By Allen White
For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. But God found fault with the people and said:
“The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt,
because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord.
This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear. Hebrews 8:7-13
The Letter to the Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who considered returning to Judaism and the old covenant. They were a bit unnerved by their newfound freedom and were ready to return to the bondage of the Law. People often find comfort in familiar surroundings.
We are creatures of habit. We park in the same space at work almost daily. We order the same dishes in the same restaurants. We buy the same brand that we’ve used for years. Why re-decide every time? It’s just too much work.
I sit at the same table in the same coffee shop where I write these devotionals. When I came in this morning, only one person was seated in the entire place. He was sitting at my table. But, after a little prayer, he left, and my writing routine was back to normal. (To clarify – my prayer wasn’t for him to leave, though it was my secret ambition.)
Human nature tends toward rules and patterns. Rules are safe. If we never watch television, then we don’t have to avert our eyes when Victoria’s Secret commercials come on. If we never talked, we would never insult someone or tell a lie. If we never ate, then we would never over-eat. But, it’s not that simple is it?
We could choose to avoid alcohol, tobacco or desserts, but we have to eat. If we’re eating something we don’t like, it’s easy to quit. But, if we’re eating something delicious, it’s hard to refuse another helping. And, if we’re stressed out, then it’s easy to dive into a vat of Ben and Jerry’s. But, where and when did our eating interfere with our relationship with God? Where’s the line?
Rules keep things nice and neat. The problem is that life is messy. When the toothpaste doesn’t go back into the tube, sometimes the best thing we can do is to admit that we made a mess.
The old covenant or the Law specialized in pointing out our faults (Romans 3:20). The new covenant offers unconditional acceptance. The Law of Gravity says that what goes up must come down. The new covenant provides a safety net. God’s grace allows for an “oops,” but prevents a splat.
The old covenant placed a burden on people. The new covenant works from the inside out. “I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts” (Hebrews 8:10).
What’s eating at you these days? What is getting the best of you? God will “strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being” (Ephesians 3:16).
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Monday, May 16, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Truth Versus Tradition
By Allen White
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:17-19
We have a funny relationship with the Old Testament Law. Some of us run from it. The Law is so, uh, legalistic. Others run to it. For some, rules make things safe. For others, rules make for rebellion.
Once upon a time, the “Law” was only one command: “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” Adam and Eve didn’t have to worry about taking the Lord’s Name in vain or honoring their fathers and their mothers (think about it), or coveting their neighbor’s stuff (again). They just needed to eat everything else in the entire garden, except for the fruit of this one tree. That was the entire Law. Easy enough, right?
But, once Adam and Eve tasted of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, there were all kinds of options. Sin could now be nuanced from the bizarre to the mundane. The world was their oyster, and suddenly they were allergic to shellfish.
God didn’t give the Law to curtail human joy. God didn’t give the Law merely to educate us on infectious skin diseases. God gave the Law because He knew what was good and what wasn’t good for people.
People who were once free to live and enjoy all that God created had now died spiritually and were exposed to evil for the first time. People needed boundaries so they wouldn’t destroy themselves. Yes, they had knowledge, but they lacked wisdom.
The Law wasn’t the total solution. First of all, no one could keep the entire Law. No one was that good. Since perfection is impossible, the focus fell of keeping a portion of the Law that was more manageable. After all, as long as you fit into your religious culture, you’re okay, right?
The definition of devotion fell to the religious leaders of the day. They determined what should and should not be done. They knew how to work the system (Matthew 23:25), and they knew how to manipulate the loop holes (Mark 7:10-12). The Law became convenient to some and controlling to others. It was a heavy burden.
Jesus is the complete fulfillment of the Law. He is the only person to live a perfect life and never sin. The Law wasn’t a heavy burden placed upon Him. The Law was in Him. He focused on the “Shalts” and didn’t make it to the “Shalt Nots.”
The Pharisees and religious leaders didn’t approve of Jesus’ actions. After all, Jesus broke their rules – He healed on the Sabbath, He ate with sinners, He didn’t wash His hands correctly – Jesus bucked the system, but He fulfilled the Law.
The question for us is whether we’re following the Truth of God’s Word or fitting into a religious system. They aren’t the same thing.
