Day by Day

[Soldier4Christ]

The Leadership of Love

    Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself (Eph. 5:25-27).

There is a God given structure within the household in which God has made the husband the head. Like it or not, gentlemen, you are the leader of your home. Yet this is not something to be taken lightly, nor is it something to be lorded over the other members. Consider the example of Christ and how husbands are to love their wives (and family) just as Christ has loved the church. It is a sacrificial love. It is a leadership that is selfless and one that keeps the best interest of the whole family at heart. Christ did not use his position of authority to fulfill his own desires, instead He humbled Himself to God and allowed God to accomplish his purpose through Him within the position He had been placed, that being the Head of the church, and heir to the Kingdom of Heaven.
The husband must set the example of Christ's love, integrity and selflessness. He must lead his family by demonstrating Christ to them, counting his own life as nothing so that he may be a caretaker to his family. He must not shirk his responsibilities so that the wife must bear his load along with her own. And He must not expect his wife or children to serve him, excusing laziness at home with reasons of "a hard day at the office." A man's responsibility to his family does not end at his wallet. Christ gave of himself always and He is our example. Although he was the Son of God, He did not see it as a reason for he himself to kick back and be served. Instead He continued diligently in a labor of love, setting out to accomplish what would benefit the whole.
Husbands, demonstrate Christ to you families. In so doing you will draw them closer to God as they see the likeness of God in you. Not through power, but through meekness (which we may see as power under control). Not through words alone, but through actions. And not through calling attention to your head-ship, but by living it out within a labor of love that puts your family ahead of yourself. To lead as Christ lead is to lay down your life for those whom you love.

    Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything (Eph.5:22-23).

When searching out the God given structure of the household, we are certain to come across scriptures like Ephesians 5:22-23, Colossians 3:18 or 1 Peter 3.  These may, however, not be the most popular scriptures due to the negative feelings which surround the use of the word "submit" as in "Wives, submit to your husbands."  To consider that a wife should submit to her husband is not a popular mindset of our culture.  It is a statement that is counter-culture. It rubs profusely against the ideologies instilled in us through our society today.  Maybe it is because of the misinterpretation of the word, or maybe its a question of semantics.  Maybe it is simply that we forget that we should approach scripture to determine what God would say to us through it, rather than what society says about it.
But even as the husband's role is defined through love and self-sacrifice, so is the wife's role also defined.  Just as a man should approach these passages of scripture seeking to find how God would have him serve, love, give and lead; so also a woman should examine God's Word for His instruction to her.  And both should follow it to the best of there ability--as unto God.
Satan and our society would have us get hung up on words and fear that such words will be misused, or misunderstood, by the husband or by the wife in such a way that one person will try to dominate the other.  But the message of the Bible is clear--we are to love, we are to serve, and we are to give up our lives for the sake of the other.   There is a God given structure--the man under Christ, the woman under the man.   Yet, this is not a structure of power, but one instead, of service and sacrificial love.

[Soldier4Christ]

One Flesh

    "Haven't your read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female, and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."

If we examine the Scriptures closely we will notice that in regard to marriage (as with many areas), the way our society looks on marriage and the way that the Scripture looks at marriage are in sharp disagreement. Our society promotes independence (which usually amounts to selfishness), while the Bible promotes more of an interdependence. The church, for example, is made up of many individuals, but if those individuals do not become one in purpose, direction and spirit, then the church will not function properly because its members are each trying to pull the body in different directions. And doing so, more than not, in order to promote the individual desires above that of the whole, or of God.
In regard to marriage, the Scripture is clear when it says "they are no longer two, but one." So why are we persistent to continue living as two individuals? Look at society and determine where the good has come from the promotion of self. People are so concerned about how things affect only themselves that few will get involved in something that they believe does not concern them. The world has withdrawn inside borders, and nations inside cities, and cities inside smaller communities and neighborhoods. And neighborhoods have withdrawn behind privacy fences, and it has not stopped there. Members of the same family have withdrawn to their own concerns, wants and desires to a point that true unity is seldom seen and rarely experienced.
It is really no wonder that the divorce rate is so high. People have bought the lies which declare that you must look out for yourself because no else will, and have done so to a degree that they even have difficulty putting trust in those whom they love. This can be evidenced by marriages that begin with prenuptial agreements, as one or both people enter into what is to be a joining by defining clear boundaries of separation of what's hers and what's his. Two, who are to give themselves completely to the other hold back, afraid of losing what makes them who they are individually--afraid to sacrificially give up what they have determined defines him or her as a person.
To enter into Biblical marriage means to forsake, give up and abandon who you were as an individual and to cling to who you have become as one flesh within a union ordained by God. For where does it say in scripture, "You do not have to give up what you want as an individual," or "getting married does not mean you cannot follow the dreams you had as a single person"? Where in the Word of God is it written, "You can have it your way"? The Bible, over and over again, demonstrates sacrificial love and the denial of self. If we are to be Christ-like in our marriages, it means we lay aside our rights and become servants to God, to spouse and to others.
Do you want your marriage to be all it can be? Do you want to feel loved and secure within it? Then you must be willing to abandon what you consider to be your rights. You must be willing to let go of your feelings that you must fend for yourself because no one else will. God knows your needs and you must trust Him to meet them--all of them. And you must be willing to be completely naked with your spouse. That is to say, open, honest and vulnerable, entrusting him or her to care for you as they do for themselves. For you are "no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." Therefore, let us not be a house divided--having a marriage that is made of two who reside beneath the same roof, yet strive to remain separate. May God bless you as you seek to be the husband or wife that God has called you to be.

[Soldier4Christ]

That I Would Do...?

