My Personal Worldview

My Personal Worldview

The Bible is not just a book, it was written for each and every one of us to apply in our everyday lives, being the very foundation for which we live.  Throughout the Old Testament we are shown example after example of how to live out our faith.  In the New Testament we are told of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection and how to live as God has called us to live.  That is why I have a Biblical worldview, in which the Bible is the absolute foundation for how I live out my life.  A  Biblical worldview believes that:

Absolute moral truth exists, the bible is the source of that truth, Jesus lived a sinless life, God created the universe and continues to rule it, Salvation is a gift from God, Satan is a real living entity, Christians have a personal obligation to share the Gospel, and the Bible is accurate in all of its teaching (Phillips, Brown, & Stonestreet, 2008, p. 91). 

Truth is defined by Merriam-Webster as, “the body of real things, events, and facts” (2013). Absolute truth is found in the Bible, it “is the source of that truth” (Phillips, Brown, & Stonestreet, 2008, p. 91).  Truth is not a mystery; God has made it known to all mankind (Bevere, 2006, p. 5).  Romans 1:19 says, “For the truth about God is known to them instinctively.  God has put this knowledge in their hearts” (New Living Translation).  “His life and teachings are the central core of truth” (Phillips, Brown, & Stonestreet, 2008, p. 98). 

Being a Christian is about following the example God gave us through His son.  Jesus showed us how to live out a relationship with Him.  He lived a perfect and sinless life; He was and is the ultimate example.  “Jesus was not a man who became a god; He was God who became a man.” (Phillips, Brown, & Stonestreet, 2008, p. 99).  There are many examples of Jesus living  a sinless life; Matthew 4:1-11 is  one of them.  Jesus was fasting for forty days and forty nights in the desert, during which Satan came, tempting Him to eat.  Jesus could have easily given into the temptation, but He did not.  Jesus responded to Satan, “’Get out of here, Satan,’ Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”” (Matthew 4:10).  Hebrews 4:15 states, “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.”  Think about your everyday life and how hard it is to withstand temptation.  It is very challenging, and yet Jesus withstood it for His entire life. 

It is extremely hard to imagine a God who existed before anything else, and then chose to create an entire universe.  John 1:1 says, “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.”  God has always been; there was never a time when God was not.  Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”  God desired to have human companionship, so He created man in His own image.  “When God created human beings, he made them to be like himself. He created them male and female, and he blessed them and called them ‘human.’” (Genesis 5:1-2).  God not only created us, but He continues to rule over us.  Nothing is more powerful than our God. 

For through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth.  He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see- such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him.  He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.  (Colossians 1:16-17).

“Salvation is the restoration of the fullness of the divine image in man and the divine relationship with man; the act is a restitution of the relationship God intended: reconciliation, redemption, return, repentance.” (Phillips, Brown, & Stonestreet, 2008, p. 102).  Salvation is not something we earn or deserve based on how we act; it is a free gift God gives us when we choose to accept Him as our personal Lord and Savior. 

Ephesians 2:8-9, “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.  Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” 

Salvation is God’s gift to us.  God chose us and desires to have a real, living relationship with each and everyone of us.  “Salvation is initiated solely by God’s grace on behalf of a sinful humanity that is incapable of restoring its own relationship with God.” (Phillips, Brown, & Stonestreet, 2008, p. 103).  Romans 3:23-24 tells us that all have sinned; no one can be like God, but through God’s gift to us, His Son, we are cleansed from all unrighteousness.  John 3:16, “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”  To love someone so much, that He gave His own Son as a sacrifice, now that is what I call love!

Satan is real and living among us.  He was created by God as an angelic being, with the purpose of serving God, as all angelic beings were created to do (Ezekiel 28:14).  However, when Satan took on the form of a serpent and tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Satan went directly against God, and was forever banished from God’s presence (Genesis 3:1-24, Ezekiel 28:1-19).  God defeated Satan, when He sent His Son, Jesus, as the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind (John 3:16). 

1 Corinthians 15:55-56, “Death is swallowed up in victory.  O death, where is your victory?  O death, where is your sting?  For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power.  But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Satan does not work on his own; he has fallen angels, known as, demons who also work in the world, waging war against God (Driscoll, 2008).  As Christians, we must be aware of Satan’s presence, so that we might be able to stand up against him.  2 Corinthians 2:11, “Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.” 

