Oh, the agony of unrequited love. It’s the fodder of many a love song, the motive of many a convicted felon, and the “dys” of many a dysfunctional family.
We read in the Bible of many instances where favor of one over another caused trouble. For Jacob, his can of worms was opened early-on when his uncle unloaded the older sister off on him in a grab bag marriage…and only after he agreed to a “sentence” of 7 more years of hard labor, did he wind up with his beloved Rachel. But what of Leah, Wife Number One, who may have had first chair but was actually playing second fiddle? Over the years, not only did unbalanced favor create division between Leah and Rachel, but the shockwaves reached out into their offspring as well. When at last the long-barren Rachel finally bore Joseph, Jacob’s partiality toward him caused the other sons to despise the boy.
Perhaps as you read this today, you are dragging the baggage of rejection behind you like a ball and chain. It’s as much a part of your existence as your right foot; in fact, it’s become a bit of your identity. When you look into the mirror, you see IT, not you.
Sometimes we can’t avoid being in the line of the fire of unfair circumstances; but while we can’t avoid the circumstances, however, we CAN allow God to shape our attitudes into a way that not only pleases our Heavenly Father, but assures us that we will reap a harvest when we remain faithful.
You may be in a relationship right now where you’re poorly regarded. Perhaps a fellow employee seems to step in and steal all your kudos from the boss, and you can’t seem to get ahead no matter how hard you try. Perhaps you are the “black sheep” of the family, or at the very least, the child who appears to be loved and respected less than your siblings. You may be the wife or husband who walks in the shadow of a deceased former spouse. You may even be a pastor of a church where all you hear of your parishioners is “the way Brother So-and-So did it.” You’re not a hopeless case. You don’t have to live in unhappiness and unfulfillment, either.
You’ve asked God to change your circumstances many times; now ask Him to change your heart toward your circumstances. Colossians 3:23 tells us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (NIV) Begin today to sow into that relationship as unto the Lord, and not for the glory and acceptance of man. See, man can’t help but fail us because man isn’t perfect. When we do our works as unto the Lord, God blesses our steadfastness and integrity. Over time, our faithfulness will be proven and yes, it will pay off. When you do your best, you will ALWAYS have the approval of your Heavenly Father.
Interestingly when Jacob dies, the Scriptures tell us he was buried next to Leah—unfavored, homely Leah--instead of his beautiful Rachel. Perhaps in the end, he had come to value the longevity of Leah’s devotion to him. We don’t know all that transpired over the years, but we do know that he was content to rest beside the seemingly unloved one in the end.
Entrust your situation into God’s hands today, and remain faithful. Serve that employer well. Love that partial parent anyway. Be a devoted stepmother or father. The only one you’re obligated to “prove yourself” to is the Lord…and He can cause you to just seep with pure love for the person who disappoints you, even in the process. God who sees your heart attitudes in secret, will reward you openly--because you sought His acceptance above all else.
Today’s Scripture: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” - Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
Not The Same
New Life In Christ
One of my favorite TV shows is "Extreme Makeover-Home Edition." It's a reality show with a team of contractors, designers and workers that go around the country remodeling homes that are run down, all torn up and in need of improvement and change. Each episode features a project that would usually take at least four months, but the entire house is totally and completely rebuilt in seven days. This show believes in the old becoming new. The lives of the families chosen for the project are radically changed forever from being a part of this experience! Having a new home is a gift from the show.
It was revealed to me in the Word that this is what God has done for each of us in Christ Jesus – a makeover. Notice I didn't say He put "make-up" on us. We all know what "make-up" is; it's a substance that makes you look better and after a while it wears off or you have to take it off. No, God did a "re-make" on us – permanent and completely brand new! We've been "rebuilt, remodeled, renovated, renewed, restored and improved" and we've been radically changed! Once you were dead, doomed forever because of your many sins. (Ephesians 2:1, NLT). But God showed His love toward us when we were in that condition. The makeover by the Father that takes place in those who believe and receive His Son begins with new life. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much, that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's special favor that you have been saved!) (Ephesians 2:4-5, NLT).
We can't take any credit for the makeover; it was a gift from God. God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. (Ephesians 2:8-9, NLT). We were messed up, torn up, with all kinds of "dirt, decay, mold, cracks, holes, leaks, broken pieces and parts" just like those homes on that show. We were in need of a makeover, and the only way it could happen extremely was through CHRIST!
What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old is gone. A new life has begun! All this newness of life is from God, who brought us back to himself through what Christ did. And God has given us the task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others. (2 Corinthians 5:17-19, NLT). So Encourage and remind yourself, and also remember to share it with someone else, "I'm not what I used to be and I don't look like I used to. I've had an extreme makeover!"
Scripture Of The Day: "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." - Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
One of my favorite TV shows is "Extreme Makeover-Home Edition." It's a reality show with a team of contractors, designers and workers that go around the country remodeling homes that are run down, all torn up and in need of improvement and change. Each episode features a project that would usually take at least four months, but the entire house is totally and completely rebuilt in seven days. This show believes in the old becoming new. The lives of the families chosen for the project are radically changed forever from being a part of this experience! Having a new home is a gift from the show.
