FULL MEASURE OF JOY

Posted on January 5, 2016 by George Crone

John 17:13

13 “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.

Jesusprays

 

Jesus is headed to the cross. He knows that His time on earth is short. I can say with most certainty that I and probably the vast majority of the planet would be freaking out. “I’ve got to hide, God this can’t be Your plan. There must be another way”.

But Jesus in his INCREDIBLE connection to The Father and unfathomable love for us prayed for us to experience joy. And not just any joy; but the FULL MEASURE OF HIS JOY.

What does that mean?

What is the FULL MEASURE OF JOY?

What would it “feel” like to experience HIS full measure of joy?

And before that in John 16:33 He said:

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.

It has been a  long time since I have blogged. I have felt almost victimized by some of the choices I have made which I “thought” was of God but then began to question. Those changes I made have required me to get up at 4:30 every morning and deal with 2-3 hours of traffic commute every day. It has been nearly a year in this schedule and I have been completely depleted every day.

With that I have had my morning blog time pushed out and have truly missed this morning soul food. I would sleep in my car at lunch and sleep in my car between work and evening church endeavors (life groups, recovery meetings, bible studies).

God has been pressing on my heart incredibly loudly for months however that discipline is the key to experiencing His incredible joy and peace. Obedience to His word and His will produces the kind of joy and peace that I’ve hungered for for many years.

As I seek to comprehend His love just a little more I begin to realize more and more that it’s not about where I’m going or what I’m doing; He only cares about WHO I AM.

Through discipline and obedience to His word we gain the capacity for greater levels of love and sacrifice for His glory and that can benefit all mankind. We begin to feel Him closer, hear Him clearer, and more fully discover and align ourselves with His calling.

As we positionaly become more deeply connected to the One who gave us life and gives us purpose, power and freedom, our circumstances become secondary to the love relationship we have with Our Creator and Savior. We then become empowered as masters over our circumstances.

No more striving, no more having to live under the oppression of the world’s standards or the lies fed from a broken childhood of having to be good enough to earn love.

When we learn that being WITH our Father is the most important thing He desires for our lives; it then becomes easy to reprioritize our life around faith and not the other way around.

To that end I have (New Years resolution) MADE the time to rediscover my morning connection to God’s word. I have moved around my schedule at work and set aside 2 hours every morning for prayer, God’s word, exercising, making healthy meals for the day, and most importantly given myself the opportunity to connect to Him through this blog again!

Our Father is not standing over us waiting for us to fail or give us a treat if we do good. Jesus’ prayer and purpose was to glorify God the Father through perfect obedience to His will for Him. And His goal was that we may experience the Peace and Joy intended for us since creation. We should not ever let anything stand in the way of that relationship. Not sin, not laziness, not addictions, not playing a victim to circumstances or past demons.

Joy is knowing who we are because we are confident in Whose we are. 

 Unspeakable Joy Father, that You desire that for all who come to You and hunger to know more of You and follow You. I can’t even fathom Lord that after 5 years of sobriety (Jan 3, 2011) and being in relationship with You I have been so lost in still trying to think there is more I need to do. There is nothing I need to do but enter into Your presence and STAY THERE. My fears in the world, self doubts, frustrations, longings… none of it has power to steal joy and peace unless I take my eyes and heart off of You first. I thank You for the trials Father, for the always lead directly to You. My deepest prayer Lord is that all your children come to You this day knowing what we do will always be secondary to our character; who we are. Today Lord I seek nothing more than to be in Your arms and loving Your creation as You loved us. Thank you Jesus. 

Posted in Addiction, bible study, encouragement, faith, God's story, hope, Jesus, love, my story, Recovery, Salvation | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

If You Love Me…

Posted on August 28, 2015 by George Crone

John 14:15

 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments

do you love me

When we first come to Christ, He draws us in so incredibly deep by constantly and consistently expressing what only He can…

Unconditional Love

Mercy

Grace

Compassion

Healing

Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

My completely invalid estimation is that 1/3 of the bible is about how much God loves us and what He does for us

Another 1/3 is about what happens to those who reject Him.

And another 1/3 is the kicker…. the promises wrapped around the word IF

If you’ve followed any of my previous writings you’d know that I am forever struck by the intense magnitude of that word. It calls for actions, it begs for a response to what His life and death and resurrection purchased for us.

Free will is the perfect acid test, we can choose to obey, to respond, to step up and step in to Kingdom Works or we can reject all that He has ordained from before time began.

As my heart continues to break open over my sin nature and those times of isolation, fear, pride or control step in to run the show I find myself so incredibly convicted by that darn word… IF

Deuteronomy 11:13
“It shall come about, if you listen obediently to my commandments which I am commanding you today, to love the Lord your God and to serve Him with all your heart and all your sou

John 13:35
By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 15:10
If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

Deuteronomy 11:26-27a
See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse— 27 the blessing if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today; 28 the curse if you disobey the commands of the Lord your God…

The glory of the cross is that His grace is sufficient, His blood covers the transgressions, but only for those under the New Covenant who call on Christ’s redemption and not rely on their own power, own understanding, own plans, own desires… oh that I could thrive under this covering and not continue to feel scared, vulnerable and weak if I’m not in control. I don’t know any other way….

