New in Christ

Therefore if any person is [engrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come! (2Corinthians 5:17, AMP)

            The year 2012 was a great year for some people. For others, 2012 was a year of heartache and difficulty. Some received answered prayers, favor, and blessings. On the other hand, others made bad decisions and forgot to keep God first in their lives. However, the New Year is quickly approaching. It is a time to celebrate another year we made it through and reached another holiday season in our right minds. It is also a time to reflect on the wrongful decisions and moves that we have made. This is not to beat ourselves up, but to learn from the error of our ways going forward. There is nothing wrong with making mistakes. We gain wisdom from our mistakes.

            With that said, 2012 is passing away. It’s passing away with all its frustrations, cares, mistakes, bad relationships, hurts, and disappointments. Many of us are blessed with the opportunity to see another year. The year 2013 is an opportunity for a new beginning. This is the time to have hope and use your faith to make things happen for yourself. What is that thing that is pressing on your heart that you must accomplish? If you want to go back to school, go back. Do you want to write a book? Write it. Thinking of starting your own business, then do it.

           The time is now. The bible says, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:15-17, NJKV). Redeem the time. Time that you could have used to do something major you wasted it. More time has been given to you to accomplish your goals. Again I say, redeem the time. For some of us this means seeking a deeper relationship with God. For others it means finally making the decision to put God first in your lives. God should be first in our hearts, finances, relationships, and decision-making. If you would “Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6, AMP).

            The New Year is a chance to become new in Christ. “…leave your old self—to stop living the evil way you lived before. That old self becomes worse, because people are fooled by the evil things they want to do. But you were taught to be made new in your hearts, to become a new person. That new person is made to be like God—made to be truly good and holy” (Ephesians 4:22-24, NCV).

            You can become new in your thinking, your attitude, and in your heart. God Himself can do this through His word. So “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 12:2, NIV). Talking to God in prayer, reading His Word, and hearing the Word are the best ways to become new in Christ. Make a New Year’s resolution to seek God truly in your heart. Decide to turn away from all the things and relationships that detach you from God. There are attitudes, mentalities, and habits that God wants us to get rid of. “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32, NKJV).

Jesus gave up and accomplished so much for us. What will you give up and accomplish for Him in 2013? 

Take Up Your Cross

And he who does not take up his cross and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conforming wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also] is not worthy of Me (Matthew 10:38 AMP).

            We all have a cross to bear. God will allow some burdens and tribulations in our lives because He is trying to teach us steadfastness, in Him. How will we learn to trust God if everything is always perfect? For Him to be your Deliverer, you must be delivered from something. For Him to be your Healer, you must be healed from something. For Him to be your Provider, you must lack something so that He can provide. Get it?

             The challenge is when burdens and tribulations seem to last forever in our lives. Sometimes it can feel like God is busy answering everybody else’s prayers except yours. Not true. If you will be steadfast in the Lord, He will come. For since the beginning of the world men have not heard nor perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen any God besides You, Who acts for the one who waits for Him (Isaiah 64:4,NKJV). God acts on behalf of those who wait for Him. The key is to wait. Wait for His deliverance and His provision. Whatever it is, bear your cross and follow Jesus. He never promised that the road would be easy; He promised He’d get us there. Jesus was so honest with us that in John 16:33, He tells us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” We must have the faith that declares if Jesus has already overcome the world, then because he lives in Me & I live in Him, I have already overcome this affliction.

            Doing the right thing despite the consequences, detaching yourself from ungodly relationships, and doing things God’s way regardless of what everybody else is doing is bearing a cross. Sometimes it hurts to do things Gods way, but my bible tells me, “But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides” (Matthew 6:33, AMP). We often worry about the everyday issues of life, from money to our relationships, or the lack thereof. However, if we could just focus our hearts on Jesus and be still, I believe that God will move on our behalf. Remember, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all (Psalm 34:19, NKJV).