            Having a Biblical worldview, believing in God and His teaching, is not all that we are called to.  Christ desires so much more for us.  According to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus commands us to:

Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. 

Being a Christian, I know that I am called to share the gospel, teaching those who do not know Christ, all about Him and His love. 

The Bible is not just a book; it is accurate and real in all of its teachings.  Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”  The Bible is not just alive and active; it also serves as a form of communication with God.  “Our relationship with God would begin at the point of revelation, in which God communicates Himself to us.” (Phillips, Brown, & Stonestreet, 2008, p. 113).  The Bible serves as a guide for us, guiding us in how to live out our life in the world among us.  “It is through God’s Word that we may properly understand God’s world.” (Phillips, Brown, & Stonestreet, 2008, p. 94).

Having a Biblical worldview is much more than just believing what the Bible says; it is about living out a life that reflects the teachings God has given us in the Bible.  This is something that we can see in our every day to day lifestyle.  Christ lives in me, and because of that He is apparent in everything that I do.  Having a Biblical worldview is great, but it means absolutely nothing, if you are not in a personal relationship with God, desiring to know and deepen your relationship with Him.  It is human nature to have selfish wants and desires, but with Christ one begins to lose those ties to selfishness, and your life will reflect Christ living in and through you.  John 3:30 tells us that, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”  “The key is to know what the King desires and looks for, not what seems good to society or human reasoning” (Bevere, 2006, p. 12). 

As for myself, I have a Biblical worldview, because of my relationship with my Savior.  I daily die to myself and choose to let everything I do and say reflect Him living in me.  I live out each day to fulfill the calling that God has placed on my life.  “Somewhere, mysteriously in the depths of our hearts, God is calling each one to make a difference” (Smith, 2011, p. 108). 

When we know and accept a Biblical worldview, it is then that we are called to action.  Having a Biblical worldview is more than just proclaiming it, we must live it out.  It is absolutely critical that we know and act on God’s Word. 

There is a Judgment Day, which has been appointed from the foundation of the world (Acts 17:31).  That day will not bring new revelations of truth; rather, it will measure all things by what has already been spoken.  His Word, which we currently possess, will judge us in that last day.  It is eternal.  It is final.  There are no exceptions, alterations, or revisions.  Wouldn’t it benefit us to know and live by what He says, rather than assume what He said?  (Bevere, 2006, p. 8).  

Being in relationship with Jesus is more than a daily, one minute, fix all prayer.  It means living by what He commands in His written Word and staying in constant communion with Him.  Having a Biblical worldview is essential in living out a true relationship with Christ.   

References

Bevere, J. (2006). Driven by eternity, making your life count today & forever. New York,

NY: Faith Words

Driscoll, M. (2008).  Spiritual warfare. [PDF document].  Retrieved from

http://cdn.marshill.com/files/collection/documents/spiritual-warfare_9080_document.pdf

Phillips, W. G., Brown, W. E. & Stonestreet, J. (2008). Making sense of your world: A biblical

worldview. (2nd ed.). Salem, WI: Sheffield Publishing Company

Smith, G. (2011). Courage & calling: embracing your God-given potential. (Revised and

Expanded ed.). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press

Truth. (2013). In Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved from:

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/truth  

Elements of a Worldview

In the book entitled: Making Sense of Your World, the authors reference questions Leo Tolstoy answered, “(b)efore he became a Christian” (Phillips, Brown, & Stonestreet, 2008, p.9). As my first paper in the class: Understanding Worldviews, I was asked to write my answers to Tolstoy's 6 questions:"Why am I living? What is the cause of my existence and that of everyone else? Why do I exist? Why is there a division of good and evil within me? How must I live? What is death – how can I save myself?" As, I answered each of these questions, I wanted to back up what I believe to be true, with what the scripture tells us is true.  Before you continue to read, stop for a few minutes and ponder how you would answer the above six questions.  Do you have the evidence to back up what you believe? 