For years I have felt the angst of the Apostle Paul’s words – I do what I don’t want to do and don’t do what I should. Today however I feel like I’ve been hiding behind that for the truth is I do exactly what I want to do and don’t do what I don’t want to do.

I’m a sinner and my only hope is the Cross. My life is poured into a 1/2 dozen different ministries and I believe it is fruit bearing, but yet I still feel so at risk of hearing those words “I never knew you” because the word IF keeps me awake at night.

How are you doing with the “if’s” in your life?

Lord as much as I ache over my sin, I don’t run from it. As much as I claim to love you and love serving you I sense the undercurrent of pride and ego being fed by the fruit you bear. I fear Lord that I have fallen into the trap of replacing my old life of lust for porn into a lust for the Spirit, that You would make me “feel” high. I fear Lord that although You brought me to you nearly 5 years ago and transformed my life that somehow I’ve just shuffled you into the mix of my self-serving striving for worth and acceptance. I believe it is possible Lord that your heart is not broken over my sin in the same manner that mine may be, but instead your heart is broken because I still don’t realize that your Love does not come with a penalty as the broken love I had as a child did. Help me Father get off the train of earning affections, help me to find peace by letting go and truly letting Your will be mine, to rest in you Lord, I yearn for rest. In the precious name of Jesus who paid it all…

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Made Right With God

Posted on July 5, 2015 by George Crone

Romans 10:10-13

10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”.

Romas10_13

There is such freedom in the Word of God… but only if we can believe with our hearts and not just seek to understand with our minds

For me, the journey of recovery has been a long 4 1/2 years that started on January 3rd,   2011, and a difficult one at that. As I struggle with the transition from selfishness to selflessness I find myself ever-increasingly faced with the spiritual warfare found in the lies of who others told me I was in the childhood abuses and that now a fallen and increasingly broken world continues to echo around me.

With that has come a lifetime of addictions and self-justifications by placing blame on others as I became increasingly disappointed in how everyone fell short of my expectations; that they should somehow be responsible for filling the deep longings of my youth for connection, security, purpose and hope.

That is an unrealistic expectation. No person outside of Christ can fill our deepest need which is what all other needs stem from; a longing to be right with God.

It was modeled for me through the pursuits of pleasing my father so I could gain respect and thereby my worth (and not get hit) and seeking to please my mother to gain her affections and thereby my sense of belonging (and so she would stop trying to commit suicide and drink so much).

Sadly for so many of us, that worldly lesson of performance based earning of value and affection and a belief that we are responsible for how others treat us leads naturally to a desire to please and earn God’s favor in the same manner.

This however couldn’t be farther from the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

A heart and ministry poured out in pursuit of Christ can never hit the mark as deep as a life lived out in response to Christ.

Only a stance of brokenness, true humility and a palpable gratitude for God’s great sacrifice has the power to produce the deep, rich, authentic life-affirming self-worth and connection to God that we all yearn for.

The Fear: I’m On My Own

As I come to recognize how I’ve still been living in pursuit the last few years of something I felt I didn’t have (value and affection) I found a deeper bondage than the ones I left behind with the old addictions. For when we feel that God can only love us through the means that our earthly parents could, a deeper pain and emptiness can become our constant companion; the loss of faith in God.

We felt unlovable in the world, but now a new voice can emerge that says God either doesn’t love us or is too small to help us.

It is a spiritual deficit that no person, place or thing can medicate or eradicate. It is based on the very real truth that “I can’t make myself good enough for God” mixed in with the lie of Satan that says  “therefore God can’t or won’t love me until I’m good enough”.

Oh the heartache and striving and lost time that can be the life-experience of someone thinking they can become worthy (please trust me on this point!).

At this place one is left with only one of two directions (which is where I find myself today); reject God (why keep trying – it’s too difficult) or come to fully surrender and trust that the Word of God correctly describes His character and my value through Him.

The Character of Christ

If we don’t understand the true character of God and the connective salvationary work of The Cross; if we can’t rejoice in our hearts that His Word, His Justification, His Sanctification – That His very Life, Death and Resurrection is the Promise which we obtain through our heart-felt belief, repentance and faith in Jesus, then we will be stuck; unable to grow or prosper beyond that point.

Without that belief in the redemptive work of Christ, a heart that has been rightfully separated from God through sin can never experience the covering of that deficit when looking upon the Holiness of God.

My intellectual ascensions into the Word of God’s became nothing more than all the other self-help, feel-good, self-realization psychobabble therapy, chemical induced quick-fixes that the world offered me as a replacement for the Cross of Christ.

I still have much work to do in this area. It seems mentally I have marveled at the “idea” of Christ” and have earnestly sought out deeper understanding of God’s Word and a greater awareness of the brokenness of my past and have found victory up to the point of being able to share my testimony and His grace with others… but I’m now starting to see that subconsciously I have still felt in my own heart that I’ve traveled too far for Grace to cover me.

The decades of idolatry and sin have written with broad strokes a mindset and a soul-level brokenness that developed in a hardness of mistrust yet I still yearn to be recognized and valued by those around me.

There is a stubbornness within me that is fighting the surrender of accepting the nearly unfathomable depths of God’s Grace and instead still leaning on a false sense of security and value from my family, my job, my church, my possessions, my wealth, my pleasures; all of which can never hold up under the pressures of living in a fallen and ever-darkening world intentionally separating itself from God.

