Sherri Evans

Sherri Evans

Friday, September 28, 2012

A Tearful Night


“…weeping may remain for a night but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5b


 

I am always so excited each year when cold, bleak, winter gives way to sweet-smelling sunny spring.  The deadness of winter makes such a stark backdrop for the blooming flowers and budding trees.  We all enjoy the “spring” days of our lives when things are going well; we have money in the bank and our loved ones nearby.  But we all going through various seasons in our lives and occasionally find ourselves in the “fall” of the year when seemingly everything is being taken from us.  Things that once had such promise appear to be withering before our very eyes.  Then fall gives way to unyielding winter and we wonder if we will ever again be in a place of joy, expectation and newness of life.

God purposed the times and the seasons in his plan for mankind.  Such is the life cycle until Jesus returns and creates a new heaven and a new earth.  Likewise, we go through spiritual and emotional seasons, but one day, when we live forever with him, these seasons of dryness will vanish.  But until then, we must learn to accept and even embrace the season we are in.  If we did not go through times of spiritual dryness, we would not duly appreciate the season of refreshing God sends our way.

“Weeping may remain for a night…” this indicates that God will not allow us to go through unending seasons of sadness, grief and disappointment. He brings us the new morning and with it, rejoicing. 


When you are having the “dark night of the soul” the morning can seem so far away.  But hold on and know that he will not abandon you in sadness and darkness; but rather, will lead you out with rejoicing and singing.

Dear Lord, I pray especially for those today who are going through difficult seasons in their life.  Let them experience a resurgence of hope and faith.  Let it take root within their hearts and bear an abundant harvest of refreshing.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

Sherri

 

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Do You Know Your Opposition?


“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”  I Peter 5:5

I have been opposed by friends; I have been opposed by enemies; I have been opposed by teachers and I have been opposed by co-workers.  I have even been opposed by Christians.  But when Almighty God opposes you- you have a real problem!

I always like to picture God in the analogy of the loving Father.  This is one of those passages that bring that imagery to my mind.  There are times I have to bring a word of correction or discipline to one of our sons.  When I feel that their hearts are humble and repentant, it is so easy to extend grace and forgiveness.  But when they are proud and defiant, oh my!  Katie, bar the door!  Their rebellion quickly shuts up any flood of mercy that I may have been feeling.

When we are proud, we are full of ourselves and believe we have it all figured out.  That kind of person is unteachable and ultimately, unreachable. Pride exalts a person to the place of God.  We believe we hold our own answers and our own destiny.  When a person becomes puffed up with pride, the only loving act of a heavenly Father must be to bring discipline that will result in humility.

I have had the Lord bring me into places to teach and humble me. When that has happened, there have been seasons of deep mourning when I recognize how much sin lies within my heart.  There is only room for one person to sit on the throne of your heart.  It can be you, or it can be the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.  What will your choice be?

Dear Lord, forgive me for the wickedness of the sin of pride.  Help me to have an accurate estimation of my own worth, abilities and knowledge. Help me to always defer to you and show you reverence and humility in everything I think or do.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

Sherri

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Standing by Your Word

“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.”  John 1:1


 

The Word of God has always been.  The Word of God will always be.  Before any human existed there was the Word.  Before the doubters and critics were ever born, the Word was.  I know this may seem simplistic, but think about it for a minute.  Whether or not the Word is banned from school, banned from government and banned from community life, the Word will continue to be.  The enemy will never destroy or obliterate the Word of God.  One day when life is over, The Word, will stand in judgment against anyone who chose to not heed its contents.

Jesus is the embodiment of the Word of God.  If we are to know Him, we must study His Word, which is contained within the Bible.  As the world despises the Word, the world despises the Word in us.  But we cannot be moved from its truths.  The Bible is our solid foundation in which we can stand and not be moved.  To do away with the sacredness of the Word of God is to completely do away with absolute truth.  Without acknowledging the absolute truth of the Word we open ourselves up to making everything a relative judgment call based on our wants, preferences, opinions or feelings at any given time.  This type of thinking leads to apostasy (a defection or falling away from God).

