Working to Progress

In striving to be like Christ, sometimes I feel that the bar is set impossibly high. Yet, God's word instructs us to make Jesus our ultimate example in how to lead our lives. (1 Peter 2:21-25)

One facet of Jesus' character has be weighing on my mind lately. With the coming of Easter, I have been reflecting on Jesus' journey to the cross, and His response (or lack thereof) has been challenging me.

Jesus was falsely arrested. He was mocked and beaten by Jewish leaders. He was deserted by His disciples. He was questioned by rulers. Crowds, who just days before had heralded Him as their king, screamed for Jesus' death. Jesus was whipped, forced to carry His own cross, and nailed to that cross. All the while, He was being mocked, berated, and cursed.

He never said a word in anger.

He never opened His mouth in rage.

He had no accusing words, hurtful retorts, or vengeful speeches.

Jesus was nothing but respectful and gracefully went through the trial that He faced. He kept the end goal in mind, and remained true to His destiny.

Often, we go through trials and attacks - mind you, no where near the level of attack that Jesus faced. Yet, we "forget" who we are and say things out of character. We arm ourselves with vengeful weapons and go into defense mode. We snap and say things we don't mean. We hurt those who hurt us. We do things that we regret.

We are called to be like Christ. We are challenged to be more like Him.

I am working on having Jesus' character in the face of an attack. I'm working on keeping my mouth closed to nonsense and only speaking words seasoned with grace and respect. I'm working on recognizing the enemy and not giving him any ground in adverse situations. I'm working on keeping my end goal in mind, and staying true to my God-given destiny.

We are all works in progress. Let's just make sure we're working to progress!

Verse of the Day: For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:21

The Lord's Prayer (Part One)

I've been meditating on the Lord's prayer lately. Working at a Catholic school, it's almost like the 'default' prayer for people to say. Yet, when you sit and think about it, this prayer is pretty powerful.

When His disciples came asking Jesus how to pray, Jesus responded with this model for them to follow. If we go along with this example as well, we will find our prayer lives prospering.

After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name...

 

Jesus opens His prayer with worship. He begins by acknowledging how holy and sovereign God is. This not only shows the Lord respect, but it gives us the opportunity to remind ourselves of the great One that we have been privileged to talk to one-on-one.

 

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done in earth,

as it is in heaven...

 

After acknowledging the greatness of the Lord, who else's will would suffice? Nothing can trump God's awesome power, infinite wisdom, and omniscient wisdom. Opening ourselves up to the Lord's heavenly will allows us to walk out His kingdom desires on the earth. Isn't it amazing that God trusts us with the privilege of carrying out His plans in our daily lives?

 

In your prayer time today, start off in worship to the Lord. Remind yourself of how great He is. Meditate on His grand splendor. Then, open yourself up to His great will. Relinquish your plans to Him, and allow your Heavenly Father to orchestrate your day.

 

Verse of the Day: After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:9,10

Live Your Calling

Jesus came to earth to drastically improve our lives. With Him, we are reconciled back to God and can live eternally with the Lord. That eternal life begins when we accept Jesus. We don't have to wait until we get to heaven to experience our heavenly benefits.

In fact, Jesus showed us how to live when He was on the earth. Jesus walked in His calling and saw results. As He walked out His purpose, multitudes were drawn to hear His sermons. When Jesus stepped out in faith, miracles happened. His ministry caused people of all walks of life - shepherds, farmers, fishermen, carpenters, tax collectors, priests, and more - to experience the wealth of His wisdom.

I'm sure it wasn't easy. Jesus had to take time away to refresh Himself. At times He tried to escape the crowds only to have them follow Him to His hiding places. His own disciples at times did not understand His teaching. And then one of his closest disciples betrayed Him.

Yet, Jesus kept His eyes on the ultimate goal: salvation for all mankind. And because He persevered, He was able to reach His goal, and His one life became the saving grace for all of us.

Are you living out your best life? Are you walking in your call and enjoying the results? Are you seeing the fruit of following God's will? When troubles come, do you keep at it remembering the bigger picture?

It may be hard at times to live out our higher calling. Yet, because of Jesus, we have the added benefits of being God's children. Whatever we set out to do within God's plan will be successful. Sure, roadblocks will come. Yes, we will get tired. And there will certainly be people who let us down and even betray us.

Still, we can keep going knowing that our destination is sure... we can keep working knowing that we will reach our purpose in the Lord... we can endure the temporary pain seeing the great joy in our future.

Keep going. Don't give up. Remember Jesus' example. He's called you to follow in His footsteps. There's something great that you have to accomplish. There's a victory with your name on it. Go ahead and walk in your calling. Embrace your purpose and watch how your life will be blessed.

Verse of the Day: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10b

Holy Week: Servanthood

In continuation of our reflection of the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, let's look at a moment from His Passover meal with the disciples:

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”

Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."

John 13:3-17

Here, we learn that accepting Jesus as our Lord and Teacher, we are to follow the example that He set for us. Jesus was willing to perform the lowliest act of servanthood for His disciples. He got on His hands and knees, picked up their dirty feet, and washed them.

If our God can do such a thing for us, how much more should we be willing to serve those around us? Meditate on this word as you go about your day today. Ask the Lord to create in you a servant's heart. Be willing to serve those around you allowing Christ's example to be your guide.

