A Study on Holiness

Holiness, a topic I eluded to in my last post and one that has been on my heart for the last month. I've searched the Scriptures and dug into God's Word to attempt to study an attribute of God we're called to imitate. (1 Peter 1:13-16) Friends, this isn't something we will understand or do overnight, but I know this study has impacted my walk of faith and I pray it does the same for you!

So as we begin, let's pray...

Heavenly Father, you and you alone are holy. You are perfect. You have no flaw and can have nothing to do with sin. I am a broken sinner who seeks your forgiveness and longs to be more like you. You've called me to be holy, like you are holy. I realize that is a command, but I want to understand it better. I ask you to walk with me thru this study, open my eyes to see, ears to hear and heart to receive. Use your Word to convict and comfort, encourage and equip. Sanctify me with Your Truth Lord. In Jesus' Name, Amen

What comes to mind when you hear the word holy? Who or what do you picture? Would you use this word to describe yourself?

How would you define holy?

Webster's dictionary states, "exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness, divine." A few different Bible dictionaries offer these definitions - "to be different, not common, clean, distinct, set apart, sacred, totally other, one without sin."

Holy is a foundational attribute of God. One of the most familiar verses connected to holiness is found in Isaiah 6:3. What do you read here? Now turn to Revelation 4:8, what do you read here?

In each of these verses we read of heavenly beings praising the Lord. How often is the word holy repeated? Is this significant?

This is the only time in scripture an attribute of God is repeated in this manner, which commentators say is of importance. Three is a significant number in the Bible and a word being repeated this many times signifies the passion and importance of it. Many believe holiness is a foundational attribute of God meaning all His other attributes flow from this - his love is holy, his mercy is holy and so on. The other significance of these verses is they show God is the same in the Old and New Testaments. God was holy yesterday, He's holy today and He will be holy tomorrow.

God is holy...see Exodus 15:11, Psalm 98:1, Psalm 145:17 and 1 Samuel 2:2, but what does holiness have to do with us as believers? The answer is much. This is a call and a command. God chose us to be holy. So friend, what does that mean?

I found myself asking the same question, so I started searching scripture and found that this little word or a form of it appears 611 times in the Bible. One of the places it occurs the most may surprise you...the book of Leviticus, the book that may leave us wondering what it has to do with our world today. This is a book of law, which plays a huge role in our quest to better understand and rightly pursue holiness.

The laws in this book are what set the Israelites apart. The 10 Commandments, which we find in Exodus, are important and a vital piece of our Christian faith, but many civilized nations accepted them because they have a similar code of conduct. These moral laws weren't that different, but the ceremonial laws we find in Leviticus set God's people apart. Take a minute and read a few of them - Lev. 12:1-5, 19:5-9, 20:6-8. What do you read here? Does this apply to your life?

Thankfully, we aren't expected to carry out these ceremonial laws, but that's no reason to avoid them. Leviticus has much to teach us about holiness. These are often referred to the clean and unclean laws. God is clear on what to do and not to do, but in many cases the reason behind the laws is not understood. There are many distinctions in what the Israelites were to do and not do, but they often came without reason and logic. It boils down to one simple truth - God defines clean and unclean, holy and unholy. In false religions, men create their own gods and design rules according to their own desires; in Christianity God makes the rules and they often go against our human desires.

Turn with me for a moment to Acts 10:9-15. Here we read of a vision that Peter has, make note of what he says in verse 14. This is a reminder to us of how serious the people in Bible times took God's word about clean and unclean. If God had labeled something unclean, the people saw it as detestable, they wanted nothing to do with it. How does that compare with our world today? How does it compare with your view on sin?

Does this give you a better picture of holiness? What does God declare as unclean or unholy today? I encourage you to take some time and pray about the following questions, ask God to examine your heart. What am I doing that is unholy? How am I living unclean? Am I calling something clean that God says is unclean? Write a prayer below asking God to purify your heart.

Friend, these aren't easy questions, but they are important. Remember God knows all and sees all. He cares about the details and in His eyes sin is sin. We must strive to live as God requires not how the culture encourages. God calls us to be holy and has set us apart for Himself...our AD (after death to self and accepting Jesus as Savior) life should look different than our BC (before Christ) days!