The Word cannot be separated from God.  The enemy of our soul seeks to keep us from time in the Word because he knows the benefits and strength a Christian gains from the Word.  In other places in the world, the Word is still a costly gospel.  Bibles are still banned from some countries and must be smuggled in at the risk of imprisonment and death. My question is, what are we doing with the four we own which are collecting dust?

Dear Lord, restore to me a deep and fervent love for your Word.  Help me to have a hunger for Your truth and help me to allow the Word to take root in my life and bring forth fruit.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

Sherri

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Who’s Banging on the Door?

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”  Matthew 7:7

 

I had spent days mulling over a problem that needed a solution.  I thought of this option and I thought of that option. I carefully measured the result should I go in one direction or the other. I came up with no answers.  I was frustrated.  And then it hit me. I have worried over it for days, but not once did I pray about it!

Have you ever been guilty of that?  Wishing rather than asking, seeking and knocking?  I am pleased to report that after praying about it, my first attempt to correct the problem met with success.  It was fixed in under a minute- and I had spent hours trying to resolve it myself.

It is important that we ask everything in accordance with God’s will and His Word.  But once we know that we are OK in those areas, we should turn loose and ask and keep on asking.  Seek and keep on seeking.  Knock and keep on knocking.  Why?  Because the door will be opened to you.

God is not nearly as impressed with our efforts as we might think.  I think God is fine with a dependent personality type- so long as it is Him we are depending on.

Dear Lord, thank you that you invite us to ask, seek, and knock.  Lord, help me be aware when I get out of faith and into the works of the flesh.  I ask these things in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

Sherri

Monday, September 24, 2012

“Living by Faith”


 "Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith.”  Habakkuk 2:4 (NKJ)

Would you consider yourself to be a just person?  The Bible dictionary defines just as- “Doing, or according with, that which is right; yielding to all their due; just; equitable; especially, free from wrong, guilt, or sin; holy; as, a righteous man or act; a righteous retribution.

By that definition, I certainly do not match up.  But it is my aim to be free from guilt and sin and to live a holy life.  We know that our righteousness is linked directly to our faith (Romans 4:20-22) so it is not surprising that this passage says that the “just shall live by faith.”  This statement can mean so many things.  It could mean we trust God for our living (roof, clothing, food); or it could mean that we live our lives in accordance with faith rather than what we can see or understand.  Ask God to help you apply this verse to your life.

The main thing I sense the Lord speaking to you and me today is that He expects us, His saints, His “just” ones, to live by faith.  That means we live beyond our control, our understanding, our means and our current situation.  We live firmly established in our belief that God will take care of us, He will lead and guide us, He will provide for us, and He will walk with us.  If we truly believe that way, that means we will step out and do some things that are outside our comfort zone.  We will be willing to do things because we feel God leading us even if there is no earthly reason why it should work.

My challenge to you today is to reflect over the last month of your life.  What was the last thing you did, that was truly born of faith?  Something you did because you were radically following Jesus?  If you cannot come up with anything, I urge you to begin to examine your faith walk.  Step out and find out what God will do on your behalf if you would but dare to trust Him in faith.

Dear Lord, help me to walk uprightly before you.  Help me to be just in your sight.  Increase my faith and help me to have the holy boldness to walk in faith.  In Jesus’ Name I pray.  Amen.