    We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it in no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do--this I keep on doing (Rom.7:14-19).

The passage above, a selection from the letters of Paul, might not hold true to our many ideas of what kind of a man Paul is. The words sound like those of a man who is struggling greatly with his humanity, and perhaps still trying to establish a clear and comfortable understanding of where one should draw lines of right and wrong. His words seem to ramble, or perhaps change direction, as though he is discontent or perhaps unsure of himself.
It is more likely that he was frustrated as he wrote these words. For rather than being uncertain of what is right, he felt foolish for knowingly doing opposite of what he knew was right. And rather than embracing directions that would draw him into blissful and ignorant complacency, he wrestled with his human tendency to repel blame or pass the buck. Paul was not trying to excuse his wrong behaviors by saying, "it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me." Instead, he willingly acknowledged that he was not above struggling with temptation, and he realized that it was something within himself that drove him toward what he knew was wrong. He did not settle for personal rationalizations that would excuse his behavior, but he recognized his flaws in an effort to pursue their end, rather than letting them be perpetuated in ignorance.

        Are we willing to simply give up,
        because we cannot live up,
        to the standards God has given us to follow?
        And when it's hard to look,
        at the words inside His Book,
        will we burn the words that we find hard to swallow?
        Why do we call Him Lord,
        if we cannot afford,
        the price that He is asking us to pay?
        If we know what He would do,
        why can't we do it too,
        to follow Him, when He would walk away?
        Why do we let our eyes,
        be fooled by some disguise,
        letting sin be hidden by our point of view?
        When the question should not be,
        asked of you or asked of me,
        but instead--what would Jesus do?

It is a struggle to live righteously. It is especially difficult to live above suspicion of wrong doing. We live in a nation of excuse makers, and unfortunately, many of us who are the children of God have adopted the self excusing mentality. The truth may be painful, it may be haunting and it may keep us up at nights, but it is something that must be faced. Like Paul, we must wrestle with it so that we can see ourselves as God sees us, so that He can continue His work of perfecting us without having to wait on us to open our eyes and admit that we are more prone to follow our own ways than His.
What have you been keeping from yourself?

[Soldier4Christ]

In the Fullness of Time

    He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field (Lk.10:2).

It has been said that history repeats itself. It is more than likely that we would all agree with that statement. Looking back through history reveals to the children of God, a world that moves forward when ignited by hearts seeking God, and a world that stumbles when they lose sight of Him. There is a cycle throughout our past that continues today and will do so into our future (how ever long that may be) on this earth. One generation boldly follows God, willing to die for God. A few generations later, we find a people who are content to be their own gods. It is then that God often allows them to suffer the consequences of their wickedness (Romans 1:18-32), and in so doing, many come to the end of themselves, yield to God and return to a path of righteousness. And as history would indicate--the process starts all over again.
We see in church history, times of great awakenings--times when the church seems to have been revived and people become strong in their faith once more. They are the times of revival that churches today look back on so fondly, and try so diligently to duplicate. Yet all the good intentions and valiant efforts return unto us void as we learn that we cannot fabricate revival when and where we choose, but that it is something that comes in the fullness of time.
The fullness of time is the time of harvest. It is the season of reaping what has been sown. even as the crops of a field must go through a process before being ready to be harvested, so the world must also. It is in due season that the planting is done, and it is in due season that the rains come (Lev.26:4), and it is "in due season we shall reap" (Gal.6:9). It is a process that will come to its fullness--its season of reaping. It is necessary for the children of God to find their place within God's process. To continue diligently in obedience to God, doing what He has given each of us to do. One does not harvest in the season of rain, and one does not plant in the season of harvest--so also we must find our place within the process so that "in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
The time is coming, and very soon, when our nation will come into a season of want. The people, having fed on their lusts, are realizing as Solomon did that it is all in vain--a "chasing after the wind." They are only now realizing their emptiness, and even those who seem to have it all have turned up wanting. We are entering into a season of hunger, driven by spiritual famine. For all who have not sown to the spirit are beginning to feel that they are starving to death. But not all have come to that realization, and so the fullness of the season has not yet come.
The time is coming, and very soon, when our nation will be given over to face the consequences of its actions. It will be the season of desperation. All that once was, will be gone. All that people held precious will be lost, and all that they had depended on for security in this life, will vanish. It will be the season of crisis--the turning point for many that leads them toward their only true hope, Jesus Christ. But it will also be the end for many, as they see no reason to go on. They will feel it is too late for them to turn to God, and seeing nowhere else to turn, they will end their own lives--many of whom had once called themselves Christians.
The time is coming when the fields will be ripe for the harvest. But it will not come by force and it will not be a shockwave set off by a man-made revival. It will only come when people come to the end of themselves and learn to quit trying to be the masters of their own destiny (lost souls and Christians alike).
We must continue diligently within the process, and prepare ourselves for the coming storms. For if we, like the world around us, spend our time sowing to reap the benefits of this world, this life and the pleasure thereof, then we too will suffer loss in the fullness of time.

    The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life (Gal.6:.

    Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God (Rom.8:5-8).

    Then another angel came out of the temple and called in a loud voice to him who was sitting on the cloud, "Take your sickle and reap, because the time to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is ripe" (Revelation 14:15).

[Soldier4Christ]

A Stranger's Voice

    The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice" (Jn.10:2-5).

