I Peter 4:10-11
"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God." (v. 10)
The word "gift" in this verse comes from the Greek word charisma, which means "a (divine) gratuity; deliverance (from danger or passion); (specifically) a (spiritual) endowment...(subjectively) religious qualification; or (objectively) miraculous faculty." How fascinating and moving to my spirit! This word, charisma, is where we obtain the derivative "charismatic", which is known to receive an unfavorable response in some religious congregations. I propose that if we were to view the charismatic through the filter of its true meaning, it describes the Christian who has God's divine grace and deliverance upon his or her life and who has been qualified by God to fulfill specific tasks through Spirit-endowed and apportioned abilities. Wouldn't...and shouldn't...we all desire to be "charismatic" with this knowledge of the word "gift" in this verse? Further, the fulfillment of our gifts are diverse and fitted to the exact person, the exact moment, the exact need...
"If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." (v. 11)
When we serve others, we are simply meeting them at the point of their need by the power and authority that God provides. "Provides" in this Scripture -- "gives" in the KJV -- is a beautiful picture of God's graciousness towards us. The transliteration of "gives" is chorēgeō, meaning "to be a dance leader...to furnish...to procure and supply all things necessary to fit out a chorus." Taking hold of this image sends such a quickening through my spirit and takes my breath: When we own and use the gifts God provides us, we are spiritually dancing before the dance leader. Our service to others in sharing the Gospel, teaching, ministering, and interceding with prayer (just to name a few gifts) is a spiritual chorus to the ears of our Conductor. He truly is the choreographer and conductor of my life and the life of every other Believer. This, my friends, is a praise to God through Jesus Christ...to Whom is given all the glory and power for ever and ever...
Amen and amen!
Loving my Lord ~~
Tammy
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Stench or Fragrance? It's in the Nostrils of the Beholder...
II Corinthians 2:14-17
"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God."
This Scripture compels the intentional Believer to consider the fruit of his or her life. "Am I the radiance and compassion of Christ that is a fragrant aroma to God and other believers? Am I sharing the fullness of God's Word through the actions of my life...even to those who try to reject it and find it a stench because it confronts and their life outside of Christ? Or are my life's actions a stench to God because they don't look much different from the world...impulsive, self-serving, and reactionary?"
Through us, God chooses to lead us "in triumphal procession in Christ" to spread the knowledge and compassion of His Word, which is a fragrance. It is an aroma to God, an aroma to Believers, and a smelll that can even "grow on" unbelievers who allow it to permeate their soul. I picture in my mind an oil diffuser. This is a glass or ceramic vase that contains an aromatic oil. In order to diffuse and dispense the concentrated aroma to permeate a large perimeter, bamboo sticks (and other types) are submerged at one end into the oil while the other end extends beyond the height of the vase. The oil is absorbed into the sticks (vessels) and moves up the extent of the stick until the aroma is released into the area of that room. Oil can be added to keep the aroma constant. However, if oil is not added, it will eventually be used up and the sticks will become dry...no longer releasing an aroma. The sticks can also be removed and the bottle capped off to contain the oil and its aroma.
What an appropriate illustration of the Christian. We are jars of clay in the Potter's hand, to be molded as He sees fit for His purposes...not one of us is identical...all are created for different and individual purposes to work together in unity with other Believers. Some are more ornate than others, but all are equally valued and loved by their Creator. The oil of His Spirit is in us...an aroma and fragrance to be shared with others. We come to three conditions of the Believer's heart today:
1. The sticks of our life (our thoughts, motives, words, actions) are drenched with the continued anointing of His Spirit and His Word, which releases the aroma of Christ to those around us, both those who are living and those who are dying.
2. We have not been growing in and nurturing our relationship with God, and the oil in our vase has ceased to be replenished; thus the sticks of our life (our thoughts, motives, words, actions) are dried up and not an aroma to God's nostrils or a refreshment to others.
3. We have removed the sticks that are vessels of His fragrance and have capped off the oil...closing ourselves off from the flow of His Word and sharing with others.
Consider your life today...and every day. Is it a stench or a fragrance?
Much Love and Devotion --
Tammy
"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God."
This Scripture compels the intentional Believer to consider the fruit of his or her life. "Am I the radiance and compassion of Christ that is a fragrant aroma to God and other believers? Am I sharing the fullness of God's Word through the actions of my life...even to those who try to reject it and find it a stench because it confronts and their life outside of Christ? Or are my life's actions a stench to God because they don't look much different from the world...impulsive, self-serving, and reactionary?"
