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example

September 6, 2013

God-Followers Follow His Example

Lift up your foot and look at the bottom of your shoe. Is there a visible pattern? A Nike swoosh?  A checkered-design?  As you walk in those shoes, the pattern of your sole leaves a mark. You don’t have to be be walking down a sandy beach to leave an impression. I hope you aren’t “walking on” the people in your life, but your walk of life does impact those around you. What impression are you making upon the people in your life?

Scripture calls us to follow God’s example, to be imitators of the Lord. In two verses in Ephesians, Paul mentions three aspects of genuine God-followers.

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”  (Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV)

#1  Followers of God’s example are dearly loved children.

God loves me – what-a-concept! “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” God-followers find security in relationship with Him. God changes lives. Even if you are from dysfunctional families or have experienced horrible abuse, God’s love within you can transform the way you view yourself and the way you live your life.

#2  Followers of God’s example are loving people.

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The only way we will ever be able to follow the Lord’s example is by allowing God’s love to fill our hearts. God does flood the hearts of His children. Paul stated, “The love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5b NASB).  D.L. Moody (19th-century evangelist and pastor) commented on this verse: “If we have got the true love of God shed abroad in our hearts, we will show it in our lives. We will not have to go up and down the earth proclaiming it. We will show it in everything we say or do.”

#3  Followers of God’s example are generous givers.

Christ gave Himself as a fragrant offering – a scent pleasing to the Father’s nostrils. God is a giver, a generous giver, and we are to imitate His character. As Jesus willingly gave His life for this world, we must be willing to surrender our own self-interests and give. Are you prepared to sacrifice your comfort, your time, your agenda, and your expectations? Only by giving our time, talent, and treasure will we really be followers of God’s example.

What imprint are you making on the life of someone else? What do the footsteps of your life communicate? What impression is left as you walk away from a person? Are you following God’s example – living as a dearly loved child, walking in love, and practicing generosity?

“In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 2:5 NCV)

April 10, 2013

Calm in Chaos or Freaking Out?

STAND OUT – don’t just fit in! Does your manner of life say to the world that you are different? You live in this world as a Christ-follower, but your relationship with heaven’s Lord should make you STAND OUT in this world – thinking differently, talking differently, acting differently, working differently.

A Bible-directed, Jesus-exalting, Spirit-empowered life is remarkably distinct in today’s spiritual wasteland. You will STAND OUT. Expect criticism as you live for Christ. I am not asking you to be obnoxious, but I am calling for you display Christ.

The world is watching. In today’s turbulent times, what is your life communicating to those around you?

“Stay calm; mind your own business; do your own job. You’ve heard all this from us before, but a reminder never hurts. We want you living in a way that will command the respect of outsiders, not lying around sponging off your friends.”  (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 MSG)

From Paul’s exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 4:11, I see three practical matters that will help you to live a life that draws the respectful attention of even people outside your faith community. This post spotlights the first. Poise, focus, and work will cause you to STAND OUT.

#1  POISE: Are You Calm in Chaos – or Freaking Out?

Check your life for evidence of quietness, tranquility, composure, peace. Restlessness or worry conveys that you cannot trust your connection with the Lord of the universe.

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God is never surprised by a sudden obstacle, and He is still on the throne. Remember Jesus’ words: “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world.”  (John 16:33 AMP)

My beautiful wife Patti is a lady who exhibits great poise and I get to enjoy her company nearly EVERY day! Her confidence in God’s grace buoys my faith and I like being around her. I love my wife!

People around you will notice your peace in the midst of storms. You STAND OUT when you keep your poise. God is working; give Him time. Your poise in the face of perplexity will be recognized by those around you.

I think of the legend of a Chinese farmer who owned a horse. When the horse ran away, the neighbors lamented his loss, but his response was, “How do you know it’s so bad?” In a few days his horse returned, now accompanied by another one. The neighbors immediately cheered his good fortune, but his reaction was, “How do you know it’s good?” The next day, while riding the new horse, his son was thrown off and broke his leg. The neighbors were deeply saddened, but his attitude was, “How do you know it’s bad?” A few weeks later a war broke out, but because his son had a broken leg, he was allowed to stay home. But the neighbors said nothing because they had learned an important lesson: don’t judge life’s events too quickly (Gordan Kainer, Look Back Wisely, Look Ahead Decisively, 2011, p. 7)

“Lead a quiet life.” (1 Thess. 4:11 NASB) Contentment with God’s blessings is a foundation for calm poise. Charles Wesley expressed his ambition: “Keep me little and unknown, loved and prized by Christ alone”? (Look Back Wisely, p. 8) Are you content to be “loved and prized by Christ alone”?

Don’t freak out. God’s grace is sufficient. Live as if you really do have a Heavenly Father who loves and cares for you. Aspire to live as a STAND OUT!

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