2 Corinthians 5:21 "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our
behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."
Among T.V. reality shows you will find a couple of "extreme makeovers". .
. the "Home Edition" and the "Weight Loss Edition". I am fascinated
by both of them because they are, indeed, extreme. The climax of both
shows is the contrast between "before" and "after", and it's hard to
believe the results.
Paul reminds us that, as Christians, we are blessed to be part of the
"Ultimate Makeover - Life Edition"! Just as I have a hard time
believing the physical transformations of houses and bodies on T.V., it
is difficult for me to comprehend that Jesus has done for and in me.
He, who was sinless (perfectly righteous) allowed Himself to become sin
(totally guilty). In exchange, we who had not one shred of
righteousness, became righteousness (sinless) by means of His atoning
sacrifice.
From God's perspective, because of what Jesus did on my behalf. I am righteous, pure, whole.... totally "made-over"!
I would like to see a T.V. program that revisits the "made-over" homes
and the people a year or two later. I wonder if they still look as good
as they did at the conclusion of the show. I would guess not.
That's how I feel about myself. I have been totally made-over on the
inside, but I don't always look like it, act like it, feel like it.
It's as if I hear the Holy Spirit calling on the loud-speaker, "Clean
up on aisle 7!" I need daily cleaning, mopping, dusting, vacuuming.
Dear Jesus, Thank You for what You did and continue to do for me, in me,
through me. Please help me today to better resemble the person Your
Father sees me to be. Amen.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
"Hoover Dam and Christ's Love..."
2 Corinthians 5:14 "For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died..."
Not too long ago our family visited Hoover Dam. On one side of the dam is Lake Mead, billions of gallons of water held back by this gigantic concrete and steel wall. On the other side is a deep valley with Colorado River flowing from the dam. The dam exists, not only to create a beautiful lake, but to produce power, electricity for millions of people. How? Water from one side is channelled, compressed as it flows through narrow openings in the dam. The "compressed" water moves giant turbines which generate electrical energy.
That's what the word "controls" conveys. It means to "hold tightly". In some contexts it has the idea of constraining, in others it conveys comfort and security. Here it's the idea of channeling us, directing us, like the spillway on a dam compacts and directs the flow of water.
Paul says Christ's love for him is compelling. It was the motivation for all that he did. It raises the question, "What is it that drives me? Why do I do what I do? What is my motivation?" If I'm completely honest, I don't often consciously think of Christ's love as the driving force. Yet, as I reflect, I can truthfully, whole-heartedly affirm that it is my reason for being. Somehow, I need to bring that affirmation to the forefront, to purposefully reflect on it more often. I think it will make a difference in my daily experience.
Lord, thank You for your extravagant love for me. Forgive me for so often taking it for granted, not giving it a second thought. Thank You for reminding me of it's foundational importance in my life. Amen.
Not too long ago our family visited Hoover Dam. On one side of the dam is Lake Mead, billions of gallons of water held back by this gigantic concrete and steel wall. On the other side is a deep valley with Colorado River flowing from the dam. The dam exists, not only to create a beautiful lake, but to produce power, electricity for millions of people. How? Water from one side is channelled, compressed as it flows through narrow openings in the dam. The "compressed" water moves giant turbines which generate electrical energy.
That's what the word "controls" conveys. It means to "hold tightly". In some contexts it has the idea of constraining, in others it conveys comfort and security. Here it's the idea of channeling us, directing us, like the spillway on a dam compacts and directs the flow of water.
Paul says Christ's love for him is compelling. It was the motivation for all that he did. It raises the question, "What is it that drives me? Why do I do what I do? What is my motivation?" If I'm completely honest, I don't often consciously think of Christ's love as the driving force. Yet, as I reflect, I can truthfully, whole-heartedly affirm that it is my reason for being. Somehow, I need to bring that affirmation to the forefront, to purposefully reflect on it more often. I think it will make a difference in my daily experience.
