity for every person there to public pronounce Jesus Christ as Lord! It was not about just accepting, believing, and confessing. It was about repenting and turning from sin; about living a radically different life. It was about obedience to the One who suffered and died for us. It was not about us, but about Him and giving Him glory! It was a life-changing day!
Alex and Brett and the entire Harris Family would covet your prayers at this time as their mother is very ill with stage 4 colon cancer. Praise God that she is resting in Jesus for her strength and that Alex and Brett were able to remain bold in their message. Please lift them up, along with their dad, Greg Harris, and siblings Josh, Joel, Sarah, Isaac, and James as they watch God's sovereignty and love unfold in their lives.
I want to share with you the definition of "A Real Woman" taken from The Rebelution:
A Real Woman...
...seeks to make God her number one desire and the Lover of her soul, knowing that only He can fully satisfy. Psalm 73:25 "Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth."
...realizes her imperative need to allow the Holy Spirit to control her emotions and expressions of them. James 1:19-20 "This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God."
...does not complete for equality with men or chafe at God's design for male and female, but delights in and understands the importance of her calling to complement man's role. Ephesians 5:22-24 " Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior or the body. But as the church is subject to Christ so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything."
...does not wallow in self-pity or make a habit of voicing complaints, but radiates cheerfulness and joy. Proverbs 17:22 "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones."
...portrays chastity, modesty and reverence in her manner, and wears the ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is her true beauty. Titus 2:4-5 "Older women...encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God would not be dishonored."
...does not have a nagging, contentious or manipulative manner in which she deals with others. Proverbs 21:9 "It is better to live in a corner of a roof than in a house shared with a contentious woman."
...appreciated her father's protection, and respects and submits to his authority. In so doing, she is preparing herself to exercise the Biblical role in her relationship with a possible future husband.
...is trustworthy and gains the respect of those around her. Proverbs 31:10-11 "An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain."
...is glad she's a woman and rejoices in her femininity, expressing it through her attitude, appearance and bearing. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 "Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness."
...encourages and builds up those around her instead of criticizing and tearing them down. Ephesians 4:29 "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear."
...is not offended by respect shown her through gentlemanly courtesies (opening doors, etc.) but cultivates the differences between the sexes that make her worthy of this deference. 1 Peter 3:7 "You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered."
...holds her virginity before marriage sacred and will not compromise it for anything. (This one is for guys too!) 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 "Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body."
...uses her years of singleness to seek and serve God without distraction, and is content to leave the details of her future to Him. 1 Corinthians 7:34 "The woman who is unmarried, and the virgin, is concerned about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit."
...values the cultivation of her mind and diligently seeks after wisdom and knowledge. Proverbs 22:17-21 "Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge; for it will be pleasant if you keep them with you, that they may be ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the Lord, I have taught you today, even you. Have I not written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge, to make you know the certainty of the words of truth that you may correctly answer him who sent you?"
...does not relate to members of the opposite sex in a flirtatious or forward manner, but instead saves all her passion for her future husband. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 " For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to posses his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentile who do not know God; and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warn you. For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification, Se he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you."
...restrains herself from listening to, or participating in gossip, but instead speaks with wisdom and discretion. Proverbs 11:12-13 "He who despises his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding keeps silent. He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy conceals a matter."
...is not boisterous or loud in her speech or actions but is characterized by a gentle and quiet spirit. 1 Peter 3:3-4 "Your adornment must not be merely external - braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God."
A Real Woman...Does Hard Things!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Rose From Brier ~ By Amy Carmichael
Thou hast not that, My child, but thou hast Me,
And am not I alone enough for thee?
I know it all, know how thy heart was set
Upon this joy which is not given yet.
And well I know how through the wistful days
Thou walkest all the dear familiar ways,
As unregarded as a breath of air,
But there in love and longing, always there!
I know it all; but from thy brier shall blow
A rose for others. If it were not so
I would have told thee. Come then, say to Me:
My Lord, my Love, I am content with Thee.
And am not I alone enough for thee?
I know it all, know how thy heart was set
Upon this joy which is not given yet.
And well I know how through the wistful days
Thou walkest all the dear familiar ways,
As unregarded as a breath of air,
But there in love and longing, always there!
I know it all; but from thy brier shall blow
A rose for others. If it were not so
I would have told thee. Come then, say to Me:
My Lord, my Love, I am content with Thee.
"I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
Phillipians 4:11-13
Thursday, April 22, 2010
1 Peter 3:18
"For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit."
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Flesh Versus Spirit
Dear much neglected blog readers! Forgive me for not posting in such a long time! I have been so busy with life, but God has been teaching me so many things that I want to share with you. O, to have all the time in the world! I have some exciting changes happening in my life right now that I will be able to share in the weeks ahead.
Once a month, the young ladies at our church meet together, along with many of our moms, to learn how we can better live the set-apart life as set-apart girls! I truly love those times of fellowship together. This past time we were learning about how we as Christians can know how to reflect Christ's glory in our lives. This is a difficult subject because it goes back to the basis of Christianity: surrender. Remembering that Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice by giving His life. Now we must deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Him in all areas of our lives.
This can be really, really hard because of one thing: our flesh.
Our flesh could be defined as the part of us that reflects our sin nature. Each one of us was born separate from God and going our own way. When God, by His amazing grace, choose to save us, He sent His Holy Spirit to dwell within us. Our bodies are now temples of the living God. However, we are not yet perfect. (That will happen at glorification, when we are made like Him.) In the mean time, we live in a constant battle between our flesh and the Spirit of God. Our desire is to be like Christ, but often, sad to say, our flesh gets in the way and we choose to feed it by going our own way.
