A life of balance & purpose!

Idol or Item

The following is a brief test that can help you find any hidden idols in your life.

 

1.        I can not go one day without____________________________________.

2.       I would prefer to spend most of my free-time___________________________.

3.       I think most often about____________________________________________.

4.       My 1^st hour of awake time is spent doing__________________________________.

5.       I spend most of my thinking about and researching ___________________________.

6.       What person, thing, food or idea do I have an unquenchable desire for___________________________.

7.       I sacrifice the most for _____________________________________________________________.

 

Often times we become so self-righteous and unconsciously prideful that we don’t realize the idols we have placed before God. 

 

Priscilla Shirer say’s it so well when she wrote, “Your god is what you seek.  It’s what you love, trust in, worship, serve and allow to control you.”

 

Our God is forgiving and abounding in grace.  Ask him to reveal your hidden areas, repent and make Him the priority.  Your best life depends on it!

 

Heaven on the mind!

The critical question for our generation-and for every generation-is this:  If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all your friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disaster, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ was not there?  From John Piper’s God is the Gospel.

How many of you will read those words and say, “ You know, I just might be okay with that”?  If you are deeply in love with God, you could never be satisfied in heaven without Christ.  From Francis Chan’s Crazy Love.

Share with others!

Don't assume you are good soil.

Has your relationship with Goad actually changed the way you live?  Do you see evidence of God’s kingdom in your life?  Or are you choking it out slowly by spending too much time, energy, money and thought on the things of this world? 

Are you satisfied being “godly enough” to get yourself to heaven, or to look good in comparison to others?  Or can you say with Paul that you “want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Phil. 3:10)?  Is that too much Jesus for you?

The American church is a difficult place to fit in if you want to live out New Testament Christianity.  The goals of the American Christianity are often a nice marriage, children who don’t swear, and good church attendance.  Taking the words of Christ literally & seriously are rarely considered.  That’s for those “radicals” who are “unbalanced” and go “overboard”.  Most of us want a balanced life that we can control, that is safe, and that does not involve suffering.

Would you describe yourself as totally in love with Jesus Christ or his stuff?  Do the words halfhearted, lukewarm, and partially committed fit better?

The Bible says to test ourselves.  The next few statements will help you do this.  Be honest, assess who you are today, not who you want to be one of those days…that day may never come.  If need be-repent & move forward with a new mind!

Lukewarm people do this:

1.       Attend church fairly regularly.  It is what is expected of them, what they believe “good Christians” do, so they go.  Check yourself: Isa. 29:13

2.       Give money to charity and to the church…as long as it doesn’t impinge on their standard of living.  If they have a little extra and it is easy & safe to give, they do so.  After all, God loves a cheerful giver, right?  Check yourself: I Chron. 21:24, Like 21:1-4.

3.       Choose what is popular over what is right when they are conflict.  They desire to fit in both at church and outside the church; they care more about what people think of their actions (like church attendance & giving than what God thinks of their hearts & lives.  Check yourself: Luke 6:26, Rev. 3:1.

4.       They don’t really want to be saved from their sin; they want to be saved from the penalty of their sin.  They don’t genuinely hate sin and aren’t sorry for it; they’re merely sorry because God is going to punish them.  Lukewarm people don’t really believe that this new life Jesus offers is better than the old sinful life.  Check yourself: John 10:10, Rom. 6:1-2.

5.       Are moved by stories of people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do no act.  They assume such action is for “extreme” Christians, not average ones.  Luke warm people call “radical” what Jesus expected of ALL his followers.  Check yourself: Kames 1:22, James 4:17.

6.       Rarely share their faith with neighbors, coworkers or friends.  They do not want to be rejected, nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion.  Check yourself: Matt. 10:32-33.

7.       Gauge their morality or “goodness” by comparing themselves to the secular world.  They feel satisfied that while they aren’t as hard-core for Jesus as so-and-so, they are nowhere as horrible as the guy down the street.  Check yourself: Luke 18:11-12.