Years ago, my home church held a business meeting to determine whether we would change the Sunday evening service time from starting at 7 pm to starting at 6 pm. It was a big deal. By unanimous consent and the will of God, the time was changed.
I would no longer be tempted by the previews of the Wonderful World of Disney or Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. Now, we went to church immediately after dinner and went to bed shortly after we got home.
But, here’s the thing – when we examine Scripture, we don’t see a Sunday night service at 6 pm or 7 pm. We also don’t see a Sunday morning service. We also don’t see from Scripture that we should have four songs, three points and a poem in our services. It’s tradition. It’s not unbiblical, but it’s part of our religious system.
Don’t get me wrong. I have nothing against church services. Believers are instructed to meet together (Hebrews 10:25). The early church met in public places and in homes (Acts 5:42). The question is – have our habits shaped our understanding of what God requires? Do we make assumptions about what the Bible says based on what we’ve always done or have always thought?
Often evangelicals look down on other churches because of their traditions, yet how many evangelical traditions have become sacred over the last hundred years without thinking whether our actions were truly biblical? When we judge others and determine that they aren’t good enough to fellowship in our circles are we reflecting Jesus? When others don’t play by our rules, do we hold on to our rules or do we reach out to them? Do we even know God’s Word well enough to gracefully live out God’s commands?
What part of your Christian walk are you struggling with these days? Is it because of sin? Is it because of someone else’s interpretation of what God expects? If you don’t know what to do, ask God. He will clue you in.
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Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:17-19
We have a funny relationship with the Old Testament Law. Some of us run from it. The Law is so, uh, legalistic. Others run to it. For some, rules make things safe. For others, rules make for rebellion.
Once upon a time, the “Law” was only one command: “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” Adam and Eve didn’t have to worry about taking the Lord’s Name in vain or honoring their fathers and their mothers (think about it), or coveting their neighbor’s stuff (again). They just needed to eat everything else in the entire garden, except for the fruit of this one tree. That was the entire Law. Easy enough, right?
But, once Adam and Eve tasted of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, there were all kinds of options. Sin could now be nuanced from the bizarre to the mundane. The world was their oyster, and suddenly they were allergic to shellfish.
God didn’t give the Law to curtail human joy. God didn’t give the Law merely to educate us on infectious skin diseases. God gave the Law because He knew what was good and what wasn’t good for people.
People who were once free to live and enjoy all that God created had now died spiritually and were exposed to evil for the first time. People needed boundaries so they wouldn’t destroy themselves. Yes, they had knowledge, but they lacked wisdom.
The Law wasn’t the total solution. First of all, no one could keep the entire Law. No one was that good. Since perfection is impossible, the focus fell of keeping a portion of the Law that was more manageable. After all, as long as you fit into your religious culture, you’re okay, right?
The definition of devotion fell to the religious leaders of the day. They determined what should and should not be done. They knew how to work the system (Matthew 23:25), and they knew how to manipulate the loop holes (Mark 7:10-12). The Law became convenient to some and controlling to others. It was a heavy burden.
Jesus is the complete fulfillment of the Law. He is the only person to live a perfect life and never sin. The Law wasn’t a heavy burden placed upon Him. The Law was in Him. He focused on the “Shalts” and didn’t make it to the “Shalt Nots.”
The Pharisees and religious leaders didn’t approve of Jesus’ actions. After all, Jesus broke their rules – He healed on the Sabbath, He ate with sinners, He didn’t wash His hands correctly – Jesus bucked the system, but He fulfilled the Law.
The question for us is whether we’re following the Truth of God’s Word or fitting into a religious system. They aren’t the same thing.
Years ago, my home church held a business meeting to determine whether we would change the Sunday evening service time from starting at 7 pm to starting at 6 pm. It was a big deal. By unanimous consent and the will of God, the time was changed.
I would no longer be tempted by the previews of the Wonderful World of Disney or Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. Now, we went to church immediately after dinner and went to bed shortly after we got home.
But, here’s the thing – when we examine Scripture, we don’t see a Sunday night service at 6 pm or 7 pm. We also don’t see a Sunday morning service. We also don’t see from Scripture that we should have four songs, three points and a poem in our services. It’s tradition. It’s not unbiblical, but it’s part of our religious system.
