|
| How different am I? How different should I be? |
|
| |
This morning, as I finished my study of the book of Daniel, I read the following in the commentator's wrap-up:
"Like Daniel (in Babylon) and Joseph (in Egypt), we live in an alien culture with people whose thinking, values, actions, and goals are totally different from and opposed to that of God's people (us)." (Warren Wiersbe, Be Resolute)
Reminds me of Peter's admonition --
2:11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.
Aliens. Like Martians living on earth!! TOTALLY different from the world in which we reside! Yet completely immersed in a culture that is contrary to what the Lord wants for and from us! We are literally bombarded nonstop with temptations to devalue God and turn our backs on him. And we often do. For example, whenever we become like the people around us.
We are literally awash in temptation. Temptation to act and think in ways that please us but not God. These temptations come from spiritual sources (devil/demons), yes. But the culture itself presents temptations as well -- the marketplace, the schools, the media (TV, radio, and print), the workplace, social settings, sporting venues, etc. It is trying to change us!!
Daniel lived in such a culture too, but he was fully resolved to be DIFFERENT. And he succeeded!!! He was true to his Lord, and did not compromise himself with the culture in which he was immersed! (Just how different was he from the world around him? READ the book of Daniel and see!)
1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself. Have I become defiled, perhaps without even knowing it? Are there ways I've compromised with the world that I don't even see?? I'm afraid that the world's influence has seeped into me, to the point of actually affecting the way I think! It might be time to start questioning everything!
We need vision, discernment, resolve, and courage just to see the extent to which the world opposes God's desires. And even then, to actually strive to live in a way that goes against the opposition??? Supernatural strength!!!
Lord, please give me that strength, and even more than that, a total resolve to be different! Thanks for giving me the Holy Spirit, for giving me a fighting chance to please you. I pray for success, not just for me, but for all your children. In Jesus' name... |
|
| To add a comment to "How different am I? How different should I be?" |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| June 21, 2008 |
 |
|
|
This is truly a word to live by! I am striving to be conformed more to his image. |
|
|
| June 21, 2008 |
|
|
|
| These sure are truly words to live by. |
|
|
| June 21, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Mike good blog! Lord give me the desires of your heart as you did Daniel! Amen! |
|
|
| June 21, 2008 |
|
|
|
fully resolved to be DIFFERENT. Hmmm, I wonder how different my life would become if this became my motto and do I have what it takes to find out?
Great Blog Mike! |
|
|
| June 21, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Amen! How easy it is to let ourselves be swallowed up by our surroundings! May I always have the strength and commitment of Daniel to stand firmly on my beliefs! |
|
|
| June 21, 2008 |
|
|
|
| I frequently pray over folks who are struggling to see God's hand in their occupation that if Daniel could prosper in Babylon and Joseph could prosper in Egypt, there's no reason God can't bring glory to Himself through your example here... |
|
|
| June 21, 2008 |
|
|
|
My famous saying to my child, her children, sisters, brother, etc is "It's not what you say but how you say it".
For us as God's children: "It's not what you do but how you do it" Is it pleasing to our Father? Would he look at us and frown?
Because of where we live and the times we live in it is so easy to get caught up in the world. Yet that is no excuse. We are all guilty of getting caught up in it because we do not want to be different from everyone else. If we are different then we are abnormal!!! SO WHAT. Everyone is different and in being different we should get on with the Fathers work.
This is a continous battle for all of us Mike and each day I ask that he continues to lead me in his will, not mine.
Great Blog lil bro |
|
|
| June 21, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Good word, Mike! Seeking to live for God in every thought, word, and deed will always separate us. |
|
|
| June 21, 2008 |
|
|
|
"swallowed up by our surroundings"
I pray never, Shirley! Thanks guys! |
|
|
| June 21, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Dare to be different :) woooooooooooooohooooooooooooooooo |
|
|
| June 21, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Amen to that prayer Mike. Great blog! |
|
|
| June 21, 2008 |
|
|
|
Excellent! I so agree... those of us who are born of His Holy Spirit... have become new creations in Christ (aliens).... like Paul said, it is no longer us who lives but (the spirit of the resurrected) Christ who lives in us and through us.... HE being the firstborn from the dead, we having died to be raised with HIM, to the glory of 'our Father'!
The spirit *attitude* behind what we are doing/saying... who we are Being as new creations in Christ is what empowers us... and brings glory to Jesus and our Father ... Are we 'reacting'... through the unredeemed nature, as one coming from a place where worldly thinking still influences us, or responding having surrendered to His Spirit *conscience* within, which convicts us, our having responded to His wooing... promises of a new life... NEW LIFE in/through Christ... 'think it not strange when the old dies ... so the new can rise up in it's place with power from on high', is a question some may find themselves responding to... as they listen for His voice, speaking to our restored soul... from deep within... as we find ourselves communing with HIM, through a hunger and thirst HE seeks to fulfill through our union with HIM, fulfilling His eternal plan for man... one HE ordained at the foundation of the world.
