During a period of fasting, I turn away from the snacks and goodies that I enjoy so much. No sleeve of chocolate chip cookies for me, no greasy French fries, and certainly no sugary sweet muffins, cookies, or cupcakes. But after the fast has ended, eventually the cookies, cakes, and fries make their way back into my diet. Considering how easy it is to fall back into poor food choices, how much easier is it to fall back into sinful choices each day?
Those who fast understand how spiritually great we can feel during that period of self-denial. Our focus is on God and we are consciously avoiding sinful behaviors. We may even feel a sense of “extra righteousness” when we turn away from carnal things to focus on the holy: “No, no, I will not watch that new episode of Law & Order tonight—I’m going to spend the evening studying the Word.”
Yet fasting is usually for only a predetermined amount of time. After the fast, we return to our regular lifestyle. Some like myself may want to linger in the fasting mode a little longer, to hold on to that spiritual closeness we feel towards the Lord. But eventually, our routine kicks in, and we realize that we’re falling back into our regular lifestyle.
But when we return to our “regular” life we should be careful that we don’t fall into our “regular” sin. Hebrews 12:1 warns of “the sin that so easily entangles.” It is my belief that this type of sin varies between individuals. What easily entangles me may not easily entangle you. But whatever it may be, we should be on the lookout to avoid the snare of any sin that might trip us up.
After the fast, we are usually spiritually squeaky clean. But let us be reminded of the warning in Matthew 12:43- 45. Those sins—or demons, even—from which we have been cleansed, are always lurking for a way to come back and drag us down even more. After the fast, we need to be even more vigilant about avoiding sinful behaviors. We need to make definite decisions to avoid being caught up in our “favorite” sins.
Living a holy life is more than periodic fasting—it’s a series of conscious choices that have everlasting results. Maybe there are some issues you are struggling with right now—sins that you find yourself repeating and regretting time and again. It’s time to have a conversation with Jesus and ask Him for help in overcoming these problem areas of your life.
Offer Him repentance, and He’ll give you abundance!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Sunday, January 15, 2012
It's Not Just for You
There are times when God shows us extraordinary favor. In situations where we should have been counted out, might have been overlooked, or otherwise could have found ourselves left behind, God has shown His glory and pulled us through. But perhaps we should look at favor as more than a testimony and consider the responsibility.
Last week in Sunday School, we discussed the topic of favor. We looked at the life of Joseph and how the Lord covered him throughout his life. Joseph was thrown into a pit by his own brothers, sold into slavery in a foreign land, and then received a position of honor in servitude. He was later thrown in jail for a crime he didn’t commit, only to be freed and given the second most powerful position in the land. Each time it looked like all was lost—in situations where others certainly perished or had given up—Joseph rose to the top because of divine favor.
But Joseph understood that this favor was for a purpose. Joseph forgave his brothers for what they had done, telling them, “But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God.” (Gen. 45:7-8) Joseph understood that the favor he was shown was not just for a glorious testimony or for personal gain—it was ordained so that he may be used as a vessel for God’s purpose.
The Word tells us, “…From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” (Luke 12:48) When God shows us favor, He blesses us with the power to bless others. Favor comes with a responsibility and with it, we are equipped to do the work ahead.
May God show you singular favor in your life so that you may be a blessing to the multitudes!
Last week in Sunday School, we discussed the topic of favor. We looked at the life of Joseph and how the Lord covered him throughout his life. Joseph was thrown into a pit by his own brothers, sold into slavery in a foreign land, and then received a position of honor in servitude. He was later thrown in jail for a crime he didn’t commit, only to be freed and given the second most powerful position in the land. Each time it looked like all was lost—in situations where others certainly perished or had given up—Joseph rose to the top because of divine favor.
But Joseph understood that this favor was for a purpose. Joseph forgave his brothers for what they had done, telling them, “But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God.” (Gen. 45:7-8) Joseph understood that the favor he was shown was not just for a glorious testimony or for personal gain—it was ordained so that he may be used as a vessel for God’s purpose.
The Word tells us, “…From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” (Luke 12:48) When God shows us favor, He blesses us with the power to bless others. Favor comes with a responsibility and with it, we are equipped to do the work ahead.
May God show you singular favor in your life so that you may be a blessing to the multitudes!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Fools and Babies
I’ve often heard people say, “God protects fools and babies.” Well, I’m no baby and I thank God for His hand of protection! What I love about Him is that He realizes that we can all be a little foolish every now and then.
The phrase about fools and babies is most often applied in situations where the person is in some kind of physical danger. Like the person who sits in a car with the engine running in an enclosed garage—and lives to tell about it. But for me, it’s most apropos in situations where I’m on the verge of a spiritual catastrophe.
