Day 4 – “whatever things are just”

Phil 4:8 (NKJV) Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Just.

Before I start, just an update on what’s “happening” with me – physically and mentally –  in this journey.  I’m in day four of (except where mandated by my work responsibilities) no media influence or any other information or input other than that which relates to the Lord.  Two nights ago, while the others were watching TV, I went into my room and just sang with my favorite worship songs for over an hour.  For the last two mornings, the Lord has woken me up between 6:00 and 6:30 without an alarm clock… in fact, last night I forgot to set my alarm clock.  That’s been pretty cool.

Today, however, my mental focus (in non-work times)  has been really difficult.  My mind is constantly racing – even in my quiet time this morning.  I just couldn’t get into the flow of the Word and my time with Him.  I was really distracted.  This must be what it’s like to have a touch of ADD.

I wonder if I’m honestly having some mental withdrawal symptoms…  I understand that those who quit addictions “cold turkey” often have other physical symptoms manifest.  I feel a bit like an alcoholic trying to quit drinking while working at a bar…. Our TV is on throughout the day as different kids watch different shows at different times during the day.

However, there is something in me that is stirring within and makes me think that this mire I seem to be spiritually bogged down has an exit point.  My soul expectantly draws me forward in that gut-feeling belief that this will end and some level of breakthrough is on the other side.  So I expectantly keep trudging. One spiritual foot in front of the other.  At this point my steps seem to weigh a thousand pounds, but I keep on.  Back to the post….

Just.

I had a hard time with this word – given my lack of focus and clarity this morning –  until I started uncovering the meaning of the Greek it’s translated from – dikaios and it’s root dike (pronounced dee-kay).  It then becomes fairly obvious that this word deals with how we are toward others.  It is the concept of right weights and measures – many other translations translate this word to “right”.  Eugene Peterson, who wrote “The Message” bible translates it as “reputable”.  All of these have a connotation as to how we are with others.

In Matthew 23:27-30 Jesus uses this word (both occurrences of the word “righteous”) in one of his tirades aimed at the religious leaders of the day:

Matthew 23:27-30 (NKJV)27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
29 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, 30 and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’

“… whatever is just… meditate on these things.”

Paul’s building a life filter here.  First it was “true” – which pertains to my words.  Next it was “noble” – which pertains to my actions; Now we have “just” – which pertains towards others.

It was a good day – in spite of the difficulties.  I hope you’re enjoying the posts.  If you are leave a comment. Let me know what’s going on in your life.

It’s about 8:00 o’clock.  This is where it gets really tough because this is… no, was “TV time.”

I think I’ll go for a run.

…Running After Papa

 

Day 3 – “whatever things are noble”

Phil 4:8 (NKJV) Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Nobility.

Immediately when I hear that word, I think back to an era of Kings & Queens, Princes and Princesses, Dukes and Lords and other noblemen and noblewomen of the day. Being a huge Monte Python fan, I’m careful to separate history from the hilarity of John Cleese being turned into a newt!

So what is Paul saying when he says to meditate on things noble? According to Strong’s concordance, noble means “1. august, venerable, reverend. 2. to be venerated for character, honourable.” This simply means… I have to get my dictionary out! “August” – if you are in Texas means “unending days of 100+ temperatures” – but Webster and the rest of the world defines it as: “marked by dignity or grandeur”; “venerable (or venerated)” means “to regard with reverential respect or with admiring deference; to honor with a ritual act of devotion”; and “reverend” means “worthy of reverence; of or relating to the clergy.”

I get the idea. It’s about character. It’s about behavior. It’s about reverence. It’s relating to our actions.

So the question begs, “How?” How do I fill my mind and mediate on things noble?

In Matthew Henry’s Commentary of the Whole Bible he states: “a regard to truth in our words and engagements, and to decency and becomingness in our behaviour, suitable to our circumstances and condition of life.”