Don’t get me wrong. I have nothing against church services. Believers are instructed to meet together (Hebrews 10:25). The early church met in public places and in homes (Acts 5:42). The question is – have our habits shaped our understanding of what God requires? Do we make assumptions about what the Bible says based on what we’ve always done or have always thought?
Often evangelicals look down on other churches because of their traditions, yet how many evangelical traditions have become sacred over the last hundred years without thinking whether our actions were truly biblical? When we judge others and determine that they aren’t good enough to fellowship in our circles are we reflecting Jesus? When others don’t play by our rules, do we hold on to our rules or do we reach out to them? Do we even know God’s Word well enough to gracefully live out God’s commands?
What part of your Christian walk are you struggling with these days? Is it because of sin? Is it because of someone else’s interpretation of what God expects? If you don’t know what to do, ask God. He will clue you in.
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Saturday, May 14, 2011
Blog Feed Issues
Dear Readers,
I apologize for devotionals that were missed or duplicated this week. Blogger, the service that I use, has had some significant problems this week. Everything looks set for next week. Cross your fingers and whisper a prayer.
Thanks for reading,
Allen
I apologize for devotionals that were missed or duplicated this week. Blogger, the service that I use, has had some significant problems this week. Everything looks set for next week. Cross your fingers and whisper a prayer.
Thanks for reading,
Allen
What If We Stopped Complaining?
By Allen White
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. Philippians 2:14-16
For some of us, these verses seem impossible. Grumbling and complaining might feel like breathing. Or, if it’s not a complaint, it comes out as sarcasm. Whether our snide remarks are resentful or recreational, they reflect the condition of our hearts.
Grumbling and complaining comes from the simple fact that the world is not as we think it should be. Whether our expectations are realistic or not, when our lives don’t measure up to our expectations, we grumble and complain. When our lives are less than what we think they should be, we grow resentful and sometimes angry.
The problem, according to this passage, is that grumbling and arguing are obstacles to becoming blameless and pure. The ugliness of our attitudes corrupts the purity of our souls. When we are saved, God declares us to be righteous (Romans 4:5) and purifies our hearts (Hebrews 10:21-22). Negative attitudes can pollute what God has purified.
Sometimes we excuse our attitudes, because of the world that we live in and what we have to deal with. The world is an unfair and an unjust place. Just watch the evening news – there’s plenty to be bitter about. Just look at how people treat each other – there’s plenty to resent.
Don’t you find it odd that the first century A.D. was regarded as “warped and crooked”? If that generation was warped and crooked, then what does that make our generation? They didn’t even have Lady Gaga back then.
Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians from prison. That wasn’t fair. Why wasn’t Paul bitter? Paul knew, as we know, that neither people nor evil are ultimately in charge of the universe. God is.
One day, every wrong will be righted (Revelation 19:11). One day, justice will prevail and evil will disappear (Revelation 20:10). Until that day, we must choose to trust that God loves us, He has a plan for us, and He knows what we’re dealing with. If we choose to trust rather than complain, then we “shine among them like stars in the sky.”
What are you known for these days – the light of Christ or grumbling and complaining? Complaining is really just a bad habit. There are times to bring things up. But, if the person that we’re talking to is not part of the problem or part of the solution, then it’s just grumbling and gossip.
It’s our choice to either become blameless, pure and bright or grumbling, complaining and dull. God will help us shine like stars. If we choose the other path, we’re on our own, consequences and all.
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Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. Philippians 2:14-16
For some of us, these verses seem impossible. Grumbling and complaining might feel like breathing. Or, if it’s not a complaint, it comes out as sarcasm. Whether our snide remarks are resentful or recreational, they reflect the condition of our hearts.
Grumbling and complaining comes from the simple fact that the world is not as we think it should be. Whether our expectations are realistic or not, when our lives don’t measure up to our expectations, we grumble and complain. When our lives are less than what we think they should be, we grow resentful and sometimes angry.
The problem, according to this passage, is that grumbling and arguing are obstacles to becoming blameless and pure. The ugliness of our attitudes corrupts the purity of our souls. When we are saved, God declares us to be righteous (Romans 4:5) and purifies our hearts (Hebrews 10:21-22). Negative attitudes can pollute what God has purified.