Elements of a Worldview

In order to have a worldview, one must challenge themselves to discover what they truly believe about themselves, where they came from, and what their purpose in life should be.  There are so many questions that are contemplated as a person dwells upon what their worldview should be.  Is one’s worldview based on the convictions and beliefs that they’ve come to discover as true for themselves, or is one’s worldview based on what society says is true?  As I’ve challenged myself with questions of life and death, I’ve come to the conclusion that I have a strong Biblical worldview.

Why am I living?

If we were to truly believe there was no God, then what’s really the point in living?  As Christians, we know that there is a God, and because of that we know why we are living.  The fact of the matter is that we are all living because God created us.  In Genesis 1:27-28 (New Living Translation) the scripture reads, “So God created human beings in his own image.  In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.  Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.””  God chose us to take care of this land, this world, and govern over it.

Now, that seems easy, but later on in Matthew 28:19-20, God gives us the Great Commission, which states, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.  And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  Not only are we living to care for this place God created for us, but we are to fulfill the great commission: to go out and make disciples, sharing with them how Christ has changed our life and how he can change their life. 

What is the cause of my existence & everyone else?

The cause of our existence can be extremely challenging to contemplate, but the Biblical answer is simple.  John 1:3 says, “God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.”  What does that mean?  We exist because God created us, and we exist to fulfill his purpose for our lives, just as the great commission commands us to do.

Why do I exist?

God gives each of us a specific calling for our lives, and that is the individual answer for each person’s existence.  If I exist to fulfill Christ’s calling in my life, then what is my calling?  I can’t answer that for each person, because no one’s purpose is identical.  One person may be called to go to Africa as a missionary, one person may be called to be a grocery store attendant, and another may be called to be a mom or dad.  We exist for the purpose that Christ has given us.

In John 6:37-38, Jesus shares his purpose, “However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them.  For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will.”  As Christians, we should follow Jesus’ example, our purpose should be to do God’s will.

                         Why is there a division of good & evil within me?

God’s original plan was not that of evil.  He created man with the intention of living in direct communion with them.  However, God chose to give us freewill, and with that freewill man chose to sin.  The first occurrence of evil was the sin of Eve in the Garden of Eden.  Genesis 2:15-17, “The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.  But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden— except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.””  Satan tempted Eve with the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  Eve was convinced by what the serpent had told her.  God gave Adam and Eve the ability to make their own decisions, causing them to fall into temptation and sin, resulting in all mankind now being born into sin.  Romans 5:12, “When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.”

The division of good and evil is due to Satan’s very nature being evil and God’s nature being absolutely perfect and good.  Due to everyone being born into sin, sin is a part of who we are; the only way to break the bondage of sin is to accept God’s gracious gift of forgiveness. 

How must I live?

      I desire my life to be a complete reflection of what I believe.  I have a very simple outlook on my purpose, and that is to follow God’s calling on my life, sharing with others in order to further the Kingdom of God.  Romans 14:8-12 states, "If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead. So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For the Scriptures say, “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will confess and give praise to God.’” Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God."  That’s the way I choose to live, to honor the Lord, so that one day when I stand before him he will tell me, “Well done, my good and faithful servant,” (Matthew 25:21). 

What is death & how can I save myself?

There are two types of death: physical and spiritual.  When our heart ceases to pump blood to our body, we are physically dead.  However, spiritual death is separation from God.  Isaiah 59:1-2 states, “Listen! The Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call.  It’s your sins that have cut you off from God.  Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore.”  As shown in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Since we are born into sin we are spiritually dead, the only way to be alive is to accept God’s gift of salvation.

In order to receive eternal life and save ourselves from death and ultimately Hell, we must repent of our sins and turn from them, walking in relationship with Jesus.  We must completely separate ourselves from sin, by accepting God’s free gift.  Romans 5:16-17, “And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins.  For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.”

       I have accepted God’s gracious gift and I let my life reflect all that He has done for me.  I choose to follow Christ and his direction and calling for my life, no matter where that may take me.  As I contemplated Leo Tolstoy six questions, from Making Sense of Your World, I discovered how strong my beliefs are, with the biblical evidence to back them up.  Worldviews are formed by personal beliefs and convictions, which determine how each person decides to live out their life.

References

Phillips, W. G., Brown, W. E. & Stonestreet, J. (2008). Making sense of your world: A biblical worldview. (2^nd ed.). Salem, WI: Sheffield Publishing Company

Do I Have a Purpose, a Meaning, and do I Really Care?

