Mike Fisk & Built with Grace

Established

November 5, 2013 in Uncategorized | Tags: 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, consistency, established, having a firm foundation, staying focused in turmoil, strong in God | 1 comment

Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (NKJV)

When you hear the word ‘established’ what picture comes to your mind? Is it a stately Oak Tree standing alone in a large field, or a lone pine tree rising tall and proud in the midst of a rocky outcropping? Do you think of the corner drug store, now in its fourth generation and having weathered world wars, depressions and recessions to continue serving its community? Or, perhaps, you see the white haired gentlemen sitting in the second pew on the left side of the sanctuary?

Established. It brings a sense of security, comfort, trust and reliability. So much so that when something we’ve thought of as established fails there is a definite sense of loss, even if it doesn’t personally affect us.

In the Apostle Paul’s second letter to the church in Corinth, he reminds his readers, and us, that we are established. But what does that mean to us as believers? What benefit to we have in that description?

First of all, we are established in something that is immovable. Jesus Christ is described in the book of Hebrews as being the same yesterday, today and forever. Were Jesus on the stock exchange we’d purchase his stock with complete confidence because we would know he was going to be around for a while.

Not only are we established in something immovable, we are established by someone immovable. We are established IN Christ BY God the Father. Generally, if someone begins a business, or a relationship, or develops a product or service that stands the test of time, it does so because the person doing the establishing knows what he’s doing. Being established means you have what it takes to do the task at hand in whatever situation you are in consistently over time.

Very few things in society can claim to be established according to that definition. Times change. Relationships fail. Social and political winds shift without notice. While it seems there are fewer and fewer things we can rely on, one thing remains certain and that one thing is you.

So, when it seems as there here is nothing you can count on, remember that you have been established by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Because of that, you have the power to withstand any political, social or physical attack that may come your way. Your ability to remain established during the storms of life is not dependant on your strength but on Gods ability to keep you established.

PRAYER: Father God, there are so many things in life that once seemed secure and are not. Thank you that my security rests on the establishment of my soul with you. May I ever be aware that my success is not dependent on my strength but yours. Amen.

Invincible

November 1, 2013 in Uncategorized | Tags: anger, apostle paul, emotionally abused, fear, frustrated by failure, guilt, Philippians 4:13, verbally abused | 2 comments

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Sometimes we get the idea that ‘Bible People’ were somehow a different species of animals. Not really human, not really susceptible to the same emotions, struggles and trials we have. They were from a different time with fewer struggles, they had a closer handle on life and faith…and God. Some of us even write them off as good characters from some novel. Not real, even though realistic.

Fact of the matter is, the stories of the Bible are stories of real people with real struggles surprisingly like our own. Sure, they didn’t have internet or electricity. They didn’t have to worry about a global economy. High gas prices wouldn’t be developed for centuries. But don’t let that keep you from the realization that these are real people with real problems.

They still struggled with relationship issues like divorce and dysfunctional families. There were still time issues and disease to contend with. Politics were just as dangerous as they are today, maybe even more so for some. There was worry and racism and gossip and religious intolerance.

So how did they manage? How did people like the Apostle Paul deal with the issues in his life of several near death experiences, enduring the verbal attacks of people who he sought to love and extend the Grace of God too? Where did he turn when tempted to lash out or lust attacked, or disappointment set in? What encouraged him when he was afraid of the future?

Paul tells us that he learned the secret. There were times in his ministry when people around him supported him emotionally, physically and spiritually. During those times he enjoyed the comfort and contentment of having a warm place to sleep and a full stomach.

There were other times when the hunger was unbearable. The only thing that hurt worse were the accusations, the harassment and the lies that were told about him. There were times he felt completely alone and wondered if his work of ministry was worth the pain.

So what was this secret of Paul’s stability? He learned that in times of need or times of plenty it was his reliance on Christ that kept him strong. The human soul was never created to endure life struggles alone. By our very essence we need a helper to keep us strong during the tough times. Sometimes that strength comes from leaning on others, but there are times when the only solace we have is in Christ. He longs to comfort you, embrace you and lift you up.

Regardless of what you are struggling with; or what others have done to you in your past; or what worries you about the future, Jesus Christ came to strengthen your heart to endure. He didn’t come to remove the trials; he came to walk through them with you.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank you for the power you have to support me. During the trying times may I remember that it is you, only you that I need to make my way through life. Amen.

Valued

October 31, 2013 in Uncategorized | Tags: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, accepted by God, grace, new ownership, refusing to give up, trust, Valued by God | 5 comments

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NLT)

Nearly 40 years ago my in-laws purchased a small, modest home on a quiet street in the metropolitan area they lived in. A couple years ago they sold that home and moved to a smaller place outside the city…their retirement home.
By the time they sold their home it was no longer located on a quiet street. The area had bloomed over the years, a major interstate and shopping mall moved in just a few blocks away, and the ‘quiet street’ was now one of the busiest four-lane thoroughfares in the area.

From time to time we drive by the old place. It has different owners now. The in-laws didn’t like clutter in the yard. Their definition of clutter was not only bicycles and other things out of place, but lawn ornaments and plants which seemed to just randomly appear.

Ironically, and somewhat humorously, the new owners seem to have a strong desire to place as many lawn ornaments and flower bushes as they can in the small yard. Even though it’s not the taste of my in-laws, there is nothing wrong with what they’ve done. They have the right to do as they please. It’s their house now.

How inappropriate would it be for my father-in-law to stroll into the yard and start dismantling and removing all the ‘lovely decorations’ in his old yard? Not only would it be illegal, it would be preposterous to think of such a thing. It’s not his to touch anymore. The price was paid. There is no more ownership or responsibility.