In Mark 8:31-38, Jesus is giving His disciples some final words before He prepares to go to the Cross. The passage says, "And (Jesus) began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. And He was stating the matter plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and said, 'Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's.' And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, 'If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for His soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.'"
Jesus knew He had to die. He knew it was the Father's plan for the salvation of mankind that His life would be given. We must remember that Jesus was fully man and fully God. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus said, "My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death." The burden of what was about to be laid upon Him was immense. He knew the wrath of God and the sin of the world was to be laid upon Him. Yet in His despair, He fixed His eyes on His calling, saying, "Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will." (Mark 14) In John 10:17-18, we see Jesus relationship with the Father and His desire to do His will with a willing spirit, "For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. No one has taken it from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father."
As Jesus wept and prayed in deep distress at Gethsemane, Peter, James, and John were with Him. In verse 37 of Mark 14, Jesus comes to them and finds them asleep. He says to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
How often is it that we come to a point of decision during our walk of life? The answer is every hour of every day. It is at these hourly crossroads that we must choose whether to feed the flesh or yield to the Spirit of God.
When we choose to feed our flesh, we are choosing to do three things: 1.) serve ourselves, 2.) love ourselves, and 3.) make irresponsible decisions. Most of the time, when we choose to feed our flesh, we do it because it is the easier choice. It brings immediate but temporary satisfaction, and each time we make the decision to disobey, it becomes easier. This is because we are searing our consciences. However, though we may feel like we are enjoying ourselves, we are actually beginning a downward spiral into dishonoring behavior patterns that displease God. And if we truly our His children, He will disciple us, because He loves us.
Instead of choosing to feed our flesh, we have the second option, which is to please God by yielding to His Spirit. This is a decision that shows love to others, honor to God, and results in responsible choices. It is harder and without God's guiding hand, it is impossible! Yet it moves us heavenward in our sanctification, the process of becoming like Jesus Christ! And how much better that is than pleasing ourselves.
If you are ever tempted to sin or are discouraged by its presence in your life, remember the words of the hymn, "Before the Throne of God" and more importantly, remember Jesus, your Savior, "who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." He pleads for us before the throne of heaven. He is our God.
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea
A great high Priest whose Name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart
I know that while in Heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin
Once a month, the young ladies at our church meet together, along with many of our moms, to learn how we can better live the set-apart life as set-apart girls! I truly love those times of fellowship together. This past time we were learning about how we as Christians can know how to reflect Christ's glory in our lives. This is a difficult subject because it goes back to the basis of Christianity: surrender. Remembering that Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice by giving His life. Now we must deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Him in all areas of our lives.
This can be really, really hard because of one thing: our flesh.
Our flesh could be defined as the part of us that reflects our sin nature. Each one of us was born separate from God and going our own way. When God, by His amazing grace, choose to save us, He sent His Holy Spirit to dwell within us. Our bodies are now temples of the living God. However, we are not yet perfect. (That will happen at glorification, when we are made like Him.) In the mean time, we live in a constant battle between our flesh and the Spirit of God. Our desire is to be like Christ, but often, sad to say, our flesh gets in the way and we choose to feed it by going our own way.
In Mark 8:31-38, Jesus is giving His disciples some final words before He prepares to go to the Cross. The passage says, "And (Jesus) began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. And He was stating the matter plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and said, 'Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's.' And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, 'If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for His soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.'"
Jesus knew He had to die. He knew it was the Father's plan for the salvation of mankind that His life would be given. We must remember that Jesus was fully man and fully God. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus said, "My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death." The burden of what was about to be laid upon Him was immense. He knew the wrath of God and the sin of the world was to be laid upon Him. Yet in His despair, He fixed His eyes on His calling, saying, "Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will." (Mark 14) In John 10:17-18, we see Jesus relationship with the Father and His desire to do His will with a willing spirit, "For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. No one has taken it from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father."
As Jesus wept and prayed in deep distress at Gethsemane, Peter, James, and John were with Him. In verse 37 of Mark 14, Jesus comes to them and finds them asleep. He says to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
How often is it that we come to a point of decision during our walk of life? The answer is every hour of every day. It is at these hourly crossroads that we must choose whether to feed the flesh or yield to the Spirit of God.
When we choose to feed our flesh, we are choosing to do three things: 1.) serve ourselves, 2.) love ourselves, and 3.) make irresponsible decisions. Most of the time, when we choose to feed our flesh, we do it because it is the easier choice. It brings immediate but temporary satisfaction, and each time we make the decision to disobey, it becomes easier. This is because we are searing our consciences. However, though we may feel like we are enjoying ourselves, we are actually beginning a downward spiral into dishonoring behavior patterns that displease God. And if we truly our His children, He will disciple us, because He loves us.
Instead of choosing to feed our flesh, we have the second option, which is to please God by yielding to His Spirit. This is a decision that shows love to others, honor to God, and results in responsible choices. It is harder and without God's guiding hand, it is impossible! Yet it moves us heavenward in our sanctification, the process of becoming like Jesus Christ! And how much better that is than pleasing ourselves.
If you are ever tempted to sin or are discouraged by its presence in your life, remember the words of the hymn, "Before the Throne of God" and more importantly, remember Jesus, your Savior, "who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." He pleads for us before the throne of heaven. He is our God.
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea
A great high Priest whose Name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart
I know that while in Heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
My sinful soul is counted free
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
Behold Him there the risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
The King of glory and of grace,
One in Himself I cannot die
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God!
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