Do you ever find yourself wondering what's my purpose, and do I really care?  It's so easy to let our lives go on day after day, and never truly understand why we are here.  Vaclev Havel (1988) wrote, "The tragedy of modern man is not that he knows less and less about the meaning of his own life, but that it bothers him less and less" (p. 237).

To completely understand Vaclev Havel’s statement, I had to read it a few times and ask myself, “what is more critical: to not know the meaning of one’s life, or to not care to know the meaning of one’s life?”  I would have to agree with Havel, in that it is much more tragic to not care to know the meaning of life.

There are a few reasons why I agree with Havel.  If you no longer care to know the meaning of your life, where is your purpose found?  The modern man has lost focus of what is truly important.  Most people I encounter on a daily basis are merely going through the motions.  What would happen if I stopped to ask someone, “what is the meaning of your life?”  Most would be speechless.  Sadly, our society has taught us that it’s okay to just “do life”, go with the flow, take opportunities when they come, because eventually life will be over.  However, when we get caught in that mindset, we forget the true meaning of our lives.  Whether someone’s worldview is naturalism, transcendentalism, theism, or postmodernism, we all have the desire to have some kind of purpose.  Yet, how can one truly understand their purpose if they don’t understand their meaning? 

Developing a worldview causes each person to answer questions about their own life.  Questions such as: “origin, meaning, morality, destiny, and identity” (Phillips, Brown, & Stonestreet, 2008, pg. 9), all topics which we seek to answer as we begin to discover what worldview we hold.  So, if one no longer cares that he doesn't know the meaning of his life, how is he to form his own worldview?  In this day and age young people, in particular, are so easily influenced by what society portrays as normal.  So, are people truly trying to understand what they believe, or are they following the crowd and choosing to believe something because that’s what society says is true?

“Worldviews have been adapted, modified, embedded, and enshrined in various cultures.  Now, in the information age, a smorgasbord of worldviews confronts us as we explore our global village.  How are we to sift through all these views and determine which (if any) reflects true reality?” (Phillips, Brown, & Stonestreet, 2008, pg. 15)  When a person no longer cares to discover the meaning of their life, are they now subject to choosing a worldview, based off of what everyone else is doing or saying?  For example, if you don’t know your name, then you don’t know your personal identity.  When you no longer know who you are, you become a compilation of beliefs and assumptions of what other people say you are to be.  The same is true for one’s meaning. 

When a man chooses to not know his meaning, and thus no longer cares that he doesn't know his meaning, he is ultimately choosing to not know his origin, his morality, his destiny, and his identity.  When unable to determine the answer to each of these questions, how are you able to determine your worldview?  It’s as if man has become a robot, merely doing what he is told, and not thinking independently for himself.  That is why I believe it to be absolutely crucial to know and fully understand the meaning and purpose of your life. 

"For I know the plans I have for you (insert your name), plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11

What will you say to God?

Let your answer be, "Yes, Lord, Yes!"

References:

Phillips, W. G., Brown, W. E. & Stonestreet, J. (2008). Making sense of your world: A biblical worldview. (2nd ed.). Salem, WI: Sheffield Publishing Company.

Havel. V. (1988). Letters to Olga.  New York, NY: Knopf Publishers.

Short & Sweet - Getting to Know "Becki"

It's been a while since I've had time to write...  A lot has changed since my last post.  I graduated nursing school and am currently working as a nurse - crazy!  I've enrolled in an online RN to BSN nursing program - in order to get my bachelors in nursing.  My first class is titled: "Understanding Worldviews," which I'm totally excited for!  For my first assignment I had to right a short autobiography and I thought I would share it with all of you. Throughout this semester  you can absolutely guarantee that I will be sharing with all of you, the new and exciting things I will be learning. 

Short & Sweet Autobiography 

Here’s a little glimpse into my life.  I am 26 years old, and a Nazarene “PK,” pastor’s kid.  My family has moved around more than the average family typically would.  I am the oldest child of three.  My sister is currently employed and living on her own, and my brother is a big freshman in college - showing off his athletic skills on the university football team!  Many people ask me, "Are you married?"  No, I am not.  It can be extremely discouraging the older I get, but as you will read below I know I'm exactly where God wants me.  I've come to accept the fact that even if I never fulfill my lifelong dream of being married and having my own family, I am fulfilling God's purpose in my life, and that above all things is my life's greatest accomplishment!

