I have the pleasure of working with a boy who is labeled as anxious and socially withdrawn. He gets angered easily and usually has no desire to socialize with his peers. The boy would rather kick a ball alone than play a game with other children. Sometimes one can say something to him that is taken the wrong way, resulting with an inability to regulate his emotions. However, one day, I witnessed him conquer those labels that often hold him back. He asked if he could read a story aloud. He did not panic or give up. The boy stood in front of all his peers and confidently read an entire book.
This inspires me to focus on the passage from Romans 8, “In all these things we are more than conquerers through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus (v. 37-39).”
What are the labels that hold us back? As imperfect people, we tend to focus on our flaws and play the sympathy game. People call themselves awful names and cut themselves down until they loose all confidence. We have a way of listening to thoughts in the back of our mind that tell us we are not good enough. God knows that we will fall into this trap and wants us to be protected from the negative cycle that we get ourselves into. Romans 8:28 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. What then shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us (v. 31)?” We are not meant to be ruled by our emotions, but be able to conquer and overcome them because God is on our side.
You may be wondering if I believe that God's spirit was working through this little boy. I don't know that for certain. However, I do believe that witnessing this interaction allowed me to be reminded of the power of God's love, and the confidence that He has in us. The confidence that encourages us to conquer any challenge that we are given in this lifetime. I am reminded of the promise of God's unconditional love and support that is freely given to His children.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
"The Secret"
A prisoner ministered to a proselyte of Judaism which brought her to conversion along with the rest of her household. He also helped out a slave girl. His ministry caused him time with the magistrates where he was beaten with rods and taken to prison. This prisoner was known as the Apostle Paul. Everything was at stake for him. Paul was preaching a religion that was considered illegal to the Romans, and he was sent to jail because of it. However, Paul is the ideal example of finding contentment regardless of the situation.
There is a psychological principle known as cognitive behavioral thinking. It states that one can change the way they behave if they change their thinking pattern. This is seen in biblical context, especially when Paul instructs us to accept our circumstances.
Philippians 4 states, “ I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength (v. 12-13).” When Paul was sent to prison, it would be easy to think that his ministry would be over. However, Paul uses his mind and behavior to continue to glorify God.
Many of us have been placed in situations where it is hard to minister to others. Some of us have family members that do not want to hear the gospel. Others have work environments that are not conducive to sharing the message. Despite these circumstances, Paul has urged us that we can still minister to others through our mind and actions.
Romans 12:2 explains, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- his good and pleasing and perfect will.” If we learn to put our mind over the matter, we will grasp “the secret.” Just because we may be in a difficult circumstance or a situation where we are not allowed to share our faith, our behavior can still show our belief. I can't help but hear the words to the chorus, “They'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes they'll know we are Christians by our love.”When we place our mind over the obstacle, our behavior becomes our voice. The voice that shows others the love of Christ.
There is a psychological principle known as cognitive behavioral thinking. It states that one can change the way they behave if they change their thinking pattern. This is seen in biblical context, especially when Paul instructs us to accept our circumstances.
Philippians 4 states, “ I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength (v. 12-13).” When Paul was sent to prison, it would be easy to think that his ministry would be over. However, Paul uses his mind and behavior to continue to glorify God.
Many of us have been placed in situations where it is hard to minister to others. Some of us have family members that do not want to hear the gospel. Others have work environments that are not conducive to sharing the message. Despite these circumstances, Paul has urged us that we can still minister to others through our mind and actions.
Romans 12:2 explains, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- his good and pleasing and perfect will.” If we learn to put our mind over the matter, we will grasp “the secret.” Just because we may be in a difficult circumstance or a situation where we are not allowed to share our faith, our behavior can still show our belief. I can't help but hear the words to the chorus, “They'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes they'll know we are Christians by our love.”When we place our mind over the obstacle, our behavior becomes our voice. The voice that shows others the love of Christ.
Friday, April 10, 2009
"Empty Your Tomb"
We entered the chapel behind the sanctuary which was transformed into the empty tomb. Walls resembling stone surrounded us and white linens remained with a bright light cascading upon them. I approached the communion table that was placed inside, and shed a tear as I took the emblems. Our congregation had the privilege of experiencing a visual reenactment after Jesus rose from the dead.
“But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side and they were alarmed. Don't be alarmed, he said. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen (Mark 16:4-6)!”
When Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, he had his life on earth taken away. When I looked at the white linens that were used in the tomb, it made me think of what he left. Jesus, the Messiah, had many things taken away from him. He left his friends (the disciples), the people he had healed, and those who he ministered. However, Christ emptied himself to follow his father's plan. This places even more significance on his teaching: “If anyone come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it (Mark 8:34-35).”
As I reminisce about this Easter service, I realize that three years have past. Things seem to be worse than they were then. I have never experienced a time in my life where I have heard so much about families struggling, having fear for our jobs, and worried about peace among nations. It forces me to think about how my life changes from year to year and to recognize the things that are taken away. It also allows me to realize how God has worked in those situations. What have you lost in your lifetime? What has been taken away from you that has left you confused or heartbroken? Remember that Jesus had his life taken from him, but received the ultimate blessing in return. As believers we are urged to remain encouraged. “ And we know that God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).”
“But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side and they were alarmed. Don't be alarmed, he said. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen (Mark 16:4-6)!”
When Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, he had his life on earth taken away. When I looked at the white linens that were used in the tomb, it made me think of what he left. Jesus, the Messiah, had many things taken away from him. He left his friends (the disciples), the people he had healed, and those who he ministered. However, Christ emptied himself to follow his father's plan. This places even more significance on his teaching: “If anyone come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it (Mark 8:34-35).”
As I reminisce about this Easter service, I realize that three years have past. Things seem to be worse than they were then. I have never experienced a time in my life where I have heard so much about families struggling, having fear for our jobs, and worried about peace among nations. It forces me to think about how my life changes from year to year and to recognize the things that are taken away. It also allows me to realize how God has worked in those situations. What have you lost in your lifetime? What has been taken away from you that has left you confused or heartbroken? Remember that Jesus had his life taken from him, but received the ultimate blessing in return. As believers we are urged to remain encouraged. “ And we know that God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)