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Tag: Truth
The Freedom of God’s Grace
I love the absolute TRUTH of this passage! Seriously! It excites me that there is now NO condemnation of my sin … because I am In Christ Jesus … and the law of the Life-giving Spirit has set me FREE from the law of sin and death. Yet, sin will always be a real and present struggle for the believer. This struggle can and should raise conviction from the Holy Spirit to turn away from that sin – but it can also raise ’emotions’ or internal charges of guilt and condemnation. This is where grace comes in – for we no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, we live under the freedom of God’s grace – not just that we have been saved by grace but that God accepted Christ’s blood as payment for our sin, and we are no longer charged with the debt!
I had been a Christian for 21 years before I knew or fully understood this life-changing truth. I still remember the relief the day a pastor friend of mine helped me understand that I don’t have to, nor can I, repay God for my sins. It’s important to know that I firmly believed I was saved by grace through faith in Christ, that it was not by works that I had done, but rather a gift from God. However, while I knew I couldn’t lose my salvation even if I sinned, somewhere along the way, I had begun to live as though I needed to repay God whenever I did sin. I lived a life of trying to be better, trying to live up to His standards, knowing that I hadn’t, and looking for more “good things” to do to garner His pleasure and maintain His love. As you can imagine, and perhaps have experienced, that lifestyle gets exhausting and does not accomplish its purpose. What I mean is this, if He loved me enough to send His son to die for me, even when I was His enemy, why would I think there was anything I could do to cause Him to love me more than that? His only ‘begotten’ Son gave His life for my sins. Did I seriously think there was anything I could give that would amount to more than that? The answer to both of these questions is no. What I had to learn, was just as my sin would never cost me my salvation, it would also never change His love for me.
Now some may think that this means we can go on sinning. Paul addressed this question at least two different times – and both were a resounding no! He said, “Of course not,” (Romans 6:1-2) and “By no means!” (Romans 6:14-15) explaining to them, as my friend explained to me, that they were no longer living under the law of sin and death. They had been set free, as he said in Romans 8:1-2, by “the law of the life-giving Spirit,” a reiteration of his teaching from chapter 6 that believers live under the “freedom of God’s grace.” However, living under the freedom of God’s grace doesn’t mean we won’t be tempted with sin. Paul spoke of this struggle with sin in chapters 6 and 7, but here in Roman’s 8:1-2, he takes it a step further by proclaiming the wonderful TRUTH that those who are in Christ Jesus are no longer subject to the condemnation that comes from the law of sin and death.
To be clear, I know that growing in wisdom and knowledge of the Lord is a worthy goal. I know that working on living the Holy life He has called me to, loving God and others better, and keeping in step with the Spirit more today than I did yesterday are all worthy goals. The difference now is – I don’t do it to maintain His Love but rather because I want to honor Him for His love – a love that says – “There is therefore now no condemnation”.
Loved – to the Very End
If I am to imitate Jesus – to be a good reflection of who He is – I must know Him well. I must know how He talked, the habits He had – the company He kept, and the way He spent and prioritized His time. I must know how and even why Jesus loved and lived. I must know and understand His character and what made Him who and how He was.
I can only truly find these details in God’s Word, the depth of which is not meant to be examined here today but the crux of which is this – He was from God. God, who had loved the world so much that He gave Jesus, His only begotten Son, to suffer and die so that all who believed in Him might live. Everything He did and said, the way He lived and loved, how He responded, and the things He thought all hinged on Him being from God. Yes, He was Himself God, but He took on human form, making Himself also a man*, and it is that reference that I found myself examining in the passage I read today from John 13:1-17.
Just before the Passover Feast, Jesus knew that his time had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now loved them to the very end 2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, that he should betray Jesus. 3 Because Jesus knew that the Father had handed all things over to him, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 he got up from the meal, removed his outer clothes, took a towel and tied it around himself. 5 He poured water into the washbasin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel he had wrapped around himself.
6 Then he came to Simon Peter. Peter[n] said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You do not understand what I am doing now, but you will understand after these things.” 8 Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus replied, “The one who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 (For Jesus knew the one who was going to betray him. For this reason he said, “Not every one of you is clean.”)
12 So when Jesus had washed their feet and put his outer clothing back on, he took his place at the table again and said to them, “Do you understand what I have done for you? 13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and do so correctly, for that is what I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you too ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example—you should do just as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the solemn truth, the slave is not greater than his master, nor is the one who is sent as a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you understand these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
His habits were Holy and Righteous – why? Because He was from God. He was found most often in the company of His disciples – but also – in the home and the company of sinners. Many questioned this, but we know it was simply and profoundly – because He was from God, sent to seek and save the lost. Because He was from God – He spent His time feeding the hungry, healing the sick, teaching the masses about the Kingdom of God, and communicating with the Father. He came to give life to the full – why – because He wanted us to be one with the Father just as He is. This oneness can only be experienced when we know God, which is precisely what Christ desired for all people – because He was from God.