1 Corinthians 6:19-20a NIV

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price." 

In May I graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage with my associates’ degree in nursing.  I am employed at the local hospital as a Registered Nurse in obstetrics.  I consider myself extremely blessed to have the opportunity to begin my nursing career in my chosen specialty. 

I am currently attending Colorado Christian University because I loved the basis of CCU’s RN to BSN online program, nursing with a Christ centered perspective.  There were other universities that I was looking into, but God made it abundantly clear that CCU was where I should attend.  It was the only university that required me to complete one pre-requisite class before starting the core classes for the RN to BSN program, my enrollment counselor total me it was extremely rare for that to happen. 

 

I’m very excited to be enrolled and participating in the "Understanding Worldviews" class.  I want to leave this class with a stronger and clearer perspective into what I believe and why.  However, please don’t misunderstand what I’m saying.  I do know why I have the beliefs that I do, but how often do we challenge ourselves to think harder and deeper about them.  There are so many things that we all assume or take for granted.  For example, a child asking the question, “why,” and the parent responding, “because I said so.”  Leaving the child with no real definitive reason as to why.  With that being said, I want to discover what my worldviews are, with a strong biblically based perspective as to why I believe the way I do.      

We all have a purpose and whether we know what our purpose is or not, it’s still there.  Why do we live each day, going through routines day in and day out?  I've often found myself asking God, “What am I doing here, am I fulfilling your calling for my life?”   I get up each day, because I know whether it be something as simple as making someone smile, or as large as speaking the Word of God into someone’s life – I have a purpose and as I daily commit myself to God’s will, He will fulfill that purpose in my life.  I trust that God has me exactly where he wants me, and I daily look for opportunities, wherever I am, to make a difference for his kingdom. 

1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV

“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”  

Unconditional Love

I’ve been thinking a lot about love.  There are so many types of love, but let’s focus on unconditional love.  What is it?  The answer seems all too simple – unconditional love is to love no matter what the circumstance is, no matter what a person has done.  Simply put it is to love at all times - a love that never fails, that never abandons, that never ceases.  Who do you unconditionally love?  Who unconditionally loves you?  Who would you be without ever experiencing unconditional love?  That’s a loaded question – we don’t realize how much giving and receiving unconditional love impacts our lives.   

As Christians we are called to have unconditional love for everyone, just as God shows us unconditional love.  God’s love for us is not dependant on how we live our lives.  We are all sinners, we don’t deserve unconditional love, yet we still receive it!  AMAZING! 

Hosea 1:2

“When the Lord first began speaking to Israel through Hosea, he said to him, “Go and marry a prostitute, so that some of her children will be conceived in prostitution. This will illustrate how Israel has acted like a prostitute by turning against the Lord and worshiping other gods.””

God instructed Hosea to marry a prostitute, and Hosea was obedient.  This marriage became a life lesson for Hosea demonstrating unconditional love.  The Israelites were once faithful and wholeheartedly following God, but they turned from Him and began worshiping idols.  Despite God’s chosen people turning from him and living in sin – God still loved them.  Nothing that the Israelites did would cause God to stop loving them.  The same was true for Hosea and his love for his wife.  Hosea’s wife eventually returned to her adulterous ways and left Hosea for another man.  Yet, in Hosea chapter 3, we read that Hosea buys back his wife.  Even though Gomer had done a horrendous thing, Hosea showed his wife unconditional love by taking his hard earned wages and bringing her back home.  God did the same thing for the Israelites – time and time again the Israelites turned from God, yet no matter how many times they turned from him – God still loved them and accepted them back.     

Hosea 3

“Then the Lord said to me, “Go and love your wife again, even though she commits adultery with another lover. This will illustrate that the Lord still loves Israel, even though the people have turned to other gods and love to worship them.”  So I bought her back for fifteen pieces of silver and five bushels of barley and a measure of wine. Then I said to her, “You must live in my house for many days and stop your prostitution. During this time, you will not have sexual relations with anyone, not even with me.” This shows that Israel will go a long time without a king or prince, and without sacrifices, sacred pillars, priests, or even idols! But afterward the people will return and devote themselves to the Lord their God and to David’s descendant, their king. In the last days, they will tremble in awe of the Lord and of his goodness.”