8.       Say they love Jesus, and He is, indeed, a part of their lives.  But only a part.  They give Him a section of their time, their money, and their thoughts, but He isn’t allowed to control their lives.  Check yourself: Luke 9:57-62.

9.       Love God, but they do not love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength.  They would be quick to assure you that they try to love God that much, but that sort of total devotion isn’t really possible for the average person; its’ only for pastors and missionaries and radicals.  Check yourself: Matt. 22:37-38.

10.   Will serve God and others, but there are limits to how far they will go or how much time, money and energy they will give.  Check yourself: Luke 18:21-25.

11.   Think about life on earth much more often than eternity in heaven. Daily life is mostly focused on today’s to-do list, this week’s schedule, and next month’s vacation.  Rarely, if ever, do the intently consider the life to come.  Regarding this, C.S. Lewis writes, “ If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next.  It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.”  Check yourself: Phil. 3:18-20, Col. 3:2.

12.   Are thankful for their luxuries and comforts and rarely consider trying to give as much as possible to the poor.  They are quick to point out, “ Jesus never said money is the root of all evil, only the love of money is.”  Untold numbers of lukewarm people feel “called” to minister to the rich; very few feel “called” to minister to the poor.  Check yourself: Matt. 25:34,40, Isa. 58:6-7.

13.   Do whatever is necessary to keep themselves from feeling too guilty.  They want to do the bare minimum, to be “good enough” without it requiring too much of them.  They ask, “ How far can I go before it’s a sin instead of How can I keep myself pure as the temple of the Holy Spirit, They ask, “ How much do I have to give?” instead of “ how much can I give?”, They ask, “how much time should I spend praying and reading my Bible?” instead of “ I wish I didn’t have to work, so I could sit here and read longer!”  Check yourself: I Chron. 29:14, Matt. 13:44-46.

14.   They are continually concerned with playing it safe; they are salves to the god of control.  This focus on safe living keeps them from sacrificing and risking for God.  Check yourself: I Tim. 6:17-18, Matt. 10:28.

15.   Feel secure because they attend church, made a profession of faith at age 12, were baptized, come from a Christian family, vote Republican, or live in America.  You are not safe because you wear the  label Christian or because some people persist in calling us a Christian nation.  Check yourself: Matt. 7:21, Amos 6:1.

16.   Do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to.  They don’t have to trust God if something unexpected happens-they have their savings account.  They don’t need God to help them-they have their retirement plan in place.  They don’t genuinely seek out what life God would have them live live-they have life figured out and mapped out.  They don’t depend on God on a daily basis-their refrigerators are full and, for the most part, they are in good health.  The truth is, their lives wouldn’t look much different if they suddenly stopped believing in God.  Check yourself: Luke 12:16-21 also Hebrews 11.

17.   They probably drink and swear less than average, but besides that, they really aren’t very different from your typical unbeliever.  They equate their partially sanitized lives with holiness, but they couldn’t be more wrong.  Check yourself: Matt. 23:25-28.

This list is no all inclusive of what it means to be a Christian not is it intended to be used as ammunition to judge your fellow believers’ salvation. Instead it should be used as 2 Corinthians 13:5 says, to examine yourself to see whether you are in the faith. 

Jesus ask for everything.  But we try to give Him less.  Jesus said, Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?  It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out.  This isn’t a cute little analogy Jesus was using.  He is addressing those who aren’t willing to give everything, who won’t follow him all the ay.  He is saying that lukewarm, halfhearted following is useless, that it sickens out souls.  He is saying that this kind of salt is not even fit :for the manure pile.”

Wow,  How would you like to hear the Son of God say, “ You would ruin manure”?

This excerpt comes from the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan.  My eyes are opened further and I am only getting to Chapter 5 of 10 chapter.  Lord help us all!

