Tag: BeImitatorsofGod

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Leave The Past Behind

Part of following Christ is not looking back. We all have things in our past that we regret and would have done differently.

Let’s look at the Apostle Paul’s writings in I Corinthians 11.

“Follow my example, just as I follow the example of Christ.” I Corinthians 11:1 CEV

Paul tells the church at Corinth to follow him in the same way he is following Christ. This is the same man, Saul, who was persecuting the Christians, who stood at the stoning of Stephen, and was a Pharisee of the Pharisees. This is the man, Paul, who met the Lord on the road to Damascus and was converted, the man who learned from the Holy Spirit in the desert the truth in the Scriptures he had memorized many years earlier and who had now been given a mandate from God to share the truth of the Gospel and the good news of grace with the world.

He called himself the chief sinner.

“Christ Jesus our Lord treated me with undeserved grace and has greatly blessed my life with faith and love just like his own. 15 ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.‘ This saying is true, and it can be trusted. I was the worst sinner of all! 16 But since I was worse than anyone else, God had mercy on me and let me be an example of the endless patience of Christ Jesus. He did this so that others would put their faith in Christ and have eternal life.” I Timothy 1:14-16 CEV

He had learned that following Christ would lead him before the most prominent men of his day and that it would also lead him into the depths of the dungeons, leave him in chains, subject him to beatings and stoning and yet in all things cause him to be victorious as he followed Christ.

In all the persecution, he never harbored a grudge. He loved those who persecuted him and ministered to those who held him captive. His imprisonment wasn’t a detriment but instead it became the solitude that allowed him to write over half of the New Testament. His letters were the instruction and encouragement that the Christians needed and life in prison allowed him to focus on his writings and listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

In Paul’s life as a Christian you don’t find complaint but rather find praise; there isn’t a display of weakness but instead God’s ever enduring strength.

“ I have not yet reached my goal, and I am not perfect. But Christ has taken hold of me. So I keep on running and struggling to take hold of the prize. 13 My friends, I don’t feel I have already arrived. But I forget what is behind, and I struggle for what is ahead. 14 I run toward the goal, so I can win the prize of being called to heaven. This is the prize God offers because of what Christ Jesus has done. 15 All of us who are mature should think in this same way. And if any of you think differently, God will make it clear to you.” Philippians 3:12-15 CEV

We all need to follow Paul’s example. Leave the past behind and follow Christ.

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Get the Right Fit

A few days ago, Dave took me shopping. I needed some new clothes; some things just don’t fit right anymore.

I thought I could avoid the stores by shopping on-line so I ordered a dress, it looked cute but when it got here it just didn’t fit right. I knew I needed to bite the bullet and go shopping, in a real store. Did I tell you that I don’t like to shop – it’s one of my least favorite things to do.

When we got to the store Dave said he was going to the men’s section. That was good – I knew it would take me a while to find what I was looking for and I didn’t want him to become impatient.

By the time he came back I had already been to the dressing room once and had found a few things that I liked and that fit. Other items I had put on the “go back” rack. No, no, no they didn’t fit right at all. Some things I had selected were way too big and others were painfully small, even though the size on the tag was the same. Yes, everything had to be tried on to make sure it was the right fit.

That shopping adventure was what I thought of this morning when I read these verses:

“But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:8-14 NLT

In the spiritual sense some things just don’t look good on us – things like anger, rage, resentment, gossip, lying, bitterness, etc.

We have been given a better wardrobe; it fits perfectly because it was tailor-made for us by Christ. Our new wardrobe includes mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, joy, forgiveness and the one article that makes every outfit complete, love.

“ Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” Ephesians 4:23-24 NLT

Now, it’s time to go through the “spiritual” closet and pull out those things that don’t fit anymore. Getting dressed for the day is much easier when we have the right fit!

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Learned Behavior

Yesterday we found ourselves in deep conversation with friends. We were talking about prejudice and how it’s a learned behavior. I made a statement about learned behavior and if we learn it we can also unlearn it.

It’s not easy but with God’s grace, He can transform our hearts.

I work hard to get passed outward appearances. What people look like, how the sound, educated or unlearned, political leanings, rich or poor, young or old – none of it makes any difference to God.

“God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.” John 3:16 CEV

“ And when you were baptized, it was as though you had put on Christ in the same way you put on new clothes. 28 Faith in Christ Jesus is what makes each of you equal with each other, whether you are a Jew or a Greek, a slave or a free person, a man or a woman.” Galatians 3:27-28 CEV

If I had been with Jesus when he was preaching and teaching would I have been accepting of the woman in adultery, would I have been willing to eat dinner with Zacchaeus, would I have even talked to the woman at the well long enough to find out that she needed a friend or a Savior?

Just being honest with you. Too many times I have judged people by their outward appearance without seeing who Jesus sees. Maybe you are better than me in these circumstances.

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day judged Him unacceptable because He didn’t keep their religious traditions. Jesus healed people on the Sabbath day, He had dinner with tax collectors and other sinners. He was unconventional, He allowed Himself to be touched by lepers and the demon possessed.

He came to love the world!