That same love that Hosea had for his wife and that God had for the Israelites is the same love God shows us today!  No matter how bad we feel we have messed up, God NEVER stops loving you!  Remember, that God calls us to love unconditionally too!  Who are you not loving unconditionally?  There are always people in our lives that are harder to love than others.  The ones that are hard to love are the ones that need it the most.  I would not be the person I am today without the unconditional love that my heavenly Father has given me, as well as, my family and friends.  Unconditional love is HUGE!  You can be the difference between someone seeing or not seeing God’s unconditional love.  God calls us to love the unlovable, to reach the unreachable, to touch the untouchable!     

“Forgiveness” By: Matthew West

It’s the hardest thing to give away
And the last thing on your mind today
It always goes to those that don’t deserve

It’s the opposite of how you feel
When the pain they caused is just to real
It takes everything you have just to say the word…

Forgiveness
Forgiveness

It flies in the face of all your pride
It moves away the mad inside
It’s always anger’s own worst enemy
Even when the jury and the judge
Say you gotta right to hold a grudge
It’s the whisper in your ear saying ‘Set It Free’

Forgiveness, Forgiveness
Forgiveness, Forgiveness
Show me how to love the unlovable
Show me how to reach the unreachable
Help me now to do the impossible
Forgiveness, Forgiveness

Help me now to do the impossible
Forgiveness

It’ll clear the bitterness away
It can even set a prisoner free
There is no end to what it’s power can do
So, let it go and be amazed
By what you see through eyes of grace
The prisoner that it really frees is you

Forgiveness, Forgiveness
Forgiveness, Forgiveness
Show me how to love the unlovable
Show me how to reach the unreachable
Help me now to do the impossibleForgiveness
I want to finally set it free
So show me how to see what Your mercy sees
Help me now to give what You gave to meForgiveness, Forgiveness

Box God

Do you ever find yourself doubtful?  When God tells you to do something, do you lack the faith to do it?  Do you ask for signs from God?  How many times have you not completely trusted what God has told you?  It’s easy to ask God: “if this truly is your will, please show me by doing ____.”  The moment we doubt God, is the moment we are lacking faith.  God doesn’t want us to be filled with unbelief; He wants us to be obedient without hesitation when He tells us to do something.      

Judges 6:36-40

“Then Gideon said to God, “If you are truly going to use me to rescue Israel as you promised, prove it to me in this way. I will put a wool fleece on the threshing floor tonight. If the fleece is wet with dew in the morning but the ground is dry, then I will know that you are going to help me rescue Israel as you promised.” And that is just what happened. When Gideon got up early the next morning, he squeezed the fleece and wrung out a whole bowlful of water. Then Gideon said to God, “Please don’t be angry with me, but let me make one more request. Let me use the fleece for one more test. This time let the fleece remain dry while the ground around it is wet with dew.” So that night God did as Gideon asked. The fleece was dry in the morning, but the ground was covered with dew.”

Gideon needed to be certain that God was going to do what He promised He would do.  He was so fearful that He would be defeated by the Midianites.  Gideon had all the facts, He knew what God was asking Him to do, yet he still hesitated.  He delayed in being obedient to God, because He needed more reassurance, more proof that God would do as He said He would.

We may not be going to war against a vast number of Midianites, but we do face our own trials each and every day.  Are you constantly asking God for “visible” signs to confirm what you already know to be true?  When we do this we are putting limitations on God, we are asking Him to fit our expectations.  God does not fit into the little box that we occasionally open when we need Him.  God is all knowing, all powerful – He is who He says He is and He will do as He says He will!  Who are we to doubt what God is commanding us to do? 

Isaiah 40:28

“Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding.”

So, what is holding you back today?  Are you living in unbelief, do you only pull out God when you need Him?  We have all the facts, we know who God is, we know what He can do, and we have the source to back it up – God’s Word! 

 2 Timothy 3:16-17

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”

Don’t let a “fleece” become the proof that you need to be fully confident in our God!  Our God is greater, our God is stronger – so be confident.  With God we will NOT be defeated!