Sherri

Friday, September 21, 2012

All My Fears

“I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”  Psalm 34:4

 
What are you afraid of?  What keeps you awake at night running thoughts of dread and doom through your mind?  Do you fear sickness or death?  Financial ruin?  Shame?  Rejection?  We all have myriad issues that concern or even torment us.
I love this passage because the writer (David) tells how he sought the Lord, received an answer, and deliverance.  That is quite a testimony!  So often when we are troubled or in fear, rather than seek the Lord we constantly fret or worry on the issues of life.  But unless we seek Him, it is unlikely He will hear or help us.  God is a gentleman and often waits to be invited into the situations of our life.  Whatever you struggle with, seek the Lord, inquire of him, plead for grace, mercy and deliverance.  And just as it was with David, God will answer you as well!
Can you imagine what it would feel like to be delivered from all of your fears?  How liberating it would be to have nothing to fear.  I have found it to be true in my own life, that most often my fears do not come to pass.  And when they do, many times the real events are not as frightening as the way I imagined them.  “For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.”  (II Tim. 1:7)  We do not have to be subject to our fears, but rather we can choose to walk in faith. 
Dear Lord, I need you to come on the scene in the situations that pertain to me.  Help me, remove my fear, and teach me to trust in Your protection and provision.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.
Sherri
 

Thursday, September 20, 2012

It’s Just Not About Me


“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures.  We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.  But when the kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.  He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”  Titus 3:3-5
 

Have you ever met someone that thought they were “all that and a bag of chips?”  Someone who felt they could do no wrong?  We have all had the pleasure of those types of acquaintances.  But the truth is, we all do wrong- and quite often. Thanks to the sin nature inherited from Adam’s fall, we all have a tendency to fall short of the glory of God and to do things that separate us from a holy God.

I am so glad it does not depend on my righteous deeds. I do not have enough energy to do enough good to offset the bad I am capable of doing.  “But when the kindness of God our Savior appeared….”  Wow!  What kindness.  His death on Calvary was wretched brutality to the Lord, but kindness by the Lord.  I am so grateful that His kindness extends to me, one who so often fails and is so unworthy of such lavish kindness.

But in this passage, the description of Christ goes beyond kindness and on to mercy.  Mercy is when I do not get what I deserve.  When God extended His kindness and mercy to save me, the enemy of my soul shouted “No fair!”  And he would be right.  It is not fair, but it is mercy.  My salvation rests solely on the kindness and mercy of a loving Father. 

A Christian who has experienced this type of generous outpouring of mercy is inspired to do good and righteous works.  When someone does something that marvelous for you, it makes you want to return the favor.  Thus, Christian deeds become a part of our life.  Not because it purchases our forgiveness, but because it honors The Forgiver.

Dear Lord, I am humbled by your mercy and grace to me.  Thank you for your loving kindness and beautiful sacrifice.  Help me to always remember that it is about You and You only.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

Sherri

 

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Where Did You Come From?


“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures.  We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.”  Titus 3:3


Where did you come from?  I don’t mean city and state, but what are your spiritual roots?  Most of us did not come to Christ at three years old, never committing many sins.  Most of us came to Christ with some spiritual and emotional baggage.  We came to him soiled, dirty, unworthy and undesirable.  We came to Him a sinner, and came away a saint.  The problem occurs when we forget our roots.

It is so easy when you have walked with the Lord for a while to forget what it was like to be a sinner.  Occasionally, it is important to remember what He saved you from.  This is not unto condemnation.  We do not pull out the memories so we can feel bad and unworthy, but rather, to remember the stuff that comprises our testimony.  To remember how powerful His blood is and how thorough His forgiveness is.  We must remember where we came from so that we will be relevant and relatable to those who have not yet had the salvation experience.

We have to make sure that when the world sees us out about town, or walks into the doors of our church, that they do not see us as someone they could never be like.  We must avoid putting on our “church face” which makes outsiders feel like we are a part of a club to which they can never belong.

At one time you – and I- were all the things listed in this verse:  foolish, disobedient deceived, and enslaved.  We had malice envy and hate.  This is our past, but thank you, Jesus, our future is beautiful!

Dear Lord, thank you for rescuing me from a dead-end life of sin.  Help me remember where you brought me from and help me to use those experiences to bring others to you.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

Sherri

 

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Nothing Doing

“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.  Warn a divisive person once and then warn him a second time.  After that, have nothing to do with him.  You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.  Titus 3:9-11

In the book of Titus, Paul is instructing and admonishing Titus about things he should be doing to best help the churches on the Island of Crete.  Thus, the warnings here are primarily to those within the household of faith, or Christians.