The Good News

The tears never flow more freely than in those moments when I’m faced with a mere glimpse of the magnitude of our Heavenly Father’s incredible love for me exactly as I am.

It’s as if the reality of that Truth is too great and I push it out when it becomes too uncomfortable to accept a love and favor that I haven’t earned.

And the flip-side is a prideful self that when I do see His favor I believe it is because of something I have done to deserve it: “but of course, He’s only paying me my just-dues”. (That is quite humbling to say out-loud)

1 John 3:17  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

All I can say is that we have all earned condemnation and that is the best we can ever hope to obtain on our own merits, and yet He continues to respond to our arrogance with His Righteousness and Grace.

The day of judgment is coming, but today we live under His protection and mercy.

2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

Oh how I long to just let God be on the throne and to rest in His embrace and trust that it is His plan that is unfolding for my life and those around me and that I don’t need to add my agenda to His.

Oh to trust that His work was sufficient, is sufficient, and forever will be sufficient to cover my deficit.

By Your Side – Tenth Avenue North

Father God how I wish I could get it right. How I long to be everything to my own son, to guide him, love him, encourage him, lift him up to You; and how short I feel like I fall in that endeavor. How I long for my life to point to You Lord yet it “feels” like I’m just hanging on for my own survival much of the time; too busy trying to help others find healing and fill me instead of just relying on and rejoicing in Your salvation for me. Lord, I relinquish my claim to the cross, my self-perceived entitlement to the throne. My heart aches over how I continue to rewrite the value You place on me with that of those in the world around me and the voices in my past; and how I stand in the way of what You are doing for me and others. These are not my conscious strivings Lord but the fallout of my years of self-sufficiency and survival without You in my life. Please Father continue to show mercy on me, and help me to be the man you created me to be, that I may lead and love those around me with not other agenda than for You to be glorified and that the lies and brokenness of my old self be placed forever in the grave so that I may live in the freedom You purchased. My heart hurts Lord and only you can heal it. I pray for all those who call upon Your name and know of Your healing yet like me may still be aching and searching for it in other places without realizing it. There are so many of us Lord, thank You that you allow us to find our own way through the darkness for only then will our testimony have any chance of helping others find their way to You. I am trusting and loving You Lord as best I know how. Thank you for Your patience, loving-kindness and mercy. To you alone be the Glory, in Jesus precious name I pray…

Posted in Addiction, alcohol, bible study, drugs, faith, God's story, hope, Jesus, Recovery, The Cross | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

What Is Power?

Posted on April 3, 2015 by George Crone

1 Corinthians 4:20

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

power

Good Friday!

It always seems such a juxtaposition – to call the day of remembrance of Christ’s humiliation and suffering unto death “good”. But it is true.

Everything we as Christian’s have and experience hinge upon this very event.

His teachings model for us how to live, the miracle of His birth and the healings He performed, even restoration of life to the dead; all very powerful testimonies to the deity of Christ.

But it is the Cross alone that was/is/and forever will be the catalyst for all of humanity’s eternal connection to God.

And in His death and resurrection begat the Holy Spirit, the Advocate that makes our life on earth one of transformation from selfishness to selflessness, one of weakness and brokenness to that of strength, wisdom, holiness, and power.

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

This message resonated in my heart at 3am this morning. I had a dream, almost more of a nightmare but for me the message became clear.

Basically I and some friends were emptying out an apartment to shampoo my carpets. We had to take all the furniture out of the unit and place it in the common walkways of the large apartment complex. It wasn’t intrusive to anyone, but it was stacks of stuff in plain view. As we were going about our work someone noticed that the stuff was being looted, people were stealing couch cushions, taking lamps, chairs… and I was angry. I chased after them, then I woke up.

In those first few minutes I felt betrayed, angry, revengeful. I wanted to chase them down and make them pay. Even as I type this I can reengage those feelings of “that’s not fair, that’s my stuff, I will make you pay for this”.

What does this have to do with the power of Christ within us you might ask… I think it speaks to the very definition of power, the power to change from operating in our “mere humaness” (yesterday’s blog) to that of behaving through the Power of Christ.

As I became more awake I became in touch with a new feeling that gradually overtook me. It was a realization that these people didn’t know Christ. These people felt they were lacking in their life and needed to steal to “get theirs”.  They were broken, lost, hurting and taking from the world because they knew no other way; to them this was survival and success.

But I on the other hand could freely give of that stuff. I have the means to replace the lamps and the couches and the “stuff”. That if their family could be blessed by these items, then why not freely let them have it. What would be better served, me hunting them down and executing justice through a worldly power, or me having the opportunity to express grace, forgiveness, compassion and understanding that they are no different than myself; a begger in a broken world.

The only difference between me and them is that I know this world is temporary, I know that “stuff” has no value in Kingdom terms, I know that the bitterness in my soul at that moment was much more hideous in my walk with Christ than any act another could perpetrate upon me or my “stuff”.

To me, that is true power. The power to endure the evils and brokenness of this world and see beyond the surface pains into the likeness of Christ that is aching in the soul of every person to come to life and renew their hearts and minds; just as He is doing to me.

It is our role as Christians, our God ordained calling to make disciples of all the earth at any cost.