 “Our God” By: Chris Tomlin

 Water, You turned into wine
Opened the eyes of the blind
There's no one like You
None like You

Into the darkness, You shine
Out of the ashes we rise
There's no one like You
None like You

Our God is greater
Our God is stronger
God, You are higher than any other
Our God is healer
Awesome in power
Our God, our God

Into the darkness, You shine
Out of the ashes, we rise
There's no one like You
None like You

Our God is greater
Our God is stronger
God, You are higher than any other
Our God is healer
Awesome in power
Our God, our God

Our God is greater
Our God is stronger
God, You are higher than any other
Our God is healer
Awesome in power
Our God, our God

And if our God is for us
Then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us
Then what could stand against

And if our God is for us
Then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us
Then what could stand against
Then what could stand against

Our God is greater
Our God is stronger
God, You are higher than any other
Our God is healer
Awesome in power
Our God, our God

Our God is greater
Our God is stronger
God, You are higher than any other
Our God is healer
Awesome in power
Our God, our God

And if our God is for us
Then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us
Then what could stand against

And if our God is for us
Then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us
Then what could stand against
What could stand against
What could stand against

All Alone?

How often do you trust God to handle the small things, yet when it comes to much larger issues your faith grows dim?  Why do we doubt his ability to handle the BIG things, the tough decisions, the scary situations?  I have been on a journey to finish my nursing degree, and as I’m in my last semester of nursing school, I find myself afraid and doubtful that I might not finish, that I won’t be able to get a job after graduation, and that I might fail the NCLEX (RN licensure exam)…  However, this morning as I was reading about the Israelites entering the promise land, I was reminded that no matter what the situation is God will see it through.  I shouldn’t stop trusting God just as I’m about to reach my goal!  As I look back on all that God has done for me, I remember that He has ALWAYS taken care of me, so why doubt now!

 Numbers 14:5-9

“Then Moses and Aaron fell face down on the ground before the whole community of Israel. Two of the men who had explored the land, Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, tore their clothing. They said to all the people of Israel, “The land we traveled through and explored is a wonderful land! And if the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey. Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!”

In Numbers chapter 13, the Lord instructed Moses to send 12 men to explore the land of Canaan – the land that the Lord promised to the Israelites.  When the men came back they gave reports of fortified cities with walls 20 feet thick and 25 feet tall, surrounded by guards, and the cities were filled with formidable men – 7 to 9 feet tall!  You can imagine how this looked to the Israelites – pretty intimidating right?!  Because of this fear, 10 of the men spread their own hesitations throughout the entire Israelite community.  They began to doubt that God would enable them to enter the land.  How could they - their armies were not near as big or as strong as what they were about to face in battle…  Yet, they forgot about all that God had already delivered them from!   God continued again and again to rescue them: freedom from the Egyptians, crossing the Red Sea, providing food and water in the wilderness…  Even after all of that, they failed to trust God to enable them to enter the Promised Land.  

                                                               Numbers 13:31-33

“But the other men who had explored the land with him disagreed. “We can’t go up against them! They are stronger than we are!” So they spread this bad report about the land among the Israelites: “The land we traveled through and explored will devour anyone who goes to live there. All the people we saw were huge. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!””

How often are our lives like that of the Israelites?  Constantly complaining about our situation and forgetting of all that God has done for us.  Sometimes we let reality take over and forget what God can do in and through us.  I know I should have faith that God would _______ (fill in the blank), but I really don’t think that it’s possible and maybe I should just do it my way…  When things seem out of control, we are quick to find a solution.  The Israelites solution was to go back to Egypt (Numbers 14:4). Yet, if they would have looked at the larger perspective, they would have realized what God was about to do for them.  Instead of moving forward they moved back and the consequence for that generation of Israelites was not entering the Promised Land (Numbers 14:26-38). 

Instead of complaining and focusing on our present trials, trust that God has a perfect plan.  He has taken care of you this far, won’t He continue to do so.

Matthew 14:28-31

“Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.  But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?””

Spend some time thinking about the areas in your life where you lack faith.  Give those areas to God, and trust that He will get you where you need to be!  Learn from the Israelites - their lack of faith got them nowhere!  Remember: that never once did you ever walk alone, never once did God leave you alone – GOD IS FAITHFUL!