Sometimes we excuse our attitudes, because of the world that we live in and what we have to deal with. The world is an unfair and an unjust place. Just watch the evening news – there’s plenty to be bitter about. Just look at how people treat each other – there’s plenty to resent.
Don’t you find it odd that the first century A.D. was regarded as “warped and crooked”? If that generation was warped and crooked, then what does that make our generation? They didn’t even have Lady Gaga back then.
Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians from prison. That wasn’t fair. Why wasn’t Paul bitter? Paul knew, as we know, that neither people nor evil are ultimately in charge of the universe. God is.
One day, every wrong will be righted (Revelation 19:11). One day, justice will prevail and evil will disappear (Revelation 20:10). Until that day, we must choose to trust that God loves us, He has a plan for us, and He knows what we’re dealing with. If we choose to trust rather than complain, then we “shine among them like stars in the sky.”
What are you known for these days – the light of Christ or grumbling and complaining? Complaining is really just a bad habit. There are times to bring things up. But, if the person that we’re talking to is not part of the problem or part of the solution, then it’s just grumbling and gossip.
It’s our choice to either become blameless, pure and bright or grumbling, complaining and dull. God will help us shine like stars. If we choose the other path, we’re on our own, consequences and all.
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Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Distracted and Discouraged
By Allen White
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:15-16
Jesus spoke these words to the church of Laodicea. They had become distracted by the things of this world (Revelation 3:17). Like many American Christians, they thought they were fertile soil for God’s Word to grow in, but the reality is they were more like thorny ground (Matthew 13:1-23). They were distracted by the things of this world. They were more concerned with comfort than character. They lived a faith that suited them.
Their faith was like a cup of warm milk at bedtime. Their tummies were full. Their appetites were satisfied enough to lull them to sleep. Good was the enemy of great.
Wilbur Rees wrote a poem years ago that reflects the spiritual condition of Laodicea:
“I would like to buy $3 worth of God, please.
Not enough to explode my soul or disturb my sleep,
but just enough to equal a cup of warm milk
or a snooze in the sunshine.
I don’t want enough of God to make me love [people who are different from me]
or pick beets with a migrant.
I want ecstasy, not transformation.
I want warmth of the womb, not a new birth.
I want a pound of the Eternal in a paper sack.
I would like to buy $3 worth of God, please.”
God wants each of us to live an abundant life (John 10:10), but all of that abundance is not merely for ourselves. It’s interesting that some of the most joyful people in the world have very few material possessions. Yet, people with many material things are not satisfied.
Why? Because things are meant to be used, but not loved. Only God satisfies. Only God causes us to be happy. As C.S. Lewis wrote, “God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.”
What is keeping you unhappy these days? What in your life was over-promised, yet has under-delivered? Could it be that you are relying on something or someone instead of relying on God? God can actually meet all of your needs. God wants to meet all of your needs. What is coming between you and God these days? What can you do to eliminate that from your life?
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I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:15-16
Jesus spoke these words to the church of Laodicea. They had become distracted by the things of this world (Revelation 3:17). Like many American Christians, they thought they were fertile soil for God’s Word to grow in, but the reality is they were more like thorny ground (Matthew 13:1-23). They were distracted by the things of this world. They were more concerned with comfort than character. They lived a faith that suited them.
Their faith was like a cup of warm milk at bedtime. Their tummies were full. Their appetites were satisfied enough to lull them to sleep. Good was the enemy of great.
Wilbur Rees wrote a poem years ago that reflects the spiritual condition of Laodicea:
“I would like to buy $3 worth of God, please.
Not enough to explode my soul or disturb my sleep,
but just enough to equal a cup of warm milk
or a snooze in the sunshine.
I don’t want enough of God to make me love [people who are different from me]
or pick beets with a migrant.
I want ecstasy, not transformation.
I want warmth of the womb, not a new birth.
I want a pound of the Eternal in a paper sack.
I would like to buy $3 worth of God, please.”
God wants each of us to live an abundant life (John 10:10), but all of that abundance is not merely for ourselves. It’s interesting that some of the most joyful people in the world have very few material possessions. Yet, people with many material things are not satisfied.
