Keep Pressing On

I press on​ toward the goal for the prize

​  
of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus

- Philippians 3:14

Learning 2B Guilt-free Disciples

7/7/2014

0 Comments

 
Why do spiritual disciplines and guilt always go hand in hand?  When did not praying enough or reading my Bible begin to trump the grace of God?  The last promise Peter made to Jesus, before Jesus' crucifixion, was, "I'll never deny you." The last time Peter saw Jesus, before Jesus' crucifixion, Peter had just denied him three times.  Then, after Jesus resurrection, Peter decides to go fishing.  When Jesus shows up we expect a scolding, the hammer is going to come down on the rock (Peter's name means "rock").  Instead, Jesus treats Peter and the other fishing disciples to a buffet breakfast (John 21).   What gives?  Grace.  

In the church we both give and receive "drive-by-guiltings": Why weren't you at such & such event, why didn't you volunteer, etc.  This causes us to project upon God similar drive-by-guilting behavior.  Remember, "in Jesus we have become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21).  Our guilt has been removed.

If we do spiritual disciplines or devotions out of guilt or to prevent guilt, we are trying to make ourselves righteous.  And this may be one reason we sometimes find ourselves wondering, "Where is the joy of my salvation."  

Pray - "Lord help us to believe that you have made us and see us as righteous.  Help us believe that You love us, that through the forgiveness of the Blood of Jesus we are perfect and pleasing to you."

Read and ponder 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV) God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    I can plod. I can persevere in any definite pursuit. To this I owe everything.
    ​
     - William Carey

    Author

    My name is Tim Kirkes.  I am honored to be the a child of my heavenly Father, the husband of Lisa, the father of two boys and the pastor of San Dimas Wesleyan church.

    Archives

    March 2019
    February 2019
    February 2016
    July 2014
    June 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    March 2013
    November 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011

    Categories

    All
    Advent
    Christian Service
    Christmas
    Church
    Despair
    Devotion
    Encouragement
    Gay Marriage
    Gratitude
    Holy Spirit
    Lent
    Love
    Preaching
    Psalms
    Reverence
    Sacrifice
    Spiritual Disciplines
    Thanksgiving
    Women

    RSS Feed

    Tweets by @TimKirkes
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.