As we saw yesterday, he urged him to avoid foolish quarrels and arguments.  Today’s verses are a progression from yesterday.  He is advising Titus on what to do when he ran across divisive people in the church.  First, the person must be warned.  Our primary work in dealing with others is always redemptive. Our goal is to help people find their way to Jesus, and thereafter to live a life worthy of the call that they have received.  When a divisive person is uncovered, we must warn them in the hopes that they will listen, take heed, be instructed and changed.

The next step in the progression is to offer a second warning.  Let’s face it.  Some of us are slower learners than others.  Sometimes a person needs a second chance.  But after that, Paul advised him to have nothing to do with that person.  Although that may sound harsh to some people, the only way to minimize the damage in the church is to avoid that type of person.  Additionally, there is hope that the “shunned” person will miss fellowship, see the error of their ways and return to fellowship.

This passage indicates that a person who will not receive instruction or correction is warped and sinful, and thus, self-condemned.  They are making choices that bring them under condemnation.

In our modern society of tolerance and living in fear of offending someone, often we fail to follow this example.  Our duty is not to go around all the time looking for someone to set straight.  But when we become aware of someone who is on a destructive path, love dictates that we sound the warning.

Many churches have been destroyed because divisive people are allowed to continue to wreak havoc, month after month, year after year.  We are encouraged to walk meekly.  But meekness must never be mistaken for weakness.  Meekness is power under control.  Sometimes we are called to make a stand.  If we do not, the damage is incalculable.

Dear Lord, help me to be a peace maker rather than a divisive person.  Help me to follow your pattern in relationships and in all that I do.  In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Sherri

Monday, September 17, 2012

The Debate


“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.  Warn a divisive person once and then warn him a second time.  After that, have nothing to do with him.  You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.”  Titus 3:9-11

 

Have you ever noticed that some people seem to be itching for a fight?  They like to argue, bicker, contest and dispute.  They are always looking for someone to set straight or give a piece of their mind.  For us peace-loving folks, being in relationship with someone like that can be very trying and even tiresome.

I would like to say that if you choose your companions carefully you can avoid a lot of these types of interactions, but the truth is that if you work in the public, you will deal with it.  If your kids play sports, you will run across these folks.  And yes, if you get active in a church, they will be there as well.

So what do we do with the people who seem to always want to “stir up something”?  We will get into more of the what-to-do’s tomorrow, but for now, let’s concentrate on the first part of the passage.  Avoid the controversy.  Well, there you go.  Avoid it.  Enough said.

Not so easily done though, right?  How do we avoid the arguing?  First of all, we do need to choose our friends, acquaintances and especially people we date, carefully.  (“An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commit many sins.”  Proverbs 29:22.)  We tend to become like those with whom we spend a great deal of time, so choose your influences carefully.  Secondly, if they are a person that cannot be avoided (like say a boss or cousin) we must learn to avoid the initiation of an argument.  Many times people who like to fight are looking for an audience.  Do not be the audience.  If they start escalating, often a redirection will not be possible, but you can find a reason to need to finish a work project or go help out in the kitchen.  The Bible talks about agreeing with your adversary quickly.  If I am in an argument with someone who has a need to “win” and the issue does not matter, sometimes I will agree with the person just to diffuse the situation.  Does it really matter who is right about who starred in the movie?  If not, you can just say, “Maybe I am mistaken.” Or, “Ok, maybe you are right.”

Keep in mind that arguing for argument’s sake is useless and unprofitable.  Nothing good will come from it.  It is not time well-spent.  I once had a friend that life pressed me into being around them quite often.  They just loved to argue the Bible.  We were of different denominations and every time anything spiritual came up, this person would try to get me into a debate.  I must confess it drove them crazy that I would not participate. But truthfully, unless the person is in serious error which will lead to them missing heaven, is it really worth arguing over?  As believers, can’t we just rally around our commonalities rather than disputing whether or not one style of worship is better, what the gifts of the Spirit mean and how we govern our churches?  How do we even know that our interpretation is always correct and theirs is in error?