Lord, thank You for your extravagant love for me. Forgive me for so often taking it for granted, not giving it a second thought. Thank You for reminding me of it's foundational importance in my life. Amen.
Monday, September 24, 2012
The Ultimate Exchange...
2 Corinthians 5:18 "Now all these things are from God, who
reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of
reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to
Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has
committed to us the word of reconciliation."
Each month I go to Mexico. My friends and I drive to some railroad tracks southeast of Tijuana, almost to Tecate, taking food, toys, toiletries, and other items the Lord gives to us. We are inevitably greeted by a crowd of 100 or so men, women, and children (and scores of dogs!) with whom we have become acquainted over the years. They are the poorest of the poor, living in little one-room shanties alongside the tracks, no water, electricity, or plumbing.
We make a stop in San Ysidro before crossing the border for a very important task.... exchanging dollars for pesos. We're always hoping for a good exchange rate so we can get the most for our money.
The term "reconciliation" in the verses above comes out of the Greek marketplace. it is the word used for exchanging money. In Scripture it speaks of exchanging something far more valuable than dollars and pesos. It is exchanging Christ's garment of pure, white, sinlessness for my filthy, disheveled robe of sin. It's trading my destiny of eternal punishment for His gift of Eternal Life.
He not only made that "exchange" with me; He also has given me the privilege of facilitating it with others. That's why we go to Mexico every month. It's not about providing food and other necessities to those in need; it's our "ministry of reconciliation" - building relationships with these people, sharing God's Word, and watching the Holy Spirit transform their lives! What a privilege and joy it is to be His ambassador!
Lord, thank You for providing the "ultimate exchange" for me and for allowing me to share it with others. Please keep it fresh in my mind today so that, as I interact with those You lead across my path, I will be ready to offer Your grace to them. Amen.
Each month I go to Mexico. My friends and I drive to some railroad tracks southeast of Tijuana, almost to Tecate, taking food, toys, toiletries, and other items the Lord gives to us. We are inevitably greeted by a crowd of 100 or so men, women, and children (and scores of dogs!) with whom we have become acquainted over the years. They are the poorest of the poor, living in little one-room shanties alongside the tracks, no water, electricity, or plumbing.
We make a stop in San Ysidro before crossing the border for a very important task.... exchanging dollars for pesos. We're always hoping for a good exchange rate so we can get the most for our money.
The term "reconciliation" in the verses above comes out of the Greek marketplace. it is the word used for exchanging money. In Scripture it speaks of exchanging something far more valuable than dollars and pesos. It is exchanging Christ's garment of pure, white, sinlessness for my filthy, disheveled robe of sin. It's trading my destiny of eternal punishment for His gift of Eternal Life.
He not only made that "exchange" with me; He also has given me the privilege of facilitating it with others. That's why we go to Mexico every month. It's not about providing food and other necessities to those in need; it's our "ministry of reconciliation" - building relationships with these people, sharing God's Word, and watching the Holy Spirit transform their lives! What a privilege and joy it is to be His ambassador!
Lord, thank You for providing the "ultimate exchange" for me and for allowing me to share it with others. Please keep it fresh in my mind today so that, as I interact with those You lead across my path, I will be ready to offer Your grace to them. Amen.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
"Seeing others differently..."
2 Corinthians 5:16 "Therefore from now on we recognize no one according
to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh,
yet now we know Him in this way no longer."
Several years ago, a kindergarten teacher was in my office telling me about one of her students. I couldn't place a face with the name, so I asked her to describe him. She said, "He's sweet, kind, sensitive, loves to play kickball, likes to help me erase the chalk board, enjoys singing..." I still couldn't place him, so I asked him to tell me more. "He's taller than the other boys, can't keep his shirt tucked in, has a great smile...." I asked if there was anything else. "Oh," she said, "and he's black."
That's how Jesus wants us to look at each other. Too often it's the physical characteristics that I recall when I hear a person's name... height, weight, color, etc. That was the last thing my teacher friend thought of when describing her student.
