Newness of Life, Common or Committed?

    If I were wearing a blue shirt and walked up to you and said " I am wearing a blue shirt today. How's it going?", or "I'm a man, what are you?", it might spark some interesting colorful comments or questions of your own. We do not need to call attention to that which is blatantly obvious.
  It can sometimes be easy to blend into this ever-increasingly bland world. Like the gecko in the picture, we can be tough to spot if we show marks of being common in the world instead of showing the marks of our commitment to our LORD.  We can even sometimes venture into the commonality of the world's standards of untruths, listening to so-called wisdom that shouts out or whispers in our ears.  It is then that, as we walk in newness of life, remembering our God as the promise maker and promise keeper that He is, we remember and treasure His real truth as we read and study the Bible and listen to His Word preached and taught.
   For at least three reasons we want to stand out and give total commitment to Jesus in service:

  1. To have a closer walk with God.
  For those who have trusted in Jesus to save us and set us free from our sin and its penalty (separation from Him forever), we look inside to ask a question. What did He die for when He died for me?  He died that we could live, abundantly here and eternally.   Praise, honor, and glory to Him. Our commitment to please Him is no burden. And as we relinquish the control we think we have and think we need, and remember only God is in the place and power to have it, we are reminded that surrender is essential. Surrender is the key that unlocks the vault of God's best and deepest treasures.
    "Trying to control everything causes frustration, fatigue and failure. Giving control over to God brings freedom and blessing!"- Kerry Shook
  One of the most important aspects of our closer walk with Him is in our personal devotions, our quiet times alone with God with the Bible open before us and our hearts open to His wisdom and guidance. Recent statistics have shown that 80% of professing Christians "read" the Bible at church on Sunday morning only. Let us find a place, find our Bible, and find our hearts turning to Him in fresh and amazing ways as He speaks through the Truth of His Word.

  "Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law." - Psalm 119:18

  2. To encourage other believers.
  So much hurt, so many difficult days are being seen by so many.  As we encourage and build up, and especially, pray for others, and take bold steps to action in lending a hand to others, we serve with a heart of gratitude and love , always reminded how our LORD set the example for true leadership and service.

   "Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11

  3. To bring people to Him.
  The clear sign of our faith is not what we say but what we do.

  "But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."- James 1:22
 
  Some of the obvious marks of true faith will show up as we walk in newness of life, bringing glory to God: devotion to our tasks, humility, passion (a burning commitment to the Master), love with compassion, and a contagious spirit (enthusiasm).  Will a day come when we, as Christians, will not just have a savory spirit, but a contagious one? And no matter where we are, even if we find ourselves going the opposite way (as we increasingly will and should against the march of the "wisdom" of the world), let's do it with confidence and peace that passes understanding. When we do, we have opportunities to bring the good news to others, that they may know Him and follow Him.

A prayer:
  Father, I thank You for changing me in Your presence. Please help me stand out for You and live out loud as a committed follower of You and not get lost in crippling commonality. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
 
 

Newness of Life With Worthwhile Pursuits.

  On a scale of one to ten, how well do you sing? Myself, I am a generous two. Though I do like to sing, I limit the pain it inflicts upon people by trying to sing only when no one else is in hearing distance or if in a crowd I can join in (and be drowned out quite a bit).  I realize that for some, pursuing a singing career would be and has been a very good dream to follow. For me it would be nowhere close to a worthwhile pursuit. I have even told people that I sing like a prisoner- I'm always behind a few bars and trying to find the key.
   In regard to pursuits, the wisdom of the world teaches that there are really four pursuits that are above all else.
*beauty
*power
*wealth
*fame
  Though nothing is inherently wrong with any of these things, if our whole life is spent pursuing these, we will ultimately one day be incredibly disappointed.  Though it sounds like the thing to do, those that are blessed with the joy and challenge of being a parent can easily fall prey to the peril of teaching young people to pursue these as the best and only goals in life.  The truth is that this is a terrible disservice to them, because those goals are woefully low goals to shoot for.  It would do us much better to have the much higher goals that really matter, which are given to us to teach our kids and live out ourselves, straight from the only source of absolute truth- the Bible.
  The two of utmost importance are as follows:

  "Jesus said to him, 'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" - Matthew 22:37-39

  So, the greatest pursuits are simple and powerful:
*love the LORD with your whole person- mind, heart, and soul
*love others enthusiastically by sharing the good news of the gospel and loving them like He does as best we can
  And in the book of Philippians, God gives us our next pursuit priorities. One of which is pleasing Him in our race of life (see Philippians 3:12-14).
  Also in Philippians, He lets us know what is worthwhile to chase after.

