How to be Ambitious Without Falling into a Trap

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“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life[f] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”  

-Matthew 16:24-26 NIV

tightrope

What does it mean to deny yourself? I think denying yourself means being willing to give up your life desires and ambitions. What are ambitions and aren’t they good? 1 Thessalonians 4: 9-11 NIV says, “Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other…. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life…” This is a very different picture of ambition than what the world paints for us. The world portrays ambition as aggressively pursuing riches, power, and recognition. It almost justifies chasing after earthly ambitions or relentlessly climbing the corporate latter: not stopping until you have the best job, the best house, the best car, the best of everything, and all of the fame and admiration from the those around us. But, God didn’t intend it to be that way. God gave us gifts and talents to bring Him glory by pleasing Him and serving others. 2 Corinthians 5:9 NASB says, “Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.” God gave us passion and drive to use our talents for His glory, not just for our own gain. Of course we need to work to provide for ourselves and our families, but He doesn’t want us to become so caught up in our talents and our abilities, that we fail to remember where they came from. This reminds me of walking on a tightrope. We need to be ambitious, but not so ambitious that our goals, jobs, accomplishments, and fame become more important to us than serving God and others. But, I do understand that sometimes humans fall into the trap of using their gifts and talents to gain recognition, approval, and/or attention from others. And in these cases, if others cease to give us that attention, we end up feeling empty, unappreciated, unsatisfied, insecure, and/or angry. But, we never should have been relying on other people’s approval in the first place (we were mistaken into seeking human approval over God’s approval).

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”- Galatians 1:10 NIV

Furthermore, Philippians 2:3 NIV says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” We must strive to use our work and ministries as an opportunity to bring glory to God and improve the well being of other’s lives.

“My purpose remains
The art of losing myself
In bringing You praise—Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame”

-Hillsong United

Dear Lord Jesus, please help us to use Your gifts and talents to bring You glory. Please help us not to use your gifts solely to receive recognition, praise, and approval from others. Help us to remember, that You gave us unique gifts and talents to serve You, and not solely for our own gain. Amen.

 

 

How do you say the word “forgive” in American Sign Language?

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“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

-1 John 1:9 NIV

This week, we are having Vacation Bible School at my church. The children are learning a song with American Sign Language (ASL) signs, that mentions the word, “forgive.” I remember learning this word in the past. I’ve always thought the word was very meaningful in American Sign Language.
hands ASL IMG_5984

To do the sign for the word “forgive” you must: “Hold left hand in front of you, palm upward with fingers pointing away. Hold right hand with palm facing down and brush fingers across left hand, starting at palm and moving toward fingertips. Repeat motion a few times.” (“ASL Dictionary of Religious Signs.”) The motion done reminds me of something being wiped away or erased. And, that’s exactly what God does. He wipes away (expunges) all of our sins forever.

“Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.”

– Acts 3:19 NLT 

“I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake,                    And I will not remember your sins.

-Isaiah 43:25 ASV 

 References:

 “ASL Dictionary of Religious Signs.” Deaf Missions:. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Aug. 2016. http://www.deafmissions.com/?PageID=18&SubpageID=27

“The Lord’s Prayer.” The Lord’s Prayer. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Aug. http://www.geocities.ws/frankcchurch/lordsprayer.html

Why you may be keeping yourself from being free?

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“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’[h] But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.”

 –Matthew 5:38-41 NIV

 broken-chains

When was the last time you were hurt by someone? Was their harm intentional or not intentional? Do you still hold that hurt against that person? Under Old Testament law, people had to pay for every harm they did, especially if it was intentional.

“But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.”

 -Exodus 21:23-25 NIV

Exodus 21:23-25 reminds us of the emphasis on justice in the Old Testament. But, when Christ came a lot of things changed. He came to pay the penalty for all of the offenses ever made. When Jesus came, justice was replaced with mercy. Bitterness was replaced with joy. Bondage was replaced with freedom. But we can’t find freedom if we don’t let go of the bitterness that binds us. We need to forgive that person, regardless if their harm was intentional or not intentional. “It has been said that bitterness is a pill we swallow, hoping someone else will die.” (Nortker, 3-Minute Devotionals For Women, p.333) But, the reality is that we are the ones, that bitterness destroys. While those, who hurt us, go on living happily and free of the pain they inflicted on us. But, mercy changes everything.

mercyJesus Christ set the ultimate example of mercy. By sacrificing His life on the cross for us and atoning our sins, He painted the most beautiful picture of mercy that exists. As they tortured Him on the cross, “Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”…”- Luke 23:34 NIV We need to forgive that person, regardless if their harm was not intentional or intentional. But, Jesus went one step further. He loved us. He loved the ones, whose sins nailed Him to the cross. He said,“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” –Matthew 5:44 NIV The point is mercy in the form of forgiveness and love changes everything. It gives us freedom from the pain our enemies/haters/abusers/accusers inflicted on us. Jesus intended for us to live free of resentment and bitterness. Our freedom is in mercy. It frees us from bitterness and hate. It gives us a whole new ability to love. Amen.