In my life, I’ve found that usually, when I’m about to enter a sinful situation, God provides an escape hatch. For example, once when I was a teenager, I wanted to go to a party that was happening a few blocks away. My mom was working the night shift and I was forbidden to leave the house because I had to take care of my little sister. I got a call from one of my friends who urged me to go to the party. Man, I really wanted to go! And I would be back before my mother came home from work—she would never know! Most importantly (in my teenage mind) I didn’t want to punk out on my friend. But just as I was about to say, “Yes,” defying my mother’s direct orders—my friend acknowledged, “Oh, but you have to watch your sister, right?” That was my “Get Out of Sin Free” card!
As I’ve become older, I have learned to look for the way out of sin in obvious situations. But then there are the situations that are created in my own mind. The ones where I make up my mind about something and that’s just what it is! Well, let’s start with Proverb 12:15, which says, “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.” The danger in “making ones mind up” is that there is little room to receive correction. That’s when the Lord snatches me by the neck and shows me the error of my thinking, head-on.
When I’ve made up my foolish mind, without fail, I’ll come across a Scripture that might as well have my name emblazoned in the text. For example, some years ago, I was mad at my neighbor and I had some information for her that she had requested prior to our disagreement. When I realized that I had the info for her, I decided in my own mind that because I was mad at her, I would wait until the following week to get it to her. That very day, during my Scripture reading I came across Proverbs 3:27-28, “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow’—when you now have it with you.” I’ll never forget how ironic and frightening it was to see those words before me in the Bible. Needless to say, I acted on that swiftly!
This is why it’s important to pray daily and read your Bible regularly. You never know when God will reveal something to you or you’ll come across a Scripture that has your name and situation written all over it. Also, attend a Bible study group—you may be surprised to find that the next session was prepared just for you!
We can all be a little foolish at times—but let’s all thank God for His great hand of protection!
The phrase about fools and babies is most often applied in situations where the person is in some kind of physical danger. Like the person who sits in a car with the engine running in an enclosed garage—and lives to tell about it. But for me, it’s most apropos in situations where I’m on the verge of a spiritual catastrophe.
In my life, I’ve found that usually, when I’m about to enter a sinful situation, God provides an escape hatch. For example, once when I was a teenager, I wanted to go to a party that was happening a few blocks away. My mom was working the night shift and I was forbidden to leave the house because I had to take care of my little sister. I got a call from one of my friends who urged me to go to the party. Man, I really wanted to go! And I would be back before my mother came home from work—she would never know! Most importantly (in my teenage mind) I didn’t want to punk out on my friend. But just as I was about to say, “Yes,” defying my mother’s direct orders—my friend acknowledged, “Oh, but you have to watch your sister, right?” That was my “Get Out of Sin Free” card!
As I’ve become older, I have learned to look for the way out of sin in obvious situations. But then there are the situations that are created in my own mind. The ones where I make up my mind about something and that’s just what it is! Well, let’s start with Proverb 12:15, which says, “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.” The danger in “making ones mind up” is that there is little room to receive correction. That’s when the Lord snatches me by the neck and shows me the error of my thinking, head-on.
When I’ve made up my foolish mind, without fail, I’ll come across a Scripture that might as well have my name emblazoned in the text. For example, some years ago, I was mad at my neighbor and I had some information for her that she had requested prior to our disagreement. When I realized that I had the info for her, I decided in my own mind that because I was mad at her, I would wait until the following week to get it to her. That very day, during my Scripture reading I came across Proverbs 3:27-28, “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow’—when you now have it with you.” I’ll never forget how ironic and frightening it was to see those words before me in the Bible. Needless to say, I acted on that swiftly!
This is why it’s important to pray daily and read your Bible regularly. You never know when God will reveal something to you or you’ll come across a Scripture that has your name and situation written all over it. Also, attend a Bible study group—you may be surprised to find that the next session was prepared just for you!
We can all be a little foolish at times—but let’s all thank God for His great hand of protection!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
A New Attitude
Happy New Year! Over the next week or so, advertisers will place a lot of emphasis on the word “new.” Gyms will encourage you to discover a “new you.” Clothing retailers will ask you to try a “new look.” There may even be a health food company out there promoting “new-trition”!
Prayerfully, as we enter 2012, we’ll also take the opportunity this season to adopt a new attitude toward our Christian walk. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” When we became saved, we died to our old way of life. Part of the benefit of our salvation is to enjoy walking in the newness of life.
Since you have been saved, how has your life changed? What new habits and attitudes have you adopted? Whether you were saved yesterday or 40 years ago, you should be able to answer this question. And if you’re having difficulty coming up with an answer, maybe it’s time to turn to the Lord in prayer. Ask Him how you can live life in Him to the fullest with new thoughts and actions that mirror those of Christ Jesus.
