How About Something Positive?

     In our modern digital age where we can get the news 24/7 on our cell phones, laptops, tablets and desk tops, I find that I have to limit myself in looking at it.  There is so much crime, evil, and negative reports on the air around the clock that it would cause anyone to feel blue.  When I was growing up, we had local news and some national news but not to the extent that we have today. Unfortunately, today, we are overwhelmed by some of the stories we hear; so it is far better to reduce time on T.V. and increase time in God's Word.  After all, we need "Good News" each day, and along those lines, a dear friend and I began a Bible study some months ago on Romans 8.  Now there is something to cheer about!

     If we find ourselves dealing with any of the following, we need a good dose of Romans 8:  anxiety, depression, lack of assurance, condemnation, or fear (to name a few).  Of course the entire book of Romans is a power house of truth which makes clear our need for Christ.  When we started on chapter 8, it was supposedly a six-week study but we found that we needed more time to process and work our way through this.   The verses that really pack a positive punch are found in Romans 8:31-39:  "31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.[b] 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;

    we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Please read these words over and over again.  In fact, read the entire chapters that come before these words.  What God has done for us is amazing beyond comprehension!  The best part is that nothing can ever separate us from His love.  No power, no political system, no person....absolutely nothing in this world can tear us out of His arms.  Now isn't that better than watching the news or reading it?  This news is what our souls need, my friends!

     Interestingly enough, after our Bible study today, I began to read Todd Friel's book entitled:  "Stressed Out:  A Practical, Biblical Approach to Anxiety" and part way through the book, he emphasized Romans 8:31-39.  Coincidence?  No, God's providence!  Defeating all the negative thinking in our lives requires us to be students of God's Word rather than listening to hours of the world's view on all things.  We know this is a fallen world so why spend lots of time hearing about all the negative news of the day?  Can we do anything about it?  Can we change things by getting upset?  No...but God can do miraculous things when we pray, read His Word and meditate on it.  He works in us and transforms our thinking.  If we are to be salt and light in this world, we must first immerse ourselves in the Good News of Jesus Christ.

     Instead of parking in front of the T.V. and allowing the enemy to shoot darts at my heart all evening through the bad news I listen to, I would much rather follow the Apostle Paul's advice found in Philippians 4:8:  "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."  I commend to all that spending time reading and re-reading Romans 8:31-39  will do your heart good!  This will bring glory to God!  Selah!

With Awe and Reverence

     Ten years ago, my husband and I took an anniversary trip to Europe.  We flew first to Scotland and then drove into England to see the sights.  I had always dreamed of going there one day as I loved English Literature studies both in high school and college.  The old castles, the magnificent cathedrals, and the rich history made this a trip never to be forgotten, but the greatest highlight was a tour of Buckingham Palace.  When the queen is away, the palace is opened to the public for tours.  We happened to be fortunate enough to come at such a time.  

     To say the palace was beautiful is an understatement.  Pictures of previous royals hung on the walls as well as other breathtaking decorations.  I imagined what it would be like to meet the queen herself.  We certainly were not dressed to meet her that day, and it made me think about the kind of clothes that would be appropriate.  There is a certain protocol for such an event in order to show your respect. Most of us would wear our nicest clothing (no shorts and T-shirts here) and be on our best behavior.  After all, we are meeting someone very special!

     As I reflected on this memory, it made me wonder why we do not treat church in much the same way?  Each week, we have the privilege of entering the Lord's sanctuary to gather with other saints to worship our King.  Do we come with an attitude of reverence?  Praise?  Giving our full attention to the Lord?  I was taught as a child that Sunday meant we wore our very best to church to honor God. Then, when we entered the sanctuary, we were to think on His Word in an attitude of reverence.  That did not mean we could not greet others, but our first and foremost duty was to prepare our hearts to hear Him.  Visiting with others was reserved for after the service.  I realize that times have changed and people, in general, take things much more casually today.  In fact, some folks look like they have just walked off the golf course.  If shorts are all you have to wear, then don't let that keep you from coming to God's House, but let us
put things into perspective.