Why? Because things are meant to be used, but not loved. Only God satisfies. Only God causes us to be happy. As C.S. Lewis wrote, “God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.”
What is keeping you unhappy these days? What in your life was over-promised, yet has under-delivered? Could it be that you are relying on something or someone instead of relying on God? God can actually meet all of your needs. God wants to meet all of your needs. What is coming between you and God these days? What can you do to eliminate that from your life?
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Tuesday, May 10, 2011
You Have More Influence Than You Think
By Allen White
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 others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:15-16
For some of us, these verses have been with us from the time we learned the song, “This Little Light of Mine.” One pastor tells the story of a child visiting their children’s ministry who had never been in church before. This child’s version of the song went “hide it under a bush, Hell no!” What he lacked in understanding, he more than made up for in zeal.
An unbeliever’s attraction to the Gospel isn’t centered on a well-crafted explanation of the message. If that was the case, then Christian television, radio, stadium events, tent meetings, websites and tweets would already have saved everyone by now. Words are only words until they're made flesh (John 1:14).
The unbeliever with the best chance of accepting Christ is the unbeliever who is surrounded by believers. The presence of believers who understand what they have in Jesus Christ is significant. Prayers are answered. The discouraged are encouraged. The lost are found.
You may be saying at this point, “Okay, I’m saved. I go to church every morning. I don’t hide the fact that I’m a Christian. But, I’m not seeing these things happen.” If that’s the case, then my guess is that you’re too busy to allow these things to happen.
For God to use you to influence another, you have to be available. Most of us simply aren’t available.
When we tell God that we are available, then we have to pay attention to what’s going on around us. When we see someone who needs help, then we actually need the time to help them. Now, you may be thinking, “Well, I don’t really have time for that.” If you’re too busy to do God’s will, then you’re too busy.
If we want God to use us, then we have to create margin in our lives to actually be used. We have to say “no” to some of the things in our lives that don’t really satisfy us anyway. We have to give others our time and attention. Our presence in the lives of others is far more significant than most of us realize.
John Maxwell says that “Leadership is influence.” Leadership is not merely a title or a trait. As Rick Warren says, “If you think you’re a leader, and you don’t have any followers, you’re only taking a walk.” Who do you have influence with?
Who will try a new restaurant because you recommended it? Who will avoid a bad movie based on your review? Who will change their view of things, either positively or negatively, based on your attitude? You have more influence than you think.
Follow us on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/galatians419
To subscribe or leave a comment on the galatians419 devotional blog: http://galatians419.blogspot.com/
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 others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:15-16
For some of us, these verses have been with us from the time we learned the song, “This Little Light of Mine.” One pastor tells the story of a child visiting their children’s ministry who had never been in church before. This child’s version of the song went “hide it under a bush, Hell no!” What he lacked in understanding, he more than made up for in zeal.
An unbeliever’s attraction to the Gospel isn’t centered on a well-crafted explanation of the message. If that was the case, then Christian television, radio, stadium events, tent meetings, websites and tweets would already have saved everyone by now. Words are only words until they're made flesh (John 1:14).
The unbeliever with the best chance of accepting Christ is the unbeliever who is surrounded by believers. The presence of believers who understand what they have in Jesus Christ is significant. Prayers are answered. The discouraged are encouraged. The lost are found.
You may be saying at this point, “Okay, I’m saved. I go to church every morning. I don’t hide the fact that I’m a Christian. But, I’m not seeing these things happen.” If that’s the case, then my guess is that you’re too busy to allow these things to happen.
For God to use you to influence another, you have to be available. Most of us simply aren’t available.
When we tell God that we are available, then we have to pay attention to what’s going on around us. When we see someone who needs help, then we actually need the time to help them. Now, you may be thinking, “Well, I don’t really have time for that.” If you’re too busy to do God’s will, then you’re too busy.
If we want God to use us, then we have to create margin in our lives to actually be used. We have to say “no” to some of the things in our lives that don’t really satisfy us anyway. We have to give others our time and attention. Our presence in the lives of others is far more significant than most of us realize.
