A Bold Attitude

1 Peter 1:24-25
All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.

This doesn't seem like an uplifting verse. It basically says that we are temporal, at least our earthly bodies are.

Don't you ever wonder why men and women in the book of Genesis lived for so long? Noah worked on the Arc for 120 years! Abraham was over 100 when he had Isaac. And despite his big screw up, Adam lived over 900 years. Those people took a lot longer to wither than us! Why?

The life expectancy today has increased over the past few years. I was just watching the news the other day and they explained that we have more 100+ year old people than ever and by the year 2050 that figure will multiply considerably.

Despite this, this verse still holds the truth that our lives are relatively brief and any glory we manufacture for ourselves is short lived. If we focus on the eternal word of God then we begin to understand how Paul felt about his life. He said that he rather go to the Father right now but understood that for the benefit of the people he was teaching he would like to remain alive.

That's a pretty profound attitude if you think about it. It is an attitude of completely surrendering your life for his purpose. If you think about it, the easy way out is to go to the Father.
No more worries, trouble, pain, etc. But to remain for His purpose and endure persecution for the Gospel? That's a bold attitude!

Are we ready to commit to such attitude?

Where is your weapon?

Hebrews 4:12
The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Long time ago I watched a documentary on Japanese katana swords. They explained how the steel is painstakingly folded hundreds of times to make some of the hardest and sharpest swords known to mankind.

What a picture of the word of God!
When I read this verse I picture the Lord as our master blacksmith folding and hammering his word carefully. With every blow of the hammer sparks fly. The sound is sharp as the hammer hits the molten metal placed on the anvil. All this careful craftsmanship to create a perfect weapon.

So where do you keep such weapon? Is is on a stand at your house collecting dust? Do you keep it in the trunk of your car? Perhaps you have it holstered to your side where everyone sees it?

Nevertheless, my point is, do you have it ready for when you most need it?

Oblivious to the truth

Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Let's look at the opposite if this verse: "Fearlessness of the LORD is the end of wisdom, and ignorance of the Holy One is unacceptance."

Wow, that really puts it bluntly doesn't it? Imagine the end of wisdom! What would life be without any wisdom?

Sounds pretty scary to me yet so many are oblivious to the truth.

Where you don't want to go.

Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

"I know what I want and I want it now" that's the cry of this world. Waiting on the Lord can be so hard.

That's what Abraham and Sarah thought when promised a child. They got tired of waiting so they took the matters into their own hands.

What happened as a result of Abraham's impatience? Ismael was born and with it a whole nation outside of Israel. The "Ismaelites" became the roaming bedouins who later followed Mohamed and Allah.

You just never know where your impatience will lead you and it is almost certain that impatience will always lead to a place you should not be or want to be in.

Fear is not all bad

Psalm 25:14-15
The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.

I always used to have a hard time understanding why I would "fear God." I looked at it this way, "he loves me, why should I fear him?"

I think this was primarily based on the notion that fear is a negative thing. It is one of the devil's primary emotions to exploit.

But who authored fear? Why? Wouldn't life be easier if there was no fear? Did Adam have any fear in the garden before the fall? What positive can come out of fear?

The truth is that fear can be very positive. Those who have no fear, specially fear of God are at great danger. Fear is authored by God. He gave us such emotion so that it would cause us to humble ourselves before his glorious sight.

In Jeremiah 32:39-40 it says that God put fear in the hearts of the people of Israel so that they would not depart from Him. Fear of God makes us want to obey him. Lack of fear makes us rebel against him.

So we should be careful with any negativity towards fear lest we might dismiss fearing him!

Be constructive, not destructive.

Psalm 19:14
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

I wonder how many words we speak each day? It would be interesting to have some kind of gadget that clocks each word as you speak, something like a step meter.

How many words? Hundreds? Thousands? More? I wonder. What if the meter had the capability of discerning words that praise God and those that go against God?

What would be your rating? I don't even want to contemplate my score!

I'm not suggesting that we keep score, that's certainly something the devil would love to do to throw in our face. I'm suggesting that it is something should meditate on.

Once in a while, we should just take an hour or so to make a personal inventory of our word output. To think about the things we have said during the week and check the love meter to make sure our language is constructive, not destructive.

Our only true God?

2 Samuel 7:22
How great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.

This verse declares that he (Yaweh, Jehova) is our only God. Seems pretty straight forward and common sense. But why did Samuel have to say this? Why would Samuel have to say it again if he were alive today?