Through us, God chooses to lead us "in triumphal procession in Christ" to spread the knowledge and compassion of His Word, which is a fragrance. It is an aroma to God, an aroma to Believers, and a smelll that can even "grow on" unbelievers who allow it to permeate their soul. I picture in my mind an oil diffuser. This is a glass or ceramic vase that contains an aromatic oil. In order to diffuse and dispense the concentrated aroma to permeate a large perimeter, bamboo sticks (and other types) are submerged at one end into the oil while the other end extends beyond the height of the vase. The oil is absorbed into the sticks (vessels) and moves up the extent of the stick until the aroma is released into the area of that room. Oil can be added to keep the aroma constant. However, if oil is not added, it will eventually be used up and the sticks will become dry...no longer releasing an aroma. The sticks can also be removed and the bottle capped off to contain the oil and its aroma.
What an appropriate illustration of the Christian. We are jars of clay in the Potter's hand, to be molded as He sees fit for His purposes...not one of us is identical...all are created for different and individual purposes to work together in unity with other Believers. Some are more ornate than others, but all are equally valued and loved by their Creator. The oil of His Spirit is in us...an aroma and fragrance to be shared with others. We come to three conditions of the Believer's heart today:
1. The sticks of our life (our thoughts, motives, words, actions) are drenched with the continued anointing of His Spirit and His Word, which releases the aroma of Christ to those around us, both those who are living and those who are dying.
2. We have not been growing in and nurturing our relationship with God, and the oil in our vase has ceased to be replenished; thus the sticks of our life (our thoughts, motives, words, actions) are dried up and not an aroma to God's nostrils or a refreshment to others.
3. We have removed the sticks that are vessels of His fragrance and have capped off the oil...closing ourselves off from the flow of His Word and sharing with others.
Consider your life today...and every day. Is it a stench or a fragrance?
Much Love and Devotion --
Tammy
Saturday, March 26, 2011
God's Grace: Wading, Swimming, or Abiding?
I Cor. 15:9-10a
"For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect."
Overwhelming, abundant grace...this is what has been saturating my spirit, coursing through my heart, and superseding all other thoughts these last few days. In reflection, His grace has been evident during every season of my life...even when I was not called His. God extends His hands of grace to every living being, even to those who are spiritually dead in His sight. His grace is what sustains each of us. As long as we have breath in our lungs and blood pumping through our heart, we experience some degree of God's grace.
Just as Paul confessed in this Scripture, I, too, have persecuted the church of God. Before I came to a saving knowledge of Christ, I persecuted the church by the way I lived. I set myself against the Living God because the gods I served were carnal pleasures, promiscuity, accomplishments, and the craving of man's approval. God's grace permitted me to exist in my sin. God's grace compelled me to confess Him as my Lord and Savior. God's grace continues to grow me and increase my faith. God's grace draws me into the depths of His love and His will.
"But by the grace of God I am what I am..."
When I picture God's grace, I think of the ocean. As an unbeliever, I dwelled on the hot, parched sands of the beach. Have you tried to run in the sand? It is difficult and labored because your feet sink into the sand with each stride. That was me...running and striving to make progress in the sands of sin but not getting far and moving very slow. Then, something caused me to stop in my tracks and shift my focus. I heard waves lapping up onto the shore. Each wave came in to reach at me, then drew back as an invitation that whispered, "Come in."
I tentatively stepped towards the traces of where the waves reached...the wet sand refreshed my tired and scorched feet. Successive waves lapped up to embrace my ankles for brief moments of relief. This is where I remained for two years as God drew me to salvation. The sands of sin - though appealing - became less and less a draw for me as I experienced more of God's grace.
Many of His children will reflect and find that they are wading in the shallows of God's grace and will. I was in the shallows...for years. Perhaps it is fear that prevents you from going deeper - fear of the depths, fear of the unknown, fear of what you cannot see or anticipate...fear of not being in control. Maybe it's a refusal to wander too far from the sands of sin. Or it could be that you are comfortable in the shallows because it doesn't require much effort...doesn't oblige commitment.
God's Grace: Are you wading, swimming, or abiding?
Others of you will discover that you have moved out deeper, and you are swimming in His grace. You know the joy of being able to experience more of His grace in ministry, in relationships, in life. Even though you can still touch ground, the waves of His grace move and sway you like a bouy. As the waves move toward the shore, they sway you some. But, as the water moves back out to the depths, the pull of the undertow beckons. You must stand your ground - dig your toes in - to resist the pull...to resist being carried out to the deep. This is where I found myself about six years ago. God answered tenderly when I called out to Him one night, "Lord, what is the hold? Why am I not experiencing more of You? I know there is more! What is it?"
God's Grace: Are you wading, swimming, or abiding?