Romans 11

Ray's take on it:

Romans 11

It’s easy to feel as though we run this race alone.  It seems like so few are going to endure until the end.  We are encouraged by Paul that we are not alone even though it feels that way some time.  Even Elijah felt this way and God had to tell him that there were 7000 others who had not yet bowed to baal (sorry, I can’t bring myself to capitalize that name).  Even one of the greatest prophets of all time felt like he was fighting a battle by himself.  It’s just proof (and confirmation of other Scripture) that when you do the work of the Lord, when you adhere to His word, when you walk with Him daily, the enemy will isolate you or at least try and make you feel isolated.  It’s great to know that even when we seem to be alone we are not.  The feeling of isolation is difficult.  We are designed to desire community and to fellowship with one another. Isolation can create additional pressure to give in.  To not endure.  To question God.  Think about it….even God isn’t alone.  Before the existence of man, the Trinity existed as evidenced in multiple places in the Bible.

We are also encouraged to know that Gentiles are grafted into the Kingdom.  God’s beautiful plan was to provide all with an opportunity to be redeemed.  In providing salvation to Gentiles He hopes to arouse the Jews into accepting Jesus as well.  If God’s chosen people were to accept him imagine the blessing!  He is waiting and desiring for them to turn and accept Christ. 

God is both severe and fair.  He is fair in more ways than one could write about.  Even when He is being severe He is doing so because He is just and a just God cannot allow for our transgressions to go unpunished.  It’s amazing how much it parallels a parent/child relationship.  Even in the midst of our parents ‘severely’ punishing us we never doubted their love or their intentions for us.   Verse 32 highlights that “God has imprisoned all people in their disobedience so he could have mercy on everyone!”  Wow, what a powerful statement and revelation!  Even in our imprisonment God is leading us to desire a relationship with Him. To accept Him and to worship Him as only He deserves to be glorified. As this chapter make so abundantly clear, everything that exists does so by His power and is intended for His glory!  Amen!

Kisha's take on it:

Apparently, somewhere along the way the Jews got side-tracked or confused causing God to send a Jewish Messiah that would not only save the Jews but all people.

We can ask God for wisdom but we must remember that He is all-knowing & all-powerful.  We cannot get into the cycle of thinking that our ideas, plans, or wants are things that God will provide for us or deem necessary for us.  All we can do is ask and wait to see if we receive it.  We live in the world with free-choice to do things that are pleasing to God.  We have talents, desires, gifts and skills within us that He expects us to utilize.  However, He makes the ultimate decision on what will be successful, fruitful, or just mediocre and His choices should never be rejected or complained about for He knows what is best for us.  We can have faith in knowing that He wants the best for us and that He loves to bless us.

Romans 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10

Ray's take:

Romans 6 -

As usual, Paul 'brings the heat' in this chapter.   Paul addresses the idea of continuing in sin so that God's grace would abound more.  He says NO.  Grace isn't a hall pas to keep sinning.  The wages of sin is Death!  What he teaches us is that we are dead to sin but we are alive in Christ.  When Christ died, was buried, and resurrected believers were also resurrected.  He took our place.  He was the only substitute capable of doing so.  His blood was shed in our place.  He redeemed those in the past (before Christ) and all of those who believed in Him that would follow.  Hallelujah!

Verses 10 and 14 are key anchors in this chapter.  As believers we are now called to live our lives for Christ.  We are no longer slaves to sin but we free in Christ (and wiling slaves to Him too).

It's funny because once you come to the knowledge of Christ and accept Him into your life you become ashamed of your past sin (v21).  It's like the wool is removed from your eyes and you realize just how naked you really were without Christ (much like Adam and Eve discovered).  Paul asks the question "What good was your sin"?  Of course there is no answer to that question.