Jesus wasn’t just their Lord and teacher. He was God Himself, yet, here we find Him, just before His imminent suffering and death, to have gotten up from the table and removing all hindrances prepared Himself outwardly to perform a ‘servant-like’ expression of His love. As Matthew Henry said, “He taught them the value of spiritual washing and the cleansing of the soul from the pollutions of sin,” and He did this through the lowly act of washing their feet. In preparation for His departure, it seems He wanted them to not only witness an act of selfless love but to be the recipients. So, Jesus gave them a very humble and passionately moving example of serving others from an attitude of love and humility instead of from a position or status. He did this throughout His ministry as an example of how we are to live and love and serve. He loved beyond who and what He was and knew He was entitled to*. Jesus lived and taught a love that served not self but others and spilled out in actions that proved His love was not only genuine but one that endures to the very end.
*Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort provided by love, any fellowship in the Spirit, any affection or mercy, 2 complete my joy and be of the same mind, by having the same love, being united in spirit, and having one purpose. 3 Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. 4 Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well. 5 You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had, 6who though he existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God
as something to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself by taking on the form of a servant, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature. 8 He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death —even death on a cross! Philippians 2:1-8
Today’s Scripture: John 3:1-8 (S.O.A.P. John 3:3)
Question of the Day: What did Jesus say had to happen before we can see the Kingdom of God? How is this possible?
Now a certain man, a Pharisee[a] named Nicodemus, who was a member of the Jewish ruling council,[b] 2 came to Jesus[c] at night[d] and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs[e] that You do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus replied,[f] “I tell you the solemn truth,[g] unless a person is born from above,[h] he cannot see the kingdom of God.”[i] 4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter his mother’s womb and be born a second time, can he?”[j]
Jesus answered, “I tell you the solemn truth,[k] unless a person is born of water and spirit,[l] he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 What is born of the flesh is flesh,[m] and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must all[n] be born from above.’[o] 8 The wind[p] blows wherever it will, and you hear the sound it makes, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”[q]
Grace is Greater than Sin
S.O.A.P.ing the Scriptures has become my preferred way, and now habit, of studying God’s Word. I find that it not only enhances my time with Him but leads me to a greater understanding of the specific passage and of who He is. However, I have found that, as with any habit, it can sometimes become a rote routine rather than a time of truly looking intently into the Word of God.
Have you ever played the game where you are shown an array of items and asked to remember what is there? You are given just a certain amount of time to study what you see and then asked to list as many items as you can after they have been taken away from your sight. Perhaps if there are very few items a quick glance might be all that you need, but most often the game includes a vast array of items all piled together and you need to study rather than glance. As I S.O.A.P.ed today’s Scripture, Romans 5:15, I was reminded me of two things – one, that game – and two, I needed to slow down and really look at the passage before me.
A quick glance achieved restating the verse as best as I could under the ‘Observation’ section of the journal. There’s nothing really wrong with that, I’ve done it before and it’s worked. However, this time I noticed when it came to the ‘Application’ section of the journal page I struggled with what to write. The long and short of what I realized is this morning I hadn’t really been looking carefully and attentively into God’s Word, I had merely glanced. Perhaps out of familiarity with the passage or maybe out of rote habit, the reason isn’t important but the realization is. In this situation, it meant the difference in being able to apply God’s Word to my life or not, and that just wasn’t acceptable. So, I went back for another look. As with the game mentioned earlier, when the tray of items – or in this case – God’s Word was was looked at again, I was able to see what I had missed the first time.
This time my attentive observation yielded the treasure that the gift of grace, life through faith in Jesus Christ, is greater than the death that Adam’s sin brought upon all mankind. With this knowledge came the much clearer application that LIFE in Christ is better (greater, more desirable) than a life of sin. In other words, while the pleasure of sin may seem or feel more desirable the gift of life received through faith in Jesus is the more lasting (ETERNAL) pleasure. This prompted the visual: Grace>sin and with that visual came the real nugget of gold … Christ’s blood covers my sin with all of its guilt and shame! Yes, I already knew this TRUTH, but now I’m armed with it – fresh ammunition – so to speak. Should some temptation come my way or Satan’s fiery darts include guilt and shame I will be ready to stand firm!
As the application became clear the words from an old hymn started running through my mind. I’ve included them below. They are simple but profound and shared with the hope that they will be a blessing to all who read them.
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord, grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt, yonder on Calvary’s mount out-poured there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt. * Dark is the stain that we cannot hide. What can avail to wash it away? Look! There is flowing a crimson tide, whiter than snow you may be today. * Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace – freely bestowed on all who believe – you that are longing to see His face, will you this moment His grace receive? (*refrain) Grace, grace, God’s grace – grace that will pardon and cleanse within. Grace, grace, God’s grace – grace that is greater than all our sin.