It is because we worship other gods and we don't even know it! It's normal for someone to be glued to the tv all day Saturday watching football. Watching 3 hours of soaps and sitcoms every day has become acceptable to many.

Contrast that with the time we devote to God. If anyone spends any more time than the customary Sunday morning at church you might be accused of being a holy roller. You want to talk to people about God instead of the latest football scores and people start to think that you think you are perfect and "religious."

So what's my point in all this? We say that we worship him and him only but the truth is that he is in completion with other gods in our lives. His truth trumps over everything in our lives yet we want to put him on hold so we can spend more time with the gods that give us temporary pleasures.

When will he be our only true God?

Stand tall on the mountain tops!

Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer 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.

Often, the world is like a bucket and we are water. We just simply pour right into the mold and take the shape of the bucket.

But rather than water we are called to be solid. Something you can't pour into the bucket despair and condemnation. Something that does not melt into the mold of pride and take the shape of greed and selfishness.

We've already been molded into the image of Christ. One that is continually made solid by His word. One that is tested and purified by God's will.

So look at yourself. Are you like water? Always pulled down by the gravity of the world, seeking the lowest resting point you can find, fitting into whatever mold catches you?

Or are you solid in His image capable to reflect His light as you stand tall on the mountains tops.

His plan for you.

Jeremiah 29:11
"I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Whenever I read or hear this verse I can't help but think of my dear friend George Jowi. George is from Kenya and there was a time in his life when this verse was the furthest thing from his reality. Over 60 of his childhood friends never made it past their teens. But God had a plan for him.

Today, he is in Dallas going through a master's program and is a living personification of this verse. He came to San Antonio an gave his testimony. I urge you to listen to his great message, it brings this verse to life.

Listen

His ways not yours.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

With all the economic turmoil, panic and uncertainty more people will be going to church to seek answers. Just like after September 11th, churches saw record crowds. The weary and confused searched high and low for an answer and as last resort consulted with God.

That's what happens when we try to lean on our own understanding as we think we can out clever our circumstances. Even though we got ourselves into a mess we are looking for someone to blame.

But as this verse says, we must acknowledge him in all our own ways. This means all our ways starting right now. Maybe you messed up in the past but just start right now. Do it His way not yours and before you know it, the blessing of God will straighten even the most dire situations.

His purpose prevails.

Proverbs 19:20-21
Listen to advice and accept instruction and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

Today, you can use this verse and say "many are the plans in a politician's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." We live in times of uncertainty but we need to be confident that God will cause all things to work together for good to those who are called to his purpose.

So the question is, do you feel a calling for His purpose? Are you listening and accepting instruction so that you become wise? Wise to handle your mission from God?

Let's pray that God continues to give us instructions and reveal his purpose in our lives!

We must repent!

Deuteronomy 13:4

It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.

Those are direct words to us. These are words that many would dismiss as religiosity. We live in a world of relativity and "fairness." You see, its not "fair" to look at someone in the eyes and say this verse to them.

"What do you mean I must follow and obey God? But I'm an American and this great country allows me to do whatever I want!" Unfortunately, this statement would not be an uncommon response to this verse. To us that are walking in accordance to His ways, it is an absolutely absurd statement.

But let me submit that us who are "saved," are being lulled into a state of slumber by these rumblings of "fairness." In the name of "fairness" our government wants to bail out people who willfully went against this verse. Playing God and over extending themselves. Now, its only "fair" for us to bail them out?

As a nation we need to repent, everyone of us! We've become creatures of comfort, a false comfort that is. We have gained an appetite for what's "fair" not what's right.

It is time that our "Christianity" to take a bold step towards the truth of this verse. A step toward the throne of grace that can help us in our time of need.

John the Baptist said in Matthew 3:2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" Those words still apply to us today as we pray for God to make a move, we must repent.

He is God!

Isaiah 43:11-12
"I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed -- I, and not some foreign God among you. You are my witnesses," declares the Lord, "that I am God."

He is God! There is no other than the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The one who promised us a life free from condemnation. A God who provides all that we need.

The question is, will we be his witness? Will we dare to proclaim him? Boldly, any time we see an opportunity.
Bo Lora
210-259-3020
-- sent via Blackberry

Solid footing

Isaiah 26:4
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord is the Rock Eternal.

What do we put our trust in? Other people? Politicians? Doctors? Etc? Think about it. Often, we rely on everything but God and when all else fails, we cry out to him for help.