Romans 7-

Without the law we would not know we have a need for Christ and that we have fallen short.  We are aroused by the law into this awareness.  The weight of the law is a constant reminder that we need to be redeemed by a redeemer.  Actually we need THE Redeemer!  The law is essentially a measuring stick.  Who is capable of looking at the law and saying they are not guilty?  We are all guilty.  Despite our transgressions, God through Christ looks at us and says 'NOT GUILTY'.  We need Christ to avoid sin.  We have the ability and authority through Christ to resist the devil and to not sin.  It's when we try to do this in our own strength that we fail.  It's really an interesting dichotomy.  We are first Spirit, then Soul, then Flesh.  The dichotomy is that our sprit wants to resist sin yet our flesh longs for it.  In other words, this side of heaven we will be in a constant battle.  It's Christ who gives us the strength and ability to resist sin.

Romans 8 -

Jesus came and filled in the gaps of our shortcomings under the law.  He made us whole!  There is no condemnation for followers of Christ.  If Christ is in you then your body is DEAD.  Again, the emphasis on the ability to live a life without sin through Christ.

We are also not to be slaves to fear.  These are truly words to keep in the forefront of our mind and our thoughts.  How many of Christ's followers were defeated before they ever started?  How many of them did not accomplish their purpose because of fear?  Fear cripples God's people and it contradicts what God has told us about ourselves.  We believe the lie from the devil that puts us into a state of fear.  If we can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us then what is there to fear?  We shouldn't even fear the sufferings we are going to face due to our belief in Christ.  If the world wouldn't accept Christ then why would they accept us?  We can expect to be persecuted by the world and we should do so gladly.  We should consider that the suffering we face in this world is not even worth comparing to the ultimate glory that will be revealed in us later!

Instead we should eagerly anticipate the second coming of Christ.  We should desire Him so greatly that we are disappointed that he hasn't come already.  Not disappointed in Christ because it is in his timing that He will return for His people; but disappointed because our longing to be with Him is so deep and strong that we are disappointed that we have to wait another MINUTE to be with Him.  Maranatha!!!!!  Despite our desire to be with him immediately, we must be patient and wait for His plan to unfold.

So often we hear Christians reference verse 28 which states: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. Who have been called according to his purpose".  I think we often lose sight of what that really means.  It doesn't mean we won't face evil and harm as believers.  It means that God will use them for his glory too!  What the enemy intended for evil and harm will ultimately be used for God to get His glory....the glory he so rightfully deserves.  Don't let those trials and tribulations shake your faith.  Once you do that the enemy will begin attacking you in a way that causes you to question your salvation.  If he can do that then you are not able to walk in the authority Christ has given us.  That's exactly what the enemy wants you to lose.....your authority!  Don't give it up. It is stated really clearly in Chapter 8 that nothing can separate us from Christ!  Praise God!

Romans 9 -

I am particularly moved by how much Paul longed to 'save' his people.  Not actually save them because only Christ can do that but he longed for them to accept and receive the message, love, and truth of Christ.  He was even willing to take their place in suffering that they may come to know Christ.  It made me look inward and ask if I long for sinners to be saved in the same way.  To some degree I suppose I do but I'm not convinced I'm as committed to it as Paul.  It's an area I need to pray about. I should be almost moved tears every time I  learn of someone who has not come to know Christ or who has rejected the Gospel.

We have nothing to boast about except for boasting in Christ.  How can we take pride in anything as if we do anything on our own?  It is only through Christ that we are capable of accomplishing anything.  This is something we all need to look out for and defend against.  This world likes to build people up and never acknowledges that we are not the source of whatever accomplishments it is they want to recognize.  It is the gifting of God that enables us to do anything of significance.  I'm convinced that pride is the cause of all sin.  We should be especially mindful of pride creeping into our thinking and our attitude.  It's that pride that causes us to think of ourselves as more than we really are.  It's pride that leads us to believe we don't need God and once that happens the rest is history.  The antidote to pride is being humbled.  Why do you think the Word so often references being humble or humbling ourselves?

