I had a class called Spiritual Formation today that apparently DTS established because back in the day students were excelling in knowledge, but lacking the ability to understand themselves and others. I think this is brilliant because sharing successes and struggles with your peers bonds you together, and I think it is essential in growth and discipleship. My friends would confirm that I have a heart for community, and I am blessed to have a group of friends who value friendship so much.
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25
If you have been around me a lot you are probably thinking that I am obsessed with these verses because I use them in almost every message. Well let me set you straight. I am obsessed with these verses and that is why I use them in almost every message. If our sole purpose is to glorify God and God's ministry greatly involves relationships with people than our relationships should be about glorifying God. A=B, B=C, therefore A=C. The law of transitivity. Sorry (especially if Ryan and Brad read this) I know I promised it would have nothing to do with math. So that really emphasizes that community focused on glorifying God is important. Why do you think we have Churches? So go to Church. Sow relationships with Christians to mutually encourage one another to grow closer to Christ. Sow relationships with pre-Christians so that they may hear the gospel and know Christ. The common denominator is that in all relationships our Lord Jesus Christ is getting glory.
You may be thinking well that's a lot easier said then done. How do we know what's the right way to treat people? There is a lot of wisdom and instruction in the Bible and also as a Christian you have God Himself, the Holy Spirit, within you guiding you every step of the way. Well what if it isn't easy and my friends aren't looking for these types of relationships? The Bible guarantees it won't be easy, and in our relationship with God when sin abounded, grace abounded all the more. So when you are wronged or getting short-changed my advice would be to plead with God to allow you to be overflowing with grace for that person. Is it going to be perfect? No. Will there be many rough, hurtful, disappointing times? I would bet on it. Yet, persevering through those rough times and sticking it out with that person often draws you closer than all the good times put together. I can say that is true for the majority of my friendships.
In closing, do unto others as you would have done unto you. Consider others better than yourselves. These may be worn out and overused, but here is why they are so powerful. By putting others first you are sacrificing your wants and needs showing that the other person in very valuable. They see this value and they feel love and grace. This love and grace is given by our Heavenly Father, who sent His one and only Son to be crucified and bear the wrath of our sins. By doing so, God showed that He valued His creation. He showed that He loved His creation. Let the way you live be evident that you value God and others. Not because we are required too, but we are consumed by the love and grace that He has shown unto us.
Love you people. Emphasize and pray for community. Side note, I have never had so many people tell me they were praying for me than in the last month. Just know that by the thought of that alone I have found so much encouragement. So continue to pray for one another.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Fighting For Freedom
We all would say that we have a love for our country. We are patriots and this is our home. That's why we have so much respect for the soldiers that go out and defend our country. They leave home, leave comfort, leave everything to protect us so that we may have our liberties. They train extensively, go through all kinds of struggles, and are obedient to the point of death to fulfill their purpose. I hope your heart swells up with pride and compassion for those that serve in our armed forces.
With that in mind, digest this scripture. Ephesians 6:10-20, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. Pray also for me, that whenever i speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."
It's as if Paul is saying, "Suit up, it's time for battle!" So let's point some things out from this perspective. Our home is not on this earth, our home is with our Lord Jesus Christ. We are fighting the enemy on foreign ground, and we may have to sacrifice relationships with our families and friends. We may even be led to death, but that's okay because our Lord and Commander already took care of that. I believe that's why Paul says "Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." We cannot be defeated. We are fighting an enemy that will shudder and flee simply at the mention of our Commander's name. What a mighty God we serve! Yet, the scripture doesn't say sit back and rejoice. At this moment, the battle is still raging on. Put on your armor so that you will be able to stand firm. Just hold the battle line because if you stand firm till the end the calvary will come to finish the deal. We put on the belt buckle of truth because it is our integrity that holds everything together. We put on the breastplate of righteousness because our heart is protected as the Lord renews it each day. Our feet are fitted with readiness and urgency for we know the Good News and the outcome. We have a shield of faith that extinguishes all arrows. Think about this. If you trust in a perfect, almighty God to protect and believe that He will ultimately redeem you back to Him, do you really think that the enemy has anything in his arsenal to combat that? Lastly, we have the Word of God as our sword. Remember we are merely holding our ground, not attacking. When a person has a weapon, but does not use it the weapon is worthless. When a person has a weapon, but has no idea how to use that weapon, he can be a danger to himself and others, and does not fulfill the purpose of that weapon. I am in Seminary being trained how to put on flawless armor and how to master my weapon which is the word of God. Simply study the Word, not your own perspectives but what it says, and practice what you learn. Paul ends by talking about prayer. Know that you are being led well, perfectly for that matter. God's sovereign plan will lead us to the Promised Land. Pray for those fighting beside you, knowing that if we stand firm together then the enemy will be defeated and the God we serve will get all the glory. It's a beautiful thought.