Maybe you need a new approach to your prayer life or your Bible reading. Ask for God’s help and guidance and trust Him to lead you. And make a deliberate effort to stick with this new way of doing things. You may be amazed by the blessings that await you!
We look forward to all that the Lord will do in our lives in 2012. May God bless you and yours in abundance.
Prayerfully, as we enter 2012, we’ll also take the opportunity this season to adopt a new attitude toward our Christian walk. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” When we became saved, we died to our old way of life. Part of the benefit of our salvation is to enjoy walking in the newness of life.
Since you have been saved, how has your life changed? What new habits and attitudes have you adopted? Whether you were saved yesterday or 40 years ago, you should be able to answer this question. And if you’re having difficulty coming up with an answer, maybe it’s time to turn to the Lord in prayer. Ask Him how you can live life in Him to the fullest with new thoughts and actions that mirror those of Christ Jesus.
Maybe you need a new approach to your prayer life or your Bible reading. Ask for God’s help and guidance and trust Him to lead you. And make a deliberate effort to stick with this new way of doing things. You may be amazed by the blessings that await you!
We look forward to all that the Lord will do in our lives in 2012. May God bless you and yours in abundance.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Best. Gift. Ever.
This Christmas morning, many will awaken to find boxes of various sizes wrapped with shiny paper, ribbons, and bows under the tree. But any kid can tell you, just as you can’t judge a book by its cover, you can never really tell how great a gift will be by its trimmings. They say the best gifts come in the smallest packages. That just may be very true…
Many years ago, people were awaiting a great gift from God. He promised them a Messiah, a deliverer who would save them from their suffering. Over the course of a few centuries, speculation abounded and many were hopeful that the gift would arrive soon. Many may have anticipated that the Messiah would ride in on a great white horse, draped in gold linens. He would dismount his steed and throw back his perfect hair, declaring that he would lead the people to victory.
When God’s gift arrived in the world, the anticipation and excitement were great. A chorus of angels heralded His presence. A star burned above, greater than the spotlight of a Hollywood premiere, signaling the location of the Messiah. And three travelers from the East made their way to find Him. Yet when they finally arrived, there were no gold linens. No white steed. No great warrior with rippling muscles and glistening teeth. They found a child.
In the meekest of conditions, they found God’s gift to all people. Jesus Christ, the very Son of God. Some would have scoffed at the presentation of this gift. In fact, even later in His life many did. Some wondered how this Jesus, the son of a carpenter from a nondescript town called Nazareth, could possibly be the Messiah that had been prophesized.
1 Corinthians 1:25 says, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.” God knew exactly what He was doing when He sent that precious gift. The gift of Jesus Christ, and the salvation offered through Him, is not for those who seek the shiny, fleeting pleasures that are the trifles of this world. It is for those who want greater substance in their lives, and those who desire the joy of His presence for eternity.
When I became saved, I received the best gift ever. I was 8 years old at a Christian sleep-away camp. And although I was raised Christian and knew of Jesus from the time I could walk and talk, that night at camp was the first time I could recall making a decision for myself that I wanted to accept the Gift that God had offered. And throughout the years, that Gift has never stopped giving.
Offer the gift of salvation to someone you know. It doesn’t come in a box, and it has no cash value. But it’s the best gift a person can ever receive. Share the joy.
Peace and blessings to you, and Merry Christmas!
Many years ago, people were awaiting a great gift from God. He promised them a Messiah, a deliverer who would save them from their suffering. Over the course of a few centuries, speculation abounded and many were hopeful that the gift would arrive soon. Many may have anticipated that the Messiah would ride in on a great white horse, draped in gold linens. He would dismount his steed and throw back his perfect hair, declaring that he would lead the people to victory.
When God’s gift arrived in the world, the anticipation and excitement were great. A chorus of angels heralded His presence. A star burned above, greater than the spotlight of a Hollywood premiere, signaling the location of the Messiah. And three travelers from the East made their way to find Him. Yet when they finally arrived, there were no gold linens. No white steed. No great warrior with rippling muscles and glistening teeth. They found a child.
In the meekest of conditions, they found God’s gift to all people. Jesus Christ, the very Son of God. Some would have scoffed at the presentation of this gift. In fact, even later in His life many did. Some wondered how this Jesus, the son of a carpenter from a nondescript town called Nazareth, could possibly be the Messiah that had been prophesized.
1 Corinthians 1:25 says, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.” God knew exactly what He was doing when He sent that precious gift. The gift of Jesus Christ, and the salvation offered through Him, is not for those who seek the shiny, fleeting pleasures that are the trifles of this world. It is for those who want greater substance in their lives, and those who desire the joy of His presence for eternity.
When I became saved, I received the best gift ever. I was 8 years old at a Christian sleep-away camp. And although I was raised Christian and knew of Jesus from the time I could walk and talk, that night at camp was the first time I could recall making a decision for myself that I wanted to accept the Gift that God had offered. And throughout the years, that Gift has never stopped giving.