I'm praying for you as you study God's Word...may He comfort and convict and equip you for the high calling holiness! I'd love to hear what He speaks to your heart and teaches you through His Word. I also invite you back next week as the study continues! May you have a blessed Thanksgiving my friend!! Thanking God for YOU today!

If you want to add worship to your study, here's a song to get you started...

Fair Lambs...A picture of holiness?

Before I begin this post I'm going to share something our pastor often says, "Illustrations are good, but eventually they fall apart." I agree with him...I'm a big fan of analogies and illustrations, but I know we can't ever completely compare earthly pictures to spiritual Truths. I pray the picture I paint in the post to come provides a good illustration for you, but want you to know it's not exclusive. So with that a lesson from my fair lambs...

Growing up I was involved in 4-H and showed sheep at our county fair. This was a project that made me nervous (early on I feared getting drug around the ring) and one that always made me money - our ribbon auction bidders were very generous! Thru the years, I learned much from my woolly little animals, but just recently God may have taught me the most important lesson. 

I've been knee deep in a study on holiness...it's a broad topic of utter importance. It's a word we hear in church, sing about at worship and perhaps struggle to understand. The song that's been on my heart has the title, "What do I know of holy?" And that's the question that's been on my mind. Thankfully, my answer is better now than it was a month ago. 

Let me ask you - "What do you know of holy?" 

Friend, we will each answer that quite uniquely, but the important thing is to have a better understanding of God's holiness with each step we take on our walk of faith. That will happen as we seek Him and can happen as we study His Word. I'm praying now that God will give you the desire to dig in and understand this better...there is much to share, but I'll start with a lesson from my lambs. 

In order to take market lambs to the county fair in June we had to weigh them in during early spring. It was then my dad would help my sisters and I select the ones he thought were the best. We'd weigh them, give them a special ear tag and record their number. Often we'd bring them home and put them back in the same pen. The only difference between them and the others was their new piercing. A couple months would go by and we'd put all the fair lambs in a pen of their own. We'd feed them a bit more specifically and start training them to lead and stand. It was then when we'd give them names and start to grow attached. Eventually, fair week would arrive and we'd get out the Woolite so we could wash them and prep for the big show. Weigh-ins would happen, fair goers would come and ribbons would be passed out. Then the fair was over and our lambs would be sold. 

So, you might be wondering what this has to do with holiness. That's a great question and I pray I give you a good answer. In a way, we as believers are like the fair lambs. We too are set apart for a special purpose - we're not trying to win a purple ribbon, but instead have been chosen to bring God glory. God doesn't give us a special mark, but His Son's hands hold the piercings that change our lives forever. Initially on-lookers might not notice a difference between us and the rest of the world, but as time goes by and God's transformational work begins, change happens. We must feed on His Word and be trained by His Truth. Our Father in heaven has a relationship with us, He knows our name and equips us for our purpose. He doesn't use a special soap, but He washes us white as snow. God isn't preparing us for a one time show, but instead a daily walk. And unlike the fair lambs that go to market just like all the others, we as believers are destined for our eternal home in heaven. 

Friend, holiness doesn't have to be a complicated topic, but it shouldn't be an overlooked one either. This is mentioned 611 times in Scripture and over 80 times in the book of Leviticus. In simple terms it means set apart, without sin and sacred. Some consider it the greatest attribute of God and it's not one we inherit when we are created in His image. For example, all people have the capacity for love and joy, but only those born again and filled with the Spirit have the call, command and capacity to be holy. 

1 Peter 1:13-16 says, "Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at His coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"

I read this verse and it started a journey for me. I've been on a quest to understand holiness better and as I study His Word I have a growing desire to live it out more. I encourage you to do the same. Pray about this, look for it as you read God's Word. John 17:17 says, "Sanctify them by your Truth, your Word is Truth." We can't be holy if we don't read God's Word. God will hear your prayers and give you the desire of your heart. I'll warn you the journey won't be easy - it will bring you to your knees and will leave tears in your eyes. Seeing His holiness opens our eyes to sin, but it's worth it and what we need if holiness is our desire. I pray you will join me back here next week when I continue looking at this topic and share a short study with you. 

