Reign Everywhere

You know when you watch the weather person on the news and they show a map and point out where there is supposed to be rain? Well, think about your life. There are different areas and relationships. You have your inner life and your outward life, your friends, family, and acquaintances. The question to ask is wether or not the Lord reigns in every part of your life?

This is just a little check. Because if Christ is not reigning who is? The flesh is a tyrant and legalism is chains disguised as jewelry. But Christ's reign is a gentle and protective reign. He is the good shepherd who gave himself up for the sheep, us. His reign means freedom for us, not bondage. 

Today, look at the map of your life and ask, where does He need to reign in your life?

The Eternal Tense of Forgiveness

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 

Colossians 1:21-22 NIV

God's goal, his end in mind, is to present you holy in his sight. He will deal with the blemishes and accusations. Sometimes the problem for us is that we still live as if we are alienated from God. We make choices as if we are still an enemy of God. 

In a way there is no tense that can adequately express the depth of the work of Christ on our sins. To say that we are forgiven doesn't just mean from the sins of the past and now we get to try to be perfect again. The reconciliation of death of Christ is eternal. Not just past, not just present, not just future, but eternal. When Christ died on the cross he knew we would sin, our whole life. He views us from eternity. His purpose is to present you holy, unblemished and free from accusation. 

Whatever you are struggling with, whatever you are going through, keep seeking Christ because he died to free you, not watch you try to be good enough. 

Do You Feel Like You Look Like You're Losing?

My wife hates it, but I like watching MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fights. At the end of the match they interview the combatants and by the looks on their faces (the cuts and bruises) it's not always apparent who the winner was. Sometimes the battle with the flesh and the world leaves us a little beat up. You may stop for a moment and look at yourself and feel pretty beat up and think you must be losing this fight. Remember, our salvation protects us. The battle is ultimately God's and he is faithful to bring us through. 

But as for me, afflicted and in pain—
   may your salvation, God, protect me. 
I will praise God’s name in song
   and glorify him with thanksgiving.
This will please the Lord more than an ox,
   more than a bull with its horns and hooves.
The poor will see and be glad—
   you who seek God, may your hearts live!
The Lord hears the needy
   and does not despise his captive people.
Psalms 69:29-33 (NIV)

Thank you, Father, that you hear our prayers and you don't despise us. Praise be to you and the victory you give in us!

WHAT DOES GOD WANT TO GIVE YOU?

"He has shown his people the power of his works,
     giving them the lands of other nations." 
Psalm 111:6 

What does God want to give you?
What has he given you?