How backwards is that? Yet we continue to do it all the time. Why is it so hard to consult with him who thought so much of us that he gave up his only son? What is it that causes us to think we can do a better job on our own without his help?

Pride? Selfishness? Arrogance? Stupidity? Why are we so hell bent on building our houses on sand bars when the rock of Jesus Christ gives us such solid footing?

God is near

Isaiah 55:6
Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.

This verse is part of a great chapter which Isaiah talks about a life of abundance. It is evidence that people in the old testament could gain salvation through his grace.

At that point, they didn't have the luxury of the son of God killed for their sins. But they did have God favor and grace.

Today, even though we have salvation through Jesus, we can still thirst for God. This verse let's us know that while God is near, we need to seek for the Lord.

It makes me think that perhaps at some point it time, God may not be near?

Step by Step

Proverbs 27:1
Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.

Wow, what a profound verse in these challenging times when politicians do nothing but boast about tomorrow!

This verse was quoted by Pastor James in his letter to the scattered tribes of Israel. He was making a point about how life is brief and we need to think about how we life it.

I think the point of this verse is that we need to take life day by day. Always consulting with the Lord and letting him guide us through our lives step by step.

Enjoy your new life!

1 Peter 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Various times through the Gospels Jesus made it very clear that he came here to earth to bring us life. Now here is something we really need to think about.

If he came here to give us life, what kind of life did God have in plan? To get the answer, we have to go back to Abraham. Jesus was the sacrifice which fulfilled the Abrahamic covenant. The Lord said to Abraham "In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed" Genesis 22:18.

On the cross, Jesus said "it is finish" and he was talking about this covenant. Finished, fulfilled, paid in full. That means the promises God made to Abraham and his descendants (us) are secured.

So back to today's verse; he has given us new birth, a new life. How should that life look like? Paycheck to paycheck? Totally stressed out? Down and out? Depressed?

Is that what God intended in allowing His only son to be killed for us? Of course not! His intention is for us to live a blessed life, with abundance till it overflows so we can be a blessing to others.

Your account is paid in full!

Matthew 5:11-12
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

As I read this verse, I can't help but think that Governor Palin must recite this verse every morning, maybe several times a day. Here we have someone who has been very open about their walk with Christ and now there is all kinds of attacks on her.

Yesterday I was watching the news in the lunch room. There was a guy next to me and he made a comment about politicians. I seized the opportunity to be a witness. I said: "the founding fathers of this country surely knew what to do when faced with the great challenge of forming this nation. They got on their knees and prayed to the chief architect of the greatest bailout." Then I looked at him right in the eyes and said: "he bailed me out, he is my salvation, what do you think?"

That was a bold moment, being that in corporate America God has been minimized but the Spirit was upon me. This gentleman's words surprised me, it was like a full force frontal attack. Now to get some context in the situation I must tell you that he was black.

He stood up and said: "if that's the case then tell me why I'm still a slave? Tell me why my grandfather who was born in 1930 slaved all his live because of his color?"

Wow. I was speechless. I thought, where is this guy coming from? Does he really think this stuff? Is he for real? He kept on talking about lack of opportunities and injustice. As if it was the fault of our forefathers who believed in God? Thoughts kept running through my mind... "Does this guy know that some of my relatives are as dark as he is???" But I said nothing in defense.

This guy does not obviously understand this verse as surely Martin Luther King Jr. understood it. Strength and justice are gained from humility and perseverance not from governmental bailouts.

So remember, next time you feel attacked, smile and rejoice with assurance of the reward that awaits you because your account is paid in full by the blood of Jesus.

Love is the answer.

Philippians 1:9-10
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 until the day of Christ.

Today we definitely need God's help in the ability to discern what is good for us. This verse gives us the recipe for doing the right thing.

In my reading of the Screwtape Letters I encountered a profound concept that is very disturbing yet uplifting in knowing how the enemy works. Screwtape is telling his nephew that the past and present are focused on eternity. He says "the past is frozen and no longer flows and the present is all lit up with eternal rays."

His point is that they area they want to operate in is in the future. He goes on to tell him that the future is temporal and schemes such as creative evolution, scientific humanism or communism exploit the affections of men with the future. He says "hence nearly all vices are rooted in the future."

This really made me think about the situation today in America and how politicians like to tell us that they are the answer for America's future. However, today's verse tells us that love is the answer.

Love is the fuel that sparks the wisdom and depth of knowledge required to solve serious issues in our lives. It is His love through us that brings us together with a creative power no man can match on their own.