Colossians 3 is an amazing book. It’s one I’m considering memorizing. It is an entire chapter on how to practically live out this Christian life. If I had to find a couple of verses that capture the essence of what Paul is talking about in this idea of “noble”, as noble is directed at our actions, I think it would be Colossians 3:12-13.

Colossians 3:12-13 (NKJV) 12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

So for today, “…whatever things are noble…” I will meditate on and live out and “… put on…” those traits of nobility.

** SIDE NOTE ** It’s getting pretty cool. God is waking me up earlier and earlier – before my alarm goes off to help me have more time to soak in His presence. From a “practically walking this out” perspective, it’s getting hard. The evenings are when my kids like to watch TV shows and there are a few series that we watch together. They keep calling me to watch what we’ve recorded and I’m having to remind them of my 30 day journey…. Keep me in your prayers…. the enemy is in full attack mode (my will, my family, my job) but my God is faithful – this I can be sure of.

…Running After Papa

 

 

Day 2 – “whatever things are true”

Phil 4:8 (NKJV) Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

True.

Paul admonishes us in Philippians 4:8 to meditate on “whatever things are true.”

The Greek word used in this verse is alethes and is defined as “2. loving the truth, speaking the truth, truthful,” which seems to me is very directed around my words – those words I think and those I speak.  Hopefully they are always in that order (think then speak) and hopefully some of the words I think don’t ever make it to the “spoken” category!

I’m reminded of the words of Jesus…

Luke 6:45 (NKJV)
45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

Webster’s Dictionary defines “true” as:

1a : steadfast, loyal b : honest, just c archaic : truthful
2a (1) : being in accordance with the actual state of affairs <true description> (2) : conformable to an essential reality (3) : fully realized or fulfilled <dreams come true> b : ideal, essential c : being that which is the case rather than what is manifest or assumed <the true dimension of the problem> d : consistent <true to character>

So what’s in my heart? If I take a peek inside, do I find those characteristics that line up with Webster’s definition of steadfast, loyal, honest, just, ideal, essential, and consistent?  Does that describe what’s going on in my heart?

Are the words I speak – I’m supposed meditate on them first – in accordance with the actual state of affairs?

Do I make any assumptions? Am I speaking from first hand knowledge and not “something I heard” or am I filling in the blanks as I go?

Can I factually verify what I say (and meditate on)?

In Joshua 22:10-34 the tribes of Israel were really quick to judge the tribes of Ruben, Gad, and half-tribe of Manasseh for building an altar. Israel didn’t get the facts first. They thought those two and a half tribes were building the altar in order to sacrifice there and the rest of Israel took up an offense because the LORD had strictly commanded ALL of Israel to worship where He had established the tabernacle.

In reality, the tribes of Ruben, Gad and half-tribe of Manasseh, which were separated from the rest of Israel by the Jordan, didn’t want future generations to be accused of not being part of Israel, so they built an altar in that place as a remembrance – a memorial – a tribute to their lineage and heritage for future generations.

It’s so important for me to “get the facts” before I make assumptions, before I take up an offense – even a holy offense.

Usually, when I take up an offense, even a holy offense, it is based and rooted in some sort of selfish motive, ultimately. It may take me a little digging to uncover that motive, but most of the time Father reveals the wickedness in my own heart as only He can (Jer 17:9), even when I think it’s justified. I often don’t really have to look very hard at all to see how I personally benefit from my perceived resolution of the offense I’ve taken up.

Even notice the phrase, “… take up an offense…”. No one can put and offense on me; no one can give me an offense; I have to take it. I have to pick it up. I have to carry it. “I… I… I…” – that is an amazing indicator of a selfish, prideful attitude somewhere in the mix.

“… whatever things are true…” That’s a pretty good filter for what I choose to meditate on today.

…Running After Papa (and renewing my mind)

Renewing My Mind – Day 1

Well, The Great Experiment starts today.  If you didn’t read last week’s post, then you may not know about my next 30 days.  It’s worth a quick gander…

Based on Rom 12:2 and Phil 4:8, I am intentionally soaking and immersing myself in “…whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy…”  I am choosing to fill my mind with those things and meditate on those things.