  "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." - Philippians 4:8

  This is how our minds are renewed (see Romans 12:2), and keeps our focus on loving God and others.
  "God loves to dispense His grace.  If you will come to God with your regrets and your failures and start loving and serving Him as the driving force in your life, He has an unmistakable, amazing way of using even failure to bring about success.
  There is only one passion in life worth your total pursuit.  And that is to love and serve Christ in such a way that you win the race and receive His approval."- Tony Evans
  Walking in newness of life (purposeful life for anyone who has trusted in Jesus Christ as LORD and Savior) can be illumined as we pursue what God has called us to, including peace and merciful compassion as we follow His commands and love like He does.
  

A prayer,
  Heavenly Father, please renew my mind and refresh my heart so that I will not just chase after the wind and waste precious time.  I commit to pursue You first and love You and those around me, no matter what the world is doing. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Newness of Life With Simple Trust.

  They say that "into each life a little rain must fall," but sometimes the downpour is torrential, and relief and comfort seem farther than we can reach.  The best news is that the reach of God is readily available.  He has no problem pulling us close to Him as we place our simple trust in Him for protection and security and strength in our weariness.  He is near when we struggle, and welcomes us to cry out to Him.
  In giving us His Word, we are able to hear from Him any time we open our Bible and our hearts to His comfort and care.  What He asks is for us to trust.  In walking in newness of life, the Psalms provide a place of encouragement to be strengthened and reminded and restored.  The American Heritage Dictionary describes trust as "firm reliance on the integrity or ability of a person."  God is able.  Psalm 46 is what is known as a Psalm of Trust, along with others such as Psalm 23 and Psalm 91.
 
  "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." - Psalm 46:1

  This psalm, along with the other psalms of trust, rejoices in God's deliverance in the middle of a siege or fearsome battles.  Skirmishes on the battlefields of the landscapes of our lives are common, and some days and seasons are exceptionally brutal. But they drive us to the Only One who can ultimately keep us safe and give us comfort and surety of survival as we humbly place our trust in His capable care.
  "God won't always shield you from persecution, but He will honor your integrity and give you strength to endure any trial that comes your way. Praise Him for His all-sufficient grace!"- John MacArthur
  Together, refuge and strength can be known as "impenetrable defense." God is in control.  He does not waver, does not change, will not let go of our hand or heart. He is our sure defense, the Rock that won't move, and His protection gives the highest and best defense, whatever storm or flaming arrows (hatred of the enemy) or onslaught of bewildering circumstances may arrive at our doorstep. God is with us. He will never falter.  He will never fail, and He gives us a place to run to - Himself.  God alone is our all in all.  Any other refuge is incomplete. His grace is all-sufficient.
  He is our very present help in trouble, powerful and effective in any difficulty and any dire straits we face.
  "He has been tried and proven by His people.  He never withdraws from His afflicted.  He is their help, truly, effectually, constantly.  He is present or near them, close at their side, ready for their comfort.  This is emphasized by the word very.  He is more present than friend or relative can be; yes, more present than even trouble itself.  To all this comfortable truth is added the consideration that His assistance comes at the needed time."- Charles Spurgeon
  V.10 of Psalm 46 lets us know to be still and know that He is God. He is Faithful and True and should be praised, even amidst a storm.  Simple trust and a willingness to draw upon the strength of the One whose power is limitless will benefit and bless any soul that dares to do so.
 
A prayer:
  Father, I come to you in awe of your might and glory and, in humility, ask You to let me know Your refuge and rest in Your grace and gratefully accept Your help and above all, Your presence. In Jesus' name, Amen.
 
 
 

Newness of Life in Reassuring Rest.

   Though contrary to much of the world's fast-paced thought, the importance of rest should not be underestimated. I, for one, am prone to take an occasional nap.  Well, maybe more than occasional, but I almost always wake refreshed and ready to tackle another project on my ever increasing to-do list.  Naps aside, rest has always been part of the formula of our purpose.  We get that example in Sabbath rest, rest for our soul, and rest from pressure and stresses and anxiousness of everyday life.  As we walk in newness of life, rest plays an important role in perseverance and encouragement of ourselves and others.
  Though sometimes inexplicably thought of as a suggestion instead of one of the Ten Commandments, Sabbath rest is truly to be taken seriously by us.

  "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy."- Exodus 20:8
  "For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day.  Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it."- Exodus 20:11

  We do well to remember that man was not made for the Sabbath, but the Sabbath was made for man, to give margin and rest and a most productive life.  So, at least one day per week is vital to us - to be an unhurried and most restful time spent, preferably in conjunction to drawing near to God with a heart of gratitude.
  Rest for our soul comes as we let God be Who He is, Sovereign and Faithful, and let Him lead us in this life we are experiencing.  It is beneficial to look to the familiar passage of Scripture in  Psalm 23 to be strengthened by the LORD.