We will all find ourselves in situations where a controversy cannot be avoided.  We will have times that we cannot keep silent and we must address issues.  There will be times you cannot allow a person to keep propagating falsehoods.  But this passage, to me, speaks to an attitude.  Avoid being the person who just loves a good fight.  Avoid the need to get the last word in and to be assured you are right about everything.  It is OK to agree to disagree.  Recognize that sometimes differences of opinions have more to do with personality, life experiences and personal dealings of the Holy Spirit than right and wrong.

Dear Lord, help me to not be a divisive person.  Please show me when to speak and when to be silent.  Help me to operate in self-control and wisdom.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.
Sherri

Friday, September 14, 2012

Spiritual Schizophrenia


Spiritual Schizophrenia

“But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.”  James 1:6-8

Double-minded; of two mind- what does that look like?  That is a person who munches on double chocolate brownies while reading a diet book.  That is a person who uses a credit card to buy a ‘getting out of debt’ book.  This is a person who sits in church and is glaring across the building at someone they despise.  That person has a mind that is going in two directions that are diametrically opposed. 

How can you get anywhere if your behaviors keep undoing each other?  According to the Bible, this kind of person does not get anything from the Lord and is, in fact, unstable in all he does.  God is the same yesterday, today and forever.  (Hebrews 13:8).  God is the Ancient of Days.  He has always been.  He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.  It sounds like He has some major stability going on.  And as Christians, we have the mind of Christ.  ( I Cor. 2:16.)  So it would appear that in Christ, we have the capability of being single-minded, purposeful and focused.  We have the capacity to be stable in all we do and receive from the Lord.

So much of our instability results from acting on our feelings.  As we gain maturity in Christ, we are able to walk in truth even when it runs contrary to our feelings.  As a new convert we may become angry and want to smack someone; but as we mature and get more Word in us, we come to realize that “Man’s anger works not the righteousness of God.”  It allows us to override those feelings and act in accordance with love.  Staying in the Bible causes us to accept that “all things work together for good”, thus when life stinks, we can have stability knowing that in the end, God will cause us to come out on top.

Stability and singleness of mind is something that we will continually have to work at, but it reaps much fruit in our lives as we hold on tight to the truth in God’s Word.

Dear Lord, despite how life throws many curve balls my way, please help me to be stable.  Help me to stand on your sure foundation and not be moved by the wind and the waves.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

Sherri

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Trouble in the World


“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

 

When you read this verse, don’t you find yourself nodding in agreement?  Yep, in this world I have trouble.  Lots of it.  Too much of it.  We all do. Trouble seems to be part and parcel for this world.  I know every generation has experienced sickness, disease, heartache, loss, stress and lack.  But it seems to me that the times are becoming more and more perilous.  I believe this will continue to be the case, and increasingly so, until the Lord returns.  This world is gearing up for the soon return of Christ to collect His people unto himself.

Times are hard and appear to be getting harder.  Where is the hope in that?  This verse supplies much of the hope we need.  In Him you may have peace.  In the world there is trouble; in Christ there is peace!  Oh, that I should remain in Christ!  I am not saying that Christians will never experience problems or trouble, but I believe this verse promises that when we face stuff, if we can not get in the flesh, but rather, stay in Him, we can enjoy peace despite what goes on around us.

Take heart!  Look up!  Believe for good things.  He has overcome the world.  In the world is trouble, but he has overcome the world.  Would that not lead you to believe that he has overcome trouble as well?  He has overcome everything and put it under His feet when he defeated Satan at Calvary.  We still have battles to fight, issues to address and life to live as long as we are on this earth.  But our hope, our victory, and our peace can be found and experienced in Him, who has overcome every problem we now face.