Cool side note, I met a guy from the University of Alabama here that God used my cousin Seth Springfield to lead him to Christ and to where he is at right now. It's cool how everything works together for the good of those who love Him.
My first day of classes I realized I have so much work to do this semester, but I am going to learn so much and grow so much closer to God that I cannot wait. So I hope for those of you who are sticking out reading this that I will begin to have more and more knowledge that will glorify our Lord Jesus Christ and I can share that with you. By the way I feel like the audience that is reading this are pretty mature believers who understand the grace in their life. So feel free to post prayer requests and testimonies of God's goodness so that we as a body may lift them up and rejoice together. I hope you never get tired of hearing this-I love you guys so much. Be the light of the world this week knowing that light always casts out darkness.
With that in mind, digest this scripture. Ephesians 6:10-20, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. Pray also for me, that whenever i speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."
It's as if Paul is saying, "Suit up, it's time for battle!" So let's point some things out from this perspective. Our home is not on this earth, our home is with our Lord Jesus Christ. We are fighting the enemy on foreign ground, and we may have to sacrifice relationships with our families and friends. We may even be led to death, but that's okay because our Lord and Commander already took care of that. I believe that's why Paul says "Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." We cannot be defeated. We are fighting an enemy that will shudder and flee simply at the mention of our Commander's name. What a mighty God we serve! Yet, the scripture doesn't say sit back and rejoice. At this moment, the battle is still raging on. Put on your armor so that you will be able to stand firm. Just hold the battle line because if you stand firm till the end the calvary will come to finish the deal. We put on the belt buckle of truth because it is our integrity that holds everything together. We put on the breastplate of righteousness because our heart is protected as the Lord renews it each day. Our feet are fitted with readiness and urgency for we know the Good News and the outcome. We have a shield of faith that extinguishes all arrows. Think about this. If you trust in a perfect, almighty God to protect and believe that He will ultimately redeem you back to Him, do you really think that the enemy has anything in his arsenal to combat that? Lastly, we have the Word of God as our sword. Remember we are merely holding our ground, not attacking. When a person has a weapon, but does not use it the weapon is worthless. When a person has a weapon, but has no idea how to use that weapon, he can be a danger to himself and others, and does not fulfill the purpose of that weapon. I am in Seminary being trained how to put on flawless armor and how to master my weapon which is the word of God. Simply study the Word, not your own perspectives but what it says, and practice what you learn. Paul ends by talking about prayer. Know that you are being led well, perfectly for that matter. God's sovereign plan will lead us to the Promised Land. Pray for those fighting beside you, knowing that if we stand firm together then the enemy will be defeated and the God we serve will get all the glory. It's a beautiful thought.
Cool side note, I met a guy from the University of Alabama here that God used my cousin Seth Springfield to lead him to Christ and to where he is at right now. It's cool how everything works together for the good of those who love Him.
My first day of classes I realized I have so much work to do this semester, but I am going to learn so much and grow so much closer to God that I cannot wait. So I hope for those of you who are sticking out reading this that I will begin to have more and more knowledge that will glorify our Lord Jesus Christ and I can share that with you. By the way I feel like the audience that is reading this are pretty mature believers who understand the grace in their life. So feel free to post prayer requests and testimonies of God's goodness so that we as a body may lift them up and rejoice together. I hope you never get tired of hearing this-I love you guys so much. Be the light of the world this week knowing that light always casts out darkness.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Be Set Free
I am about 40 pages out of finishing a book called Grace Awakening by Charles Swindoll. I won't get into it's full depth but it is a great book and has inspired some thoughts.
