It is funny the different topics that God brings up in my life. I wonder why am I supposed to study this now? It is not something I have been thinking about. But He has a purpose!
"We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to you. We are not going too far in our boasting, as would be the case if we had not come to you, for we did get as far as you with the gospel of Christ. Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our areas of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. for we do not want to boast about work already done in another man's territory. But, "let him who boasts boast in the Lord." For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends." II Corinthians 10:13-18
It struck me that the Bible talks about boasting and seems to encourage it - if you do it right. Then I am full of questions: What do we boast about? Who do we boast to or about? I always thought we were not supposed to boast. How far can you go until it is prideful boasting? Is boasting a matter of the heart motive? Can it be praise to God?
In my study of this I have discovered that we can boast about the work of God that is done in our sphere influence. We can boast about evidences of God's love. We are to use it as a means to promote His glory. When we start boasting about things we have done then it must be prideful. That is taking the credit when the credit belongs to God. It becomes prideful when we start measuring ourselves against ourselves. We need to measure ourselves to God. Then we will not become prideful!
"but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the Lord." Jeremiah 9:24
I think this verse is pretty clear. We can boast that we understand and know God and boast about His qualities. It is a way of praising God! The world has such a different perspective on it.
So, now my question is: Am I boasting enough? What is my sphere of influence that God has given me? What are the evidences of God's love in my life? Do I know instances of God's kindness, justice, and righteousness enough that I can talk to other people about it? I feel challenged that these are the things that should be foremost in my mind and engage my family, friends, and acquaintances in conversations such as these.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
Obedience
"...and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." II Corinthians10:5b
This is complete surrender. This takes being conscience of God all the time. This is a challenge. I get so caught up in the busyness, my tasks, the acting up of my children, my own desires... to remember how involved God wants to be in my life. "Every thought". Wow, that is intense. But, so was dieing on the cross for me. Everything I think and do should be checked to see if it is God honoring. If I could practice this, at the end of the day knowing how I lived with God would be fulfilling. I know it would help me to overcome some of the bad habits I have. What victory! I must go forth in constant prayer to remember every thought. I think I better slow down a bit to remember this.
This is complete surrender. This takes being conscience of God all the time. This is a challenge. I get so caught up in the busyness, my tasks, the acting up of my children, my own desires... to remember how involved God wants to be in my life. "Every thought". Wow, that is intense. But, so was dieing on the cross for me. Everything I think and do should be checked to see if it is God honoring. If I could practice this, at the end of the day knowing how I lived with God would be fulfilling. I know it would help me to overcome some of the bad habits I have. What victory! I must go forth in constant prayer to remember every thought. I think I better slow down a bit to remember this.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Repentance
"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done." II Corinthians 7:10-11
These are the verses that "hit" me this morning. It is a great example to me to have a soft heart. Not to have pride and be willing to admit that I am wrong and do all I can to change the wrong. It gives me the desire to have a heart full of God and living with His attitude and mindset. Doing things His way not my way. I struggle with being defensive when convicted of something, but the Corinthians were confronted with a sin and this is the way they responded. They must have received more blessings and wholeness with the attitude of their response. I would love to have this maturity!
These are the verses that "hit" me this morning. It is a great example to me to have a soft heart. Not to have pride and be willing to admit that I am wrong and do all I can to change the wrong. It gives me the desire to have a heart full of God and living with His attitude and mindset. Doing things His way not my way. I struggle with being defensive when convicted of something, but the Corinthians were confronted with a sin and this is the way they responded. They must have received more blessings and wholeness with the attitude of their response. I would love to have this maturity!
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