Brigitta Nortker, comp. 3-Minute Devotionals For Women. Uhrichsville: Barbour, Ohio. Print.

Good Fruit

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“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” 

–Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV

fruit

“For a short time each fall, apple orchards are full of sweet, ripe fruit ready to be enjoyed. The rest of the year, though, the trees spend time growing, taking nourishment from the sun, soaking up water through their roots, and waiting for the fruit to grow and ripen. Picked too soon, apples are bitter; too late and they’re overripe and mushy.”(Nortker, 3-Minute Devotionals For Women, p.300) Think about the analogy here. The Bible talks a lot about fruit; not only the fruits of the Spirit, but also the fruits of sharing the Gospel and instructing others in the faith. But, we can’t produce any fruit on our own. We can’t be good or do any good work on our own.

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The only way to be good and bear good fruit is to keep our gaze focused on God. If we lose our focus on Him, we cease to be good. We must be faithful and remain in Christ. He has already redeemed us by Salvation, but we must remain in Him. In John 15:3-5 NIV, Jesus says, “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” When we can’t see good fruit in our lives or the lives of those around us, we need to be patient. It takes time for us to soak up the light of the Father, receive nourishment from His Word, and for the Holy Spirit to work within us. But, if we remain completely rooted in Jesus Christ, we will bear fruit. Maybe not right now or tomorrow, but when the time is right. “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven….A time to plant and a time to harvest.” –Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 We just need to trust God, while remaining patient and persevering in our faith. Amen.

Reference:

Brigitta Nortker, comp. 3-Minute Devotionals For Women. Uhrichsville: Barbour, Ohio. Print.

Song Reflection: Flawless by MercyMe

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white lilly

Flawless, by Mercy Me, is a really awesome song, that I was introduced to at Spirit West Coast. The lead singer gave a talk about how sometimes Christian leaders give us “guilt” messages. But, as Christians we  aren’t supposed to walk around feeling guilty. God’s grace is bigger than that. It would be foolish to think that we aren’t going to sin, make mistakes, or have problems after we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour. We are still human. Sometimes as Christians, especially those of us with more years in the faith, we place impossibly hard expectations on ourselves. One school of thought is: I am a Christian and if I sin, make mistakes, let people down, or unintentionally hurt them; something must be terribly wrong with us. I must be a “bad” Christian. I must be a disappointment to God and a bad testimony to those around us. We let guilt and shame consume us. But, God doesn’t want us to do that. He doesn’t want us to walk around with our heads hanging down and frowns on our faces. He doesn’t want us to feel like we are worse Christians than other Christians. See, the reality is that we ALL mess up. This is pointed out in the line: “Come on get in line right behind me You along with everybody.” This truth is made clear in the Bible. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” –Romans 3:10 KJV In the official music video to this song, which is also worth checking out, the people struggle with a number flaws: illnesses, weaknesses (ie. “prone to selfishness”), physical flaws, workaholic tendencies, “spiritual leadership” inabilities, doubt, and fear. Without Christ, we are imperfect, wretched human beings. We all struggle with something or another. But, we can’t let our struggles, guilt, or past haunt us. Because, “No matter the bumps No matter the bruises No matter the scars… No matter the hurt Or how deep the wound is
No matter the pain Still the truth is…The cross has made you flawless.”

It is by God’s grace alone that we are made righteous.
“For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” –Romans 5:19 KJV

If you haven’t heard the song, you might want to check it out.

Here are the lyrics to the song:

“Flawless”

There’s got to be more
Than going back and forth
From doing right to doing wrong
‘Cause we were taught that’s who we are
Come on get in line right behind me
You along with everybody
Thinking there’s worth in what you doThen Like a hero who takes the stage when
We’re on the edge of our seats saying it’s too late
Well let me introduce you to amazing grace
 No matter the bumps
No matter the bruises
No matter the scars
Still the truth is
The cross has made
The cross has made you flawless
No matter the hurt
Or how deep the wound is
No matter the pain
Still the truth is
The cross has made
The cross has made you flawlessCould it possibly be
That we simply can’t believe
That this unconditional
Kind of love would be enough
To take a filthy wretch like this
And wrap him up in righteousness
But that’s exactly what He did…Take a breath smile and say
Right here right now I’m ok
Because the cross was enoughThen Like a hero who takes the stage when
We’re on the edge of our seats saying it’s too late
Well let me introduce you to grace grace
God’s grace

No matter the bumps
No matter the bruises
No matter the scars
Still the truth is
The cross has made
The cross has made you flawless
No matter the hurt
Or how deep the wound is
No matter the pain
Still the truth is
The cross has made
The cross has made you flawless…”

 

 

Updates!