            Have you ever been in a relationship with someone, whether romantic or platonic? You two were like peas and carrots when life was comfortable. Then when things got rough, they split? How often do we do this to God? When life is simple and all our prayers are answered quickly, we easily follow Jesus. However, when times get rough and when life does not turn out how we expect, submission to Christ becomes taxing. Bearing a cross of any kind is now out of the question. We must learn to serve God in and out of season. When we are prosperous and when we are not. Otherwise, how real is your dedication to Christ? My friend, bear your cross. I personally know that this is not an easy task. Therefore, surround yourself with people of God that will pray with and for you. Have faith in God’s good character and press your way into your breakthrough. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10, NKJV).

Never Alone

“For the Lord will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you His people” (1 Samuel 12:22, NJKV)

            God is a present God.  Contrary to that truth, believers can feel burdened with the spirit of loneliness. There may be seasons in your life where you may be friendless. Nevertheless, Jesus is your friend. In times of heartache and disappointment, you will long for someone to talk to or even pray with you in the midnight hour. It is in those times where you may find no one. Familiar names in the bible, such as David, endured the same hardship.  In Psalm 69:20 (The MSG) David states, “I’m broken by their taunts, flat on my face, reduced to a nothing. I looked in vain for one friendly face. Not one. I couldn’t find one shoulder to cry on”.

            However, David carried on and cried out to God for His help, His mercy, and His comfort…as you should. God is your Comforter, your Strength, and your Redeemer if you allow Him to be.

            Nothing hurts more than going through a storm alone. Our Lord and Savior endured abandonment by his friends when he needed them most. After walking a little farther away from them, Jesus fell to the ground and prayed that, if possible, he would not have this time of suffering. He prayed, "Abba, Father! You can do all things. Take away this cup of suffering. But do what you want, not what I want". Then Jesus went back to his followers and found them asleep. He said to Peter, "Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn't you stay awake with me for one hour?”(Mark 14:35-37, NCV).

            The Good News is that we serve a Mighty God who is always available. Behold He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep (Psalms 121:4, NJKV). The Lord is always near. Just because you can’t see or feel Him doesn’t mean He isn’t with you. Trust, believe, and have faith in Him who reigns for eternity.

            God wants to build a solid relationship with each of us. Sometimes God will purposely separate you from others to have you to Himself. He wants to mature you in Christ Jesus and purify your faith in Him. Be confident that you’re never alone. God has a blessed purpose for everything He does. We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God—those whom He has called according to his plan (Romans 8:28, GW).  So be encouraged and take full advantage of your time alone with your Trusted Father. He’s waiting.

Peace Be Unto You

            You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. (Isaiah 26:3, AMP)

            I have a confession to make. Many times, I allow my peace to escape me. I often worry about the future, my present, and I sometimes wish I had made better decisions in my past. I worry about bills, new clothes, shoes, and bags. I’m concerned if I am liked or disliked, or if people smile in my face and talk about me behind my back. I worry about family members and sometimes co-workers. That’s too much worrying and not enough peace if you ask me.

            There is so much to worry and be anxious about in today’s society. People have no jobs, marriages are on the rocks, and disease and sickness is enough to make a person agonize. Nevertheless, the Bible says that God will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on Him (Isaiah 26:3). How many times do we forget that God is in control and our peace comes from Him alone?

            I recently took a trip to Jamaica. Since this was only my second time traveling by airplane, I’ll admit I had some reservations about it. At one point, I allowed fear to come into my heart. Nevertheless, as the plane took off I prayed for my safety as well as the other passengers. I also prayed for the pilot and the flight attendants. Once I prayed, I released the flight to the Lord. As the plane ascended thousands of feet into the atmosphere, my attention refocused on where I was and what was surrounding me. I saw the cotton-like clouds at a close distance. I saw the bright blue sky up close and personal. I flew over beautiful blue water thousands of feet in the air. I was on my way to a lovely island that many people in their lifetime will never see. Suddenly my fear was gone and a peace came over me as I trusted God to get me to Jamaica safely and refocused my attention.  

            The biblical definition for the word peace means a state of quiet or tranquility; freedom from disturbance or agitation, applicable to the temper of the mind. It also means freedom from internal commotion. Peace is freedom from disturbance from passions, as from fear, terror, anger, anxiety or the like; quietness of the mind; calmness; and quiet of the conscious. Do you have peace with your circumstances, who you are, and with God’s will for your life in this present season?