The Apostle Paul gave us this instruction:

“If our faith is strong, we should be patient with the Lord’s followers whose faith is weak. We should try to please them instead of ourselves. 2 We should think of their good and try to help them by doing what pleases them. 3 Even Christ did not try to please himself. But as the Scriptures say, ‘The people who insulted you also insulted me.’ 4 And the Scriptures were written to teach and encourage us by giving us hope. 5 God is the one who makes us patient and cheerful. I pray that he will help you live at peace with each other, as you follow Christ. 6 Then all of you together will praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 Honor God by accepting each other, as Christ has accepted you. 8 I tell you that Christ came as a servant of the Jews to show that God has kept the promises he made to their famous ancestors. Christ also came, 9 so that the Gentiles would praise God for being kind to them…

13 I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.” Romans 15:1-13 CEV

We are always going to have different opinions over politics, money, education, appearance, lifestyle, doctrines but those differences should never stop us from loving those whom God created.

We need to have the same mind as Christ in this. He hated sin so much that He died to pay the price for atonement but He loved the sinner so much that He willingly went to the cross.

If we are guilty of learned behavior let it be the behavior we see modeled by Christ and His unconditional love!

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All About God

Dave and I have been watching a YouTube channel called “I.A.G. Farms” for the last month. It’s about the homesteading adventures of a young family of 5 in Mississippi.

They have cleared the land, put in structures, and begun to raise their farm animals. There are hogs, sheep, chickens, and cows. The three small boys help out, right along side Mom and Dad. They are so industrious and committed to being good stewards of the land they have purchased.

It’s heartwarming to see.

I.A.G. Farms has a purpose and a calling. The abbreviation stands for “It’s All About God”. They are committed to living their lives to honor God and they want their farm to show His goodness and provision. They have quite the testimony.

Watching them the other day as they worked their land and express their gratitude of what God had given them, I was impressed by the example they are setting for their boys and for their viewers.

“ In all the work you are given, do the best you can. Work as though you are working for the Lord, not any earthly master. 24 Remember that you will receive your reward from the Lord, who will give you what he promised his people. Yes, you are serving Christ. He is your real Master” Colossians 3:23-24 ERV

Whatever we do – make it all about God.

Each one of us who follow Christ have been called to a 24/7 relationship. We are fulltime Christians. It’s not just a Sunday experience. We are to take what we learn in our personal time of reading God’s word and our prayer time and bring it into the real world. We are here to make a difference in our homes, our schools, our workplace and our communities.

John, who baptized so many people, told his disciples that his purpose was to lead others to Christ.

“ He must become more and more important, and I must become less important.” John 3:31 ERV

Our goal should be the same.

“Do as God does. After all, you are his dear children.” Ephesians 5:1 ERV

Short and to the point. In the same way that our children imitated us as they were growing up, we are to be imitators of our heavenly Father.

As the Apostle Paul was coming to the end of his life he summed it up this way.

“To me, the only important thing about living is Christ. And even death would be for my benefit. 22 If I continue living here on earth, I will be able to work for the Lord. But what would I choose—to live or to die? I don’t know.” Philippians 1:21-22 ERV

Each day is a day to live with purpose, after all, it’s all about God!

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Family Portrait

Yesterday morning I was saddened to hear of a recent study on the decline of Christianity in the United States.

The survey stated that “people are giving up on Christianity”.

I can see how many are giving up on religion, man-made doctrines and legalistic rules, but how can people give up on Christianity? A Christian is one who is a follower of Christ. How can someone who has followed Christ and known the unconditional love of the Almighty God, our heavenly Father, and His grace, mercy and unfailing forgiveness give up on what they’ve experienced?

Was their experience purely an intellectual one and not a matter of the heart? Have we who are Christ’s followers not truly shown what it means to be in relationship with the Father?

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” Ephesians 5:1 NLT

If our world is to see the depth of God’s love, His character, we are the ones who need to be showing it to them. As His children, we need to be expressing our love for our good Father.

“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” II Timothy 3:1-5 NLT

“They will reject the power that could make them godly”. This is how the decline is evolving.

Don’t give up what you have learned and what you know to be true of God’s faithfulness and love.

This morning’s picture is one of my family that was taken for the local paper when I was about 2 1/2 years old. There was an article that accompanied it on families that based their lifestyles in faith and on Biblical principles. Today my mother and father are in heaven and my sister and brother live according to the faith in God that we were taught as children.

“ But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” II Timothy 3:14-17 NLT

May I encourage each of us to continue to live according to the Scripture. It is the Father’s word preparing us for every good work.

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Be An Example

Every day we are setting an example; whether we’re a good example or not is to be determined.

When you stop and think of people who have been good role models for you whose face comes to mind?

I think of one lady in particular. She was 20+ years older than I and she portrayed grace and kindness in all she did. Her home was comfortably decorated and neat, her personal appearance radiated with beauty and grace. She spoke words of kindness and her love for her husband and family were evident to all. I was blessed to know her.

Another woman I admired was an experienced horse woman. Her hands were leather tough from all the work she did. She trained horses, could build fence, tend a garden and put a meal on the table that would leave you asking for more. Her ways were rustic but her heart was tender and generous.

