What is the effect of righteousness in our lives? What difference does it make that we stand in right relationship with God? The prophet Isaiah has some powerful things to say about this subject.
"The fruit of righteousness will be peace, the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, and in undisturbed places of rest."
Isaiah 32:17-18
The verses leading up to this profound promise speak of times of great devastation and trial for their land. Even in the midst of the greatest attack, trial, or season of discouragement that may come to us, God is able to reverse our environment because of Jesus' costly purchase our righteousness on the cross.
This morning I was reminded of the amazing effect righteousness can have on our lives...
peace...
quietness...
confidence....
peaceful dwelling places...
secure homes...
undisturbed places of peace....
The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit! A powerful prayer to pray today..."Father, let Your Kingdom come, Your will be done and Your righteousness manifested in each area of my life."
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Spiritual Warfare: Strength to sit
In battle scenerios no one wants to be caught off guard, unprepared, or blind-sided like a "sitting duck." And the words of a long term army general "The more we sweat in peace time, the less we bleed in war," are very true. Preparation and action are very necessary to win wars.
Nevertheless, often the greatest act of courage and wisdom during times of spiritual warfare is to simply sit.
Jesus quoted Psalm 110:1 to a group of Pharisees to emphasize His identity as the Son of God. It's interesting that the Psalm says:
Sitting at the right hand of the Father, enjoying intimacy with our Dad and becoming increasingly confident in our royal identity, can accomplish far more in our battles than running off to impulsively fight in our own strength.
At times when we find the heat is all on, it is easy to find our actions fueled by anxiety rather than faith.
Maybe the greatest strategy for spiritual warfare is to simply sit at God's right hand while He makes our enemies a footstool for us?
Nevertheless, often the greatest act of courage and wisdom during times of spiritual warfare is to simply sit.
Jesus quoted Psalm 110:1 to a group of Pharisees to emphasize His identity as the Son of God. It's interesting that the Psalm says:
"The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet."
Sitting at the right hand of the Father, enjoying intimacy with our Dad and becoming increasingly confident in our royal identity, can accomplish far more in our battles than running off to impulsively fight in our own strength.
At times when we find the heat is all on, it is easy to find our actions fueled by anxiety rather than faith.
Maybe the greatest strategy for spiritual warfare is to simply sit at God's right hand while He makes our enemies a footstool for us?
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Current reading list.
I was told long ago that leaders are readers.
Interesting to note that I don't think I ever completely finished reading a book in high school and now God has me pursuing wisdom at a rate I never would have even desired.
Currently I am digesting some good stuff from:
Interesting to note that I don't think I ever completely finished reading a book in high school and now God has me pursuing wisdom at a rate I never would have even desired.
Currently I am digesting some good stuff from:
- Qualities of a Warrior by Graham Cooke
- Loving Your Kids on Purpose by Danny Silk
- Bringing up Boys by James Dobson
- Good to Great by Jim Collins
Sunday, July 19, 2009
the birth of praise...
Every good and perfect gift comes from above. Today our family celebrates the birth of our little "praise"man...aka Judah James. The book of Psalms says that God has ordained praise on the lips of infants..and this little guy definitely came out screaming.
He's 4 years and ready to take over the world...just ask him. He'll tell you I'm a "history maker, world changer, man of God!"
It's a sobering thought to think that he's watching my every move...looking for a model to follow. What an amazing privilege our Father has given us to raise up little world changers.
Be sure to check out our upcoming series at church: PG: Parental Guidance Required. I plan to learn some things for sure.
Off to the beach to go celebrate with the fam:)
He's 4 years and ready to take over the world...just ask him. He'll tell you I'm a "history maker, world changer, man of God!"
It's a sobering thought to think that he's watching my every move...looking for a model to follow. What an amazing privilege our Father has given us to raise up little world changers.
Be sure to check out our upcoming series at church: PG: Parental Guidance Required. I plan to learn some things for sure.
Off to the beach to go celebrate with the fam:)
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Honor: humility in action
"We don't just honor people because they are honorable. We honor them because we are honorable. For a Christian, honor is a condition of the heart, not just a product of a good environment.
Honor is humility in action.
The presence of honor creates order through dignity instead of the fear of punishment. Order, when it is fostered by honor, results in empowerment; order enforced through fear results in control." -Kris Vallotton "The Supernatural Ways of Royalty"
Honor is humility in action.
The presence of honor creates order through dignity instead of the fear of punishment. Order, when it is fostered by honor, results in empowerment; order enforced through fear results in control." -Kris Vallotton "The Supernatural Ways of Royalty"
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