John Maxwell says that “Leadership is influence.” Leadership is not merely a title or a trait. As Rick Warren says, “If you think you’re a leader, and you don’t have any followers, you’re only taking a walk.” Who do you have influence with?
Who will try a new restaurant because you recommended it? Who will avoid a bad movie based on your review? Who will change their view of things, either positively or negatively, based on your attitude? You have more influence than you think.
Follow us on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/galatians419
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Monday, May 9, 2011
You’re Brighter Than You Think
By Allen White
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14
One of my favorite spots in the world is the Point Piños Lighthouse near Monterey, California. It’s one of the oldest lighthouses on the west coast and is just up the coast from Pebble Beach.
The cool thing about the lighthouse is that in addition to housing the light, it also housed the light keeper. Just imagine the million dollar view. Of course, light keepers worked at night….
In the days of light keepers, the light needed to be tended. The light keeper would turn it on, turn it off, and keep it going in-between. Today, even the Point Piños Lighthouse is automated. Retired Coast Guard supervise the tours, but the light doesn’t need anyone to run it.
The formula is simple: when it’s dark, the light shines. The light doesn’t need to work hard to shine. It just shines. It’s positioned to been seen from far off shore. It’s not on a high hill, but it’s positioned to warn ships based on the curvature of the earth.
We don’t possess the light because we are so bright. The light is the light of Christ. It originates from Him, not from us. For instance, John the Baptist (who pointed to Christ) tended the light, but didn’t produce it. “John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world” (John 1:8-9, NLT).
The difference between believers today and John the Baptist is that the light of Christ was with John, but the light of Christ is in us. “For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).
Light in a dark place is obvious. It doesn’t have to jump up and down. It doesn’t have to make a lot of noise. Light simply shines.
How is your life positioned to shine the light of Christ? What is it about your life that shows you possess the light of Christ? I don’t say that as some guilt-inducing attempt to make you try harder. Your trying harder wouldn’t get you there.
We possess the light of Christ. Yet, many of us don’t really understand the significance of what we’ve been given. We pray about nothing, when we’re instructed to pray about everything (Philippians 4:6), and then we attempt to live our lives for Christ without His Power or Presence. No wonder we feel frustrated and defeated.
Ask Jesus to show you what it means to possess His Light. Then, notice how the light of Christ can affect the darkness around you.
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You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14
One of my favorite spots in the world is the Point Piños Lighthouse near Monterey, California. It’s one of the oldest lighthouses on the west coast and is just up the coast from Pebble Beach.
The cool thing about the lighthouse is that in addition to housing the light, it also housed the light keeper. Just imagine the million dollar view. Of course, light keepers worked at night….
In the days of light keepers, the light needed to be tended. The light keeper would turn it on, turn it off, and keep it going in-between. Today, even the Point Piños Lighthouse is automated. Retired Coast Guard supervise the tours, but the light doesn’t need anyone to run it.
The formula is simple: when it’s dark, the light shines. The light doesn’t need to work hard to shine. It just shines. It’s positioned to been seen from far off shore. It’s not on a high hill, but it’s positioned to warn ships based on the curvature of the earth.
We don’t possess the light because we are so bright. The light is the light of Christ. It originates from Him, not from us. For instance, John the Baptist (who pointed to Christ) tended the light, but didn’t produce it. “John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world” (John 1:8-9, NLT).
The difference between believers today and John the Baptist is that the light of Christ was with John, but the light of Christ is in us. “For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).
Light in a dark place is obvious. It doesn’t have to jump up and down. It doesn’t have to make a lot of noise. Light simply shines.
How is your life positioned to shine the light of Christ? What is it about your life that shows you possess the light of Christ? I don’t say that as some guilt-inducing attempt to make you try harder. Your trying harder wouldn’t get you there.
We possess the light of Christ. Yet, many of us don’t really understand the significance of what we’ve been given. We pray about nothing, when we’re instructed to pray about everything (Philippians 4:6), and then we attempt to live our lives for Christ without His Power or Presence. No wonder we feel frustrated and defeated.
Ask Jesus to show you what it means to possess His Light. Then, notice how the light of Christ can affect the darkness around you.
Follow us on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/galatians419
To subscribe or leave a comment on the galatians419 devotional blog: http://galatians419.blogspot.com/
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