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Dear viewers and subscribers,

I am very excited to announce that there will be new and upcoming changes to my website! First, today I am introducing a trial Spanish translation version of my first blog entry! Secondly, I am considering adding a prayer wall. Also, I would like to request feedback from you, the viewers. Are there any verses, topics, or songs that you would like to read about? Comments are welcome. And, if you are too shy to comment, feel free to message me. Thanks!!!

Made Perfect

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“For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.”   

–Hebrews 10:14 NIV

 grace

Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price for our freedom, by making the sacrifice for us on the cross and it only happened one time. This one time was enough to wash our sins away forever, because He is God’s son. From the time we accept salvation, our sins are washed away forever, and we are made perfect in Christ. What does it mean to be made perfect in Christ? I believe it means that His grace is sufficient to cover all of our sin making us like Him, so that we can enter heaven.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” -2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV. 

Does this mean we don’t sin anymore? No, but it means all of our sins have been covered by the blood of Christ. We are no longer living under the law, but by grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Isaiah 64:5 says, “…all our righteous acts are like filthy rags…” Nothing we can do, can ever earn our way into heaven. The price has already been paid ONE time, by our ONE and ONLY King, Jesus Christ. We choose to try not to sin after Salvation, because He dwells within us and He sees everything we are doing first hand. So, we know when He is not pleased with our actions and we don’t want to sin, because it gets in the way of our relationship with Him. Still, our good works of helping others don’t get us into heaven- they are simply our way of worshipping and expressing gratitude to Christ. And, although it may seem unfair, the price for everyone who chooses salvation is already paid, regardless if they got saved 3 minutes before their death or at age 6. But, those who come to Christ have the blessing of being in a relationship (communication) with Him throughout their life. But, nobody is deserving of salvation or can gain salvation from good works or trying to live a sinless life. As humans, it is impossible for us to live a sinless life.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” -Romans 6:23 NIV

grace 2

 

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. “–Romans 3:23-24 NIV

“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them–yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” – 1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.’ –Philippians 3:12 NLV

We are saved by grace ALONE. And, it is grace that works through us to accomplish God’s work. Grace is what makes us what we are now, but grace isn’t finished with us yet. Amen.

In God’s Eyes

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“He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the Lord his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.”

 –Numbers 23:21 KJV

  noname-5

Earlier chapters of Numbers describe how many of the Israelites lacked the faith needed to enter the promise land and were punished by God. They blamed Moses for their actions, rebelled against their leaders, and were defiantly disobedient to God. Balak, a Moabite enemy of the Israelites went to Balaam, a wicked prophet (but not a false prophet), to have him curse the Israelites in exchange for money. But, God still loved Israel. No matter how hard Balaam tried, God did not allow Balaam to curse Israel.

“The Lord met with Balaam and put a word in his mouth and said, “Go back to Balak and give him this word.” So he went to him and found him standing beside his offering, with the Moabite officials. Balak asked him, “What did the Lord say?” Then he spoke his message: “Arise, Balak, and listen; hear me, son of Zippor. God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? I have received a command to bless; he has blessed, and I cannot change it.“No misfortune is seen in Jacob, no misery observed[a] in Israel. The Lord their God is with them; the shout of the King is among them.”

 -Numbers 23:16-21 NIV

In fact,“While God had control of Balaam’s wicked mouth, he made an unbelievable statement: God had not beheld iniquity in Jacob or seen perverseness in Israel… He imputes His righteousness to them. Because, God was in the midst of Israel, when He looked on them, He didn’t see their sin- He saw Himself.” ((Nortker, 3-Minute Devotionals For Women, p.96)” A beautiful picture is painted here: Israel is utterly perverse and wicked, but God sees righteousness, because He is in the midst of the city and He sees Himself. In the same way, the Holy Spirit dwells within us, if we have salvation (born of the Holy Spirit). In John 3:6, the Holy Spirit is described like the wind. “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”[d]” The Holy Spirit blows through us touching every part of us. When God looks at us, He doesn’t see our sins. Instead, He sees the Holy Spirit and we are righteous in His eyes. Amen.