As Christians, we are to look beyond the obvious, the superficial. The same Spirit who lives in me, lives in you, too! The Holy Spirit binds us together, helps us relate on a deeper, spiritual level so that when we hear each other's name, we recall character traits rather than physical appearance. That's how it's going to be in Heaven, after all!!!
Lord, I confess that all too often my vision is focused on a person's outward appearance rather than who he really is. Please help me to see as You do, looking at his heart. Help me today, Holy Spirit, to listen well, perceive accurately, and care genuinely. Amen.
Several years ago, a kindergarten teacher was in my office telling me about one of her students. I couldn't place a face with the name, so I asked her to describe him. She said, "He's sweet, kind, sensitive, loves to play kickball, likes to help me erase the chalk board, enjoys singing..." I still couldn't place him, so I asked him to tell me more. "He's taller than the other boys, can't keep his shirt tucked in, has a great smile...." I asked if there was anything else. "Oh," she said, "and he's black."
That's how Jesus wants us to look at each other. Too often it's the physical characteristics that I recall when I hear a person's name... height, weight, color, etc. That was the last thing my teacher friend thought of when describing her student.
As Christians, we are to look beyond the obvious, the superficial. The same Spirit who lives in me, lives in you, too! The Holy Spirit binds us together, helps us relate on a deeper, spiritual level so that when we hear each other's name, we recall character traits rather than physical appearance. That's how it's going to be in Heaven, after all!!!
Lord, I confess that all too often my vision is focused on a person's outward appearance rather than who he really is. Please help me to see as You do, looking at his heart. Help me today, Holy Spirit, to listen well, perceive accurately, and care genuinely. Amen.
Monday, September 17, 2012
"I want to make Him smile..."
2 Corinthians 5:9-10 "Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether
at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear
before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed
for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good
or bad."
I used to dread being called to the office. Whether as a student in school, or as an employee, it was nerve-wracking to receive that summons. I see it today in the faces of my students or teachers when I ask them to come see me. That "What did I do wrong?" look fills their countenance. It's only after they observe my smile that they begin to relax.
It's like that with Jesus. Paul tells us that each of us will be summoned to Jesus' "office" (actually His throne room -- a little more intimidating setting!). We'll stand before our Saviour for our "end-of-life performance evaluation" I think I know myself pretty well, but He knows more intimately the details of my life, the thoughts and intentions of my heart, as well as my actions. To be honest, the thought of Him revealing all of that scares me. It also motivates me.
My goal in life is to please Jesus, to make Him smile. I know I'm going to fail Him occasionally, but thank God He hasn't left me to my own resources. His Word says that the Creator of the universe, Himself, is "working in me that which is pleasing in His sight." (Heb 13:21) He not only wants me to succeed, He helps me to do it!
Lord, I know that You will walk beside me today, not as a critical observer, but as an empowering partner. Please help me to be sensitive to Your "nudge" and let me feel the pleasure of Your smile. Amen.
I used to dread being called to the office. Whether as a student in school, or as an employee, it was nerve-wracking to receive that summons. I see it today in the faces of my students or teachers when I ask them to come see me. That "What did I do wrong?" look fills their countenance. It's only after they observe my smile that they begin to relax.
It's like that with Jesus. Paul tells us that each of us will be summoned to Jesus' "office" (actually His throne room -- a little more intimidating setting!). We'll stand before our Saviour for our "end-of-life performance evaluation" I think I know myself pretty well, but He knows more intimately the details of my life, the thoughts and intentions of my heart, as well as my actions. To be honest, the thought of Him revealing all of that scares me. It also motivates me.
My goal in life is to please Jesus, to make Him smile. I know I'm going to fail Him occasionally, but thank God He hasn't left me to my own resources. His Word says that the Creator of the universe, Himself, is "working in me that which is pleasing in His sight." (Heb 13:21) He not only wants me to succeed, He helps me to do it!