  "He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.  He restores my soul."- Psalm 23:2-3a

  God refreshes His people with His quiet voice and the soothing effect  and calmness of the still waters of His presence.  It is a psalm of trust that grows unshakable as we draw nearer to Him and rely upon Him.  If we never take the time to be with Him in reading His Word and in communication with Him in prayer, we find only restlessness and joylessness.
  As we walk in newness of life and remember that Christ was raised by God's power, we should also know the reassurance that whatever the world or the enemy of our soul throws at us can be handled by Him if we lay these burdens in His care.
  "In coming to Him, we have the promise of rest for our souls.  Jesus promises us meaning, hope, assurance, peace, and even joy in the times of inevitable trouble.  He takes us as we are and bathes us in His love." - Dick Johnson

  "Come to me , all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28

  This verse is in context of the Jews suffering under a load of religious responsibilities.  Sometimes we carry the heavy knapsack of responsibility at work and home too. But whatever burdens pile upon us, we can know rest from our Faithful God and the welcome relief He brings. He even asks us to cast our burdens on Him (1 Peter 5:7). Trust Him and rest by the still waters a while.  And as we face any unchartered waters ahead, we should look to the reassurances of Christ. His promises are unfailing.

A prayer:
Father, you conceal the final explanation of the mysteries of life in Yourself. For this I trust You. You are sovereign, faithful, and true. For this I will rest in You. No matter what evil comes my way, I am safe in You. For this I find joy in You.  Being who You are, everything will ultimately be all right, because You will be glorified. So, please be honored on the platform of this life I know. In Jesus'name, Amen.

Newness of Life in Being Studious.

  Back in junior high school, we had a block of time during the day that was simply called "study hall." I did most of the three main things it was made for: A- playing paper football (yours truly was the sixth grade runner-up and took home the seventh grade championship), B- daydreaming, and C- reading (the backs of baseball cards). Well, I guess the real point of study hall was the studying, and I did a little of that too.  Somewhere along the way I did begin the important aspects of learning in an environment that was usually quieter and easier to use the resources available to gain knowledge and do the diligent duty of homework.
  In walking in newness of life, study of the Word of God is of utmost importance, not simply for the sake of cramming our heads with Biblical knowledge, but to use what we learn in application in the great adventures of life as we follow Jesus. We do it not to hold the book close to our chest and repeat the words "my precious", but to know the God of the Bible and let Him become more and more precious to us.
  Quiet time alone with God as we study His Word can certainly become the most refreshing and clearly essential time in our life.  So we find a place, find a time that we strategically set aside, turn off our distractions, and turn our attention to Him. A question we can always ask as a prayer to God is "LORD, would you please show me Yourself?" And we begin to learn more about the majesty and mystery and magnificence of the King of the universe.
   Psalm 111 is a place to see that study is vital to life.  It is for people who study, and shows us how we can honor God and please Him and grow in knowledge and wisdom and understanding the truth.
 
  "The works of the LORD are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them." Psalm 111:2

  "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments.  His praise endures forever"- Psalm 111:10

  The psalm shows us three aspects that will always be important to any passage of Scripture:
1. It begins with adoration and thanks to God for His Word (see v. 1),
2. It shows how we see God in His glorious and awesome actions and shows us Himself (how He reveals Himself to us)(see v. 2-9),
3. It lets us know that we must obey and apply what He teaches us as we study. (see v.10)

  "Jesus promises that we shall know the truth, and the truth shall set us free.  We gain access to His truth by believing in Him and then holding to His teaching.  The challenge for every disciple is this: "How much of the Scripture-the truth-is really mine? Am I holding to Christ's Word, or am I drifting in the twilight zone, toward the marshy ground of half-faith?"- John MacArthur
  Each time we study we can love His truth, learn and gain wisdom from His truth, and then live it out loud in front of a watching world and in the quietness of our hearts.

A prayer:
Father in Heaven, please let me treasure your Word as never before and know you and grow more Christlike. Be glorified in this. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Newness of Life As the Son Rises.

  Living in Arizona has a perk of seeing some unbelievable sunsets. And the sunrises can be pretty magnificent too, with the colors bouncing off the clouds and the freshness of a new morning with God's new mercies abounding. No one can paint a scene so perfectly like He does, from sunrise to sunset. May we not forget all His benefits and that He is full of  majesty and power and glory and totally deserving of all praises.
  As Easter Sunday has quickly approached, I am reminded of a different rising, the rising of God's Son from the dead by the resurrection power of our mighty and awesome God.  Without the Resurrection, emptiness would rule our lives and no hope would ever be found.  As we celebrate this Easter weekend, it does us well to remember that all of history funnels through that incredibly important week when the Savior of the world was put to death on a cruel cross on Good Friday, taking the sin and penalty that we deserved. And then He was raised up, risen and alive and supplying the only hope for the world.