Deuteronomy 31:6

“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” 

“Never Once” by Matt Redman

Standing on this mountaintop
Looking just how far we’ve come
Knowing that for every step
You were with us

Kneeling on this battle ground
Seeing just how much You’ve done
Knowing every victory
Was Your power in us

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Yes, our hearts can say

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Kneeling on this battle ground
Seeing just how much You’ve done
Knowing every victory
Was Your power in us

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Yes, our hearts can say

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Scars and struggles on the way
But with joy our hearts can say
Never once did we ever walk alone
Carried by Your constant grace
Held within Your perfect peace
Never once, no, we never walk alone

Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Every step we are breathing in Your grace
Evermore we’ll be breathing out Your praise
You are faithful, God, You are faithful
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

You are faithful, God, You are faithful
You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Conformity...

What's with Leviticus?  Why do I need to know all of the different animals that are clean and unclean?  Why should I read through instructions on how to offer sacrifices?  This information does not seem relevant to me!  HOWEVER...  This book is able to help us, today, understand the laws and regulations of Bible time.  Leviticus is a reminder that God is holy and calls us to be holy.  How many times does the word "holy" appear in the book of Leviticus?  71 times (NLT)!  Wow, do you think God was calling his people to live a holy life?  What does it mean to be holy?  To be holy is to be set apart, to be different, to be unique. 

Leviticus 11:44-45

"For I am the Lord your God. You must consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. So do not defile yourselves with any of these small animals that scurry along the ground. For I, the Lord, am the one who brought you up from the land of Egypt, that I might be your God. Therefore, you must be holy because I am holy." 

 

Just like the Israelites, we have a choice.  We can choose to be set apart, to be different, to be unique, to be "holy", or we can compromise with the world and let sin control our lives.  God gave the Israelites laws and restrictions to help guide them in remaining holy.  What laws and restrictions do we have today to help guide us in staying set apart?  The answer is simple, God's word - the ultimate guide to living holy in an unholy world.  Unlike the Israelites, we are surrounded by unbelievers everywhere we go, but God doesn't expect us to be holy all on our own.  With Jesus, we are called to live in the world, but not of the world! 

 

1 Peter 1:11-16

"So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, "You must be holy because I am holy.""

 

Our focus should be on becoming conformed, inward and outwardly, to God's standards - to what God calls us.  We are to be completely devoted to God, set aside for His use, and set apart from sin.  We are to be holy, just as our Father is holy!  

 

Colossians 1:21-23

"This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it."

 

We are not holy, until we choose to be.  By accepting Jesus and claiming His reconciliation - we can be holy!  So, the question is: Will you stand before God as holy and blameless without a single fault because of His cleansing? OR Will you stand before God carrying your sin because you choose to become of the world?

 

"Marvelous Light" by Charlie Hall

Into marvelous light I'm running
Out of darkness, out of shame
By the cross You are the truth
You are the life, You are the way

I once was fatherless
A stranger with no hope
Your kindness wakened me
Awakened me, from my sleep

Your love it beckons deeply
A call to come and die
By grace now I will come
And take this life, take Your life

Sin has lost it's power
Death has lost it's sting
From the grave You've risen
Victoriously

Into marvelous light I'm running
Out of darkness, out of shame
By the cross You are the truth
You are the life, You are the way

My dead heart now is beating
My deepest stains now clean
Your breath fills up my lungs
Now I'm free, now I'm free

Sin has lost it's power
Death has lost it's sting
From the grave You've risen
Victoriously

Into marvelous light I'm running
Out of darkness, out of shame
By the cross You are the truth
You are the life, You are the way

Into marvelous light I'm running
Out of darkness, out of shame
By the cross You are the truth
You are the life, You are the way

Lift my hands and spin around
See the light that I have found
Oh the marvelous light
Marvelous light

Sin has lost it's power
And death has lost it's sting
From the grave You've risen
Victoriously

Into marvelous light I'm running
Out of darkness, out of shame
By the cross You are the truth
You are the life, You are the way

Lift my hands and spin around
See the light that I have found
Oh the marvelous light
Marvelous light, marvelous light