Lord, I know that You will walk beside me today, not as a critical observer, but as an empowering partner. Please help me to be sensitive to Your "nudge" and let me feel the pleasure of Your smile. Amen.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Shine, Jesus, Shine...
2 Corinthians 4:6 "For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of
darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of
the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have
this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of
the power will be of God and not from ourselves..."
It was my privilege a few years ago to work for "Joni and Friends". The founder of that ministry is Joni Eareckson Tada, a dynamic woman through whom God has touched thousands of lives with His message of mercy, encouragement, and hope... particularly ministering to those with disabilities. Joni, herself, was paralyzed from the neck down as the result of a diving accident when she was a teenager.
I always knew when Joni had arrived at the office. She delights in singing praises to the Lord and would wheel through the door belting out a hymn or a praise chorus. It was contagious, and invariably everyone in the office stopped what they were doing and joined in. One chorus I never tired of hearing was, "Shine, Jesus, Shine". It typified Joni. She personified what Paul describes in the verses above. Yes, Joni's "treasure" is in an "earthen vessel", but the brilliant Light of God's glory shines from her like no one I've every met before.
That's what I want people to see in me. Yes, I'm imperfect; I mess up; I'm lacking in so many areas. But... the surpassing greatness of God indwells me through His Holy Spirit and He delights in manifesting Himself through vessels of weakness.
Lord, You know me inside out. You know my imperfections and weaknesses. Please shine through me today. Touch those I encounter throughout the day with your mercy and love. Give them a glimpse of You and open their hearts. Amen. Yay, Jesus!!
It was my privilege a few years ago to work for "Joni and Friends". The founder of that ministry is Joni Eareckson Tada, a dynamic woman through whom God has touched thousands of lives with His message of mercy, encouragement, and hope... particularly ministering to those with disabilities. Joni, herself, was paralyzed from the neck down as the result of a diving accident when she was a teenager.
I always knew when Joni had arrived at the office. She delights in singing praises to the Lord and would wheel through the door belting out a hymn or a praise chorus. It was contagious, and invariably everyone in the office stopped what they were doing and joined in. One chorus I never tired of hearing was, "Shine, Jesus, Shine". It typified Joni. She personified what Paul describes in the verses above. Yes, Joni's "treasure" is in an "earthen vessel", but the brilliant Light of God's glory shines from her like no one I've every met before.
That's what I want people to see in me. Yes, I'm imperfect; I mess up; I'm lacking in so many areas. But... the surpassing greatness of God indwells me through His Holy Spirit and He delights in manifesting Himself through vessels of weakness.
Lord, You know me inside out. You know my imperfections and weaknesses. Please shine through me today. Touch those I encounter throughout the day with your mercy and love. Give them a glimpse of You and open their hearts. Amen. Yay, Jesus!!
Monday, September 10, 2012
Looking through foggy lenses...
2 Corinthians 3:16 "...but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away."
I hate it when my lenses fog up. Occasionally on humid days or when I'm sweating on a cool evening, my vision becomes foggy. It occurs gradually so that until it's nearly obscured, I don't realize what is happening. Then I take off my glasses, wipe them off, and I can see clearly once again.
It's like that for me in my relationship with Jesus. When I'm not spending time with Him regularly, when I am sporadic in my reading of His Word, my spiritual lenses start to fog up. Things around me become somewhat confused and obscured. My discernment and sense of direction get mixed up, and I miss the Holy Spirit's "sign posts". My spiritual GPS malfunctions.
How do I clean my spiritual lenses and get my GPS functional once again. It's simple. 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." When I finally realize what I've been doing, I confess it to Jesus, seek His forgiveness, and I reestablish my habit of setting aside the first part of my day for time with Him. I can see clearly now!
Lord, I want to see life through clean lenses. I want to discern the Spirit's directional signs today. Thank you for your forgiveness, Your cleansing. I love seeing clearly!!!
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