We should even be careful about being prideful that we came to know Christ.  We were not chosen because there was anything special about us but because God chose us.  Who are we to even think we had a hand in Gods favor?  Who war ewe to think we fully understand God?  Who are we to question Him?  The most important thing one can ever know is that we cannot save ourselves and our good works won't save us either.  It is only through the Son that we can be saved.

Chapter 10 -

Again we find Paul longing for his people to know Christ.  It is interesting to note that the intentions (zeal) of his people were good but they misguided.  They failed to realize they too needed Christ.  They essentially tried to create their own path to salvation which was largely based on good works and obeying the law (which we know you can't do without Christ).   The didn't understand that salvation is a gift.  No one earns it or deserves it in the eyes of a Holy and perfect God.  Ironic that Gods chosen people who were looking for the Messiah would reject him and the Gentiles who knew nothing about the coming Messiah were the ones who accepted Him.

The evidence of God is all around us if we just take time to notice.  Even someone who has never heard the Word has an opportunity to know Christ.  He reveals himself through all of His marvelous creation and His existence cannot be disputed. Therefore, we have all had an opportunity to know God and to experience a relationship with Him. As a result, we are all accountable for our actions and our acceptance of Him.  No one is excused from this accountability.  That doesn't excuse one to not preach the gospel.  The great commission clearly instructs us to preach the word to all and to the ends of the earth!  Faith comes by hearing the Word and how can someone hear the Word if it is not preached?

In summary, I would stress the importance of allowing God to live in your heart.  By doing that your mouth will confess Him and His wonderful plan to save us.  By sharing that word with others they will too have an opportunity to have faith and through that faith they will be saved!  Hold up your end of the deal and share Him with those in your life!

Kisha's take:

Chapters 6 & 7, These bring affirmation that our flesh will desire to do what is wrong.  Sure, for the most part our conscious can assist us in making right choices but those old sin struggles (or any sin) will always want to control us.  We can be thankful that as Christians, we have the Holy Spirit living within us and can overcome theses struggles.  We should choose daily to walk a life that makes Him smile.  Become a slave to Christ.

Chapter 8, Again it speaks to our freedom in Christ.  We are no longer bound by sins hold.  We can literally call on the Holy Spirit in times of weakness and He will rescue us.  He will cause the devil to flee.  This chapter also makes it very clear that we are still under earthly rules.  We will not be free from suffering, errors or the like but we can rest assured that God will always have our back as long as we keep our faith in Him and are striving to live a right life because we love Him and want to please Him in all we do.

Chapter 9, I found verse 17 very interesting as I had never noticed it.  God chooses those who will be blessed & he chooses those who will suffer.  I also found in this chapter a very good teaching on how our faith (belief & acknowledgment0 in Jesus Christ is what makes us children of God.  We can't do enough for God to love us.  Sure we should practice Bible principles of love, mercy, kindness, giving, compassion and so forth but these things should come from a pure heart; not the desire to look good so God can be happy with you.  God love us because we can believe in His awesomeness & His son, Jesus.  This type of love will cause a person to want to do good on GP not based on lawful orders & religious babble.

Chapter 10, I found verse 18 interesting.  I have this notion in my mind that the Lord will return once everyone has had a chance to hear the Word.  However, after reading verse 18, apparently my notion is in accurate.  I felt the remainder of this chapter speaks to folks who are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good.  I heard this little quote one day and I guess it was meant for me since it stuck in my brain.  I'm learning to mix messages of conviction with messages that are milder but hopefully still effective to produce change.

Special Needs require Special Leaders

As a Pastoral leader, I wonder how it must feel to have an opportunity to effect social change but simply do nothing.  How must it feel to build relationships with individuals and have to look them in the face and say, "we choose not to help you; we don't have time for that."   I suspect that change can only take place for these leaders by some sort of personal &/or spiritual conviction.  I hope that one day more ministries will address the growing needs of the disabled community.  All people are in His image and have a purpose.  Neglect from the church will not go un-noted.  Don't wait until it becomes the 'hot' thing to do.  Plant a ministry for the special needs individuals in your community.  They are there, have you offered to help them?  For more information please contact me as I have many resources for leaders who are open to serving God in this area.