Until then I pray we each live out this high calling of holiness! Blessings to you friend! For all my fellow believers be thankful you're set apart and keep pressing on to win the prize!! Trust me it's much better than the old fair ribbons I have in a box!

Willing to be a Walk-On

You could say it was the weekend of the walk-on here in Iowa. Friday night my girls and I traveled to Ames to watch the ISU Cyclones; the teams did not disappoint. It was my basketball loving girls first time in a big arena so watching them was about as much fun as watching the games. Their eyes got big and their dreams grew bigger. We had much to talk about, but today I want to share one thought that went a bit deeper. 

Have you ever thought much about walk-ons? If you're not a sports fan, your answer will be a quick "no". And even if you enjoy the game, walk-ons probably don't have much of your attention, but this weekend my girls and I spent time talking about this important role and I've spent even more time thinking about it. I pray you will do the same, but first I want to ask you a question - "Are you willing to be a walk-on?" 

As you think about this question, let me share a few more thoughts...

Like I told my girls, a walk-on has an important role. It's said that a team is only as strong as it's weakest player. A walk-on may not get much time on the floor when the lights are on and stands are full, but they are vital when it comes to practice. They help the starters get better. Though people don't know or flock to these players like they do the All-Americans or even know their name like some of the starters and key reserves, they still have skills. Walking on is not something just anybody can do...in a way coaches choose these players too. 

My daughters understood this, but their little competitive selves struggled with the idea of sitting on the bench. They are only in 4th and 6th grade but already love to play the game and had a hard time imagining doing all that work, going to all the practices and just sitting on the bench. After hearing their thoughts, I reminded them of the importance of teamwork and the fact that playing basketball has to be about something bigger than themselves. Walk-ons are truly athletes who love the game, have the desire to be part of a program and are often humble. They are willing to give up the glory and must make a financial sacrifice to follow a dream.

This conversation continued and went deeper as we talked about being a walk-on for a team other than the Cyclones. Let me add to the question I asked earlier, "Are you willing to be a walk-on for Christ?" 

Will you lay down your dreams and desires so He can get the glory? Are you willing to work behind the scenes while other brothers and sisters get the spotlight? Will you sacrifice financially and personally to follow where He leads? Are you willing to work hard, put in extra time even if nobody ever knows your name? Will you humble yourself, play your role and trust God's plan? 

Friend, those are all simple questions to state, but can be challenging to really answer honestly. I know my girls aren't the only ones with big dreams and desires...we're all human, our flesh wants to be noticed, some of us are competitive and we want to play. But in all of this we must remember God is good...He is a coach who has chosen us. He doesn't have 5 star recruits and walk-ons, His team consists of sons and daughters. He knows our name, our role and our potential. Trust Him, "play" for Him. 

A few thoughts from His Word to support this thinking - 

"The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I don't need you!' And the head cannot say to the feet, 'I don't need you!' Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." (1 Corinthians 12:21,27)

Friend, every member of a basketball team is important regardless of stats and in the same way every member the body of Christ is important regardless of roles. 

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit - fruit that will last-so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you." (John 15:16) When it feels like the world forgets us we must remember the bigger picture - God has chosen us!! He has work for us to do and even if it doesn't look like we expected or dreamed about we must give Him our all and our best!!

"For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." (Luke 14:11) Like I said it takes humility to be a walk-on. A friend's son is currently experiencing his freshman year as walk-on and I have to guess this is not what his dream looked like as a child - sure he dreamed of being a D1 player, but we don't dream about sitting on the bench. Thankfully as we mature our understanding grows and so does our willingness to accept reality. He is grateful for the role God's given him on this team and I pray we all feel the same as we humble ourselves and embrace our role on God's team. 

A few final encouraging words - these words from God's Word are true. Friday night Stu, the beloved walk-on at Iowa State, enjoyed a few minutes on the court. The crowd cheered when he took the floor and then erupted when he scored. He's put in his time, accepted his role and found some success. Then on Saturday night, another walk-on here in Iowa, was given time in the national light. Keith Duncan, a freshman walk-on kicker for the Hawkeyes, nailed the game winning field goal to knock off the mighty Michigan Wolverines. 

Friend, when you and I humble ourselves for our Father in Heaven He will give us more than success on the basketball court or football field. He will bless our obedience and give us eternal rewards. And like all walk-ons know more importantly than individual success, God will get the glory and His kingdom will grow!!!