 

 

Reference:

Brigitta Nortker, comp. 3-Minute Devotionals For Women. Uhrichsville: Barbour, Ohio. Print.

The Door

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“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

 – Joshua 1:9

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Sometimes, God calls us to do things that seem impossible or calls us to positions that seem too big for us. For example, in Joshua 1, God calls Joshua to take Moses’ position. Moses was one of the greatest Old Testament leaders. God had used him to bring about the plagues on Egypt, lead the Israelites out of captivity, part the Red Sea, obtain water from a rock, convey the ten commandments, and so much more. Joshua must have thought how could I ever fit into this man’s shoes. Have you ever felt that way in your life? Maybe God has called you to a new job, which you feel totally unqualified for? Perhaps, God has called you to a new ministry, which you don’t feel prepared for? The person, who held this position before you had been much more talented and equipped for your position than you are. Or perhaps, God has closed some doors in your life, giving you almost you no choice, but to take the more difficult path toward the bigger door ahead. If God gives you the key to that door, than that door is yours and you need to open it (regardless of what lies behind it). As humans, it is only natural for us to fear the unknown. But, whatever lies behind that door, is not unknown to God. In the same way that He prepared Joshua, He has also prepared you for it and will be with you. We can’t let fear get in the way of doing, what God has called us to do. Joshua didn’t! If Joshua would have let fear stop him, he would have missed out on so much. If you read further to Joshua 5:13-15, you discover that Joshua was privileged to become one of the few  individuals of the Old Testament to he have met Jesus Christ in His pre-incarnate form. A number of commentaries (including MacLaren’s Expositions and Matthew Henry’s concise commentary) concede that the “Captain of the Host of the Lord”(who Joshua worshipped) of the Joshua 5:14 is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. But, the point is: Joshua was able to reach this point, because He trusted God and didn’t let fear stop him. “No matter what we face or where we go, He is with us. He will help us through it all.”(Nortker, 3-Minute Devotionals For Women, p.334) But, we need to be willing step up to the plate. We need to“be strong and courageous.”Amen.

Think about the lyrics to this song: Make A Way  performed by I Am They

 “…Wherever you lead me, I know you won’t leave me
Wherever you call me, You will make a way
Wherever we’re going, I will be holding
To the promise you have made
You will make a way
You will make a way…”

Breaking Point

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“Cast your cares on the Lord
and he will sustain you;
he will never let
the righteous be shaken.”
-Psalm 55:22
 dreamstime_xxl_4704425_klein

“Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” Elijah was afraid[a] and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled fortydays and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. There he went into a cave and spent the night.”  -1 Kings 19:1-9 NIV

Everyone has a breaking point. Even the great prophet Elijah reached a point, where he said, “I have had enough, Lord,”… “Take my life;.” You may ask: what happened to his great faith? He had just seen God give him great victories. But, have we not done the same thing? Have we not seen God do great things for us, only to find ourselves once again in the dark shadows of the valleys of doubt, fear, or unbelief? Have we not cried to God in our depths of despair? Have we not reached our physical, mental, or emotional breaking point at some time in our lives? I know I have. God has taken me through deserts and valleys; every time leading me to higher ground. I recall having gone through a time, where I reached my breaking point. My faith was flailing. Sometimes, we place our trust and hope in the wrong places. Here, Elijah was placing his trust in his own strength. God could have been angry with Elijah for losing his faith in Him. Instead, God was tender and patient with Elijah. He sent His angels to care for Elijah. If God allows us to reach one of our breaking points, it’s so that our faith will grow. He is our best caretaker. He will reach out to us, when He knows we are too weak to go any further. He may send His “angels” and mysterious blessings into our lives to help carry us, wherever He is leading us. We just need to hold on, with all that we have left. God always steps in at the right time and provides for us in unimaginably magnificent ways.
 Think about the lyrics to this song: Worn by Tenth Avenue North

“I’m tired
I’m worn
My heart is heavy
From the work it takes to keep on breathing

I’ve made mistakes
I’ve let my hope fail
My soul feels crushed
By the weight of this world
And I know that you can give me rest
So I cry out with all that I have left

Let me see redemption win
Let me know the struggle ends…

 And my prayers are wearing thin
I’m worn even before the day begins
I’m worn I’ve lost my will to fight
I’m worn so heaven so come and flood my eyes

Let me see redemption win
Let me know the struggle ends…”

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for always being there to step in, when the “weight of the world” is too heavy a burden for us to bear on our own. Amen.

“