I do not know what challenges you face today. Perhaps you are dealing with family issues, financial issues, work stress or health problems.  These very real problems are a real nuisance and if we let them be, they are peace-stealers as well.  I do not wish to in any way minimize the seriousness of your situation.  But I do want to offer you encouragement today that you are not facing a problem that Jesus did not deal with himself while he lived on earth.  He knows your pain.  He sees how you struggle.  He cares and He loves you.  He has made provision for you so that you can experience peace in him.  Therefore, we can take heart.  He has indeed overcome the world.

Dear Lord, I pray for my friends today and ask that you manifest yourself and your peace to them in a personal way.  Bring comfort and encouragement, and renew hope.  Thank you for overcoming everything so that we may have victory in you.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen. 

Sherri

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

The Man God Denies


“That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord;” James 1:7

 

Who is that man?  That man is the one we talked about yesterday- the one who asks God for something but doubts and is tossed like a wave of the sea.  That man should not think he will get anything from God.  These are pretty strong words.  This makes me believe that God takes doubt very seriously.

Faith is God’s chosen vehicle for most – if not all- of the blessings of God.  Salvation is dependent on faith, in Ephesians 2:8 we find:  “For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith…”   In several places the Bible talks about the just or righteous living by faith. Faith is integral to the Christian experience, which is why we call it the Christian faith.

We must work to keep doubt away from our mind.  When we ask God for something, in accordance with His will, we must believe that He hears us and will answer. We must operate in undiluted faith.  Otherwise, we place ourselves in a line that prevents us from receiving anything from the Lord.

Keeping our doubts at bay is pretty intense work.  We must constantly arrest those thoughts in our mind and make them line up to the truth of God’s word.  In fact, if you believe God to answer a prayer, His Word, is the best place to find encouragement to build up your faith.  Life will bring us doubts, but we must draw more deeply from the Spirit of God through prayer.  We must cling to the truth of God found in the study of the Bible.  We must guard our thoughts and words to ensure they line up with what we have declared that we have believed.

Pray today to be a believing believer, rather than a doubting believer.

Dear Lord, forgive me for having a wandering mind that lends itself to doubt, fear and unbelief. Help me to build up my most holy faith that I might receive all that you have for me.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen. 

Sherri

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Riding the Wave


“But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”  James 1:6


On Mother’s Day weekend, we took out boat out to Shell Island.  The waves were wicked.  By the time we arrived at Shell Island, we were soaked from head to toe because the tall waves kept coming aboard our little boat.  We were motions sick, damp and miserable.  Being tossed about by the winds and waves is not a much fun as you might think!

In this passage James had just told us to ask God for wisdom.  But then he goes on to add today’s verse.  If you are going to go through the trouble of asking, we must then follow through with believing.  That seems simple enough.  Obviously we believe, or we would not ask.

I think the tricky part often occurs between the time we ask and the time we actually receive.  So often, the fruit of our prayers remains in the soil a long time, before we see it erupt with any promise.  Then we have to wait for the sun and rain to do their jobs before we ever get to actually eat the fruit of our prayers.

So what happens in the spirit during the incubation period?  A whole lot of nagging doubts, fears, second guessing and becoming impatient!  When we are in the Spirit and our faith is high, it is easy to believe God is going to answer our prayers.  But when life wears us out, it often seems our faith and hope begins to fade.  We must resist this tendency if we want to enjoy a fruitful prayer life.

Being tossed and blown by the wind causes instability.  Our sure-footedness often goes lacking. Hold on!  Be strong!  Keep believing!  Do not give an audience to your doubts.

Often I am like the father in Mark 9:24 who said “Lord, I believe.  Help my unbelief.”   So true and so profound- because like that man we often have that mixture of doubt and faith.

Dear Lord, help me to believe and not waiver.  Help me to cast down all doubts and believe that you are not only willing, but able, to answer my prayers.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

Sherri

Monday, September 10, 2012

What Has Reverence Got to Do With It?