Dear Heavenly Father, 

Lord, thank you for the opportunity to be on your team. Help each and everyone of us embrace the role you give to us. Help us die to self so that we can live for you. May we surrender our dreams and pursue your plans. Transform our thinking and renew our minds. Equip us to live for you and you alone. Lord, humble our hearts and let your perfect plan unfold. May we always remember the privilege it is to be used by you. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Some things will stay the same...

It's election night...the evening started with my 13 year old doing play by play every 5 seconds. The girls were getting into it too and even our little guys were asking, "Who won?" I'm a gal who tends to be competitive and appreciates NFL score updates on Sunday afternoon, but tonight this was all just too much.

All day I've been a bit on edge and as the wait continued I found myself growing anxious. As we all know this election does not just impact the next 4 years, but has the potential to impact the next 4 decades with the supreme court appointments. With that reality I find myself wondering, and honestly worrying a bit about what the future holds for our kids and our future grandkids.

Tonight we eventually turned the coverage off for awhile...farm work called my husband and oldest son back outside, the other kids played UNO and I escaped to our bedroom to spend some time in prayer. This helped me put things in perspective and reminded me who was in control. As I cried out to the One who already knows the results we are waiting for I was reminded of an important truth. Friend, if you are feeling anxious and worrying about the change this night could bring I pray the following brings you peace, offers encouragement and points you to the King of Kings who is, was and will forever be on the throne!

It's a given that the future will bring change regardless of who wins the election. Change is a constant in life, but there are some things that will stay the same. Tonight I find myself clinging to two constants - who and what. Over the last couple of weeks I've found myself immersed in a study of holiness and as I prayed some of the truths I've been learning and studying rose to the surface.

Who God is will stay the same. God will not change. Pause and remind yourself of that truth. Malachi 3:6 assures us of this when we read, "I the LORD do not change..." He is the beginning and the end, the everlasting. And He is holy. Do you know what holy means? I asked my kids this question and they responded with some right answers - "without sin, set apart, different."

His holiness sets Him apart and it's a foundational attribute of the God we love, serve and follow. Holiness is mentioned often in Scripture, but tonight I want to focus on one interesting discovery I made in my study. In Isaiah 6:3 we read, "And they (heavenly creatures) were calling to one another: 'Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory." Revelations 4:8b tells us this - "Day and night they (heavenly creatures) never stop saying: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come."

A few interesting things about this - one, this is the only attribute of God that is mentioned 3 times in a row. This characteristic expresses His awesome and majestic nature. This statement is made in the Old and New Testament which indicates that God is the same before Jesus' birth and after His death and resurrection. He doesn't change.

The other truth I've been clinging to, and challenged by, is what we are called to as believers. This has not, and never will, change. In 2 Timothy 1:9a we read, "He has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace." This command is also part of Peter's words in his first book - "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" (1:13-16)

Friend, this is a calling we must not take lightly. The last couple months of the election process alone show us we live in a nation that is not holy. That is easy to see, but sometimes what's harder to recognize is our own sin is part of this. If we want change, we must let it start with us. I encourage you to take some time to ask God to search your heart and help you see where you fall short. We are called to be holy, to be set apart, to be different and that doesn't happen when we follow fleshly desires or live as the culture does.

That last paragraph has some heavy stuff, but there is some encouragement. On our own this can't happen - holiness is one of God's attributes that is not inherent, but it is possible through a relationship with Jesus. The one who gave us a helper - "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever..." (John 14:16) Friend, this Helper is the HOLY Spirit. The third member of the Trinity will help us be what our Heavenly Father calls us to be.

Hours have passed since I started the post and the wait I was avoiding still continues, but the anxiety has lessened. Prayer has put things in perspective and these truths remind me of the foundation we stand on and the King we trust in. Friend, no matter who is president, God is God and we are called to be holy as He is holy. Let's continue seeking Him, following Him and abiding in His Word so that we can share His love, speak His Truth and spread His message.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord you are holy and I am not, but yet it's what you call me to be. I ask you to change me from the inside out. Make me more like you. Mold me and change me. Help me surrender so that you can transform. And Father God on this election day, I pray for our nation. May your people humble ourselves and cry out to you. You promise to hear us and never leave or forsake us. Help us keep our eyes on you, I ask you to fill us with peace and pray you would make us strong and courageous. Lord, we long for you to bless America and draw our nation to yourself. We know you hold the king's heart in your hand, may we trust you and continue to stay on our knees in prayer. In Jesus' Name...Amen

Sometimes you have to wait...