I simply want to tell that God is extending His grace to you at this very moment. You are already walking in grace because He made you everything you are. But this free gift of eternal salvation is waiting on you and upon accepting it, you are no longer enslaved to sin and death. You are probably thinking well duh Alex I have heard this a gazillion times. I'll respond with this. We are always going to serve a master. When we break away from sin as our master and turn to God, we are set free and created new by grace. Not only does that mean we don't deserve it, but it also means its free. There isn't some lofty spiritual life we have to live up to. It is a gift which means it free. So we have freedom to live however we want. Well if this is true how do people learn to live Godly lives? The love of Christ compels them. God becomes the master. The Holy Spirit will begin to convict and shape lives. Stop being so judgmental as to condemn the young believer as soon as he is set free! I am not saying that discipleship and teaching is not important, but do so with grace. Have patience and a lot of prayer. For do we not all revert back to sin at some point or another? I don't want this to be guilt ridden in the least bit. I just want you to see that as new creations we are set free from our chains by grace alone. Offer that same grace in your ministry. Don't be quick to point out people who dress different, worship different, talk different, or even interpret scripture different. God made us different and has a plan for our differences. Just hold firm to the truth and be gracious in every season. For when we see our relationship with God as rules and expectations we must live up to, we undermine the beauty and love that was demonstrated by grace. You will fall back into sin, but hold firm and the Spirit inside of you will battle sin and eventually you will be free. For where sin abounds, grace abounds more. And the grace of our Savior will cover over a multitude of sins. So where sin if finite, grace is infinite. If you repent to our Heavenly Father you will be forgiven. Enjoy freedom and love your God for He knows what is best for you. Praise Him everyday for His grace and let Him begin to do a mighty work in your life. Be patient with others and be patient with yourself and trust that He who began a good work in you will carry it on into completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6). Trust God to be faithful and fall in love with His grace as you let that manifest in your life.
By the way I had a job interview today for a finance tutoring position. Pay and hours would be perfect plus I would get to build relationships with college students. I got a 2nd interview so please just lift that up in prayer and let me know if there's anyway I can help you.
Love ya'll more then you know. Stay strong in your faith because you will impact this world.
I simply want to tell that God is extending His grace to you at this very moment. You are already walking in grace because He made you everything you are. But this free gift of eternal salvation is waiting on you and upon accepting it, you are no longer enslaved to sin and death. You are probably thinking well duh Alex I have heard this a gazillion times. I'll respond with this. We are always going to serve a master. When we break away from sin as our master and turn to God, we are set free and created new by grace. Not only does that mean we don't deserve it, but it also means its free. There isn't some lofty spiritual life we have to live up to. It is a gift which means it free. So we have freedom to live however we want. Well if this is true how do people learn to live Godly lives? The love of Christ compels them. God becomes the master. The Holy Spirit will begin to convict and shape lives. Stop being so judgmental as to condemn the young believer as soon as he is set free! I am not saying that discipleship and teaching is not important, but do so with grace. Have patience and a lot of prayer. For do we not all revert back to sin at some point or another? I don't want this to be guilt ridden in the least bit. I just want you to see that as new creations we are set free from our chains by grace alone. Offer that same grace in your ministry. Don't be quick to point out people who dress different, worship different, talk different, or even interpret scripture different. God made us different and has a plan for our differences. Just hold firm to the truth and be gracious in every season. For when we see our relationship with God as rules and expectations we must live up to, we undermine the beauty and love that was demonstrated by grace. You will fall back into sin, but hold firm and the Spirit inside of you will battle sin and eventually you will be free. For where sin abounds, grace abounds more. And the grace of our Savior will cover over a multitude of sins. So where sin if finite, grace is infinite. If you repent to our Heavenly Father you will be forgiven. Enjoy freedom and love your God for He knows what is best for you. Praise Him everyday for His grace and let Him begin to do a mighty work in your life. Be patient with others and be patient with yourself and trust that He who began a good work in you will carry it on into completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6). Trust God to be faithful and fall in love with His grace as you let that manifest in your life.