It was revealed to me in the Word that this is what God has done for each of us in Christ Jesus – a makeover. Notice I didn't say He put "make-up" on us. We all know what "make-up" is; it's a substance that makes you look better and after a while it wears off or you have to take it off. No, God did a "re-make" on us – permanent and completely brand new! We've been "rebuilt, remodeled, renovated, renewed, restored and improved" and we've been radically changed! Once you were dead, doomed forever because of your many sins. (Ephesians 2:1, NLT). But God showed His love toward us when we were in that condition. The makeover by the Father that takes place in those who believe and receive His Son begins with new life. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much, that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's special favor that you have been saved!) (Ephesians 2:4-5, NLT).
We can't take any credit for the makeover; it was a gift from God. God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. (Ephesians 2:8-9, NLT). We were messed up, torn up, with all kinds of "dirt, decay, mold, cracks, holes, leaks, broken pieces and parts" just like those homes on that show. We were in need of a makeover, and the only way it could happen extremely was through CHRIST!
What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old is gone. A new life has begun! All this newness of life is from God, who brought us back to himself through what Christ did. And God has given us the task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others. (2 Corinthians 5:17-19, NLT). So Encourage and remind yourself, and also remember to share it with someone else, "I'm not what I used to be and I don't look like I used to. I've had an extreme makeover!"
Scripture Of The Day: "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." - Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
Friday, January 6, 2012
I’ve Got Next
A New Beginning
That is the statement one makes when he intends to be the next one to play in a pick-up basketball game. Today it is not used to reference intentions for a game rather it is for the next level of victory in life. At the beginning of every year there is always great anticipation and expectation that the New Year will bring greater manifestations of blessings than the previous year.
If you want to experience new levels of blessings it requires new levels of commitment, dedication, and willingness on your part. Isaiah 1:19-20 states “if you be willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured with the sword for the mouth of Yahweh has spoken it.”
These verses give two very different options going forward.
1.To be willing and obedient or
2.To refuse and rebel.
Both options produce results. To be willing and obedient causes one to eat the good of the land. To refuse and rebel causes one to be devoured with the sword of the enemy. If your life seems to have been devoured by the sword of the enemy for too long then this is your year to eat the good of the land.
It’s time to call your “next” by going to new levels of faith. It is clear that the level that you are on right now will only allow you to experience whatever is on that level. Just think, at one time it was your faith for another level that got you where you are today, but now it is just faith to maintain. This is not the time to maintain but to gain ground.
It’s your year to call next in increasing your potential for partaking of what God promised and planned for your life. May I suggest that you agree with Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering for it is He who is faithful that promised”.
This year call next to see your dreams manifest, next to see your vision come to fruition, next to experience the healing in your body, next to walk into that new opportunity, and next to find the fulfillment of your purpose and destiny. Refuse to be subject to another year without eating the good of the land. It is God’s promise to you.
The reason that you can eat the good of the land does not depend upon your ability, but on your willingness and obedience to hold fast to the profession of your faith, because the victory comes as a result of the faithfulness of our heavenly Father. Whatever you missed in your past, declare that this year, whatever the land is producing, the good part belongs to you. I’ve Got Next!
Scripture Of The Day: "If you be willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land, but if refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of Yahweh has spoken." - Isaiah 1:19-20 (NIV)
That is the statement one makes when he intends to be the next one to play in a pick-up basketball game. Today it is not used to reference intentions for a game rather it is for the next level of victory in life. At the beginning of every year there is always great anticipation and expectation that the New Year will bring greater manifestations of blessings than the previous year.
If you want to experience new levels of blessings it requires new levels of commitment, dedication, and willingness on your part. Isaiah 1:19-20 states “if you be willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured with the sword for the mouth of Yahweh has spoken it.”
These verses give two very different options going forward.
1.To be willing and obedient or
2.To refuse and rebel.
Both options produce results. To be willing and obedient causes one to eat the good of the land. To refuse and rebel causes one to be devoured with the sword of the enemy. If your life seems to have been devoured by the sword of the enemy for too long then this is your year to eat the good of the land.
It’s time to call your “next” by going to new levels of faith. It is clear that the level that you are on right now will only allow you to experience whatever is on that level. Just think, at one time it was your faith for another level that got you where you are today, but now it is just faith to maintain. This is not the time to maintain but to gain ground.
It’s your year to call next in increasing your potential for partaking of what God promised and planned for your life. May I suggest that you agree with Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering for it is He who is faithful that promised”.
This year call next to see your dreams manifest, next to see your vision come to fruition, next to experience the healing in your body, next to walk into that new opportunity, and next to find the fulfillment of your purpose and destiny. Refuse to be subject to another year without eating the good of the land. It is God’s promise to you.
The reason that you can eat the good of the land does not depend upon your ability, but on your willingness and obedience to hold fast to the profession of your faith, because the victory comes as a result of the faithfulness of our heavenly Father. Whatever you missed in your past, declare that this year, whatever the land is producing, the good part belongs to you. I’ve Got Next!
Scripture Of The Day: "If you be willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land, but if refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of Yahweh has spoken." - Isaiah 1:19-20 (NIV)
Monday, January 2, 2012
A Sleeping Angel on New Year's Eve
Happy New Year from the New Hope family. New Year's saw the New Hope family gathered in the sanctuary, reflecting on the past year.
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