This means that for the next 30 days, I am purposing to avoid all public media, news, television shows, movies, newspapers… etc.  Instead, I am going to specifically focus on every free moment to seek His face, breathe His Presence, and rest in His Arms through the Word, worship, reading and writing and any other avenue He places before me.

Phil 4:8 will be my mind’s guide for the next 30 days.

I am not sure where it will lead, but I am sure of His promise – that I will be transformed.  As the New Century Version puts it: “… Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect…”

All I really want, is to want more of Him.  That’s my only goal.  That’s my only request of Him is to come out of this with a renewed passion for Him.

I plan to update the website daily – documenting my journey…

Running After Papa…

Fear. Mistrust. Judgement. Anger. Pride.

I’m considering a month long experiment –  this morning in my quiet time I so enjoyed my extended time on the back porch with just a cup of coffee and the scripture, that I became disgusted with myself.

I realized that I am so lazy and waste so much time.  I remember a time – and not too long ago – when I passionately pursued my relationship with the Lord.  Where did that go?  How did I get to here?

Through some recent experiences and observations that have been placed before me, I have spent a bit of time reflecting and getting really honest with myself… Frankly, that can be a really scary place.   In that introspection, I didn’t like what I saw.  When I peel off the sanguine exterior and the professional demeanor, I have come to realize just how true the old saying “… you are what you eat…” is in my life.  Ha ha… not because I’ve become a cup of coffee or anything, but because of what my life has become… self absorbed, stressful, angry, and negative.  Those characteristics are NOT what I am nor what I want to be.  As a result of them, I’ve found myself more distanced from my family and friends and find myself a little lonely.

Those who know me, may not yet see it because mostly it stays on the inside, just simmering like a big pot of chili on low heat on the back eye of the stove.  But I know it’s there.  I know it wouldn’t take much for the pot to boil over and splatter that hot chili all over my kitchen and potentially on my family and friends.

How did it I get here?  Fear. Mistrust. Judgement. Anger. Pride.  These are my demons I battle regularly.  They seem to have the most impact when my life is hectic and God get’s pushed out of my schedule so I can watch TV.  There.. how’s that for being real? The idiot box is the prime source of everything negative, fearful, judgmental and self absorbing.  The other biggest source other people.  So many people are fearful, mistrusting, judgmental, angry, and self-absorbed… just like me.

This morning, I honestly and actually turned my own stomach.

So in my time with Daddy this morning, this little idea sprouted in my head…  (I’m fairly sure I know where it came from…  see James 1:17)

I’ve been captivated for the last several weeks on

Philippians 4:8 (The Message) Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.

What would it look like if for 30 days, I intentionally chose to eliminate every form of extraneous, non-best,  input and influence from my life?  What if (where I have control) I replace every worldly noise clamoring for my attention with something that kept my attention and focus on the Lord?  What would that look like?

What if I renewed my mind with the God’s word in every way, shape, and form I could find?

Romans 12:2 (New King James Version) 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

What if I bathed myself in that which was true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, and praiseworthy?

What if I was intentional about not wasting any time and for 30 days specifically focused on ONE THING… SOMETHING SPECIFIC… – be it passion for Him, creativity, patience, wisdom, humility, mercy, etc. – for the next 30 days?

What if I consumed everything I could get from God with every spare moment?

I don’t know what it will look like, but I’m pretty excited about the journey.  Our pastor this morning quoted that God’s word is a “lamp unto my feet” (Psalms 119:105) and is meant to reveal the next step.

I wonder where my next step will be?

I will keep you posted on the journey….  It starts soon….

…Running After Papa

 

 

God in the everyday… Part 1

Rom 1:20 (New Living Translation) For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

I was on a flight to Chicago this week and was thumbing through my iPod listening to random songs and I played Orianthi’s “According to You”.