Making Peace With the Past
Are you holding on to the past? Maybe you’re so lost in the good memories that you’re missing out on enjoying the present opportunities to make new ones. Or, perhaps there are pieces from your past that haunt you and taunt you – invoking emotions of fear or resentment and regret – or even anger or bitterness. These emotions can stem from past decisions or words spoken or things left undone. They can also stem from things others have said or done to you. Whatever they are and wherever they come from they are not meant for us to dwell on.When writing about making peace with your past, Criswell Freeman said it like this: “Since we can’t change the pains and disappointments of the past, why do so many of us insist upon replaying them over and over again in our minds? … Obviously we can’t change the past. It is what it was and forever will be. The present of course is a different matter. Today is filled with opportunities to live, to love, to work, to play, and to celebrate life.” To the Israelites, God said it like this: “Do not remember the past events, pay no attention to things of old, look, I am about to do something new…” (Isa 43:18)
If we allow the past to take us captive we will miss all of these opportunities. We will get caught up with trying to recreate or undo or find ourselves trembling in fear or seeking revenge. The apostle Paul had many things to regret in his lifetime but he also said he had many reasons to put confidence in his flesh – he describes both in the third chapter of Philippians but concludes with this summation: “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have attained [perfection], instead I am single-minded: forgetting what is behind and reaching out for the things that are ahead, with this goal in mind, I strive toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:13-14). I know of no better way of making peace with my past or not living in past accomplishments or enjoyments than to fix my mind on God and the opportunities He sets before me today in living out His call on my life and the hope of eternity. Concerning the former, Criswell Freeman concluded: “Instead, live in the precious present, where opportunities abound and change is still possible.”
Father, thank you for the reminder this morning that holding onto or living in the past – for whatever reason – only serves to keep my mind distracted from You. The enemy’s goal is to steal and kill and destroy. He knows that if I am distracted from You I will not know Your peace and instead will follow after my own desires or wallow in sorrows or bitterness or anger and regrets. Christ came so that I might have life and have it to the full – but this is only possible when my mind is stayed on You – for in You there is perfect peace. So, help me to not dwell on the past events of my life, or pay attention to the things of old but instead fix my eyes on You – so that I do not miss where you lead or what You do 💜 In Jesus’ Name –

*Prayer starter by Criswell Freeman, “Prayers to Start Your Day” – SmithFreeman Publishing
Why we need to Recharge
For me this was another perfect starter for the days we are living through. Does anyone remember the song from the 70s called “Pass it on”? “It only takes a spark to get a fire 🔥 going and soon all those around will warm up to its glowing – that’s how it is with Gods love – once you’ve experienced it … you want to pass it on…” can you imagine what would happen if we lived these words of Paul?! How we would be affected and how we would affect the world (believers and non-believers) around us? 🙌 praying for our batteries to be recharged and sparks to fly 🙏😁
Prayer starter by Criswell Freeman – Smith freeman publishing (Prayers to Start Your Day)
“Know Love”: Week 4 – Friday
Question of the day: Obviously, as believers, we are to imitate what is good, but how do we know the difference between good and evil? Check out Hebrews 5:14 for the answer. To encourage others and help us grow in our faith and understanding please be sure to read and/or share your comments about today’s question or passage in the reply bar at the bottom of the page. Let’s spur one another on to love and good deeds.
Today’s Scripture: 3 John 9-15 (S.O.A.P. 11)
9 I wrote something to the church but Diotrephes who loves to be first among them, does not acknowledge us. 10 Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to the deeds he is doing—the bringing of unjustified charges against us with evil words! And not being content with that, he not only refuses to welcome the brothers himself, but hinders the people who want to do so and throws them out of the church! 11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is bad but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does what is bad has not seen God.
12 Demetrius has been testified to by all, even by the truth itself. We also testify to him, and you know that our testimony is true.
13 I have many things to write to you, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink. 14 But I hope to see you right away, and we will speak face to face. 15 Peace be with you. The friends here greet you. Greet the friends there by name.
“Know Love”: Week 4 – Thursday
Question of the day: How can we support, or become co-workers in, the spreading of the Gospel? To encourage others and help us grow in our faith and understanding please be sure to read and/or share your comments about today’s question or passage in the reply bar at the bottom of the page. Let’s spur one another on to love and good deeds.
Today’s Scripture: 3 John 5-8 (S.O.A.P. vs 8)
5 Dear friend, you demonstrate faithfulness by whatever you do for the brothers (even though they are strangers). 6 They have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they have gone forth on behalf of “The Name,” accepting nothing from the pagans. 8 Therefore we ought to support such people, so that we become coworkers in cooperation with the truth.
Me From the Inside Out 