Offer the gift of salvation to someone you know. It doesn’t come in a box, and it has no cash value. But it’s the best gift a person can ever receive. Share the joy.
Peace and blessings to you, and Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
What Tomorrow Holds
My aunt and uncle have made it a consistent practice to end every discussion of future plans with, “Lord willing.” For example, “We’ll be at your house at 8, Lord willing.” Or “Can’t wait to see you on Christmas, Lord willing.” As a child, I thought this was pretty peculiar, but I have grown to appreciate the wisdom contained in those two closing words.
The wisdom of my aunt and uncle’s perspective actually comes straight from Scripture. James 4:13-17 tells us that we should acknowledge that the plans we make are only according to God’s will. It reinforces that we have no idea of what the future holds.
This week, people I know and care about have lost loved ones, undergone surgery, and dealt with major illness. The week prior, they may not have even imagined themselves facing these trials. Any plans they had previously made were put on hold to deal with the unexpected turn of events. And all this reminds us that for as much as we plan and prepare, we never know what awaits us.
As society emphasizes being in “control of your future” and “deciding your own destiny,” we sometimes lose perspective of what we can realistically control. This is why many become devastated when things don’t go as planned. They complain that things are “spiraling out of control.” Often, the only thing that is truly up to us to control is how we approach and react to the situations we face each day. Do we respond with faith or fear?
Our lives are in God’s hands. As Christians, we should be even more acutely aware of this truth. And we should rejoice in the fact that no matter what happens, our Lord and Savior will never leave us or forsake us. Things may not always go according to our plans, but can turn our situations over to the Lord, for His will to be done.
Looking forward to sharing with you again next week, Lord willing!
The wisdom of my aunt and uncle’s perspective actually comes straight from Scripture. James 4:13-17 tells us that we should acknowledge that the plans we make are only according to God’s will. It reinforces that we have no idea of what the future holds.
This week, people I know and care about have lost loved ones, undergone surgery, and dealt with major illness. The week prior, they may not have even imagined themselves facing these trials. Any plans they had previously made were put on hold to deal with the unexpected turn of events. And all this reminds us that for as much as we plan and prepare, we never know what awaits us.
As society emphasizes being in “control of your future” and “deciding your own destiny,” we sometimes lose perspective of what we can realistically control. This is why many become devastated when things don’t go as planned. They complain that things are “spiraling out of control.” Often, the only thing that is truly up to us to control is how we approach and react to the situations we face each day. Do we respond with faith or fear?
Our lives are in God’s hands. As Christians, we should be even more acutely aware of this truth. And we should rejoice in the fact that no matter what happens, our Lord and Savior will never leave us or forsake us. Things may not always go according to our plans, but can turn our situations over to the Lord, for His will to be done.
Looking forward to sharing with you again next week, Lord willing!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Would You Be Your Friend?
A radio station recently posed a question to people passing on the street: “Would you be your own friend?” One of the first responses was, “No way, I’m a jerk! I wouldn’t even answer the phone if I called.” Another person, exuding self-confidence said, “I’m kind and loving and a great listener. I would be my best friend.” The range of questions prompted me to poll those around me.
I’m delighted to say that most of the people I know and love would be friends with themselves, as well. They cited their attractive qualities, such as thoughtfulness, pleasant disposition, and ability to have a good time with other people. And they gave examples of why they thought they are great friends to others.
Now each of these people happen to be Christian, and it made me further wonder if their faith had anything to do with their “friendability.” I thought of Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control….” It was interesting to me that many of the qualities they citied were right from that scripture.
Of course, this is not to say that a non-Christian cannot be friendly! However, the point is that as Christians, we have been called by Christ to walk a certain way, and that walk can help us in our interactions with those around us. We have the greatest friend of all in Jesus. And all He asks of us is that we demonstrate the same love to those around us as He has shown us.
Let’s be friends!
Now you can find me on twitter @aliciarharris.
I’m delighted to say that most of the people I know and love would be friends with themselves, as well. They cited their attractive qualities, such as thoughtfulness, pleasant disposition, and ability to have a good time with other people. And they gave examples of why they thought they are great friends to others.
Now each of these people happen to be Christian, and it made me further wonder if their faith had anything to do with their “friendability.” I thought of Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control….” It was interesting to me that many of the qualities they citied were right from that scripture.
Of course, this is not to say that a non-Christian cannot be friendly! However, the point is that as Christians, we have been called by Christ to walk a certain way, and that walk can help us in our interactions with those around us. We have the greatest friend of all in Jesus. And all He asks of us is that we demonstrate the same love to those around us as He has shown us.
Let’s be friends!
Now you can find me on twitter @aliciarharris.
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