I think this ended up on my iPod because of one of my kids adding songs to collections. Orianthi has played with Prince, Carrie Underwood, Eric Clapton and others and was Michael Jackson’s lead guitarist at the ripe old age of 24 or so. She’s obviously very talented and was named as one of the top 12 Female electric guitarists in 2009 (age 24).

Anyway, I’ve heard this song several times before and I like the song – it’s catchy, got a good tune, and some great guitar work. I don’t know Orianthi’s beliefs or faith or eternal destiny, but I would by no means put this song on any Christian radar – which is exactly the point.

The song is from a girl’s perspective comparing one boy to another – one who is degrading, hateful, and insulting vs. one who is encouraging, loving and accepting. The opening lyrics say “According to you, I’m stupid, I’m useless, I can’t do anything right…” When I heard these lyrics THIS time, I immediately thought “How many times do I say those same words over myself … ‘I’m so stupid!’… ‘Shoemaker, you idiot!’… etc.” Isn’t this exactly what our enemy – who is degrading, hateful, and insulting – wants us to speak over ourselves and the ones we love?

About that time, the chorus kicked in and I nearly broke down in tears in seat 21E on my flight to Chicago. The chorus says, “But according to him, I’m beautiful, incredible, he can’t get me out of his head…” and I heard the Lord express that those were the words of his heart that “I’m beautiful, incredible, and He can’t get me out of his head…”

Wow! It was completely overwhelming. To think that the Creator of the universe, the one who died for me, thinks I’m beautiful, thinks I’m incredible and that He is continually thinking of me…. ME! God is thinking about me!

Jer 29:11 (NKJV) 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Ps 40:5 (NKJV) 5 Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; And Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

Ps 139:17-18 (NKJV) 17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! 18 If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.

I have to say that this encounter through an everyday song has stirred my heart and captured my thoughts for the last few days… thinking of Him thinking of me…. Overwhelming…

I encourage you to listen to the video (even if you don’t like pop) and hear the words (with My little edits of a capital letter or two) “According to Him, I’m beautiful, incredible, He can’t get me out of his head…”

I think this topic of “God in the everyday” will be a common one…

Running After Papa…

The Ministry of Worship

As many of you know, I’ve been on the worship team at my current church for several years and was on the worship team for 9 years at the church before that. At our current church, being on the worship team is a fairly demanding endeavor and when you’re “on” for the weekend, it literally can consume 6+ hours on Saturday and 4+ hours on Sunday, not to mention the required practice before and any mid-week commitments of 1-2 hours each.

I say that because I’ve often been asked how I can make such a time consuming commitment with 4 active teens, and while “it’s my passion” suffices for most people, I found something in yesterday’s reading that really anchored it for me.

1 Chronicles 6:31-32 (NKJV)
‎31 Now these are the men whom David appointed over the service of song in the house of the Lord, after the ark came to rest. 32 They were ministering with music before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of meeting, until Solomon had built the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, and they served in their office according to their order.

Interesting words here translated as “served“, “office“, “order” and “song” in v32.

“served” – amad – 308 of the 521 references are translated as “stood” or “stand” and the implication is the same as in Ephesians 6:13-14 “when you’ve done all you can do to stand, stand therefore…” What is the implication of this service called worship? It is persistent and enduring…

“office” – abodah – “‎1 labour, service. 1a labour, work. 1b labour (of servant or slave). 1c labour, service (of captives or subjects). 1d service (of God).”

I love this! A labour of service of captives or subjects – what a fitting description of our condition! We are forever captives of the love of God who sacrificed himself to save us. We are subjects to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
‎
“order” – mishpat – the implication of this word is that of a sentence mandated by a Judge. A legal remedy or decision. An edict handed down by a greater authority.

“song” – sir – ‎1 song, i.e., music including lyrics and instrumental elements (Ps 28:7); 2 singing, i.e., the act. of using the voice in a melodic and rhythmic manner, usually expressing verbal content (2Ch 23:18); 3 musical instrument, i.e., an object of any kind that produces a musical sound (1Ch 15:16; 16:42; 2Ch 5:13; 7:6; 23:13; 34:12; Ne 12:36; Am 6:5+);

1 Chronicles 6:48 goes on to state that these men were called from the Levites – so it is part of the Levitical calling. The word translated as “brethren” means “of the same father or tribe.”