"Let go, Tammy. Stop fighting the tide of My grace. Lay back and rest. I will carry you out to the depths. I will not let you sink...I will not let you drown. Rest in My tide...trust Me." So, I did. You know what? He has not let me sink, and He has not let me drown. Yes, I have experienced storm waters that caused me to fear and occasionally doubt, but God has sustained and protected me through the storms and into the calm. In the depths of His grace and will are the greatest experiences of this growth journey. It is in the depths of His grace that we increase understanding of our Father. We discover an growing intimacy and familiarity with His voice and His ways. What a beautiful place to be where we cannot see land...but to look around and see only the waters of His grace.
"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect." v. 10a
His grace is apportioned for very specific purposes. A primary purpose is to bring us into salvation and to grow us in our faith. However, there is much, much more. We were never meant to dwell in the shallows of salvation. There is a desired effect (result) God has purposed His grace to work in each of us. When we know the depths of His grace, we are compelled (and count it a joy) to share that grace with others. Where are you in the ocean of God's grace?
Much Love and Devotion -- Tammy
"For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect."
Overwhelming, abundant grace...this is what has been saturating my spirit, coursing through my heart, and superseding all other thoughts these last few days. In reflection, His grace has been evident during every season of my life...even when I was not called His. God extends His hands of grace to every living being, even to those who are spiritually dead in His sight. His grace is what sustains each of us. As long as we have breath in our lungs and blood pumping through our heart, we experience some degree of God's grace.
Just as Paul confessed in this Scripture, I, too, have persecuted the church of God. Before I came to a saving knowledge of Christ, I persecuted the church by the way I lived. I set myself against the Living God because the gods I served were carnal pleasures, promiscuity, accomplishments, and the craving of man's approval. God's grace permitted me to exist in my sin. God's grace compelled me to confess Him as my Lord and Savior. God's grace continues to grow me and increase my faith. God's grace draws me into the depths of His love and His will.
"But by the grace of God I am what I am..."
When I picture God's grace, I think of the ocean. As an unbeliever, I dwelled on the hot, parched sands of the beach. Have you tried to run in the sand? It is difficult and labored because your feet sink into the sand with each stride. That was me...running and striving to make progress in the sands of sin but not getting far and moving very slow. Then, something caused me to stop in my tracks and shift my focus. I heard waves lapping up onto the shore. Each wave came in to reach at me, then drew back as an invitation that whispered, "Come in."
I tentatively stepped towards the traces of where the waves reached...the wet sand refreshed my tired and scorched feet. Successive waves lapped up to embrace my ankles for brief moments of relief. This is where I remained for two years as God drew me to salvation. The sands of sin - though appealing - became less and less a draw for me as I experienced more of God's grace.
Many of His children will reflect and find that they are wading in the shallows of God's grace and will. I was in the shallows...for years. Perhaps it is fear that prevents you from going deeper - fear of the depths, fear of the unknown, fear of what you cannot see or anticipate...fear of not being in control. Maybe it's a refusal to wander too far from the sands of sin. Or it could be that you are comfortable in the shallows because it doesn't require much effort...doesn't oblige commitment.
God's Grace: Are you wading, swimming, or abiding?
Others of you will discover that you have moved out deeper, and you are swimming in His grace. You know the joy of being able to experience more of His grace in ministry, in relationships, in life. Even though you can still touch ground, the waves of His grace move and sway you like a bouy. As the waves move toward the shore, they sway you some. But, as the water moves back out to the depths, the pull of the undertow beckons. You must stand your ground - dig your toes in - to resist the pull...to resist being carried out to the deep. This is where I found myself about six years ago. God answered tenderly when I called out to Him one night, "Lord, what is the hold? Why am I not experiencing more of You? I know there is more! What is it?"
God's Grace: Are you wading, swimming, or abiding?
"Let go, Tammy. Stop fighting the tide of My grace. Lay back and rest. I will carry you out to the depths. I will not let you sink...I will not let you drown. Rest in My tide...trust Me." So, I did. You know what? He has not let me sink, and He has not let me drown. Yes, I have experienced storm waters that caused me to fear and occasionally doubt, but God has sustained and protected me through the storms and into the calm. In the depths of His grace and will are the greatest experiences of this growth journey. It is in the depths of His grace that we increase understanding of our Father. We discover an growing intimacy and familiarity with His voice and His ways. What a beautiful place to be where we cannot see land...but to look around and see only the waters of His grace.
"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect." v. 10a
His grace is apportioned for very specific purposes. A primary purpose is to bring us into salvation and to grow us in our faith. However, there is much, much more. We were never meant to dwell in the shallows of salvation. There is a desired effect (result) God has purposed His grace to work in each of us. When we know the depths of His grace, we are compelled (and count it a joy) to share that grace with others. Where are you in the ocean of God's grace?
Much Love and Devotion -- Tammy
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