     Scripture tells us how to approach the Lord.  Psalm 29:1-2 says:  "1 Ascribe to the LORD, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness."  Then in the letter to the Romans, Paul tells us to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice:  "1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:1-2).  In these two sets of verses, we learn that we must give God the glory as we enter His House of worship.  We demonstrate our respect and love for Him by not conforming to the way of the world but by offering up our lives to Him in service and praise.  Sometimes, I think we have lost the sense of awe before the Lord.  We come there to make Him the center of our attention and to encourage one another.

     If we were to meet Queen Elizabeth, we would wear our best clothes, show respect for her position, and be on our best behavior.  Yet, we often forget this when we come before the King of Kings on a Sunday.  Entering a House of Worship is a blessing and an opportunity to commune with Him and one another.  We must not take it lightly as though it were just another activity.  He wants us to worship Him in spirit and in truth.  It all starts in our heart through prayer, Bible study and a sincere desire to grow in His grace.  Let us give Him our best in worship as we sing, pray and study His Word.  Selah! 

Learning to Listen

      When I was growing up, I was the talker in the family.  I had a Great Aunt who thought I would certainly become a missionary as I loved talking about God.  Other family members thought I would follow in my Grandfather's footsteps and become an attorney.  Neither prediction came to pass, but my love of public speaking led to a major in communications in college.  Oral interpretation of literature, theater, public speaking, radio, and debate became my focus as I prepared to become a teacher.  Yet, for all my preparation, the most important part of communicating with others is being a good listener as well.  So, when I had the chance to babysit my granddaughter the other day, I put this into practice.

     Typically, when her siblings are around (she is the youngest), she tends to be quiet, but when I asked her about her activities, she opened up in the most delightful way.  We looked at shells in her room that she had collected at the beach.  We talked over lunch about family and what it was like when I was growing up.  When I told her I never liked having my picture taken as a little girl, she responded that I must be shy like she is.  What little nuggets of sweet information I learned that day all because I asked her questions.  

     Unfortunately, we do not always realize that communicating with one another is a two way street.  We need to develop the ability to listen to others.  Throughout Scripture, we are admonished to watch our words and know when to speak and when to be silent.  Ephesians 4:29 tells us:  "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."  Then in Matthew 12:36-37, we read:  "I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”  In both of these verses, we are forewarned to be cautious in how and when we speak.  The tongue can be powerful in building up or tearing down.  Someone wisely said "That's why we have one mouth and two ears so we can listen more than speak."  The Apostle James would agree with that statement.  He writes:  "19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry" (James 1:19).

     When we take time to listen to others, we have a chance to really get to know them.  We show respect and value for another when we allow them to share.  I think we have all been in a situation where someone in a group dominates the conversation to the exclusion of others. After a while, it becomes monotonous.  Proverbs 17:28 clearly tells us:  "Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent."  Solomon never worried about being "politically correct" but he drove home the point that there is a time and place to be silent.

     Our Lord Jesus Christ set a perfect example for us in communicating with others.  He would ask questions to draw people out.  He had time for children, the sick and those whom society had rejected.  A great example of a productive conversation occurs in the story of the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-42).  Not only did the Lord engage this woman in conversation, but He also showed Himself to be the Messiah.  He allowed her to speak, ask questions and thereby, opened the lines of communication.  She felt valued and known for the first time.  The conversation opened her heart to the truth of God's love.  Do we now see the value of listening to others? 

     As believers, we are to bear witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ by being salt and light.  Our time of conversing with others is important because it gives us and opportunity to share the Gospel after listening to their story.  I know I learned a lot about our precious granddaughter  as we spent time together by simply asking questions and allowing her a chance to talk.  May God help us learn to balance our time with others even as Jesus did so that we may have an opportunity to tell them the Good News of salvation and affirm their value in God's eyes through listening.  Selah!