“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”  II Corinthians 7:1


 

“These promises” referred to here are listed in the preceding chapter.  The list includes:  God will live with us; walk with us; be our God, and allow us to be His people.  It also says He will receive us, be a Father to us, and we will be His sons and daughters.  All of this will occur, according to Chapter 6, if we come out; be separate; and not touch unclean things.

If we do those things, it results in us purifying ourselves from these things that contaminate.  What things are there in your life that contaminates you?  Are there habits, thoughts, temper issues, lusts, gossip or other things that contaminate your spirit?  Come out from among these things and be separate!

I love the last part of this verse that talks about perfecting holiness. As long as we are alive- and saved- we are constantly in a place of perfecting holiness.  When we stand before Him one day whether it be through death or rapture, we will stand in perfected holiness.  But until then, we are credited as righteous in His sight because of Jesus’ sacrifice.  However, we must continue to work at walking in the holiness we are called to.  This means that I may mess up, I may fall short, but I keep working at it.

Holiness is hard.  Holiness is strange to others.  Why would we want to be holy?  Because of our reverence for God.   My Bible dictionary says that reverence is to adore, highly respect and worship.  Because I adore Him; because I highly respect Him; because I worship Him; I must walk in holiness. The things I give up, I give up because I love him.  The places I don’t go, I stay away because I adore Him.  The times I don’t get my way?  Because I highly respect Him.  When adoration, worship and high respect are in the heart, holiness follows.

As you go about your day today, look for ways you can reverence Him in your life.  Can you say a kind word rather than an angry one?  Can you spend money to help another even if you have to sacrifice something you want?  Reverence Him in what you and do and in what you do not do. Reverence Him when you do not watch sexually explicit comedy.  Reverence Him when you do not join in sexually perverted banter at lunch with your co-workers. Reverence Him when the clerk gives you too much change.  Out of adoration, worship and high respect; perfect holiness.  And then begin to enjoy all of the promises listed in chapter six!

Dear Lord, help me to walk closer to you today than I did yesterday.  Help me to be mindful that every decision I make today either shows reverence or irreverence toward You.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

Sherri

Friday, September 7, 2012

Need a Light?

“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.”  I John 1:5


We live in a dark world.  People’s idea of entertainment has slanted into darkness.  There is much evil, hatred and wickedness.  Movies, video games and books all portray increasingly violent, demonic or dark plots and graphics.   People are bound by addictions, desolate, hopeless and despairing.  The darkness can be so penetrating that is seems hard to combat.

But the good news is that God IS light.  Everything about him is light.  One day when we enjoy the new heavens and the new earth, Jesus will be our light.  He will be our source of constant light.  And even today, when life becomes dark around us, we can run toward the light.  He is our hope, our future, our deliverance and our peace.  We are blessed to have access to a light that other people crave.

As Christians, we are to be salt and light.  That really should not be too complicated given that He is light and as Christians, we are in Him. We cannot enjoy the same dark and worldly entertainments that sinners do.  We must be careful, as keepers or tenders of the light, to keep the flame bright that others may find their way to Jesus.

We need to pray and seek God to bring light to our families, our communities, our churches, our nation, and the world.

Dear Lord, make me aware of the darkness that pulls at me.  Help me to keep my light pure.  Help me to be a source of light to those with whom I come into contact.  Thank you that you repel darkness and provide hope.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

Sherri

 

Thursday, September 6, 2012

It Just Depends


“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”  Romans 12: 18


Being a peacemaker, or peacekeeper, is a full-time job!  Life is full of difficult people and we often find opportunities throughout the day to put this verse into practice. This verse is a very practical, well-balanced piece of advice that will benefit any relationship.