As I lay there reflecting on this experience of heart transformation over this dream I got a painful cramp in my calf, I called out as the pain was so bad. And in that moment I remembered what today represents; the suffering of Christ.

He willingly took on pain and suffering a million times more than the pain I was experiencing in that moment; a hideous torture to the point of death.

Mark 14:36 And He was saying, “Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.”

And worse more than the physical pain had to be His awareness that in that moment God could not look upon His own Son, that He was forsaken, filled with God’s wrath toward the sins of eternity. How terrifyingly alone He must felt, but He remained faithful to the end.

We all will experience great trials and hardship in this life. It may even come to pass that the end years are marked with illness and suffering. We will experience death of loved ones, loss of possessions, injustices by agencies and entities stronger than us…

… But nobody can take away the cross from us or the power we receive through that to endure all things for the glory of God.

Philippians 4:4-9

 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Father God, as we contemplate today the price that was paid, help us to never forget why that price was paid. You made it possible that we may not only look upon you shameless and blameless through the atonement of the perfect lamb; but You connect us all through Your Spirit within and you call each of us to love the world as You love us. As we continually find ourselves relentlessly pursuing things that have no importance out of our sin nature and ignorance, as You open our eyes and we return filled with repentence,  you always take us back. There should be condemnation, we have earned Your wrath Father, yet you continue to love us and admonish us to “feed Your sheep, tend Your lambs”.  Thank you for the suffering You endured Jesus, that we may be filled with the Power, Your power to love different on the inside so we may live different on the outside. To You be the glory forever, in Your precious name we pray… 

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Acting Like Mere Humans

Posted on April 2, 2015 by George Crone

1 Corinthians 3:1-4

3 Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? 4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings?

acting human

It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to blog, life changes has had me getting up at 4:30 am for work 5 days a week for the last 6 months. Not only has it taken it’s toll physically since I have commitments several days a week from 7-9pm, I discovered I really missed this opportunity to share my journey and dig into the word of God through this medium.

Whether anybody reads this is another story, but not one for me to concern myself with.

So provided I can keep the momentum going this could be the start of a new series. I was introduced to a bible reading program from a friend who goes to The Rock in Orange County California called Solid Life Journal.

What I realized in that process is that since coming to Christ authentically over 4 years ago I have found myself committed to daily SOAP (Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer) either through this blog or now through that journal which  has been my morning foundation in God’s word that supplanted blogging during this time away from the keyboard. Maybe I can combine them both now.

So today’s chapter is 1 Corinthians 3 and I didn’t make it past the opening paragraph before being drawn into the question, what does it look like to be “acting merely human” and how does mine and other’s life reflect Spirit or flesh throughout the day.

Paul calls out the behaviors of the church of Corinth here, with them drawing division among themselves by saying that even though their theology in the Trinity of God is exactly the same, Paul is calling out their self-imposed divisions over the non-essentials.

Hmmm, let’s see if this 2000 yr old problem is applicable to today…

The Catholic church split, then Reformation split off from Catholicism, and now there are literally 50,000 different denomination within the Reformed church; each having their own unique dogma that says – my way is unique, correct, better, right for me.

This Apostasy (not everyone holds my view that this is biblical apostasy but it breaks my heart we aren’t TRULY one body) is that ALL of Christianity isn’t united.  So many of my apologetic friends in both Catholicism and Evangelical circles consider their calling to convince the “other side” that they are wrong; and here’s why. There are hundreds of books detailing why Catholicism and Reformation are right or wrong and powerful testimonies of conversion on either side.

Are these testimonies of people being won over to Christ?

Or is it simply that the addition or removal of human behaviors and beliefs over the doctrines of worship made them “feel” like they were closer to God. Did there position in Christ change? Are they more or less children of God now? Has their calling and divine appointment changed?

My heart aches as it seems to me we have taken our eyes off the great commission to “make disciples“. Isn’t that exactly what Paul is saying here. Stop taking sides and creating imaginary division and go tend to lost and broken hearted.

Our faith walk is hard enough without making other believers our intellectual enemies.

I’m not saying that every person doesn’t have a unique calling in the body of Christ and that apologetics doesn’t have it’s place, but how is trying to convince people who already believe in Christ that their beliefs are misplaced truly serving the Great Commission of sharing the Gospel and converting NON-believers?

Is not the ultimate purposes of God that we OURSELVES be transformed into the likeness of Christ, that we may love each other with a purity, purpose and passion that transcends human likeness?

And is not the very foundation and word of Christ rooted in love?

And is not Love defined purely and perfectly by God Himself in His word?

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

It would seem Satan has had a gigantic victory by urging us to take our eyes off the incredibly difficult and nearly impossible task of “removing the log from our own eye” first in our own transformation into the likeness of Christ and instead becoming “merely human” in our intellectual pursuits to prove who’s right and wrong and in the process tear down another’s faith in Christ, creating division, fear, doubt, resentment.

Christ is the Only One that is right, always and forever. He is to be our only focus, our only purpose and passion. When we realize the depth of our brokenness and become prone in front of the cross, our heart will ache for that which aches God’s own heart.

And what does God weep over? My sin. Yes The Cross covers my sin, but when I operate from my sin nature by “acting merely human” in whatever form that takes, whether through selfishness, pride, lust, arrogance, anger, resentments, isolation, or the myriad of other “merely human” behaviors… I believe God weeps.