It's harvest season here on the farm and things had been going well, the weather was cooperating and equipment was working, but last week it rained. The combine hasn't moved since and we're hopeful things will soon be dry enough to start harvesting again.

After a few solid weeks of harvest this pause in the plans has been welcomed, but after a few days of change my husband is ready to get back to business. Before that happens, God had a lesson to teach me and I pray it's one He uses for you as well.

Three weeks ago, harvest was just beginning and I shared a post about seasons (you can read it HERE) and I continue to find myself thinking about these periods of time - both the physical and spiritual ones. I've also found myself thinking about and studying the word, and action, serve. One who serves is a servant and if we call ourselves servants of Christ we must work for and wait on Him. I always understood the work for part of the term, but the wait on piece of the definition has really caused me to think. A server in a restaurant waits on tables and as one who serves God we wait on the One who created and controls the world.

Friend, as we serve there will be seasons - seasons of joy and pain, ease and difficulty, rain and winter, grief and doubt. Seasons will come and go just like they do on the farm and sometimes we too will just have to wait. Like some farmers we may be ready for the season to be over. We may have been working towards a goal or longing for the pain to be over thinking the end was in sight only to have something happen and change comes. The season goes on and lasts longer.

Had it not rained last week, our harvest could have be done, so instead of celebrating we continue to pray as the month comes to a close and winter draws nearer. As I've watched my husband over the last few days, God's provided me some important reminders...

While we wait, there's other work we can do. On the farm the work truly never ends and though my husband couldn't combine our crops, he could fix equipment, load semis and take care of livestock. He also was able to spend more time with the ones he loves. Friend, are you in a season that doesn't seem to end? What can you be doing while you wait for it to be over? Are you waiting for a season to begin? What can you do to prepare yourself so you are ready when the wait is over?

For us the harvest season hasn't ended yet and I believe there's a reason for that. I don't know the why and may never understand, but I believe Daniel 2:21 holds the answer. Here Daniel is praising God, the one who "changes times and seasons..." Friend, He is in control. He is sovereign and He knows. So whether you are in the season of diapers or teenagers, grief or anxiety or you fill in the blank, God is one we can trust. He is working and will make a way.

There will be waiting times in every season we walk through, but since we are in the midst of harvest here on the farm I've specifically thought about spiritual harvest seasons as well. In Luke 10:2, the Bible tells us, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few." I think we all understand this message and know there is much that needs to be done and many to invite into God's kingdom. But if the spiritual harvest is anything like the one on the farm, we must remember it takes time. We must be wise and diligent and even sometimes willing to wait.

Finally, the last area I want to remind myself and you to wait is in prayer. Is there something you are praying for? Wisdom you need? Direction you want? A season to end? May this example from Daniel encourage you if your answer has not yet come. In chapter 12, Daniel has a vision and here's part of what the man said, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. Now I have come..." The man heard Daniel's words immediately, but didn't respond for 3 weeks. Friend, God works in a similar way - He hears us instantly and always is at work, but sometime the answer takes time. May we remember there is a spiritual battle going on (Ephesians 6) and we must press on in prayer while we wait.

God is faithful. (Deut. 7:9) He can't be anything else. He will listen. He will work. Sometimes we simply must wait. If you are in a season of waiting may these verses from Scripture comfort your soul and renew your mind -

"It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." (Lamentations 3:26) (Remember salvation not only refers to God saving us eternally, but also to Him delivering us from harm, ruin or loss.)

"Wait for the Lord and He will save you." (Proverbs 20:22b)

"Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." (Galatians 6:9)

"See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rains. You too be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near." (James 5:7-8)

Friend, I know waiting is hard, but waiting is worth it. I pray each time we find ourselves having to wait, God will remind us of these truths. He has a reason, He is working and He can be trusted. Wait on Him!!

