Yes,
Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown
are the desire of our hearts. (Isaiah 26:8 NIV)
“Renown” is defined as the condition of being known or talked about by many people;
fame. It’s widely considered to be the chief aim of many in your generation. This
verse may not mean much to anyone else, but it has been a “theme” verse of mine
since the first year I taught Bible study at Cross Camp. Pride, the desire for
approval and admiration – these have been strongholds and things that trip me
up, consume me – influence my choices; and I finally came face to face with it
and (began) the process of surrendering lowercase “me” and magnifying uppercase
HIM. Other translations use the words “glorify you” “remember you” “we desire your fame
and reputation to grow…” I also love the picture of desiring His name. Just His
name. So powerful. (Even at the ripe old age of 52, it’s still a process – daily, moment-to-moment, but how
about we link arms and work to make HIM famous?)
Imitate
God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a
life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered
himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. (Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT)
I also love the Message translation of these
verses:
“Watch what God does,
and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents.
Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of
love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant.
He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of
himself to us. Love like that.”
So simple – so clear – and so profound.
“Watch” Him – how? By studying his Word. Then do what He does. Like He does it.
The amplified version adds “esteeming and delighting in each other” to “live a
life of love.” Putting others first – happily. That only happens from a place
of security – of knowing you are
beloved. And you are. And of course, there’s a reference to “pleasing aroma” or
fragrance, which leads to my next favorite:
But
thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and
through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.
(2 Corinthians 2:14)
Anyone who’s been with me very long knows this is
a favorite of mine. I love that it starts with thanks (key to joy!) and
highlights our mission – we’re supposed to spread the fragrance of the
knowledge of Him! When people are close to us, they should be able to inhale
deeply an aroma of grace, love, joy, peace. Y’all. We need to smell like JESUS!
Love it! (spritz of Grace, anyone?)
And
God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all
times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
(2 Corinthians 9:8)
If you’ve ever requested prayer in a challenging
season, there’s a good chance I’ve sent you this verse and/or prayed it for
you. I call it my “go-to” verse for almost every situation. I mean, look at it
– what a promise! God is able. We
could just sit on that for a few days. He. Is. Able. He is not some weak, lowercase god,
wringing his hands, wondering what to do. He knows. And He is able. Then it
gets specific – He can make ALL
grace abound to you. Look at all the “alls” – all grace…all things…all grace…all times…all you
need…and then every good work. That
seems to cover it – what can he supply? Just all. And then for any time, any
need – every good work. Whether it’s a job, school, sports, relationships, whatever –
it’s good work you’re up to and He is willing and able to make grace abound to you! Marinate in that for a while!
Let
your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may
know how to answer everyone.
(Colossians 4:6 NIV)
Does this really need much explanation? I am a person
of many words…much conversation. Be honest – you are too. I shudder to think of
some of the “conversations” I’ve had even this week that were not close to
being “full of grace.” Ugh. The Message brings this point: “The
goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down,
not cut them out.” Now we’ve enjoyed some sarcasm and joking around in here,
but just imagine how relationships; how the very atmosphere around us could
change if our conversation was gracious, seasoned just-right? (Notice, it is
“seasoned” – we’re not talking boring, bland conversation – flavorful, tasty! I love that we're not called to "bland.")
Don’t
just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly
to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in
honoring each other.
(Romans 12:9-10 NLT)
How great is this? How real? Anybody who doesn’t
think the Word of God is practical just hasn’t read it. Don’t pretend, people.
Really love. Don’t fake it, our friend The Message says. Hate the stuff
God hates – hang on tight to the good. Love each other – with affection. We’re
not just enduring each other! And again – honor each other. How about that
for a competition – see who can show the most honor to another – “outdo” one
another in showing preference. "You first – no, YOU!" This is a worthy goal!
“Are
you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and
you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me
and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I
won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll
learn to live freely and lightly.”
(Matthew
11:28-30
MSG)
These are what we call “red letter words” – Jesus
the Christ said this while walking around on earth. So pay attention. What He’s
saying is – walk along side Me and it will go well with you. I found this so
encouraging as it relates to calling and ministry. When I’m doing the work He
calls me to, it isn’t burdensome or ill-fitting. That's not to say it's always easy…but it feels right. I can work AND be
refreshed and renewed at the same time because He’s called me to it and is
actually sharing the load. Unforced
rhythms of grace… *sigh.* God’s Word is just gorgeous.
These last three are prayers I’m praying,
believing and claiming over the lives of every girl I’ve taught!
For
I am sure of this very thing, that the one who began a good work in you will
perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
(Philippians
1:6
NET)
Yes. He began the good work in you. That is real.
That is true. And there may be times when you doubt yourself but He doesn’t
doubt you. He isn’t wringing His hands wondering how you’re going to turn out.
(Unlike us earthly parents!) He started it with every intention of finishing it
and He is able. Isn’t that a relief? He’s not letting you go. You might as well
cooperate!
I
pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on
growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what
really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of
Christ’s return.
(Philippians 1:9-10 NLT)
Love. Overflowing. That’s kind of the point. As
your love of God deepens and increases, it naturally will overflow into every
other area of your life. You’ll not only love much, but well. Ah. You’re going
to be leaking Jesus all over the place! And along with that, your
understanding, discernment – the ability to determine what is right and
important and valuable – will increase. Which is good, because your need to
know where to focus your life and love and attention – this is increasingly
more important with every passing moment!
For
this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on
earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may
strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that
Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being
rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s
holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of
Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled
to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now
to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the
church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV)
So
much to love in these verses…He has glorious riches – He wants to apply them to
your life – to strengthen you…with power…through His Spirit…in your inner
being! That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith!
From
that place of being deeply rooted and established in His love – we have
supernatural power to grasp, to understand, His love for us
• how wide - it covers the all of our own experience and reaches
out to the whole world
- • long
- it continues the
length of our lives
- • high
- it rises to the
heights of our celebration and joy
- • deep
- it reaches to the depths of discouragement, sadness
He
loves you. He didn’t have to make you. He didn’t. He wanted to make you. You
are his idea. His very good idea. He thought you up, He delights in you – you
make Him laugh! He loves you AND He likes you.
So
from that place of being rooted in love – we’re free from fear, from the need to compare ourselves to others, free to love others and share God's love with the world!
And then the last part – again – He is ABLE to do…immeasurably more –
super-abundantly, above and beyond, beyond-beyond what we can imagine. And His
power is at work IN us…to Him be the glory.
And
God’s people said: AMEN!