            God commands that we, “… be not anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present our requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7).

            Ephesians 2:14 says that, He Himself is our peace. If God is our peace, why do we allow earthly materials and circumstances to destroy our peace? Where does your peace come from? Does it come from your job position, your beautiful home or car, your spouse’s presence, your many accolades or your successful children? Suppose these things were taken away from you? Would you still have your peace and faith in God? Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]” (John 16:33).

            One of my favorite scriptures is John 14:1, where Jesus comforts His followers by saying, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.” What are you worried about today? What issue is pressing on your heart? Believe in Jesus and trust in Him as you follow Him. Give Him your issues and release them. DO NOT take them back by worrying any longer. This is not always easy but possible. The Bible says to “Cast the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully (1 Peter 5:7, AMP). I love God because He cares for me affectionately and watchfully. Does this sound like the kind of God that will forsake you? Release your cares and let the peace of God fill your heart and mind as I plan to do.

-Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.  

 

TIRED IN THE RACE?

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24).

          Imagine that you are running a race, hurdle after hurdle, no one to run with you, and the finish line seems as though it does not exist. You can’t see anymore because what were once drops of sweat, are now teardrops that are constantly blocking your vision. You can’t breathe, you’re weary, and can no longer run. You are not running a physical race, but a spiritual race, a race that requires much more endurance and perseverance.  

          Many times in our walk with God, we become tired. We become tired of doing the right thing. We become weary while waiting on God. However, the bible tells us in Galatians 6:9 not to be weary in well doing. We wll reap our harvest in due season if we do not give up. Most of our lives are spent waiting on Him to fulfill a promise or a need. This may be difficult in the midst of trials, but those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).

          While running this spiritual and rewarding race, we are to seek our Heavenly Father. For He alone gives great counsel and excellent in wisdom (Isaiah 28:19). Reading God’s Word daily, hearing the Word of God, and remaining in constant prayer will strengthen you for your battle. God is not a God who would tell a lie. What God has promised you, He will surely bring it to pass (Numbers 23:19). Don’t quit. Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD (Psalm 27:14, NKJV).

          We as followers and believers of Christ must never stop running the race that God has set before us. Our minds and our bodies may become weak from our afflictions but our hearts must remain strong in this battle. Jesus was our perfect example of how to run this race and endure flawlessly. Look to Jesus when you become tired. He alone will show you how to finish the race, and finish strong.

          Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I have my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back (Philippians 3:14, The MSG).

OBEDIENCE

If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land; But if you refuse and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword”; For the mouth of the Lord has spoken (Isaiah 1:19-20).

            We must be willing and obedient in our walk with God. Our Heavenly Father has granted us instructions to abide by in His word. It is our free will to either follow His ways or not. To choose life or to choose death. The choice is ours.

            Obedience to God is more a blessing than a means to prohibit us from anything good. God does not tell us to do anything that is not for our own benefit. When we obey God, we are blessed. And this is what will happen: When you, on your part, will obey these directives, keeping and following them, God, on his part, will keep the covenant of loyal love that he made with your ancestors: He will love you, He will bless you, He will increase you (Deut. 7:12-13, The MSG).

            There may be times in our lives when God will have us to do or say something that is beyond our comprehension. Nevertheless, we must obey the voice of God. In 1 Samuel 15:22, Samuel explains to then King Saul that obedience is better than sacrifice. To listen to the voice of God is better than any tithe or offering that we can present unto God. Listening and following God’s instructions may bless you or someone else. Learn to listen to what the Holy Spirit is telling you to do and obey immediately. Don't even think about it. Proverbs 3:5 tells us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding.

            Like King Saul, many Christians make the mistake of thinking that partial obedience is true obedience to God. Partial obedience is disobedience. Disobedience is what cost King Saul his kingship, which God delivered to King David. Can I say that your disobedience will cost you a major blessing? Disobedience is what made Jonah flee from God and waste 3 days and 3 nights in an unfortunate circumstance. Disobedience wastes time, costs you and others blessings from God, and may hinder deliverance.

            What is God telling you to do right now that you are not doing? Is what He is telling you to do for your own benefit? Make the decision now to obey the voice of the Lord, your God.

God Bless.