This is not a legalistic condemnation, my heart has become one who earnestly seeks it to be broken by the things that break God’s heart, and in that is forever being revealed the next layer of sinfullness in my own character and a heart that aches for those who aren’t living in pursuit of Christ in their own life.

I don’t have to convince people “how” to love Christ, I have to model for them how Christ’s love is changing me.

Father God, you know the condition of my heart. As Peter lost sight of your calling on his own life after his denial of You, Your response was merely to remind him that he does in fact love You, and remind him of his commission, to feed Your sheep. Lord, my sin pulls me away from You, but in Your incredible grace and through the resurrection power of the Cross I am made new each day and I believe the calling is the same, to love not only You and others, but myself in a manner that glorifies You Father. Help us all Lord, those who know You and those who don’t come to recognize what is truly important and what the ever-present pull of being merely human does to minimize your Glory. In Jesus’ name I pray…

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Does Our Response Matter?

Posted on December 27, 2014 by George Crone

2 Peter 1:3-11

3 His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Thus he has given us, through these things, his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and may become participants of the divine nature. 5 For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with goodness, and goodness with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love. 8 For if these things are yours and are increasing among you, they keep you from being ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For anyone who lacks these things is short-sighted and blind, and is forgetful of the cleansing of past sins. 10 Therefore, brothers and sisters, be all the more eager to confirm your call and election, for if you do this, you will never stumble. 11 For in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for you.
christ-showing-the-way

I seem to be caught between two warring camps; the “once saved always saved” and “faith + works” philosophies.

I don’t know if it can be reduced to a basic common denominator of Catholicism vs. Reformation but in the end it seems in my heart to revolve around the Assurance of Salvation.

Are we truly afforded that luxury?

Today I can’t define if I’m non-denominational or all-denominational.

By that I mean that all I know is that I was suicidal, dead in my sins, hopeless, broken, fruitless, lifeless. I was drinking, lusting, striving, searching and dying every day and in a moment of glory I dropped to my knees and cried out to Jesus Christ (specifically) and everything changed.

From that time until now (nearly 4 years at the time of writing this) I have yet to “pick a religion” and even more-so have come to feel that the great divides among Trinity believing churches is evidence of the great Apostasy that was prophesied. Christians divided from other Christians over what some would say are the less-essentials and others who dig their heels in saying “my way is the only way”.

It all seems to loose the sight of Christ, in which none of the mainstream Trinity believing religions of the world would deny that Christ is the Center, the Foundation, our Bridge to our Father in Heaven.

We all agree that God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit are the Ones (the One) responsible for the faith we are given, the election we have received and the unique and individual calling that now lies before each of us.

Clearly it is fully the work of God alone that is responsible for our new life that is received through faith alone, but what then; is it done?

Are we not called to a life lived out in fervent response to the gift; to be poured out in eager pursuit of righteousness through works as an active participant in our sanctification and God’s glorification; to be light and salt?

I believe today’s passage in Peter and many more suggest that our response is a critical factor in our shared journey of redemption; that we MUST pursue at all costs our unification with Christ to the best of our ability while on this side of heaven through the death of our flesh and living in and through our Advocate; the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:19-21  Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Matthew 7:21  “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.

John 14:12a “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do…

John 14:15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

 John 14:21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”

Today, as I wrestle with the sin nature in my own flesh that Satan all too quickly tells me disqualifies me as a Saint and to which I sense God grace saying “my Son paid the price for that”, I lean ever more towards the reality that there can be no room for complacent and conscious sin; that my behaviors both public and private are the evidence of my faith, the results of my relationship with Christ.

To live anything less than in full pursuit of God’s best in my character is to bring into question the very revelation of Christ in my life.

The commandments do not in and of themselves condemn but they absolutely do reveal the true nature of man. Only through the revelation of the commandments can I truly see the darkness of my own heart and in that find a deep humility brought about by a brokenness that draws me to the foot of the cross in continuous pursuit of mercy and grace.

There is no question that He loves me perfectly, the question then must become how am I loving Him?

Is it will all of my life or only when easy, convenient and safe? Is there a constant tug on my soul when selfishness, pride and resentments creep in or am I just as I have always been?

As Peter nearly begs his brethren [paraphrased from vs 5]: For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, mutual affection, and love.

As I find myself struggling to live a life that glorifies our Lord Jesus Christ [in all areas, not just the easy ones] I find great comfort in the reminder from Peter that (vs. 3) His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness and (vs. 9) For anyone who lacks these things is short-sighted and blind, and is forgetful…

Father God, I thank you this morning for the reminder that I have nothing to offer this world, it is not I through my knowledge or insight that makes me righteous, but it is through  a life purely devoted to You, a life lived in You, a life in pursuit of You that all other things will be given. I yet again find myself at the Cross of Christ wondering why Your mercy and grace continues to extend beyond the depth of my forgetfulness, my ignorance, my blindness and my rebellion. Unconditional Love is beyond human understanding, but help us all Lord recognize that in Your never-ending grace we might awaken new this day and every day with an overwhelming desire and connection to the Election and Calling you have placed upon our lives. Let us all hunger for more of You and in THAT pursuit find ourselves immersed in the life You ordained before creation. Forgive us our trespasses Father as WE forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation. Thank you for my new life Lord, help me this day live in purity and honor towards the calling You are revealing. In Jesus’ precious name I pray…

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50 Days of Promises (44): The Secret

Posted on November 30, 2014 by George Crone

Philippians 4:11-13

 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ,who gives me strength.

gratitude

It is impossible to experience negative emotions when filled with a sincere sense of gratitude

Think about it…

Fear says “I can’t do this, it’s beyond my capabilities or resources”
Gratitude says “Thank you for this opportunity to do what I’m only capable of in You Lord and the chance to grow in my trust and reliance upon You for the means”.