Dear Heavenly Father, help us wait on you. During the wait remind us of who you are and strengthen our trust in you. Renew our strength. May we mount up with wings like eagles, help us run and not be weary, help us walk and not be faint. You are our everlasting Father and we praise you. Help us worship while we wait. In Jesus' precious and powerful name...Amen 

"God's Expectations"

If you've read any of my recent posts you've probably noticed a few common themes - surrender, transformation and perseverance. Three complex things God's been working on in me. All three are key for any disciple of Christ. They are also challenging and convicting. It's not easy to surrender, transformation rarely comes naturally and perseverance is hard. None of these require a one time action...they are something you and I must do over and over and over.

Awhile back, I started looking at this wrong...almost like it was something to add to my to-do list. You know balance the checkbook, go to the store, SURRENDER, ReNEWed meeting,
TRANSFORM my mind, laundry, library, PERSEVERE, can applesauce... Friend, typing that out makes me realize how crazy that thinking is! First of all these things are not something you and me can do on our own...we need God's help and his Holy Spirit within us. Also like I said, it's a continual process and it involves a state of mind not just an action. We will never scratch this off our list!

So as it became a bit burdensome I found myself crying out to God and simply asked, "What do you want me to do?" Within days, He answered my request as I repeatedly came across Deuteronomy 10:12-13 -

"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God,

 to walk in obedience to Him, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God 
with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep
 the LORD's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?"

For the past few weeks I've been meditating on and studying these verses. They have much to say and truly can help us surrender, transform and persevere. First of all a little background - Moses shares these words with the Israelites before they are going to the Promised Land and after He has reminded them of who God is and all He's done. He asked this of the Israelites thousands of years ago, and even today offers us a similar question.

The great thing with this question is He immediately follows it up with the answer. Think about what He requires of us. He never once lists a certain number of hours spent in prayer or dollars given to the poor. He doesn't require us to read the Bible X number of times, go on Y number of mission trips or etc. In these verses, God gives us 5 of His expectations. Read this verse again, do you know what they are?

I'll follow His lead and give you the answer -

FEAR

This is an expectation that is first on God's list, but typically not on man's. In our culture and even some churches this isn't talked about. Let me ask you - "Do you fear the Lord?" "Do you know what it means to fear the Lord?" This is respect and honor, but it does go deeper. He is our heavenly Father and we should fear Him in a healthy way like a child does their earthly parent.. Our pastor has been preaching from the Old Testament and one point that has stuck with me is God is faithful. I knew that before this series began, but as we dive into some familiar and some not so familiar passages we're seeing God's faithfulness in all areas. It's fun and easy to talk about His faithfulness to love, equip and encourage, but we must not forget He is faithful to judge and discipline as well. Fearing Him rightly and fully is something we must do. And fearing God will help us not fear man - "The remarkable thing about God is when we fear Him, you fear nothing else; whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else." Oswald Chambers

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." (Hebrews 12:28)

WALK

This is more than where we go, this walking refers to walking with God or against Him. The other day my little guy was pushing a miniature grocery cart down the aisle and I said, "Jesse get out of the middle of the road." He quickly responds, "Pastor Tim tell me to do it." My 5 year old has been listening during Sunday morning services as our pastor encourages us to follow Jesus down the middle of the middle of the road. I believe that is what Moses is referring to along with the need to obey, which will happen when we follow Christ. We can choose to follow our selfish, sinful, fleshly desires or walk with the Lord...there is a difference and each option comes with consequences. Further on Deueronomy 11:26-27 tells us obedience brings blessings and disobedience will result in a curse.

"If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1.5-7)

LOVE 

God expects us to love Him. He created us for this. This isn't a feeling that will just happen, but it is a choice we must make. We can't turn this into a duty, but instead see it as a response to the love that He has poured out on us. Our love for God should and will lead to obedience to Him. Jesus spends much time talking about this, as do other writers of the Old and New Testament. Jesus loved His Father and we are called, chosen and commanded to do the same.

"For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. 

And His commandments are not burdensome" (1 John 5:3)

SERVE

We often hear people say, "I want to serve the Lord." Chances are we think and pray about the same thing. This is a good thing, but let me ask you a question - What does it mean to serve the Lord? In the original Hebrew language the word is labor, which means to work and exert effort. We are to be God's servant, which simply said means we work for Him and wait on Him. He doesn't need our service, but He created us for it. How is He calling you to serve Him? Are you? An important thing to remember as you ponder this expectation - we can only serve one master. In your life is that God or someone or something else?