Sealed by the King

     When we value something, we mark it in some fashion to let others know it belongs to us.  My mother did this when I got ready to go off to college.  She obtained labels with my name imprinted on it and began to sew them into my clothing, so if anything was lost, whoever found it would know who the owner was and return it.  Likewise, we tend to mark valuables like a purse, a ring or even engrave our iPad so people will know it belongs to us.  In fact, it doesn't stop with things like clothing.  Today we even chip our cats and dogs in case they get lost.  We certainly did that with our dog as he is important to us.  While we do this to protect our valuables, we often forget that we have also been marked by God if we are believers in Jesus Christ.

 
   In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul writes these words (2 Cor. 1:21-22):  " 21And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, 22and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee."  When we confess our faith in Jesus Christ, God sets a seal in our heart, and we are marked as His sheep.  Jesus, Himself, affirmed that our new life could not be forfeited or terminated either.  In John 5:24, we read:  "Whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life."  This is good news!!!  Yes, we may stray, but we have a Good Shepherd who will seek us out.  We may face difficulties, or have our ups and downs but our future is secure in Christ.  When we sin (and we all do that at one time or another), we have an advocate in Jesus Christ our Savior.  I John 1:9 tells us that "If we confess our sins, He if faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  It is as simple as that.

     Other verses written by the Apostle Paul also assure us of the seal of God's Spirit in the soul of those who belong to Him.  Look at Ephesians 1:13-14:  "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."  Then later in the same letter, Paul writes in Ephesians 4:30:  "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."  Isn't it good to know that God has given us a seal in our heart to prove that we belong to Him?

     When doubts assail us, troubles come, or loved ones die, we have an assurance from God that we belong to Him.  He has promised to never leave us or forsake us.  While Satan may try his hardest to fill us with anxiety, we have only to turn to the Father and call upon His name.  He has authority to tell him "Hands off!  This is my child sealed by the Holy Spirit!"  Let us rejoice in this good news for Paul reminds us in Philippians 1:6:  "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."  It is God who has sealed us and is working in and through us as we walk on this earth.  Therefore, we need to rejoice in Him not only today but every day.  Selah!

When We Need Assurance

     During a family get together, one of our grandson's received a reprimand from his father.  He was embarrassed and sorry for his disobedience.  He began to cry as he was instructed to sit on a couch for a time out.  Since I was sitting close by, I encouraged him to come and sit on the love seat with me.  I gave him a hug and told him that everything would turn out okay because his father loved him so very much.  He said it didn't feel like his dad loved him, but I reassured him that this was not the case at all.  I told him that a good father corrects his children to keep them from getting hurt or hurting others.  Even God disciplines us when we step out of line, but He never stops loving us.  His tears subsided, and he calmed down seeming to understand what I was telling him.

     As I recalled this precious time with my grandson, I got to thinking about the many times when I wondered if God could still love me after I had been disobedient.  I believe many of us have those moments of self doubt that rise up in our lives.  I've even heard people tell me that they could never return to church again because they had walked so far away from God that He would not want them back.  The Good News tells us that this is a lie from the devil.  We can be assured of God's unfailing love towards us.  Scripture confirms this in I John 3:19-24 (ESV):  "By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before Him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart; and He knows everything.  Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do what pleases Him.  And this is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as He has commanded us.  Whoever keeps His commandments  abides in God and God in him. And by this we know He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us."  I love the phrase "whenever our heart condemns us" because there are times when we feel like we have messed up or missed the boat.  Yet God has sealed us by His Spirit.  All we need to do is repent if we have sinned, and He welcomes us again with open arms (I John 1:9).

     God calls us to believe, love and obey Him.  This is the mark of true salvation according to this epistle.  By the Holy Spirit, we are sealed for rede
mption.  God has promised to never leave us or forsake us.  We are secure in His love for He has chosen us from before the foundation of the world to be His children.  Jesus said in John 10:27-28:  " 27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. " What a great promise for believers!  We do not lose our relationship with God when we sin.  However, like our grandson, we sometimes must face the consequences of our actions, but God does not cast us out.

     Resting in this assurance should give us great joy, and the Apostle John confirms it in his epistle.  How comforting for us when we have those times of self doubt and we ask if we are really saved!  Like Jesus, we can cry out "Abba Father" at any time.  May this encourage us all today as we meditate on this good word from the Lord!  Selah!