Yes... we are in the world... but truly, no longer of it... the pleasure the world brings is indeed fleeting... but the joy and inner peace He brings, through having birthed us into HIS Kingdom is enduring... Thank You Father!.
Father... thank You we can daily take up our cross... and let go of that which once kept us bound to the lusts of the flesh, lusts of the eye, and the pride of life... to recieve that which YOU offer in it's stead... in due season, in our NOW... manifesting Your Kingdom within us ruling and reigning on earth, through each believer... the god of this world having been overcome in our behalf.... Thank You for the gift of revelation knowledge, repentance and empowerment from on high. Bless You through Jesus being the author and finisher of our faith we are empowered to let go of that which is of the world, without condemnation... to receive that which has been redeemed for us through our union with Your Holy Spirit, glorying You and Your Son in the process! Bless You for maklng it alive within us... that not only did we die with Christ... we were raised with Him anew... to become new creations in and through Christ in our lifetime here and hereafter... Bless You we can grow into the fullness You ordain for each... according to the measure of Faith You impart. Thank You for revealing Your mysteries to our generation with an ever increasing light!
'You are eternal spiritual Being's having a human, faith based experience... a journey in time and eternity' , is what I heard You say. 'You are being conformed to the image of My Son... having been translated out of the Kingdom of Darkness, into My Kingdom of Light, through the new birth experience... one where My Kingdom rules you from within'. 'You have the mind of Christ... and your spirit is being renewed daily through the power of His words which I make alive within you with a knowing, no one can take from you.' 'I have given you eyes to see *the eyes of eternity*, ears to hear... *my sheep hear My voice*... a heart to desire My will... and the overcoming power of the indwelling Christ that you may become Who I created you to Be'.
If indeed these words are from YOU... I ask You to plant them and nurture them... to bring forth Your fruit from within the body of Christ.... that You may be blessed beyond measure... assuring us Your words, will not return to You void of eternal life and truth.
|
|
|
| June 21, 2008 |
|
|
|
| We just finished a study "Dare to be a Daniel" with our young people (ages 9 - 14). It was an awesome experience! Wonderful blog and soooooo true. I stand in agreement with your prayer. |
|
|
| June 21, 2008 |
|
|
|
Wonderful blog Mike. I''m reminded also of the example of Jonathan Edwards when he was 19. He wrote out a list of resolutions. In them he set for guidelines for his life Imagine at 19 making a list of resolutions for your life and then following through on them. Thats exactly what Edwards did and did he leave a legacy worth following? You better believe he did not to mention he was one of the greatest preachers in American history. I was also reminded in your post of the following quote, "W. Boreham quotes a letter by Thomas Goodwin, the Puritan preacher, wrote to his son: ‘When I was threatening to become cold in my ministry, and when I felt Sabbath morning coming, and my heart not filled with amazement at the grace of God, or when I was making ready to dispense the Lord’s Supper, do you know what I used to do? I used to take a turn up and down among the sins of my past life, and I always came down with a broken and contrite heart, ready to preach, as it was preached in the beginning, the forgiveness of sins.’ We must remember what Christ did for us on the Cross-to pay for our sins, as well as the sins of the world, and rejoice in Him" Keep up the great work Mike.
PD
|
|
|
| June 21, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Awesome Mike we are alot like computers what we take in we will put out we need virus protection { Jesus } |
|
|
| June 21, 2008 |
|
|
|
Mike all I seen was How different am I...well I came here to tell you that you are VERY different, but uh oh...I see that maybe we aren't so much...I agree 100% on everything and especially the maybe now is the time we start questioning everything...sad, but I do believe that time is here...thanks for a most excellent post...and yes dare to be different!!! |
|
|
| June 21, 2008 |
|
|
|
| good one!! |
|
|
| June 21, 2008 |
|
|
|
Challenging word for us all.
Thank you
(if you don't mind, could you share the name of this particular study so some of us could try it also) |
|
|
| June 21, 2008 |
|
|
|
Hi Donna! The name of the commentary is Be Resolute, authored by Dr Warren Wiersbe. It's one of his "Be" series. Scholarly but very readable.
Thanks GrammyB!!