Jealousy says “That person doesn’t deserve that, they are no where near as worthy as I am”
Gratitude says “I am so happy for that person’s gain, it is wonderful to see good things happen to others, I know how they feel because when “x” happened to me I felt the same way… we should celebrate”

Resentment says “I am so angry at that person, they should rot in hell”
Gratitude says “Lord, they didn’t know any better the same way I haven’t done good things in my own life. Thank you for the humility that comes from Your grace in my life so that I may extend that grace to others.

Judgement says “my spouse doesn’t get it, I am so frustrated having to put up with his/her (fill in the blank)”
Gratitude says “I am so thankful to be married and have someone who knows me and loves me as I work to know and love them. I am so blessed for the things my spouse does such as… (fill in the blank).

Depression says “I don’t have enough, I’m not good enough, others don’t love me enough, there’s no hope, I have no purpose for being alive, what’s the point”
Gratitude says “my cup overflows, I am saved, I am complete in Christ, I was created and now cherished by God, He has great plans for me, for my family, my future. Whatever I am going through it is temporary and in the end God will use it for His glory and my growth”

Philippians 4:4-7  Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

John 16:24  Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

Mark 11:24  Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Contentment and gratitude does not come natural; in fact the world systems are designed to make us unhappy in all situations so that we will go out and buy what it is they promise to bring us happiness.

Just watch any commercial, that next vacation, new car, nice suit, bigger house, self-help course. Everything is designed around the hunger for increase, yet Paul is telling us here the secret to true inner peace is very specific, we must LEARN contentment in all things first, then we can make our requests known to God.

Desires for increase are not sinful, but to desire increase as the means to our peace and joy is to make the next “thing” our point of worship and not God himself.

What would it look like today to be fully content with what God has provided today? Have you had a meal today, did you sleep in a bed with a blanket and pillow, do you have fresh running water, are you sitting at a computer or have a cell phone or tablet you are reading this on, do you have the freedom to attend the church of your choice without persecution, can you take a shower, are you able to go out the front door, do you have encouraging people in your life, can you drive to a grocery store…

What we focus on grows

If I am looking at the things I don’t have (people, places and/or things) and disappointed in the outcomes of my life then I will continue in the direction of decrease.

small things

If however I am truly experiencing gratitude and contentment in the things I already have, and believe that those things that I still desire are worthy, possible and already mine in Christ (just haven’t received it yet) then they will become my reality.

Lord, you are my strength and redeemer. You gave me life and you give me breath. You have provided for all my needs and I am grateful. So far beyond the tangible gifts of existence, you have given me new life where none existed. Not many years ago I woke each day with dread, driven to gain the acceptance from others, hurting over the lack that I felt was in my life, resentful of the events of my past and feeling shortchanged by an overwhelming sense of entitlement. I now count all that as blessings, for the emptiness and disillusionment in the world led me directly to You Father (although it took 45 years).  I no longer see my abusive childhood as a right to victim-hood, but instead it is now a vital part of my song. You make all things new Lord, each day wonderful new opportunities to experience life as You intended is possible. Open my eyes Lord to the divine opportunities to love my family, share the Good News, and rest in Your grace and mercy this day. Thank you Jesus for Your atoning work that makes all of life possible. In Your precious name I pray…

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Relentless Pursuits

Posted on November 29, 2014 by George Crone

Genesis 39:7-12

7 and Potiphar’s wife soon began to look at him lustfully. “Come and sleep with me,” she demanded.

8 But Joseph refused. “Look,” he told her, “my master trusts me with everything in his entire household. 9 No one here has more authority than I do. He has held back nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.”

10 She kept putting pressure on Joseph day after day, but he refused to sleep with her, and he kept out of her way as much as possible. 11 One day, however, no one else was around when he went in to do his work. 12 She came and grabbed him by his cloak, demanding, “Come on, sleep with me!” Joseph tore himself away, but he left his cloak in her hand as he ran from the house.

Potiphar

Just as we are to be in relentless pursuit of Christ, so is the relentless pursuit of evil to distract and derail us from that pursuit.

I have been reading, meditating and journaling on the story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife at great length over the last couple weeks in response to a biblical leadership course I’m taking.

My conclusion; this is no small matter.

I could have told you that long before spending this intentional time in God’s word, for this this is truly one of those stories of affirmation. Sadly however, in many ways that’s all it has been; a revelation into the battle of purity but not yet met with the convictions of Joseph.

There are so many takeaways from this single event; God’s blessings over Joseph in Potiphar’s household, Joseph’s steadfast commitment to purity, honor and justice, Satan’s relentless pursuit in clearly what is one of man’s weakest resistance (lust), Joseph’s persecution even when he was completely innocent and the appearance of being forsaken by God yet imprisonment being necessary to fit into the bigger picture of what God was going to accomplish through his circumstances and gifts years later.