So what is the ministry of worship?

The Ministry of Worship is a persistent, enduring, edict of service to our Conqueror and King – for we are voluntarily both captives and loved subjects to Him – to sing and play instruments in expression to who He is and what He has done and is doing and will do.

Why do I worship? It’s my life-sentence.

Running After Papa…

God’s Heart is For Us

1 Samuel 8:19-20
‎19 Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, “No, but we will have a king over us, 20 that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.”

Israel is demanding a King. They want a king to do what God had done for them – faithfully and perfectly, I might add – up until this time.  This was a HUGE slap in the face to God.

Why do we humans look to find an alternative to the perfect provision of God?

What has God been faithfully and perfectly providing that I continue to look for a natural source of – often under my own strength, power, intellect?

It is interesting the power of belonging – here Israel forfeits the blessings, protection, provision and safety fo God so that they could be “like all the other nations.”

1 Samuel 10:6-9
‎‎‎ 6 Then the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man. 7 And let it be, when these signs come to you, that you do as the occasion demands; for God is with you. 8 You shall go down before me to Gilgal; and surely I will come down to you to offer burnt offerings and make sacrifices of peace offerings. Seven days you shall wait, till I come to you and show you what you should do.”
‎‎‎9 So it was, when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, that God gave him another heart; and all those signs came to pass that day.

‎‎God changed Saul. Why? It could easily be interpreted as spite, but I think not. Why did God change Saul into what He said he would become?
‎‎
‎‎I wonder if God gave Saul the same heart the people had – to make Saul want to be like all the other Kings. He didn’t want to be a different King than what the people wanted because “they wanted to be like all the other nations.”

We see evidence in 1 Sam 13:7-14. The very next chapter! The first command God has given Saul as king, he disobeyed.

“As for Saul, he was still in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. 8 Then he waited seven days, according to the time set by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. 9 So Saul said, “Bring a burnt offering and peace offerings here to me.” And he offered the burnt offering. “

God very clearly told him to wait on Samuel, but “the people were scattered from him” and I think that took precedence over God’s command. Because Saul was king, his own word and thoughts and compulsions were now priority (v12) “… Therefore I felt compelled, and offered a burnt offering.”

Because of that heart (which I believe God gave him in Chapter 12) God already knew Saul would be replaced as King and would not be established in lineage down the royal line.

I encourage you to read the whole passage of 1 Samuel 12:8-25.

‎Here is the good news. God never turns us away. Even in our mistakes – even in our poor choices – even in our willful disobedience – God’s heart is for our best. See the words of Samuel (1 Sam 12:20-22) – “20 Then Samuel said to the people, “Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, serve the Lord with all your heart. 21 And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing. 22 For the Lord will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you His people.”

Be encouraged today. God wants our best because it pleases Him to make us his people. THAT is good news!

Running After Papa…

God was not taken by surprise…

Numbers 8:1-4 (NKJV)

And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 2 “Speak to Aaron, and say to him, ‘When you arrange the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light in front of the lampstand.’ ” 3 And Aaron did so; he arranged the lamps to face toward the front of the lampstand, as the Lord commanded Moses. 4 Now this workmanship of the lampstand was hammered gold; from its shaft to its flowers it was hammered work. According to the pattern which the Lord had shown Moses, so he made the lampstand.

It hit me today as I was reading this passage that the LORD knew every detail of how he wanted his tabernacle – every detail, from structure to the way the contents were arranged… hammered gold flower details on the lamp stands… where he wanted them to be located … how HE wanted them to be arranged.

The last half of v4 says “According to the pattern which the LORD had shown to Moses…”  So God had this all designed in every detail and then showed it to Moses at the appropriate time.