If you do not have caller ID, and you pick up the phone when it rings, you cannot be certain who will be at the other end. At the sound of a familiar voice, we immediately begin to make associations that will stir feelings, thoughts or questions, based on the knowledge of who the person is on the other end of the phone. But let it be the voice of a stranger and we are full of questions more than anything. One of our first thoughts may be, "OK, what is this person going to try to sell me?" A stranger's voice often generates a level of curiosity within us that is most likely balanced with cautious listening and carefully chosen responses. But let the voice of the stranger become the familiar and accepted, and the guard is often dropped. Perhaps, even when it is not wise to let it do so.
Within our world today, there are many voices calling to us to do this or that, or to think this or that. We hear voices that declare godless activities to be acceptable. Voices that become louder and louder until they penetrate the walls of the church--until the church one day begins to somewhat agree. We hear voices that loudly promote self-promotion, self-awareness, and self-esteem in such a way as to declare each person as his or her own god--suggesting they can be all they need to be in and of themselves. We hear voices that nag and pressure us to be like the majority. They tell us to be careful not to be different, radical or to be too righteous so as not to offend anyone. They press in on every side until we are molded and shaped after the image of man's ideal of the ideal man--based solely on social norms and popular opinion.
But these are the voices of strangers. They are not the voice of Christ, though some will seek to resemble His voice and lure us in. But is it possible for we who are in Christ to be lured in by the voices that are not His? In Matthew 24:24, Jesus says, "For there shall arise false Christ's, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; inasmuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect." It is not only possible, but probable that many who claim to hear the voice of Christ, are actually following the voices of this world. In as much as we compromise the standards of God for ideals more suitably palatable to our society, we follow the voices of the strangers, and no longer recognize the voice of our true Master, Jesus Christ.
But who is our master if we claim to follow Jesus, but we yield to the voices of society and allow them to shape our thinking? Jesus tells us that "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other" (Mt.6:24). We either yield to the voices of the stranger, or we yield to the voice of Christ. We cannot hear Christ's voice and yet follow the world. The voice we hear is the one we follow.
Can you hear Christ's voice? What does He say to you about money and material wealth? What are His words concerning abortion, divorce, premarital sex, euthanasia, etc.? Do you know what He says about these things? Do you believe that God's desires and man's ideals line up, or do they sharply contrast? Can you hear His voice right now? What is He saying to you? Be careful you are not deceived by the voices of the world around you--Christ's voice has a distinct sound that separates it from the world we live in. Is that sound the ring of the familiar to you? Or are you unsure what Christ's words are because the voices of this world and this age have become the familiar voice to you, rather than His voice? Who's voice will you follow?

[Soldier4Christ]

Can You See What You Say?

    Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish (Matthew 18:14).

An evening news report tells the story of a major fire in an apartment complex. Many people have been left homeless and some have died as a result of the fire that spread quickly through the old three story building late one evening. Some people were injured as panic stricken people fled the blaze. Some people never made it out in their efforts to escape, and still others died of smoke inhalation while sleeping--still in their beds--as though they had been completely unaware anything was happening. Onlookers stood outside, paralyzed by fear, unable to draw the courage to rescue a trapped child who was sitting on the window ledge of a second floor window. But there were two men who worked vigorously from within the inferno, each seeking to save as many as they possibly could. One of the two heroes died in his efforts and the other was taken to a critical care unit at the local hospital.

The above illustration is not real, but as you read it you did not have to be told of the reality of just such a situation. Most all of us have seen news footage of devastating fires that left many without of home, and others without their lives. We look on in pity, feeling sorry for the victims, and hoping we never have to find out first hand what they were going through.
The reality of the blaze has different effects on different people. Some people panic and desperately seek a way of escape--even if they have to trample someone else to find it. Some people may not even be aware of the danger and so they die as a result. Still others stand outside and are too afraid to help the helpless to come to safety. And there are a very small number who will actually give life and limb to rescue as many as possible. The reality of what is happening summons a response in all--even if that response is to freeze in a helpless, catatonic state.

The world today suffers a very real and dangerous fate. There are those who cannot escape the flames because they cannot find their way to life and freedom without the help of a rescuer. If the rescuer (the Christian who knows the way to life, which is Christ) does not make it to them they are doomed (they will die and end up in the very real flames of hell). There are those who are sleeping (maintaining a state of blissful ignorance), unaware that there is any real danger. There are those who may not even believe there is any real danger at all, they do not believe the fires of hell are real. But sadly, there are those who know the fires of hell are real yet maintain a safe distance and blankly look on as the fire consumes those who desperately need someone to lead them to life.

What kind of people are we if we say we believe that hell is real and that death is imminent, yet we live our lives more concerned about what to do this weekend, than how we can live as a light to this world that leads others to the safety of the arms of God?
As you consider that question, I want you to realize that I do not say this as to motivate anyone to do anything because of guilt. Guilt has been used and overused to motivate people to "do" witnessing, and yet these tactics have failed. Also, I do not say these words as an advocate of scare tactics that are used to chase people away from the wrath of hell into the arms of God as Judge. I believe it is by such tactics that people see their Heavenly Father as someone just waiting to pounce on them when they have messed up, rather than seeing Him as a loving God who desires unbroken, and untainted fellowship with His children.
My reason to write this is simple: many Christians express beliefs by words that go unnoticed in their deeds. People will not believe in a heaven or hell when the person who speaks of it lives as though there is nothing beyond this earth. People will not believe in a God who is faithful, who provides and protects, and loves, when those who speak of such things place their trusts in the securities of self-effort, self-protection and self-provision. And let us not deceive ourselves to think that we trust God for all things, if we know that we are anxious about matters regarding what we will eat, or what we will wear, or what we will do to make ends meet. Who we really trust can be seen in our eyes--within the struggling, strenuous look of self effort--or else, within the peaceful look of contentment in Christ.
People are out there searching for answers these days, (they are those trapped in the burning building), and they are weighing what is said with what they see. They look into the eyes of defeated, carnal Christians who have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof, and they turn away (2 Tim. 3:5), and resume there search for the way that leads to life. They cannot find the way if someone will not lead them. They cannot follow someone who is not there. And they cannot trust someone who seems to be sleeping as they frantically search for a way of escape.
It is time we wake up and really get a hold on what we believe, and let it change us so that Christ's light might shine through us, so that through us the world might come to know life. This is no guilt trip--it is merely a wake-up call. If this should motivate anyone to do anything, then let it be the main thing that Christ bids us to do--remain in Him.

    Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not (John 11:50).
    And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? (1 Corinthians 8:11).
    The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

"People will not believe in a heaven or hell when the person who speaks of it lives as though there is nothing beyond this earth."

[Soldier4Christ]

Feast Your Eyes!

    The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! (Mt.6:22-23).

You have probably heard the expression, "Feast your eyes upon" this or that. And though we realize that we cannot physically feed something into our eyes, we are aware of the implications of such an idea. Though the eyes do not eat, they have an appetite--and though that cannot consume, they can be filled. The eyes are as scouts for the body--they lookout for things that seem appealing and desirable to the whole body, and within the passing moments of a steady gaze, the eyes can whet the appetite of all the other senses--exciting them to "dig in!"
Yet, if the eyes are the "windows to the soul," then what is fed through them if not the soul? If we feast our eyes on what is good, are we not filled with that which is good? But if we feast our eyes on what is bad, what then? Shall we turn and say, "It doesn't affect me"? In so doing we make reason to allow ourselves to continue to feast our eyes with expressions like, "It's OK to look as long as you don't touch!" or "Everything is OK in moderation." But Jesus tells us, "if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness." How does this set with the mentality that it is all right to watch the sexual exploits of people in movies as long as you remain objective? The reason we set in front of "the set" anyway is to feast our eyes and be entertained, or feast our eyes and relax, or to feast our eyes and enjoy hidden sin for a season, as our thoughts follow our eyes and trespass into forbidden visions of delight. Or are we always so strong that we can sit through even the steamiest love seen, or vulgar language, or mindless violence and shut if off without any of it surfacing in our thoughts or, God forbid, our actions at a later time?
Why do we feel so compelled to feast our eyes on such things? Is it part of our efforts to be Christ like? God forbid. More likely, it is because we want to do what we want to do and we don't want anything or anyone restricting us. There are many who will say, "Well, I think its OK if. . .," But how many can say, "I know that God wants me to. . ."? It's always, "I think" but never "I know." That should be our first clue that we are being deceived by our own wants.
We say we want to see a lost world come to know Christ, and we say so with all sincerity because we do not want to see anyone go to hell. But the world is living in darkness and they need a light so they can find their way to Life. Jesus has chosen to shine that light through us. He tells us, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men. . ." (Mt.5:14-16). And He also says, "if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness." We cannot expect people will see the light of Christ in us if we persist to feast our eyes upon darkness. Somewhere along the way, we are going to have to answer ourselves a question--do we want to see a world lost in darkness come to know Christ so badly that we are willing to be a light--that we are willing to abstain from feasting our eyes long enough for someone to look into them and see the light of God? If our eyes are full of darkness, how great is that darkness? How will it affect me, and how will it affect the ability of others to see the Light of Life, which is Christ, in me?

    And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam [is] in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye (Mt.7:3-5).

    . . .they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch (Matthew 15:14).

"We cannot expect people will see the light of Christ in us, if we persist to feast our eyes upon darkness."

[Soldier4Christ]

The Internal God

        Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (Jn.20:28-29).

Is seeing, believing--or is believing, seeing? Do we, like Thomas, require some sort of visual affirmation to assure us that what God says is true--believing only through seeing? Or do we believe that God is faithful without requiring any sign or wonder? Have we seen that "what he had promised, he was able also to perform" (Rom.4:21), and therefore because we believe, we are able to see?
In the flesh, seeing is believing--but in the spirit, believing is the means by which we see. For truth is not confirmed to us in the flesh, as the flesh is corrupt and will distort truth to suit self-interests. But truth is confirmed to us in the spirit when no physical evidence is available to substantiate it. To trust in the "evidence of things unseen" is how Hebrews 11:1 (in part), defines faith. The verse adds to this that "faith is the substance of things hoped for." How many of us can see an abstract thing such as hope as something that has substance? In the flesh it does not have any substance of itself. Instead, hope is a vague idea in the eyes of the flesh, that can only be substantiated through end results and physical evidences. But in the spirit, faith and hope are not abstracts, but concrete realities. Not because of what they are, but because of Whom they are within. As faith and hope are placed within God, they become firm and secure. They provide us a foundation upon which we can stand and not be shaken, they provide us a seat of security in which we can rest, and they provide us bed of contentment in which we can find peace.
Jesus said, "A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign" (Mt.16:4). He spoke this of people in His time on earth, but how true is that of this generation today? There are television evangelists that would have you to believe that God's power can only be substantiated through the evidence of signs and wonders. There are Christians and churches who agree and promote the same. It would seem that we do not see the work of the Lord and the manifested power of God unless it comes in extravagant, "thunder and lightning," type packages. Many people seem to live just to hear a word of such occurrences, in hopes to experience the same kind of things in their own church or lives. And yet in all of the external alertness to super spiritual activities, many remain empty within. They seek so desperately to see God move mountains, and miss out on the power of God that can change their own soul. They seek desperately the signs and wonders that will substantiate their faith, all the while God would seek to secure them in their faith through His internal workings in their hearts--teaching them that believing is the beginning of sight, and that, "blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
In the spirit, believing is seeing. And we require no proof that God is who He is, or that He will fulfill His Word to us. God is substantiated within Himself and need not present himself in the fire, thunder and lightening in order that we might believe. Those who seek signs and wonders will find signs and wonders. In seeking to substantiate their faith, they will produce evidences of God at a level necessary to provide them security in their faith--helping them affirm to themselves that what they believe is true, so that they can have what they need to overcome their own doubts and fears that what they claim to be true, might not be. And seeking to believe because of what they see, they remain insecure in their own faith--continuously needing it affirmed to them through miraculous signs large enough to overcome their own anxieties.
But those who seek God himself, and not the signs and wonders, will find God. For God has said, "And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when ye shall search for me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13). For the incredible power of God is far greater than the external, mighty, moving events--it is a power that can reach into a hopeless human heart and change it forever--providing it all it needs to be secure, without the extravagance of signs and wonders.