Oh MissSuga, I hate to say it but it really is time to question everything. People say it, studies have shown it, and the Church ain't exactly changing America (or other Western countries) for the good. My conclusion is that there are many of us in the Church who really don't look any different than the folks outside of her. I'm starting with me. I think I'm different, but am I really questioning enough? I see some lovely fruits of the spirit, but there could be much else I don't see, that needs to change. Unfortunately it's also evident in many of my Christian friends, they look a lot like the world around them.....and they certainly haven't looked at me and been inspired to change anything! This concerns me! For them, and for me. (Thanks for your comment, sister!) |
|
|
| June 21, 2008 |
|
|
|
BB, virus protection, I like it!
PD, you are wonderfully encouraging, and well read too I see -- just like PT. And now for a plug...Folks -- PastorDave could be our next John Wesley...check him out!
Cheryl (from GA), thanks for your warm sentiments, and funny you should mention "Dare to be a Daniel". Mr Weirsbe included those lyrics in the closing chapter of his book. :-)
Bren, thanks so much! And yes, we are the glory of the Father, but do we bring him glory? (Just a question I need to ask myself, continually...) BTW, nice to hear from you again!
Thanks Deb~ and I know you prayed that prayer, either with me or many times before you read this blog. Your mature perspective is always appreciated! |
|
|
| June 21, 2008 |
|
|
|
Thanks Cindy, I'll take that dare! (I think....)
Kathy, thanks. Question, is it the seeking or the doing? I suspect most of us do more than we feel like we are..... As we continually seek to live for God, I think we take tiny steps towards him, towards our goal. Just a thought!
Mary, it is a daily battle. And I like your catch phrase, "It's not what you do but how you do it."
Val, I am asking the same questions....as the blog attests.
PastorDan, praying God will help me to see better, so I can live out my calling whatever my occupation, wherever I work. |
|
|
| June 21, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Thanks Keith, and Megan! Stu, I am right there with you! |
|
|
| June 21, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Thanks PT.... I would agree! |
|
|
| June 22, 2008 |
|
|
|
Please accept my Standing Ovation!
There is a blessing that is earned only by setting one's self apart from the world--consecration is not for the timid--but oh--once you latch ahold of what comes with it, you will never be the same.
I wish this comment box allowed you to choose font size because I would send you a 72 point WOO-HOO! for this one, brother! |
|
|
| June 22, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Mike, I often wonder when I see some odd religious type. You know, the guy who just doesn't fit in, or the lady with the weird clothes. Remember the first time you saw an Amish person or someone with some kind of prayer covering on their head, or the guy with the weird clothes and that beard, or the street-corner preacher with the wild eyes? Nowadays I'm less critical of such people and more admiring -- I admire their courage and their faith to stand out and be different in a world where everyone must be perverse and sinful in order just to "fit in." |
|
|
| June 23, 2008 |
|
|
|
Awesome post Mike. I like what I G Spong said , I too feel the same way. Been reading bout the Amish and I admire them!
It is soo easy to turn back to the old ways when I am with people who still are under satans care.
It gets less and less though as I get stronger in Gods work, God's world!
I see the change in me today and I am LOVING IT, although I see others arnt. I Pray for them |
|
|
| June 23, 2008 |
|
|
|
| How does that saying go, "we are IN the world, not OF the world"? It is difficult to be in anything without things rubbing off on us. Attitudes, jealousies, greed, ambition, improper entertainment, discouragement, and a myriad of other worldly things. The trick (if I can call it that) is to discern between good and evil and then repel and reflect. Can't do that without God's indwelling. |
|
|
| June 23, 2008 |
|
|
|
Todd, they taught on that verse when I was in youth group. I understood what they were getting at, but at that time I rationalized away the meat of what Peter was saying. My desires were fully vested in the world. Now, things are different. I feel like an alien. (And I know you know what I mean when I say that!) Birdie, sorry I didn't respond sooner, I wanted to and thought I had but a hyper-busy coupla days and a sick child will make anyone seem absent minded. You spoke of the blessing of being set apart. I know so many Christians who are missing out on those blessings, instead the cares of the world (which follow the desires of the world) are weighing them down! Thanks so much for your kind words, sister. Ed, YES!! The trick is to discern. In order to be set apart, it is a good idea to know what to be set apart to as well as from. Daniel knew enough to know that compromise would result in his becoming defiled. The opposite side of that coin is the blessings Birdie wrote about. I'm enjoying many of those blessings now, thanks to greater discernment which has come from prayer and reading God's word. (And hangin around smart Christians like you!) Donna, it is all too easy to become defiled, as Daniel put it, when we allow satan's minions to provide for us. Amen sister! |
|
|
| June 23, 2008 |
|
|
|
| :) You are such a salmon. |
|
|
| June 23, 2008 |
|
|
|
I love this scripture, Daniel 1:8 "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself."