By the way I had a job interview today for a finance tutoring position. Pay and hours would be perfect plus I would get to build relationships with college students. I got a 2nd interview so please just lift that up in prayer and let me know if there's anyway I can help you.
Love ya'll more then you know. Stay strong in your faith because you will impact this world.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Nothing to Worry About
So Elyse encouraged me to start a blog. So I'm just going to get out whatever is going on in that big old head of mine so here it goes.
I believe my God is sovereign, all-powerful, and almighty. He changes lives. I bet most people who are reading this would agree with me. God heals broken lives, He gives peace to restless souls, He strengthens those who are weak. Yet believers stay broken, are constantly anxious, and will do whatever it takes to gain strength on our own. We are constantly being devoured by the enemy who tells us we are undeserving and makes us worry. Take faith that God is the God of peace, strength, and redemption. Become weak so He can make you strong. Cast your burdens upon Him and know that a sovereign God has your life in His hands. Admit that you are sick and in desperate need of healing from an Almighty God. God will graciously give to those who ask, and our Heavenly Father wants so badly for you to run into His arms and take all your worries away. Seek Him.
In order to gain life you must lose it. In order to be freed from the bondage of sins, we must submit our entire lives to God. Yet, we do not commit ourselves as slaves because we are ruled by fear. We make ourselves slaves because our Master, through His overwhelming grace, has saved us. He will never forsake us and lead us to eternal joy and riches that we cannot imagine. He is worthy to be our master and I pray that we commit our lives to His glory alone for that is the reason we exist.
We are like sheep. Sheep never question where the Shepherd is taking them, good or bad. They blindly follow. Those that stray are devoured by predators unless the Good Shepherd brings them back to the herd. Seek the Shepherd so that you may be brought back to the path of righteousness. Know that under His care not only can the enemy not touch you, but he will flee with fear and trembling. Trust the Shepherd no matter where He takes you. And know that even though you are going to be slaughtered, the Good Shepherd resurrects and brings everlasting life.
Isaiah 53:6- We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
When you find rest in the Lord, He will give you everything you need and take care of you. I want to conclude with a passage from Philippians 1:3-11. I feel like this is my heart and prayer for you guys.
"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending the and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ- to the glory and praise of God."
Love you guys.
I believe my God is sovereign, all-powerful, and almighty. He changes lives. I bet most people who are reading this would agree with me. God heals broken lives, He gives peace to restless souls, He strengthens those who are weak. Yet believers stay broken, are constantly anxious, and will do whatever it takes to gain strength on our own. We are constantly being devoured by the enemy who tells us we are undeserving and makes us worry. Take faith that God is the God of peace, strength, and redemption. Become weak so He can make you strong. Cast your burdens upon Him and know that a sovereign God has your life in His hands. Admit that you are sick and in desperate need of healing from an Almighty God. God will graciously give to those who ask, and our Heavenly Father wants so badly for you to run into His arms and take all your worries away. Seek Him.
In order to gain life you must lose it. In order to be freed from the bondage of sins, we must submit our entire lives to God. Yet, we do not commit ourselves as slaves because we are ruled by fear. We make ourselves slaves because our Master, through His overwhelming grace, has saved us. He will never forsake us and lead us to eternal joy and riches that we cannot imagine. He is worthy to be our master and I pray that we commit our lives to His glory alone for that is the reason we exist.
We are like sheep. Sheep never question where the Shepherd is taking them, good or bad. They blindly follow. Those that stray are devoured by predators unless the Good Shepherd brings them back to the herd. Seek the Shepherd so that you may be brought back to the path of righteousness. Know that under His care not only can the enemy not touch you, but he will flee with fear and trembling. Trust the Shepherd no matter where He takes you. And know that even though you are going to be slaughtered, the Good Shepherd resurrects and brings everlasting life.
Isaiah 53:6- We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
When you find rest in the Lord, He will give you everything you need and take care of you. I want to conclude with a passage from Philippians 1:3-11. I feel like this is my heart and prayer for you guys.
"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending the and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ- to the glory and praise of God."
Love you guys.
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