The first thing to note is that it says “If it is possible…”  This indicates to me that the Lord, speaking through the Apostle Paul, acknowledged the fact that there would be times that it is simply not possible.  Of course, there are people who will argue, fuss and fight with you regardless of how conciliatory you try to be.  There are times that the situation requires us to confront issues that lead to upset.  If someone is abusing your child, obviously, that is not a time that you can afford to just hold your peace and let it go.  But for the day in/day out annoyances that come our way, we should endeavor to live in peace.

The second noteworthy part of this verse states “as far as it depends on you.”  Relationships take two people.  God rightly places the responsibility of our behavior squarely on us, while still acknowledging that it does not all depend on us.  A belligerent or unreasonable person can be unyielding and unreachable.  This is good news- that we are only responsible for our part.  Not the way others respond to us. This takes quite a bit of weight off of us.  Doing right is our part, the results belong to God. 

Finally it gives the imperative, “live at peace with everyone.”  This is where it gets sticky.  This means that we cannot goad people we do not like or who have idiosyncrasies that drive us crazy.  This means we do not get to decide to stay angry with someone, refuse to speak to someone or have prejudices.  “Everyone” is a pretty inclusive term.  Thank goodness, the other parts of this verse bring the balance and perspective.  When it is possible, when it is up to you, live at peace with everyone.  You be the pace car.  You be the change agent.  You be the one that can help people be reconciled.

Dear Lord, I ask you today to show me the balance to this verse and to put it to practice.  Show me when it is possible.  Show me the part that depends on me.  Help me to live at peace with everyone, recognizing that every person is created in your image and for your glory and is worthy of love and respect- regardless of the behaviors they present to the world.  Help me to show Jesus in all I do.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

Sherri

 

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Pay it Forward?


“Do not repay anyone evil for evil.  Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.”  Romans :17                                                                                      


These are words to live by.  However, the principles outlined here, are polar opposites of the world.  The world will tell you that you have the right to look out for number one.  The world will tell you to stand up for yourself; do what you want…it is your life!”

To be honest not repaying evil for evil runs contrary to human nature.  Before even thinking about it, we seem to respond in kind to what we are getting.  If someone raises their voice, we raise our voice.  If someone is rude, we are rude.  If someone is critical, we are critical right back.

But to do so, does not show forth the love and glory of God in this world.  When we are a big enough person to do what is right, even when we are not being treated right, God is honored.  And of course, people notice.  People notice those things because it runs counter to our culture.

Choosing to not repay evil for evil, is all about trusting God.  If we really believe He loves us and is watching over us, we do not have to jump up immediately to get vengeance on someone.  And of course, the longer we walk according to the principles of the Bible, the more we see how He stands over His Word to perform it.  Then our confidence grows even stronger that He is our defender.  He will bring the truth to light and He will work to protect His children.

“Being careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody” means that we are indeed “our brother’s keeper.”  We have a responsibility not only to the Lord to do right, but also to anyone who may see us.  Our spouses, our children, our grandchildren, our neighbors, our co-workers, fellow church members, these are all people we “owe a debt of love to.”  These are the people we have to care how they perceive what we are doing.  And let’s be honest.  If we have to explain to someone the “why” behind what we are doing, we are often doing the wrong thing.  When we do what is right, most people understand why we do it... even if they would not choose to do it that way themselves.

My husband has recently started an internet business, in which he is enjoying quite a bit of success.  Last week, he had his first irate, belligerent, rude, and impossible to please customer.  (Do you sense my irritation?)  Despite up close, clear pictures with zoom in capability, one person indicated that the product was not as advertised.  I was so proud of my husband.  He did not argue with the man, he did not respond in kind, he just took the product back and refunded his money.  This guy lives in another state, and does not know my husband is a Christian.  But God saw him respond in integrity in private and will bless him for it.  I saw it, our children saw it (and now thanks to me) you have knowledge of it as well.  Doing right feels good.  It makes for easy sleep at night, and it sets us up for the blessings and favor of God.

Dear Lord, help me today to respond in love.  Help me to do what is right in the sight of everyone.  Give me the grace to be an example in a dark world.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.

Sherri