1 Cor 6:19 says that our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit. It is comforting to know that this Holy Spirit is the same God of the Old Testament who designed and arranged every detail of of the Mosaic temple. How much more does he want to design and arrange every detail of his new testament, post-crucifixion temple in you and me (Jer 29:11)?  If He was that attentive to every detail of the Tabernacle, he is still that attentive to every detail of my life, because he is the same God yesterday, today, and forever (Heb 13:8) and He is incapable of change (Mal 3:6, James 1:16-18).

It is comforting to know, as a dear friend puts it, “God was not taken by surprise by this…” He already knows how whatever is going on is going to turn out.

It’s my job to be like Moses and spend time in His presence every day – getting my marching orders, receiving from Him how he wants to arrange the contents of my tabernacle, spending much time listening to Him and sharing what He has said with the people God has put in front of me.

Thank you Lord for authoring every detail of my life.  Thank you for not being surprised by the events that unfold each day.  Help me to hear you clearly – face to face – so that I might know how to arrange the articles of my temple and steward the plans you have made.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Running After Papa…

Glad Tidings

Gal 1:11-12 (NKJV) 11 But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.

The Greek for “gospel” is defined as:

The glad tidings of the kingdom of God soon to be set up, and subsequently also of Jesus the Messiah, the founder of this kingdom. After the death of Christ, the term comprises also the preaching of (concerning) Jesus Christ as having suffered death on the cross to procure eternal salvation for the men in the kingdom of God, but as restored to life and exalted to the right hand of God in heaven, thence to return in majesty to consummate the kingdom of God.

Webster defines “glad” as:

1 : having a cheerful or happy disposition by nature
2 a : experiencing pleasure, joy, or delight : made happy b : made pleased, satisfied, or grateful — often used with of c : very willing
3 a : marked by, expressive of, or caused by happiness and joy b : causing happiness and joy : pleasant
4 : full of brightness and cheerfulness

Webster defines “tidings” as a piece of news.

So the question this morning for me is this: Is the Gospel message a piece of news that makes me cheerful or of a happy disposition by nature?

If I look like a I was “weaned on a pickle” and constantly seeing the worst in everything and everyone, has the bit of news about Jesus made me full of brightness and cheerfulness?

Am I experiencing pleasure, joy, or delight in the understanding of what Christ has done? Have I been made happy, pleased, satisfied or grateful by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for my sins?

Am I marked by or expressive of joy and happiness because of the message of Galatians 2:20 and John 3:16?

Am I causing happiness and joy in the lives of others?

If I cannot answer those questions in the affirmative, then I have a disconnect between what I have received and what I deserve.

Luke 7:36-50 tells the story of the woman described as “a sinner” breaks the alabaster jar of oil over Jesus’ feet and washes his feet with her tears and hair. The self-righteous Pharisees were judging both Christ and the woman in that moment. In a parable Jesus draws the picture one who is forgiven much, loves much.

How much has God forgiven me of?

I need to remember that more often. I need to occasionally catch a whiff of the cesspool of my humanity and sinfulness and what an offensive and repulsive stench it must be in Father God’s nostrils.

When I come into the understanding of how offensive my sin is – any sin – as God has no grading scale for sin; it is either sin or it isn’t – I gain an appreciation of just how undeserving I am of the grace and mercy He has shown and given to me.

THIS is the “glad tidings” of Christ! That I am able to come into the presence of the one and only Creator God for all of eternity, is more than enough to make me glad.

But God gives us more than that. He has provided that one-on-one relationship with Him while we are still here on this earth. We don’t have to wait to die to be with Him, He desires to be in personal relationship with Him NOW. God has promised his Spirit to live in, dwell in, and guide us through this life. This should put “glad” in overdrive!

He has forgiven me much more than I even realize.

He has saved me from eternity without Him.

He has made a way for a daily, personal relationship with him that is not based on my performance or actions.

He loves me unconditionally – forever.

He has provided peace in the midst of trouble and strength in exhaustion.

He never changes!

Now THAT is glad tidings!

Running After Papa…