I haven’t seen either one of these ladies in years but the impression they made in my life has never faded.

The Apostle Paul wrote to a young preacher named Timothy and instructed him to be a good example.

“Here is a true statement that should be accepted without question: 10 We hope in the living God, the Savior of all people. In particular, he is the Savior of all those who believe in him. This is why we work and struggle.

11 Command and teach these things. 12 You are young, but don’t let anyone treat you as if you are not important. Be an example to show the believers how they should live. Show them by what you say, by the way you live, by your love, by your faith, and by your pure life.

13 Continue to read the Scriptures to the people, encourage them, and teach them. Do this until I come.” I Timothy 4:9-13 ERV

Be an example by what you say, the way you live and love. Be an encourager. Be pure and faithful.

What a mandate!

The Apostle Paul also told us all to be imitators of God – like little children imitate their parents.

“Do as God does. After all, you are his dear children.” Ephesians 5:1 CEV

Each day we have a fresh start to be a good example. Let’s use it wisely. Let’s imitate the Father!

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Be A Good Example

When you look at your life who has been the biggest influence. Parents, teachers, friends…?

My parents had the largest impact on my early years, that is certain. I can still hear some of those simple childhood teachings. As a young wife and mother there were some gracious women who mentored me, one without knowing it. Her example was life changing.

Of course, the Bible has had the biggest impact on my life. Watching how godly people, men and women, conduct themselves in their daily lives is such an encouragement. Watching pious and selfish people’s example is a warning of things I try to avoid.

I’ve been reading through the book of Acts and I have paid close attention to the verses that mention Barnabas.

“…Everyone who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money 35 to the apostles. Then they would give the money to anyone who needed it. 36-37 Joseph was one of the followers who had sold a piece of property and brought the money to the apostles. He was a Levite from Cyprus, and the apostles called him Barnabas, which means “one who encourages others.” Acts 4:34-37 CEV

The first mention of Barnabas shows that he was a generous man. A man of compassion. A good example.

The early Christians were being persecuted for choosing Christ over the religions of the day. Many of them were disowned and left without home or property. Others were imprisoned and still some were murdered for their faith in Christ.

He was called “one who encourages others”. A good example.

When Saul, who had been arresting Christians, came to Christ Barnabas validated his change of heart with the apostles. He gave testimony that Paul had a true conversion and should be accepted.

Barnabas was able to put Paul’s past aside and saw who he was becoming in Christ. Barnabas was the one who brought Saul to preach and teach to the believers in a town called Antioch. It was there that both Barnabas and Saul were sent out to be missionaries.

“Appoint Barnabas and Saul to do a special work for me. They are the ones I have chosen to do it.” Acts 13:2 ERV

They ministered together for years and then Barnabas separated ways with Paul and began encouraging his nephew, John Mark, while Paul continued traveling with a man called Silas. Paul wrote two-thirds of the New Testament. Barnabas encouraged the saints. Both were used by God.

The Lord brings people into our lives. Some are only passing through, others become life-long friends. Whatever the period of time, we should be a good example. Loving them unconditionally as Christ has loved us. Forgetting their past and seeing who Christ is helping them become.

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. 5 Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it. 6 Love is never happy when others do wrong, but it is always happy with the truth. 7 Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits.” I Corinthians 13:4-7 ERV

Love makes us a good example. Lord, I want to be that example to others!

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A Legend to Remember

Having lived in the Arizona desert most of my life I am ignorant to customs and legends in other parts of the country.

Many years ago a friend, returning from visiting family in the South, brought me a dogwood blossom. Attached to it was a little card with the “Legend of the Dogwood Tree” by an unknown author.

In Jesus’ time, the dogwood grew
To a stately size and a lovely hue.
‘Twas strong and firm, its branches interwoven.
For the cross of Christ its timbers were chosen.
Seeing the distress at this use of their wood
Christ made a promise which still holds good:
“Never again shall the dogwood grow
Large enough to be used so.
Slender and twisted, it shall be
With blossoms like the cross for all to see.
As blood stains the petals marked in brown,
The blossom’s center wears a thorny crown.
All who see it will remember Me
Crucified on a cross from the dogwood tree.
Cherished and protected, this tree shall be
A reminder to all of My agony.”

As with most legends there is both truth and myth in the story. I cannot attest to the validity of the dogwood being used to form the cross that our Savior died on but I love the heart of the person who, looking at this blossom, thought of Jesus just from seeing its petals.

All of nature tells us of the greatness of our God. The waves that rush to the shore, a honey bee collecting pollen from a flower, the sun, moon and stars, the landscape covered with a blanket of snow and the blossom of the dogwood tree.

“When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place— 4 what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? 5 Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. 6 You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority— 7 the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals, 8 the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,  and everything that swims the ocean currents. 9 O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!” Psalm 8:3-9 NLT

Our Father has filled with earth with signs of His majesty.

We all have our story to tell, just like the dogwood tree. Let’s give testimony of how Christ has impacted our lives. May it be a story that honors Him!

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