So much rich history to learn from in just this one aspect of Joseph’s story; let alone his entire life.

Today on my heart however, due to the very personal reflection upon my own journey of redemption I am drawn not to the obvious steadfast response we must have to battle the pursuit of evil on us, but more the growing awareness that evil never rests.

Much like C.S. Lewis’ Screw Tape Letters, the demons are constantly looking for ways to distract us, to hinder our sight of Christ and bring it upon the emptiness of ego, lust, pride; even the pursuit of good to miss out on the discovery of great.

Potiphar’s wife was relentless, the NLT says “day after day” (vs. 10).

Can you relate? Is there something in your life that seems like it will never go away?

Sadly for 40 years my desire to escape uncomfortable emotions has been met with a fleeing into fantasy. Whether it be video games, pornography, delusions of grandeur (I’m going to be a great preacher, a world-renown author, a famous life coach, a sought after project manager, a richly successful business consultant, ad nauseam) or other escapes from reality; the result is always the same: a moment of taking my eyes off of Christ that leads to defenselessness against the relentless pursuit of the Enemy.

If you’ve read any of my testimony or followed my blog over the years you would have seen my story unfolding. A young boy abused physically, emotionally and sexually turning to drugs early (middle school), gaining sobriety at the age of 21 (without Christ) and living a life in pursuit of all that this world has to offer; and obtaining much of it.

In the end however the world will always leave us empty. Satan is happy to relentlessly entice us with desires for the unfulfilling.

Just ask the Olympic gold medalist who after years in relentless pursuit finds himself then asking “now what”. Or the business tycoon who spent his whole life relentlessly pursuing the top spot, only to find himself surrounded by empty relationships and false friends. Or the rich man who can never find peace and rest always searching for that next tier.  Or the junky near death seeking that next high that will help him forget. Or the sex addict who just needs one more hook-up to feel better.

When we come to Christ, all the pursuits “should” end for we have arrived at the one place He desires for us most; to be in relationship with Him alone.

Hebrews 4:1-2  God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it. 2 For this good news—that God has prepared this rest—has been announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they didn’t share the faith of those who listened to God.

Luke 10:20 But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.

Exodus 20:6 But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.

John 14:21 Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”

Joseph exhibited the only pursuit that should matter to us as disciples of Christ, the pursuit of relationship with the master.

(v. 9b) “…How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God”

Joseph understood the price of relationship, to sacrifice any desires he may have in honor of the one who loved him first; in respect of the one who gave him everything.

We cannot sanctify ourselves (oh if my own words would sink into my own heart) but we can glorify God. When our standing for Christ becomes our sole intention then our relentless pursuit for His glory becomes a greater resolve than the evil that pursues us.

1 John 4:4b …the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 

Father God, you know my heart better than I do. You know those areas that I strive and struggle to glorify You and fall short in shame. You call me to lift my head, to stand tall and proud as Your adopted son in spite of those things, that in our weakness Your strength is made greater. I pray this morning Lord not just in gratitude for the wisdom of recognizing Joseph’s relentless pursuit of honoring His master or his respect, fear and running from sin; but I hunger for a renewed strength of character that fills me with the  same relentless pursuit of You. May my thoughts be consumed with who You are, may a peace fill me by witness of what You are doing, and a joy consume me over the promises You have for us all. May Your redemptive blood be all that I need, may I find grand contentment not in the ministries and fruit bearing You provide but solely in the joy that comes from being with You, may my soul find rest it so desperately hungers for in You alone this day. In Jesus’ name I pray…

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SUCCESS

Posted on September 16, 2014 by George Crone

Joshua 1:8

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

successWhat is success?

The (hopefully) obvious answer for anyone that has been around my blog for any amount of time, or has opened the Bible or heard a good sermon or learned for themselves the hard way, is not money, fame, materialism, comfort or any other selfish, self-preservationist type endeavor.

Much to the contrary, success comes from making a difference in this world to the glory of God.

I wanted to share a couple poems that have been in my house most of my life.

Success

To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children; to earn appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. 

Author Unknown

I Can

Figure it out for yourself, my lad, You’ve all that the greatest men have had; Two arms, two hands, two legs, two eyes, and a brain to use if you would be wise. With this equipment they all began. So start from the top and say “I can.” Look them over, the wise and the great, they take their food from a common plate. And similar knives and forks they use, with similar laces they tie their shoes. The world considers them brave and smart, but you’ve all they had when they made their start. You can triumph and come to the skill, you can be great if you only will. Your well equipped for what fight you choose; you have arms and legs and a brain to use. And the man who has risen great deeds to do, began his life with no more than you. You are the one who must choose your place, you must say where you want to go, how much you will study the truth to know; God has equipped you for life, but He lets you decide what you want to be. Courage must come from the soul within, the man must furnish the will to win. So figure it out for yourself, my lad, you were born with all that the great have had. With your equipment they all began, get hold of yourself and say with God “I can.”

Author Unknown

Wonderfully Made

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me,[b] O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!

Psalm 139:13-18 (NLT)

Success to me at this point in my life is not defined as what I have obtained or achieved, but instead the measure of myself that have I given to others.