  "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." - John 3:16

  Have you believed? Have you trusted in Jesus as your Savior and LORD? He waits with open arms.  Today is the day of salvation.  Today is the day, so that your heart will not be hardened. Lay your burdens at the cross, be repentant (turning away from your own acknowledged sins, while turning to God for forgiveness), confess that Jesus is indeed God's Son, believe that the Father raised Him from the dead, and receive promised eternal life from the Only One Who Saves.
  And for those of us who have believed, Easter weekend is an important time of reflecting, returning, and refreshed commitment to the God of the universe.
  Reflection on His justice at the Cross, His love for us as Jesus suffered and died in cruelty, His mercy in taking our place and also giving us His righteousness (right standing before the Father), His grace so amazing that enables freedom for all who believe.  He gives us newness of life as we trust that, since Jesus was raised to life from death, we also can know His resurrection power and live a life that brings honor to the King of kings and lets us enjoy the blessings that He showers down us in such abundance that we have nowhere to turn except to Him in utter thankfulness.

  "Praise be to the God and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." - 1 Peter 1:3

  It is a time of returning, if we have strayed from where we really should be, and run back to His everlasting arms. Just as the prodigal sons (see Luke 15:11-32) required a much-needed return, we very well may also. I say sons because each had wandered far from home in their own distinct ways. One wandered off and one stayed behind, but with a heart that seemed to grow cold and stonelike. Neither lived a true life of abundance in their Father's house.  Note that out of love, we have a freedom to leave home, but His grace is phenomenal as God welcomes us back upon our return to right fellowship. Though He never lets His people perish, we do sometimes disappoint to put in mildly, but He loves us in our return.  Let today be a beautiful homecoming. And remember that each day can be because of His grace.  And when we struggle or suffer without a clear enough reason why, we also find comfort in Him.
  "Because we have been united with Christ in His resurrection, as well as in His death, life will never be the same-in the future and in the present...So, celebrate this new life whenever you feel discouraged about your present circumstances.  Celebrate it when you find your life disappointing and when things do not turn out the way you expected or dreamed.  Celebrate that God raised Jesus from death so that you could be united with Jesus in His resurrection."- Steven D. Matthewson
 
  Refreshed commitment as we walk in newness of life is vital.  Take today and  get alone for a few moments and open His Word and let Him know your heart and that you are ready to commit your ways and lifestyle afresh to be more like His Son. Christ in us be glorified and His name be praised and lifted high.  And with commitment comes the motivation to share the greatest news and truth of all of history, of Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life (the only way worth going, the only truth worth knowing, the only life worth living).  What person in your circle of relationships needs to hear the incredible message of the gospel?
 
A prayer:
  Heavenly Father,  how could I thank You enough for the gift of Your Son and His death and resurrection and the promises fulfilled by You? Today I offer up my heart to You, completely. Help me live to honor you and tell others about You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Newness of Life With Surprises.

  Surprise, surprise, surprise. Ever been in on a surprise party for someone or been the recipient of one?  Or have you ever been startled or astonished by a surprise visit or gift?
  I was minding my own business on a walk a few days ago, headphones delivering some tunes as I scooted down the sidewalk, when out of the corner of my eye a dog appeared a foot away from me, followed by its owner.  The surprise came simply because I did not hear their approach, and it caught me off guard.
  I think it happens in our lives too, that we see some surprises and learn to be "un-surprised" as we walk in newness of life.

  "Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you." - 1 Peter 4:12

  Sometimes it seems easy to start to wonder why tough times show up, but we can be comforted by God's Word to know that these difficult days or circumstances can come, but God is sovereign, wise, and good.  We cannot handle it all. Oh, but He can.
 
  If we really are living a life that is transformed by our Savior, a watching world will notice.

  "Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do.  So they slander you." - 1 Peter 4:4

  No longer being accustomed to the world's ways of doing things, a new worldview develops and we can shine like a noonday sun shower, reflecting God's goodness and grace.  And our changed lives will spark all sorts of reactions from folks (even hatred - see 1 John 3:13), but will definitely give excellent opportunities to share the truth of the gospel.
  This changed life is also nurtured by our spending quality time with God in reading and studying His Word and worship and setting our mind on His glorious return.

  "But you aren't in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won't be surprised when the day of the LORD comes like a thief." - 1 Thessalonians 5:4

  "You are an instrument through whom God displays His holiness in the world. If His name is to be hallowed on earth as it is in heaven, it must first be hallowed in your life. That occurs when you believe in Him, understand who He really is, maintain an awareness of His presence, and obey His Word. That high calling sets you apart from every unbeliever. Live today in light of that glorious calling."- John MacArthur
  Take heart in knowing that though surprises may come and scare or threaten us, God's promises to be with us as His very own children will help us have strength for our journey.

A prayer:
  Dear LORD, I stand amazed at Your power and majesty and long to know You more. Please draw me close and then let me reflect Your light in this life.  In Jesus' name, Amen.