Nakisha 'Kisha' Guzman

Stay conscious of your blessings

We often get so consumed in what we don't have that we hurt God's heart by forgetting or ignoring the blessings that He has given us.  Take children for instance.  Often times we see these bonafide blessings as hindrances to our selfish, self-consumed nature.  What about me?  What about my time?  What about the things I wanted to do?  This attitude goes directly against that example that Christ gave us as He sacrificed it all for us ungrateful sinners.

                  

Many times I found myself so heavily desiring to have a son that I never fully examined how gracious God was to lend me 4 girls.  When I think of the all the women who struggle to get pregnant or the women who are putting themselves through tons of treatments to be a part of creation, I simply need to slap myself for my ungratefulness.

While I still pray that God lends me a son or 2 to raise, I dare not forget about the many blessings He has already given me.

Till next time,

Nakisha Guzman

Check us out: www.balancedandpurposed.com

Love & Mercy

Many Christians are so self-righteous.  I guess this is simply a part of our sinful nature from the fall of mankind.  I'm sure you thought of some people who fit into the phrase 'self-righteous' soon after you read it.  I think many folks do it.  They hear a sermon in church and they are sitting their thinking, "oh so and so needs to hear this".  We so desperately want to feel like we've arrived in our 'Holiness' that we fall into this trap.

I am re-reading James this week.  Chapter 2 had some points I would like to bring forward.

James spoke in verse 13 about being merciful to others; this was really good for me to see again.  We have a few people in our family who require mercy quite often.  At times it can be tiring to the spirit and the flesh would insist that we shut them out or give them the cold shoulder.  However, if we apply verses 9-12 to ourselves then we can see that we also need God's mercy on us on a daily basis.  We often get into the thinking that one sin is bigger or less offensive than the other but the truth is, if you told a lie (of any color) you have broken the law (of God) and are just as much a sinner in God's eyes as the murderer or the alcoholic.

The solution: Ask God to forgive you and help you to have a heart that closely resembles His.

Final thoughts: When seeking to live as Christ did, what I am learning is that you have to love above all else.  When people talk about you, despise you, are jealous of you, abuse you or hurt you...you simply have to continue to do good to them and love them anyway.  This type of strength can only come reading your Word daily, time in prayer, and actually applying the principles you learn.  Trust me when those opportunities to grow arise...You'll know!  I've learned to sing a song of praise in the midst of turmoil.  I quote scripture to encourage my spirit and kill my flesh.  I smile when I want to say or do harm.  Love is the greatest gift!

His servant,

Desiring more? Get filled on the right stuff!

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Gimmie, Gimmie!

Many times we are not blessed in certain areas because our motives are wrong or simply because we are not ready spiritually to have it (whatever your “it” is).  You see God will not give us more than we need for that season.  He knows how greedy we can become and He knows how easily we are distracted.  He will not bless us with something that will distract our hearts from Him (see James 4).

Isn’t God good?  You see He saves us from ourselves.  He does give us opportunities to make certain decisions and it’s those little things that reveal our true character or lack thereof.

You can rest assured that He will provide all you need from day to day.  He longs to bless you in every area but He longs to have a relationship with you more than He wants to give you things.  The things are a by-product of the ‘real’ blessing which is a connection, a communion with Him.  The things of this world can never quench the longing of our hearts to feel _______(you fill in the blank).  This longing, this desire can only be quenched by Him.  We must  toss away our plans and be open to whatever He so desires for us.  Once we do this, yearnings for simple material pleasures are choked out because we are filled with the oxygen of His breath…and that is we really need!

Read Matthew 6:25-34…a highlight on verse 32 & 33.  Actually here it is below for your ease:

Matthew 6:25-34 (New Living Translation)

25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God^[a] above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Nakisha Guzman

Check us out: www.balancedandpurposed.com