God's Good, Pleasing and Perfect Will

"Do not be conformed 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 the Lord's will is - His good, pleasing, and perfect will." Romans 12:2

I have a dream. How much energy should I expend in making it a reality? Should I promote it actively or wait for it to begin to promote itself? I have an education and certifications to obtain - in what order should I put my priorities? It seems like the Lord is tugging at my heart - but I just don't know. Help! (These were some of my thoughts in May of 2013.)

This morning I came to an interesting realization. Well, maybe it's been happening over the last little while. (I love how the Lord works.) I realized that I'm unable to successfully and confidently determine what the Lord's will is. The reason for this inability - and here's the realization - is that I've allowed myself to conform in various ways to the pattern of the world in which I'm living. That's when He reminded me of the verse above, Romans 12. As He did, I began to see glimpses of the reality that is yet to come - His will. (?) He has a good, pleasing, and perfect will. As I'm being conformed to His image - transforming my thoughts and actions - I can start to see (and do) His will.

One step at a time, walking in obedience to a living, loving and holy God, I will see His will fulfilled.

Defensive? Who, me?

"As human beings we ARE defensive. But when we feel unsafe and attacked, it usually gets worse. " ~Leslie Vernick

I never thought of it like that. I know we get (more) defensive when we feel unsafe and attacked, but the first part got me. The question I asked was, "Why? Why ARE we defensive as humans?"

The answer is: Because we are guilty.

Guilty of what?

We are "GUILTY" before a living, loving, holy God. The prophet Isaiah recognized this immediately as he stood as a witness in God's throne room: "I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of His robe filled the temple." (Is. 6:1) In response, Isaiah, who was relatively good in the midst of his culture, cried out, "Woe is me! For I am lost: for I am a man of unclean lips... my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!" (Is. 6:5) We are guilty of all that He is not. That is, sin.

Thus, we ARE defensive. We are in a defensive position before a holy and mighty God.

In Christ, though, we are declared innocent. Jesus Christ IS our defense.

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit, alive in Christ Jesus, has set you free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:1-2)

So, what does that mean?

If you trust Jesus, you don't have to stand in defense of your sin. Through the Holy Spirit, you are being convicted of sin, and repenting of sin, and living in freedom from the bondage of sin. 1John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." We don't defend our sin, we forsake it!

Defensive-ness is the response of someone who is insecure in their standing... before God, before men. Whether it is true guilt we are feeling, or something unjustly imposed on us by someone seeking to gain authority and power over us, we need to deal with it. - Are you guilty? Admit it. If someone is unjustly accusing you, say so. Your defensiveness is understandable, but not helpful.

In Christ, we have a sure foundation.

"God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from sin." (2Tim. 2:19)

Where do you stand?

Parenting and the Gospel

(from Aug, 2011)

I met with a young single mom today.  She had two children, ages 2 and 5, with her.  She had her hands full!  After we left one another, I was thinking of how well a particular scenario demonstrated our need for a Savior, as well as our human condition.

At one point,  I set myself as an authority over her 5yo son.  He was full of energy, and would disrupt our conversation, without reservation.  I called him to me, and explained that he was in "my" room, so he would need to follow my rules.  I told him to sit in a big chair, and so he sat.  As he sat there, he recognized that I wasn't the only authority in the room.  He got up, and "appealed" to what he saw as a "higher" authority... His mom.  And, perhaps, she is.  God has set his mother as the highest human authority in her son's life (as well as her daughter's).  Although their father ultimately holds that place, she is the guardian for the majority of their lives.  She is the one who is constant, so it's her authority that matters most.  So... her son gets out of the chair, and he stands in front of her.  "You're the boss," he says.  Not with his voice, but with his eyes.  He's also saying, "Do I have to listen to her?" and  "What are you going to do?"  She doesn't do anything.  She's trying to have a conversation, and ignoring him seems to be the best response.  Eventually, he figures out that neither of us is the boss, but that he gets to make the rules.

Isn't that what we do with God?  Before I gave my life over to Him, that's exactly what I did.  And, even now, I sometimes catch myself being tempted by those types of thought patterns.  I'm told to do this, and I'd rather do that.  So I need a Savior... just as much as that little boy needs a Mommy.  I need Someone to explain to me how dangerous life is without a loving Parent.  I need to know I can trust Him to provide for me... not just food and clothing and shelter... but discipline, too.  Because without loving rules and boundaries, my life is in danger - with painful consequences.  If I am willing to live under the proper authority, I can experience true joy and happiness.  I can rest, knowing that my basic needs, and even most of my desires will be met.  That's why I need Jesus.  He's a good and loving Guardian... my Shepherd, actually.  (Read Psalm 23!)

I'm so thankful to that precious mom, and her little boy!  The time we spent this afternoon was good for me.  None of us is exempt from lessons to be learned in the course of our lives... least of all, me.

Living in Ruins

Do you know people who are living in ruins?  People who ought to be celebrating their freedom in Christ?  God has so much more in store for us than we seem to to give Him credit for sometimes.  In doing so, we diminish His glory in us.  And what are we doing for His reputation?

Nehemiah was a man living in the fortified city of Susa, far removed from his homeland.  He is a cup-bearer to the king.  He is completely distraught when he receives word of the condition of the beloved city of God - and, by extension, his/His people.  His kinsmen have escaped, surviving the exile, and are back in their homes.  However, their place of worship is in ruins.

Hearing this news, Nehemiah weeps, and mourns, and fasts, and prays.  His prayer is such an amazing example of a man devoted to God - who He is, how He works, and the redeeming love, purpose and mission that motivates His interaction with us.

Nehemiah first gives praise to God, acknowledging His character, His reputation, His willingness to respond to His children.  Then, he confesses not only his sin, but the sin of the people.  (It strikes me that here he is, miles away, in service to a foreign king - certainly not accountable for the state of affairs in Jerusalem - yet, he's confessing his own sin in the matter.)   He admits that he and his people have strayed.  They've become corruptible, not keeping the Lord's commands, day after day.  Finally, Nehemiah appeals to the Lord to remember His promises and grant success as they turn back to Him with humble hearts. 

Nehemiah, in this first chapter, closes with, "Oh... and, by the way, I'm just a cup-bearer." (paraphrase)  I love how God can use the most unlikely of candidates!  Who am I?  Nobody.  But, who are You?  Almighty God.  ...Use me.

Lord, help us to be humble... to see You as You are... to confess our sin, collectively and individually... to lovingly call others to repentance that they may really, truly live!  May we live in freedom and show others who You are!  Lord, remember us, for the sake of Your great name.  Amen.

(Read Nehemiah, chapter 1.)

-originally written Oct. 6, 2011