    And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; [but] the LORD [was] not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; [but] the LORD [was] not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; [but] the LORD [was] not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was [so], when Elijah heard [it] that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, [there came] a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? (1 Kings 19:11-13).

[Soldier4Christ]

Long Term Investments

    And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' Then he said, 'This is what I'll do, I will tear down by barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years, Take life easy' eat, drink and be merry." ' But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself? This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God (Lk.12:16-21).

I am one who believes in long term investments, though not in the way that most people may think. I do not give much thought to stocks, IRA's and retirement funds, probably not enough, yet that does not really bother me. While those may seem like wise, long term investments, to me, they remain very short term in the perspective of all things. For I believe that $50 dollars given to someone in need will have greater, long-lasting returns than any interest accruing account could possibly hold. I see the one as an investment in a life; while the other I see as an investment in this life. The one is eternal, as it is invested in that which is eternal; while the other may only truly be of benefit in a short lived retirement. The question would then be, "In what am I invested?"
I may be invested in making money, or putting away for retirement, or making a good living so that "me and mine" can be financially stable. These have been noble ideals of our nation for some time. Free enterprise and democracy have created for us a country in which we are free to seek life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. But whom do I seek these for, and whom do I store up wealth for, and how long will it last? In Luke 12, Jesus tells the story of a man who had no doubt invested wisely, and had put away more than enough for his own lifetime. He patted himself on his own back as he admired his accomplishments, "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?" (vs. 20). Jesus concludes his parable by telling us that, "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God" (vs. 21).
Perhaps I am invested in my appearance. I may place so much time in developing physical fortitude that I have little time for anything else. It is not uncommon for people today to become slaves to their bodies, and to become so absorbed in keeping themselves toned and looking good, that they can see little beyond their own reflection in the weightroom mirror. 2 Cor. 4:16 would tell us that our outward person is wasting away, and we know this is true. And we all know that dedication to rigorous body development cannot deliver any from the inevitable end. It makes one feel good for a time, but what ramifications will it have in regard to eternity. While taking care of our bodies is not only good, but right and necessary, too much time invested in appearance will come of nothing. And the time that one slaves within self-concern of physical beauty, that which is of more importance (the spirit that is eternal) is neglected and becomes weak, and cannot help the self or anyone else.
I may be invested in my intellect. Perhaps I spend hour upon hour reading and learning and acquiring as much knowledge as I can. Perhaps I will become a "professional student," filling my educational portfolio with a stack of degrees that would impress the likes of the most educated people of times past or present. Yet the vanity of such a quest surfaces as old age creeps in and claims bit by educated bit of precious memory and hard earned knowledge.
"So what's wrong with these pursuits?" you may be asking. I believe that answer would lie in the motive behind the pursuit. If we are motivated by self concern and nothing more, then everything is wrong with it. We become as the man in Jesus parable, investing time, energy and money in ourselves alone for this life alone, only to have it all stripped away in the end. But if we are motivated by a desire to be invested in others then the benefits are eternal--never to be lost. But do not be deceived, it is ever so easy to invest in the self, while attaching a noble cause as to convince one's self that the interests of others are at heart, when in fact, much is done to meet selfish wants and personal concern.
The question remains, "In what am I invested?" Am I more concerned about what this life holds for me? Or is it of greater importance to me, what the eternal life holds for us all?

    Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire (1Cor.3:13-15).

[Soldier4Christ]

Knowing the Plan

    Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that" (James 4:13-16).