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 

(1 Corinthians 15:58)

 KEEP

The final expectation in this passage is to keep the LORD's commands and decrees. Any idea what that means? Again looking back at the original text, this word - shamar, means to guard. One commentator also mentioned to protect, preserve and possess. It could be a two part expectation - obey God's commands and pass them on to future generations. Friend, we will never do this if we don't know the commands, so we must daily spend time in God's Word and abide with Christ.

"If you love me, keep my commands." (John 14:15)

Friend, I pray this list of expectations is something you find purposeful. Remember God is a good, loving Father and He gives us these expectations for a reason. These are for our good...He knows best. This is what He created us to do as we walk through life. It's not about His power or prestige, but our purpose and peace. And to top it off, He gave us an example to follow...

"During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek." (Hebrews 5:7-10)

"He decommitted."

 

Decommitted...it's not a word you hear too often, but it's one that came up for me recently. I'm a fan of the Iowa State basketball team and recently we had a recruit decommit. Over the years I haven't really followed recruiting, but with today's technology we're more aware of what goes on behind the scenes. Anyway, I didn't know much about this player (KF), so it didn't affect me much as a fan, but as a follower of Christ this situation caught my attention.

Just 2 months ago at our ReNEWed Life Women's Event, Micca Campbell challenged us to be surrendered Christians rather than committed ones. This teaching had my attention back then and it's something God continues to work on today. This recent happening with the basketball team painted a pretty good picture of her illustration. 

This past summer when KF announced he was coming to Iowa State, fans were excited, sports writers were praising him and expectations started to be made. He made a visit and the excitement built, but daily life continued and then the recent surprise announcement caught people off guard - he was decommitting.

Like I said, I haven't thought much about this as a fan, but God's used it to speak to me as a follower - not as a follower of the Cyclones, but of Christ. And friend, I want to encourage you to think about this concept as a disciple as well. 

It's easy to say we are committed to Jesus. We can sit at a retreat, in a church service or even in our quiet time and commit to serving the Lord, believing God's Word or living like Jesus did. We promise to be slow to anger and slow to speak. We agree to be a submissive wife. We vow to be a more patient mom. We pledge we will do what Christ followers do, we commit. 

The thing is...talk is cheap. It's easy to say the right thing and much more difficult to do it. Would you agree? Pause for a minute and think about the last promise you made, be it to God or a loved one. Did you follow through? Were you true to your word? Did you honor your commitment?

I realize situations change and our callings can too, but God knows our heart and always is aware when we decommit, which spiritually is something we should never do. Perhaps this would happen less if we focus on surrender instead of commitment. 

When you think about these two words they have some similarities, but they are different. In my mind commit is more of a choice while surrender is a last resort. Commitment is something that can change - just look at the ISU recruit, but when you surrender it's typically a done deal - think about the wars and countries you studied in history. 

So today rather than committing to do one more thing for God, why don't we surrender who we are and be who He's created us to be? Rather than pledging to be a mom who doesn't scream and lose control, why not surrender our plans and die to self? Think about a commitment you've made to God...are you following through? Are you focusing on striving instead of being? Is there something you need to surrender? 

Friend, God wants you, and me, on His team more than the Cyclones wanted KF. He has a role for each of us, He sees our potential and expects our effort. Have you committed to His team only to find yourself tempted to decommit? Are you willing to surrender to His ways? His plan won't always make sense and the daily walk will require more effort and energy than a college basketball practice. But the rewards? They are worth it!! 

Stay the course!
"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised." (Hebrews 10:35-36)

Do the work!
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters..." (Colossians 3:23)

Die to self!
And He was saying to them all, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. (Luke 9:23)

Let Christ live!
"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." (Galatians 2:20)

Heavenly Father, in a time when it is easy to commit today and decommit tomorrow, I pray for a heart that is willing to surrender. May I present myself as a living sacrifice to you Lord. Transform my mind and purify my heart. Help me live a life that pleases, honors and glorifies you. In Jesus' Name, Amen