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Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Guilty

We've been studying in the Gospel of Mark at church and last week hit me like a ton of bricks. The topic was "Sustainer of Faith" and we took a deeper look into Mark 8:1-26. The major theme was God finishing what He starts in His children. This isn't just portrayed in Mark but throughout the whole bible, both Old and New Testament (examples Jude 1:24 "He will keep you from stumbling" and Phil 1:6 "He will complete it!").

The thing that hit me was reading the story about the disciples pretty much judging the Pharisees in 8:15. The disciples were dilly dallying around and worrying about  how little food they had. Jesus was appalled! He basically said guys! How many times do I have to turn 2 loaves into 200 or 5 fish into 500? They had witnessed the miraculous work of Jesus on many occasions yet still couldn't put their full trust in Him. Jesus told them to "watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees". The disciples are no different than the Pharisees, who demanded signs that Jesus was the Son of God, day after day. "Leaven (yeast) is in our hearts". The discples wanted to put themselves on this pedestal and declare that they were so much better than the Pharisees, yet they were no better. Isn't that the awful truth? We call others "the worst" because w don't want the bad guys to look like us. Yet we are capable of the exact same sin. We aren't the good guys. The disciples aren't the good guys. Jesus is the good guy!

I think you can agree with me that we often think criminals/robbers/sinners/etc are terrible people and tend to demonize them and raise ourselves up a little bit. Well hey, I am not murdering people, stealing money, cheating on my spouse...so I am doing okay right?! But as humans, as sinful children of God, we need to be aware of what we are capable of. 


Can I get an AMEN?!

And it doesn't have to always be the extreme cases. How many times as a believer have you thought to yourself, 'well I went to church, she didn't, I am doing better.' or when it comes to tithing, bible studies, ministry, missions, serving, worshiping. We all fall victim. We all fall short to the glory of God. 

And back to demanding signs from God. I know we are always a victim of this. In fact, one of my favorite morning show hosts announced that he prayed to win the Powerball and it was God's time to show him that He existed. What?! These words from our pastor stuck with me like glue...

"...if you demand signs, you've fallen short of the glory you've been given and still owe your debt to God"

Isn't that what faith is all about? Knowing God has an omnipresence and believing in Him without manifest presence like Moses on the hill? Just because God doesn't part the sea of cars on I35 at rush hour for you or doesn't bring you a spouse at the ripe old age of 25, doesn't mean He doesn't exist, care, or is working hard in your life. Show me a sign God! How many times have I prayed that prayer? I know a hell of a lot more times than I've simply thanked God for the opportunity to be in relationship and community with Him. Or simply been still with Him. 

God will finish the work He began in His children. Hold fast to this friends. His work in you is not done...





7 comments:

Margaret Birch said...

Love this post and totally agree. I think that instead of demanding signs from God's when we're in need He instead wants us to come to him daily, quiet our minds and listen. He will be there if we take the time to truly seek it. I think it's also important to remember that we are made in His image and I try to remind myself that although we are all sinners we are one of God and God (to me) is pure love. I think we have a lot more potential in us than we believe. He has given us so many tools to do his work on earth, so I try to focus on that. :) Xo

Kelly said...

Ruthie girl as usual you are on it!! Seriously, i mean God doesn't see our sin any differently as he sees other "bigger" sins. Sin is SIN whether we feel comfortable seeing it that way or not. And it's SCARY what everyone is capable of! The moment we forget that part is when there is an opening for Satan to get his claws in. Keeping in the Word and keeping that faith that He will keep on doing the work He began is what keeps us going each day! XO!

Danielle said...

Great post, Ruthie. I always love your posts when you share what the Lord is teaching you. My husband and I just started a young couples Bible study and I can feel the Lord convicting me every week! I am so guilty of thinking, "well I'm doing better than her...blah blah blah." But there is always room for growth and improvement. I am so guilty of trusting Him too little and not doing enough for His kingdom too often..It's a sad reality, but such a necessary reminder. I'm thankful for it.

Rachel said...

Love this Ruthie! So true!! In regards to the powerball comment...It is hard to explain to others that God is not like a genie... you can't just demand that he show you signs of His work and when you "don't see it", assume the worst. Anyway...I love the post, hope you are loving the study! It sounds great. I love reading your blog and seeing what you're up to! Keep up the good work :)

Amanda aka Manda said...

I absolutely love this post! Such true words! Thank you for sharing and being willing to share your faith!

Courtney said...

Love these words of truth. Thanks for sharing Ruthie!

Anonymous said...

Dear Ruthie,

I have been following your blog for quite some time now, I initially stumbled upon it after searching for a pork chop recipe that was on pinterest and led me to the "feeding my temple" blog (random right?). On that blog, she mentioned you as a woman who loved Christ and how she wanted to be more like you. So, I thought to myself that I should see just what made you so special (HAHA)!

Sure enough, after following your blog, I know exactly what it is! You have a great personality about you that is evident even through your writing. And once I found out you were on House Hunters I got super excited and DVR'd it. My husband and I REALLY want to get on that show when we start looking for a house-- it's just so fun to watch!

Anyway, I find myself reading your blog and clicking on the "faith" tab to read more about how God speaks to you and your husband. You see, my husband and I moved to Killeen, Texas almost a year ago and before we came here our lives made little sense. Since we came to Texas my husband has converted to Christianity, we have found a church home, and a new purpose for life, love, and our marriage.

I just wanted to say thank you for posting this blogpost and sharing the Austin Stone website. I am a student at Texas A&M-Central Texas, and this last month has been so hectic that I haven't given enough time to the Lord, or anyone for that matter so I really like that I can listen to the sermons online! Sorry for the long comment, I tried to find your e-mail address but for some reason the "e-mail me" button isn't working. Maybe it's my browser? I just have no clue what's going on when it comes to technology!

Either way, keep writing! You're wonderful and inspirational, the world needs that!

God bless you!

Best,
Seka

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