My understanding of a construction site goes something like this: I see many workers, each doing their perspective jobs. They are working diligently to raise up a structure that will be safe, strong and enduring. I see them using their skills and abilities within their designated area, yet they are not the ones with the plans. Instead they are following one set of plans which are kept by the architect or foreman. He, the architect, carries the plans with him from place to place, instructing the workers as to the direction their work is to be going. There are many workers, but one architect. There are many ideas as to how this structure could be built, but there is one plan. Imagine if all the workers began building the structure according to their own set of plans--each following his own set of blueprints without regard to the blueprints of the others. Who knows what you would end up with.
Building the body of Christ is very similar. There are many workers. Each has been equipped with skills and abilities to do their labor. And each are to follow the central Plan of the Architect of the body. What would happen if each one had their own set of blueprints to follow rather than following the blueprints of the Architect? Take a good look at the Church today and you might find that answer a little more readily than you would like to. We know that there is one and only one Architect of the Body of Christ, that is the Head which is Christ Himself. Yet, to look at all the different churches, locally and abroad, one might think that they each have their own set of plans--and in most cases that would be right.
It is not enough that we become equipped to do a work, we must also follow the Plan to do the job; and not our interpretation of the Plan, but the Plan as it directed by the Architect, which is Christ. All of our training, education, skills and experience will never make us to be the Architect. No matter what the nature of the work is that God gives us to do, we are not the One who holds the Plans. We are to do the work we have been given to do being directed by the One who holds the Plans. If we try to be the one's who make the plans then we become disorganized in our efforts as one body. The result is that we begin to follow our plans rather than following the Plan, which is Christ.
We within the church are notorious for developing plans and programs in the face of new activities, growth or just the everyday church functions. We look at situations and begin devising ways to accomplish a task in a format that is easy to follow and pleasantly packaged. And then, if we can get the majority to agree, we proceed to carry out those plans to the best of our abilities. It would probably shock us to know how much of this is done without ever consulting the One who holds the Plans. Instead of asking for direction from the One who holds the Plans for the whole Body, we are content to find a plan that is suitable to our personal fragment of the body. We might even function adequately in and of ourselves, getting things done that we set out to do; but as we fail to consult the Architect, we neglect how what we do goes beyond the walls of our own church. And therefore, we neglect the greater work of the whole as we embrace our own concerns of a tiny fragment. Perhaps Jesus words apply here well, as he said, "[Ye] blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel" (Mt.23:24).
Seminary training, spiritual gifts and experiential learning do not give any one man, or any group the right to take the role of the Architect. There is one Plan that was established long ago in the Person of Jesus Christ. We are to follow Him alone. To follow our plans is more comfortable, but it makes our plans out to be lord as we follow them. To follow God's Plan is often uncomfortable as it will take us directions we are uncertain of, and into places of unfamiliarity.
We cannot follow plans that are packaged to meet every situation. God alone knows all the dynamics of any given situation. That is why we must be willing to abandon our agendas, and our ways of doing things, and our incessant desire to bring spiritual issues into terms our physical eyes can behold and understand.
This is not to say that we should lack organization. God is not the author of confusion. But it is to say that if we will see the Body of Christ come together, we must stop relying on ourselves to initiate the plan--and we must surrender the position of Architect to Christ--the Master Builder.

[Soldier4Christ]

To Life

    I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds (John 12:24).

There is a cycle of life in which that which is to live must receive from what dies. We know that in order for us to live we must eat. That generally means that in order for us to live it is necessary for something else to die so that we might be fed. Jesus used the example of the wheat to illustrate a much greater exchange of death for life, as he related it to himself. For in order that we might live, it was necessary for One, who is Christ, to die, so that through his death we might find life. And even as the "kernel of wheat" fell to the ground and died to produce many seeds, so also the death of One was purposed to bring abundance of life. For what greater sacrifice has been made? Some have died and brought life to many, yet Christ alone had within Him the abundance of life for us all.
Through the physical death of children of God, many have come to know Christ who brings life to the world. For a child of the living God never truly dies in that, though they might die physically, new life emerges from the seeds left behind. How many times has the untimely death of one who lived for God, been the very thing by which hearts have been turned from ways that lead to death, to the ways that lead to life through Jesus? The Lord has said, "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it (Isa.55:11). Even so is anyone who lives to Christ while in this world. They are the living letters from God to the people living in this world. By their life God is glorified and honored. And though they die, God's word does not return to Him void--so through their death, new life will also emerge.
But it is the similitude of the death of Christ within us that will draw many to come to know life. For as we follow the example of Christ which is to die to self, we, through death to self, become the kernel of wheat that falls to the ground from which much new life springs up. But if we live to sustain our own lives, we remain intact within ourselves and are unable to give up what is necessary to see new life emerge. If we do not die to self, new life will not result in others coming to know the life of Christ through us. If we do not die to self, new life will not even emerge within the self. Scripture is clear--it is only through death that life can come. It is only in the laying down of one's life on this earth, that many might come to know life. For, "The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life" (Jn.12:25).
In considering our rights in this life we seldom can do so without some selfish intent. To give up our lives is to give up our rights, our wants, and our needs. It is something we may not want to do, or it is something that some will feel is not necessary. Yet, it is what is necessary if life is to come through us.
How bad do we want to see the life of Christ come to others? Are we willing to give up everything (career, home, dreams), to follow Jesus, so that through our sacrificial death to self, others might find life in Christ? What is of the greater importance--my happiness in a home on this earth, or the eternal home of happiness for others?

[Soldier4Christ]

Show and Tell

    Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works (James 2:17-18).