People Are Watching!

As Christians, we are living our lives for the Lord. It is Him we are aiming to please with our speech, behavior, and actions. He is the One who we look to each day for approval.

However, living in a world where there are so many other people, we also have to acknowledge that we are being watched. Whether we realize it or not, care or could care less, someone is watching how we live.

Our behavior is being analyzed, criticized, compared, discussed, and judged. And people are drawing conclusions.

Do we reflect Christ in what we do and say? Many people know that we claim to be saints, but does our behavior show that fact? Are people being turned off to our faith because of how we act?

When things don't go according to plan... When we grow angry or upset... When complications arise or people get on our nerves... Are we still presenting Godly characters to those around us? Are we still crucifying our flesh and choosing to live according to God's Word?

Just some food for thought as you go about your Tuesday.

Verse of the Day: For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously... 1 Peter 2:21-23

You Are Blessed!

It's a new day, a new week, and a new chance for you! Today, I want to encourage you to look at your life with new eyes. Look for the silver lining in whatever issues come your way, find the blessing in the midst of the storm... Before you complain, find a reason to give God praise. Remember - things could always be worse. There is someone else who is dealing with a heavier load than what you're carrying.

You are blessed!

You have another day of life! God is worthy to be praised. Every day you wake up is a new opportunity. Forget about what happened on yesterday. It's over and done with. No matter what your mistakes, no matter what you did, today is a time for you to begin again.

In order to move forward, you have to look forward. Even if you see dark clouds gathering or if you're already in the midst of a downpour, you still are able to move forward. It may not be the mile that you wanted... but every inch is new ground covered. Stay encouraged! Keep moving!

You are blessed!

I love David's example. This man wrote the greatest book of poetry giving honor to the Lord.

Much of David's work was written during hardship. David lived for a time on the run for his life from the king. He also committed adultery and suffered a loss of his infant son due to his sin, and David's family faced much turmoil during the final years of his life.

Yet in between the lines of David's anguish... In the midst of his cries for help and rescue... David found it within himself to remember the Word of the Lord. He chose to remember the great God that he served. He took courage knowing the Lord was on his side. David was able to find the blessing in his storm.

In spite of whatever you are facing, God is still in control. No matter how devastating yesterday was, you woke up to a brand new day today. Follow David's example and find a way to give God thanks. Take a moment to remember the great God you serve. Look forward with a smile on your face recognizing that in spite of it all you're a winner.

You are blessed!

Verse of the Day: I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. Psalm 27:13, 14

Kids...

When Jesus was on the earth, He took time to minister to little children as well. Where His disciples saw children as a nuisance and being in the way, Jesus welcomed children into His presence.

Jesus recognized the innocence and quick faith that most children have. He saw that if a child is shown early the love of God, they can grow into strong men and women of God. This echoes what the Bible says on training up a child in the right way. When that child grows up, they will continue on that path.

Too often, we too are like the disciples - shooing away or ignoring the little children around us. We see them in a diminished importance, not as relevant as the adults around them. In those actions, we miss out on opportunities to be a part of building the foundation of a strong man or woman of God. How we teach, model, and live Christ in front of these children will impact their own viewpoints on God and Christianity.

We have to be mindful to set the right example. Even if you have no children of your own, you too have the chance to make an impact.You have opportunities to help shape children's lives.

It can be as simple as showing love, or as complex as turning life happenings into teachable moments. It can happen in displaying Christ-like character in the presence of little ones, or helping those little ones model Christ themselves.

Whatever the method, children are an important part of God's Kingdom. Children are our examples of what it means to have faith in God. Children trust blindly and love freely. Children want to please those they love, and they try their best to make those persons happy.

Remembering that we are learning from each other, make sure you don't discount the children in your circle. Take time to engage with them. Tell them about God's love. Show them what it means to be saved.

Verse of the Day: And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16

Who Do You Look Up To?

Today's a little busy in my corner of the world. I've been running around this school all morning! Thank you, Lord, for the ability to think on my feet!

Joshua had a stellar role model in Moses. Joshua served Moses from when he was young. In serving Moses, Joshua got to see how God miraculously led Israel through the wilderness. He saw how Moses interceded on behalf of the people. He learned how to lead. He discovered how to stay humble while standing on a large platform. He also saw the consequences of disobedience to God.

As a result, when it was Joshua's turn to see with the eyes of the spirit and go forth in his calling, he was able to connect with God and deliver the correct report. Joshua was a stellar student and was able to lead Israel along the right path after Moses' death.

Who do you look up to? Who inspires you to move forward in your purpose? What principles are you gleaning from the mentors in your life?

We all can learn something from someone else. Even someone else's mistake can help us to do better. If you don't have a quality man/woman of God who you can look to for guidance, you need to find someone! If you have that person in your life, be a good student and learn all you can!

God has placed someone ahead of or above you to help your way become smoother. Through their example you will learn what to do. Don't be like those other Israelites who missed out on their Promised Land experience because they never learned their basic lessons. Make sure you are a part of the Joshua generation that has learned how to follow after God!

Verse of the Day: And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses. Deuteronomy 34:9