How I want to purpose in my heart to follow Christ and not defile myself, but often fall short, but I still make the that the purose of my heart. Only the Holy Spirit can help us not defile ourselve, but first we must purpose in our heart. Great word Mike.
thanks
peace |
|
|
| June 23, 2008 |
|
|
|
One of the advantages of "purposing in our hearts" is we don't get caught in the heat of the moment of temptation trying to figure out what to do, for we benefit from our intentional forethought, perhaps even having planned ahead. Makes response to temptation far easier. Thanks Glenn, I appreciate you sharing!! Debora, friends like you keep us all going! |
|
|
| June 23, 2008 |
|
|
|
| thank you Mike. You will never truly know how much I needed to read this. Much happeneing around me, influencing me, changing me, and not for the better. My tears just fall as this conviction washes over me. God bless. |
|
|
| June 23, 2008 |
|
|
|
I'll have to read the waterfall of comments later but...
WOOOAAA! Awesome!
God is amazing! You wrote this the day I wrote the one I just posted.
God working in waves.
WOOHOO!! |
|
|
| June 24, 2008 |
|
|
|
wow.. trouble is, we must search out the depths of our heart sumtimes.. anyway.. earthlings.. beware.. We are here to take u to our Leader! (ala Newsboys !) :D |
|
|
| June 24, 2008 |
|
|
|
Tam, my heart leaps for joy as I read your comment. God used this...yay! Thanks Ruth and DK!! |
|
|
| June 24, 2008 |
|
|
|
It sooo feels that God is shaking the Church.
"Come on guys! Wake up! Let Me sink into you and get OUT and let it sink into the World!"
The days are evil |
|
|
| June 24, 2008 |
|
|
|
| this verse about aliens really speak to Juan. Juan knows what being an alien is all about. |
|
|
| June 24, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Be in the world, but not of it! |
|
|
| June 24, 2008 |
|
|
|
Amen!
Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world,but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind,so that you may prove what the will of God is,
that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
For me when I first got saved I said no to alcohol at family gatherings
after a while they just quit asking if I wanted wine at dinner. Praise
God we can have His strength to stand up for what's right (and different to the world) |
|
|
| June 26, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Hi Mike! |
|
|
| June 26, 2008 |
|
|
|
To quote Sue, "Hi Mike!"
It struck me as interesting the way you put the subject as being defiled and not being aware of it. I think that speaks to our nature as we are being brought up and come to understand our standing as aliens. When I traveled to Germany a few years ago, there were many things that seemed so familiar and yet to different. Well, the language was one of them. In spite of the fact that both my parents came "from the old country" and spoke the language fluently, I learned English (well "American" anyway) and had to take classes in high school to learn what I did since by then my mom had died and my dad didn't have anyone to speak and practice the language with unless we were visiting my cousins.
I'm German except for a quirk in geography and yet Germany seemed strange because I grew up American. Is our Christian life focused in that way too?
There are lots of things that we do that are not of a "divine nature" that are by no means wrong. Even Peter had this lesson this learn with his vision of the food descending from heaven. There are things taht are just "different." And yet, what makes us identifiable as being all aliens yet from that same heavenly kingdom?
Germany was comfortable and wonderful. But I realized that THERE I was the alien. I had to be respectful and yet not sacrifice my identity as an American. I couldn't just force the fact that I was American on everyone and expect them to do as I wished (ever read "The Ugly American" when in high school?). Yet I did not compromise on my American-ness. I was proud to be an American. So should we all live - proud to be called by the King of Glory and proud that our names are written in the Book of Life. Yet we must also bear in mind that we are the visitors here - being respectful but not compromising, wanting to learn about but not necessarily partake in the different culture for by knowing about it we can communicate better.
I best stop now before I hijack your whole blog - lol!
Thanks for the great topic, Mike. |
|
|
| June 26, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Gene, hey bud, thanks for that glimpse of your heritage, didn't know you were German. (It may have been obvious to others, but I tend to be focused and therefore much goes right past me.) I really like how you put that, "being respectful but not compromising." Daniel was very respectful, he had quite an engaging way about him. Look at how Darius loved him! But he also did not compromise his identity as a child (believer) of God. He was also careful to "avoid every kind of evil" (1 Thess 5:22), thus he did not partake of that which would have "defiled" him. Daniel is a great example for us! (Gene, your comments are always intelligent, insightful, and very considerate, you're welcome anytime!) |
|
|
| August 12, 2008 |
|
|
|
Very good message . Very simple and up to the point.
May God bless you.
Pastor B.Abraham
North India Gopsel mission
New Delhi- 110057
nigm04@yahoo.com |
|
|
| December 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Corina, this is a very good statement (thanks for sharing it) - "But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil." |
|
|
Follow this blog