Show and Tell. Those very words bring to mind visions of grade school and memories of our childhood when we would take something to school with us that we wanted everyone else to see. We could not wait to stand up and show everyone what we had and then to talk about it--explaining where we got it, how long we had it and what we did with it. It was something fun to share because it was something we liked, and it was something we perhaps thought that others, when they saw it, would wish that they had it too.
In Christ, we are the little children of God. We have a prized possession in what we have in Him. It should be as such that we cannot wait to stand up and show everyone what we have and talk about it--explaining where we got it, how long we have had it and what we do with it. What we have in Christ should be something fun for us to share because of the joy we have in it, and because we believe that when others see it, they will hope to have it too.
Imagine the look on the faces of those within your grade-school class if you were to have stood up, holding out your hands as though you had something in them, and then begin telling them about it. They would have had to take your word for it, because even though you were describing to them what you supposedly possessed, they would not be able to see any evidence of it. Or how about if you were to stand up with a bowling ball in your hands, and begin to describe a tennis racket to the class. The words "show and tell" take on a whole new meaning when there is nothing to show, or when what you are describing looks nothing like what you hold.
The world today simply needs to see evidence of the Christ we claim to possess. We live in a time when words are many. And unless what we say somehow spurs the interest of someone they will probably not listen for very long. People today have developed, and are developing further, a very selective hearing--ready to "change the channel" if they don't agree or have simply "heard it all before." Words are many, credentials seem lacking, and people simply do not believe much of what they hear anymore.
As such, our evangelical efforts are going to require much more that two-minute testimonies, and witnessing classes designed to equip individuals with well rehearsed scripts to be taken to the world in a "door to door salesman" fashion. In the midst of many words, it has become like sorting through the mail--we first sort out the junk mail and throw it away--paying little attention to that which does not interest us. Even the junk mail is often designed with attractive, eye catching print in hope that a person will look further. Only to be a disappointment to any who stop long enough to look inside, and find that what looked good on the outside has nothing of value to offer on the inside. So are the polished words of a witness who dutifully tells others about a Christ that they claim has changed their lives--when there is so little evidence to support it.
We can go on telling people how they must tell the good news, but if we do not emphasize a lifestyle that shows evidence of Christ, then we send our witnesses out to testify of what they have not seen. Witnessing is necessary, yet it must come from a soul who is being transformed by the power of God. For if the root is good, the whole tree will flourish. And words will no longer be the means by which others discover what you believe--instead, your words will be the confirmation of what others have suspected.

    A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh (Luke 6:45 ).

[Soldier4Christ]

Willful Regression

    For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father (Romans 8:15).

Regression is a term that is used to describe the way a person will seek to cope with his life situation, by a psychological "going back" to a time in his life that was more secure. This sort of behavior is probably most often noticeable in children who do not seem to let go of "baby talk" or behaviors that marked earlier childhood years. It is their way to deal with the current pressures they may face that cause them to feel unsettled and insecure, or unsure how to behave in a given situation. It is in their seeking to remove the tension caused by these pressures that they strive to go back to a place in which they felt safe--a place that, to them, offered true security.
"Growing up is hard to do," the saying goes. From a child's perspective it can be quite frightening. There are the ever present expectations, with interest, compiled monthly and placed upon their young, inexperienced shoulders. They must grow to act, live and be a certain way, why? Because there is a proper way to conduct one's self that must be learned--otherwise they will not be accepted. Within much of these expectations there comes much unnecessary demands from those around them, while much of what is more important goes unattended. For instance, our society places a great deal of emphasis on looks and athletic ability or intelligence or normalcy; while things such as good character, integrity and taking responsibility for one's actions are neglected or just plain looked at as being unimportant.
It is no wonder people are stressed, look at what growing up means today--many added pressures with little real joy (unless of course you have lots of money). Plus you have to give up certain behaviors, or modify them so that others will accept you. Imagine a group of adults outside, playing tag or hide and seek as they once did as children. People would think they were crazy. That sort of behavior is not destructive or ungodly. In fact, it might even be beneficial for us to continue certain childhood behaviors well into old age--it might even keep us healthy. Yet, such behavior would be looked down upon by others and therefore should not be acted upon (or so we think).
Unfortunately, this idea of "maturity" (I use this term loosely), has carried over into our spiritual lives as well. We try so hard to live up to the expectations of those around us in how we conduct our religious side, that we lose sight of the joys of childhood. Perhaps we have forgotten where it says "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become the children of God" (Jn.1:12). We have forgotten what it means to be children. Seeking to become mature in our faith, we often lose sight of it. Faith has become something that is equated with hard work and righteous duty, rather than simply trusting in God--resting in His arms to find our security.
It is in growing up that we become dependent upon ourselves, trusting ourselves to be the ones to take care of us. After all, it is something that is culturally ingrained in us--"hard, honest work will get you what you need in this life." And the more we hear this, and the more we grow up within ourselves, we begin to find our security within ourselves and our abilities. But let us come to the end of our rope, let us come to a time when everything within our capabilities cannot produce what we need to be secure and we finally realize that we, in all of our "adult" glory, have limits; and we must face the fact that we are not self-sustaining grown-ups as we once thought. It is at this time of crisis that God's children then regress--they return to that place of security within the loving arms of God.
Perhaps the crisis could be avoided if only the children of God would remain within His security in the first place. God does not tell His children to leave His house, go out into the world and "make a way for yourself." Instead, He tells us to reside with Him, be obedient to Him and He will provide you what you need to be secure. This is not to advocate sitting at home waiting for everything we need to fall out of the sky. There are few instances in the Bible of such an occurrence. Yet, this is also not to advocate following your own plan in how to meet your needs. We are to be obedient to God in all areas of our lives. We are to "do" life, as His children, while residing in our Father's house. And as little children, we are not to "worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Mt.6:31-33).
We live in a time of undue anxiety. We worry about security in jobs, relationships and life in general. Perhaps it is time to regress. It is time we quit trying to be so "grown-up" (for that often translates as being complete within one's own self). It is time we take our rightful place as the children of the living God--finding our security in Him once more.

[Soldier4Christ]

Reconciled

    All this is from God, who reconciled the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God
    (2 Cor.5:18-21).

The gospel of reconciliation has been entrusted to us to carry as the ambassadors of Christ unto a dark and lost world. This gospel of truly good news, is one that conveys the Love of God as Father to all of mankind. It is the essence of God's plan for us established since the foundation of the world, and revealed in the embodiment of saving grace within the person of Jesus Christ, God's Son. Therefore, the good news of God's plan is that mankind can be reconciled to God as Father, no more to fear the wrath and judgment for sins that He no longer counts against us. For we know that "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" (Romans 8:1).
The Good News of reconciliation which has been entrusted to us as the ambassadors is so magnificent that it requires no additional flare or hype within its presentation. It is to be "as though God were making his appeal through us." We need not package it as to give it a greater appeal so that it becomes more attractive to those who we seek to bring it to. In seeking to make the Gospel something that is more attractive to those who live in darkness, we will distort the truth of it--sometimes to the point that, if it were possible, the light would resemble the darkness. So it is, with ways that are derived to make God more appealing to men, when we should be presenting God as such that men seek to make appeal before Him.