Sadly that list is short for my entire life I bought into the lie that I am to pursue greatness so that I can live a comfortable, pleasure-filled life. Not until I came to Christ and opened God’s word did I learn that the greatest personal sacrifices of time, talents and treasures are the ones that bring the greatest inner joy.

Our life is not our own anymore, we were purchased at an incredible price and it is an honor to now have the opportunity to give it all back to our Redeemer.

Father God, I thank you for the grace and mercy that you have poured into my entire life even though I didn’t know you until late in life. That in your incredible wisdom you allowed me to reap the rewards of the world through money, comfort, fun and pleasures which all left me empty and still searching. My prayer Father is that my life and my words help those still young with their whole life ahead to learn that they don’t need to waste their lives learning the lessons that are so clearly written in Your word, modeled in the life of Christ, and written on our hearts through the Holy Spirit. My prayer is that all will come to an abiding faith and understanding of how much You truly love us and desire that every knee will bow to Your great name, not as slaves but as men and women who know they are truly set free by the blood of the lamb. We do not have to live in bondage to addictions, we no longer have to be poisoned by hate and resentments, we no longer have to live in selfish complacency and directionless. By Your redemptive power we are given new life Lord. Thank you for all of my life Father God, for I was blind but now I see. In Jesus name I pray…

 

 

 

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50 Days of Promises (43): Alive in Christ

Posted on September 9, 2014 by George Crone

Colossians 2:6-7

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

alive

What does it mean to be alive in Christ?

This is a good reflection point for me this morning as I’ve felt a heavy heart lately. Not that I have any less hope in the Lord, but more a sense that the burden is great for the calling is at hand to step up in a bigger way.

So much of my life has been spent in pursuit of comfortable, safe, easy, secure, protected. The pursuits of pleasure is not really a pursuit at all but more of a hiding out from the world around which is filled with so much suffering and need. Instead, much like the cartoons of the Ostrich burying its head in the sand, the self-protecting fence-walker is a coward refusing to take sides because it might create tension.

Jesus knew His mission on earth and it was not conformity, complacency or easy. He spoke in opposition to the highest authorities of his time. Not in rebellion to create division, but in the hopes of opening the leaders eyes to the oppression and suffering that their self-righteous law-giving hate-filled hearts had created.

Jesus never pretended to call His disciples to greater success, wealth, comfort and fun.

Consider the Cost

Luke 14:25-28

25 Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?

Sorry, this is not a happy-go-lucky message this morning. The “feel good” prosperity preachers of our times I believe are doing the greatest disservice to Christianity today. It gives people the sense that God’s love means I am offered success, happiness, laughter and fun for the rest of my life when in reality quite the opposite is true.

Persecution Will Come

Matthew 10:16-18

16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles.

Persecution of Christians in the world is at the worst it has ever been in history.

To be alive in Christ is to be filled with a compassion and be brokenhearted for our neighbor, not be politically agitated with something happening on the other side of the globe.

To be alive in Christ is to make a difference at our work-place, not just raise our hands on a Sunday service once-a-month so our neighbor can see us.

To be alive in Christ is to be a seeker of Christ, a follower, a true Disciple knows that to pick up our cross is to drop our nets, leave those things that have only worldly value and pursue with all the courage and boldness we can muster through the Holy Spirit a life-filled response to God’s call on our life… whatever form that takes.

We are not called to Arms, we are called to Service. Who is our neighbor? Who is it that sits outside our own gate hungry and looking in as we sit comfortable, cozy, fed and protected.

To be alive in Christ is to be armed with love, compassion and filled with an overwhelming calling and purpose to make a difference in the life of somebody, anybody; this day, each day.

God has given us all gifts but to use them for the glory of God means we must exhibit Agape love, which is UNCONDITIONAL and SACRIFICIAL.

Christ lived a hard life, spoke the truth, brought healing and life to those He encountered, responded to those who believed in Him when called, and paid the ultimate price through the ultimate sacrifice of suffering to the point of death for US. He didn’t have to endure any of it, he chose to wash the feet of even Judas, the one who betrayed Him.

For me, it’s great to have a testimony of a broken life filled with addictions and depression and that Jesus Christ saved me from certain death and He is the only answer to what is holding us back from become our best selves.

But we do not get to rest in the Good News of Salvation and remain complacent and content and go on in self-perservation.

To be fully alive in Christ is to be fully engaged in the very real Spiritual Warfare that is seeking to destroy our families, our communities, our nation and our world in whatever way God has equipped and called us to do so.

Father God, I have felt your call on my life to get engaged, get plugged in, find my calling whether it be on the front lines of recovery ministry, or starting up a church-wide volunteer organization that offers free services to those in need, or even in the extreme travel as a missionary building homes, digging wells and bringing the Gospel of forgiveness, healing and strength that comes from first believing, then following You Lord Jesus. My life has been lived in self-preservation, fearing confrontation and wanting to be liked. To take a stand against those things that seek to destroy the family, to call out the behaviors (in love) of those who are selfishly destroying their own lives and the lives of those they claim to love. Father God I’ve lived my life in fear and you call me to courage and boldness. Let not this blog be the only place that I’m willing to stand for truth, help give me the willingness to sacrifice everything for Your glory. In Jesus name I pray.

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