The Good news of reconciliation draws men into a relationship with the Father. We need not emphasize His wrath to the point that we chase frightened people toward God, as they seek to avoid Hell. In so doing, their picture of God is one of Judge alone, and they do not know how to look on Him as Abba, Father. They run to Him to escape hell, yet are afraid to approach Him for fear of His furry. As we package Salvation as such, many people may have great difficulty coming to experience a close and personal relationship with their Heavenly Father. They will keep Him at arms length, where they can keep their eyes on Him. They will be certain that He is always ready to jump on them when they mess up. When they do fail, they will be more than ashamed, they will be almost paralyzed to the point that they cannot come to God to make necessary confession. They will therefore find it easier and easier to slip back into their old ways, never having truly gotten close enough to God to experience His love intimately.
Some of us tell people of a God of love to such a degree that we package a life of following Jesus as full of frills and fluff. Those who come to Christ through such a distortion will quickly become disappointed and wonder what they did wrong once they discover that following Christ is not quite as easy as they were led to believe.

Some of us tell people of a God of wrath, hoping to scare them out of hell and sin. Such scare tactics can prevent people from experiencing joy in their walk with God as Father.
If we have other people's best interest at heart in our seeking to share the Gospel, one might wonder why we think we must use such tactics. Perhaps we are afraid that if they see a bad side to walking with God, that they will turn away and in so doing, one day die in their sin. Perhaps we think the only thing that will make people want to choose God over the delightfulness of the world is to scare them away from hell. Maybe such a tactic is only used to satisfy our need to see quick decisions for Christ as a result of our evangelical efforts. Whatever the motives involved, one thing is clear: The Gospel of Reconciliation provided Through Christ our Lord does not need our "fixing up." We are to present it for what God has made it to be--and let the Holy Spirit use it in the lives of others accordingly.

[Soldier4Christ]

To Fall From Grace

    For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is a gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast (Eph.2:8-9).
    I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing! (Gal.2:21).
    You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace (Gal.5:4).

The words "fall from grace," draw most of us to consider thoughts or questions regarding the "once saved, always saved" issue. To some it is no issue as they hold to a belief that a person who has truly believed in Christ for his/her salvation, cannot lose that salvation. For others, however, there is a belief that one can be enlightened by the truth of God, having received recompense for their sins and with that, have been cleansed from all past unrighteousness. Yet they, as strongly as they profess salvation through Christ they also believe that one can sin presently, and without remorse fail to come before God to make confession and in so doing, lose his or her salvation.
Consider how great the salvation of God that has been provided through His Grace and the work of our Lord Jesus Christ. Consider how demeaning it is to the Work of Christ that men should see it as something to be obtained as a personal possession through hard work and conquest; or to be lost through works that are contrary to God. To continue living as though our works can cause the Grace of God to waver is to make the established work of Christ of no effect. Whether I do good or bad, live or die, God's Grace remains and is not dependent upon my efforts, my sins or my understanding of it. It is not something we claim, but something we live within--as a result of Christ's work--not ours.
The "works based faith" mentality has been a crippling factor to God's children long enough. We come to grips with the understanding that whether or not we lose our grip on God, He will not lose His grip on us. This is faith: that we trust that Christ's work was sufficient to pay the penalty of our sins--yesterday, today and tomorrow. If I do bad, the work of Christ remains--bringing me comfort to know that God's Grace exceeds my downfalls. If I do good, the work of Christ remains to keep me in mind that even if I live a life of righteousness, I still depend completely upon His work rather than mine. His Grace is greater than my greatest good, and His grace is greater than my greatest bad. And He continues to say to us, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength
is made perfect in weakness." And we reply, "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in
my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
But consider now how many have fallen from Grace. For there are many. Though it is not through wicked deeds or failure to do what is right, because it is not a loss of salvation but a loss of perspective. For there are many who come to God through Christ for salvation through Grace, only to belittle God's Grace through the adoption of "rightness by works" thinking. Many a Christian has come to fall on the Grace of God only to surrender to a life under the law. They receive, with gladness, the gift of eternal life through grace, only to submit themselves to a code of laws of right and wrong. Where they once trusted Christ's work to be sufficient to please God that God's grace might abound toward us; they now trust their own efforts to please God and soon find the Christian life to be too difficult for them to live.
How many of us have heard that it is impossible to live the Christian life, and that we must let Christ live it through us, and yet we continue trying to be what is expected of us? When we attempt to live the Christian life through works, we fall from Grace. It is a slipping away from dependency upon Christ's work, and the moving into a need to "be" and to "do" better in and of ourselves. There is within Grace a simplicity that escapes us. It is the simplicity of one "to do"--not a list of laws, and right and wrongs, but one simple "do"--and that is to simply abide in Christ. As we draw near to our Lord and remain with Him, His Grace is sufficient for every aspect of our lives. His Grace enables us to do right, and His Grace helps us to avoid what is wrong. And as we live within Him, we rediscover each day, the sufficiency of His limitless Grace. And rather than being compelled to work harder and harder to please Him, we are drawn closer and closer to Him, to sit at His feet, hear His voice and simply be with Him.

    Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her (Lk.10:38-42).