When each of us was born, we were owned, so to speak, by the ruler of this world (Satan) and our human nature (Satan’s chief ally). Our thoughts, our actions, our desires were a result of his ownership over us.

Now, because of Jesus, we have new owners, or should I say owner. God loved you so much that he purchased you from the slavery to fear, anger, worry, and uncontrollable, rampant desire. The price he paid was huge. It cost him his son. You and I were so valuable that He was willing to spend what it takes to purchase us.

I have a friend that ‘turns houses’. He buys an old, deteriorating shack and spends hours refurbishing, cleaning and restoring the house in order to sell it. Often, when he is finished, the house isn’t recognizable. My friend sees the value others overlook.

In the same way, God saw the value in each of us. As a result he is more than willing, ready and able to take us in our beat-up condition and make us new again. He sees the value in you that others overlook.

PRAYER: Lord God, during those times when I’m feeling insignificant or unable to accomplish anything of any value; during those times of failure; help me remember that you love me enough to purchase me. Keep me from allowing the enemy to try to regain control of me. I’m yours now. Thank you. Amen.

Indwelt

October 30, 2013 in Uncategorized | Tags: 1 Corinthians 3:16, abandoned or home to God, God's love, grace, physically healthy, spiritual health, unconditional love, where God lives, You are God's temple | 4 comments

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? 1 Corinthians 3:16

There’s a small house down the road from us. I’m not sure when the grass was mowed last and since it’s in the country, there are no ‘rules’ to govern its upkeep. I’ve never seen the blinds or drapes open. The yard, what you can see of it, is cluttered with a couple old cars and some other debris. The siding doesn’t match. In fact, in a few places plywood patches damaged siding.

I’ve never seen anyone at this house. For all I know it could be abandoned except that on rare occasions there is a vehicle parked in the driveway. A nice, shiny, very expensive truck that I confess I’ve coveted on occasion!

While I know nothing of the story of this building and it’s inhabitants, it’s obvious to me where the priorities may lie and they are not on a dwelling place. I’d hesitate to step foot on the very property much less enter the building.

Paul writes to us about another kind of building, a spiritual and physical building that we take with us every day. I confess to you that I wish I would/could live every moment of my life with the realization that my body is the dwelling place, the house of the most high God. Even more amazing to me is that his dwelling is the place he has chosen.

There are some that teach (by lifestyle, if not verbally) that there is a separation of the spiritual and the physical; that what we do and what we believe don’t have to completely agree with each other. The spiritual me and the physical me can’t be separated though. We are one.

All across our nation fitness centers are springing up. Even the smallest of towns will have a place where people can come to care for their bodies. It’s ironic that we spend millions of dollars on churches every year to provide beautiful, comfortable places where people can come and ‘worship’. Yet, in reality we are a nation that is physically obese and spiritually starved. We don’t care of our souls work I really God dwells

Now, before you think that I’m pointing fingers, let me tell you about me. I’m 25 pounds overweight, don’t exercise nearly enough and wish I could find more time for study of God’s word and prayer. I often find myself saying things and doing things that, if God were standing beside me, I’d think twice about.

The point is, I’m not perfect. I’m far from perfect. Yet God. THE God. The creator-sustainer of the universe indwells me. Even more amazing is the fact that he CHOSE to indwell me because of his love for me, not because of how I take care of his home.

If we truly believe in this God we claim allegiance to, let us together strive to put a priority on his dwelling place, our hearts.

PRAYER: Father God. I thank you for your love for me. I praise you for the fact that even though I don’t always care for your dwelling place the way I’d like you still love me. Empower me with your Spirit to live in such a way that reflects your glory. Amen.

Undaunted!

October 25, 2013 in Uncategorized | Tags: God's help, Holy Spirit intercession, prayer, praying when there are no words, Romans 8:26-27, trust, understanding God's actions | 3 comments

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. Romans 8:26-27

Have you ever felt the need or desire to pray, but were at a loss for words? Maybe it was during a very trying time in your life like divorce, financial crisis, or relational issues. Often, when crisis hits, the first word that comes to our mind is ‘Why?’ We question ourselves, we question the actions of others, we question where God is and why he isn’t acting.

The best way to describe these times is ‘perplexed’. By definition, perplexed means completely baffled or very puzzled. Psalm 13 expresses the emotional prayer of a perplexed David.

Psalm 13: 1-4 says, “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall”.

Times of turmoil often affect our prayer life and we find ourselves speechless. Paul encourages us in the book of Romans to remember that even when we are beyond words, the Holy Spirit ‘helps us’. He supports us, holds us up, shores us up like a weak beam and assists us in carrying our burden

The second thing Paul acknowledges is that there are times when we just don’t know what to pray for. We don’t always know what’s best for us. We don’t know what God may be willing to grant us. We are ignorant of God’s true character or the reasons he acts as he does.

When times of trial and temptation come along we are reminded of our inability to live the spiritual life as we’d like and that leaves us speechless. That’s when the Holy Spirit, our intercessor, utters words we cannot speak on our behalf to the father.

So, during those times when you don’t know how to pray; when you feel completely confused or abandoned by God, remember that it’s during those times we can lean on God’s Holy Spirit to speak for us on our behalf.

Let’s go back for a moment to Psalm 13. After the Psalmist voices his confusion over God’s seeming silence, he says, in verses 5-6, “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.” God’s silence isn’t a sign of his absence but a call to lean more heavily on the fact of his presence. His Holy Spirit knows your heart and is interceding on your behalf. With God’s Holy Spirit embracing me, I can be undaunted when life is perplexing.

PRAYER: Father, there are times when life becomes too confusing for me and I can’t find you. During those times remind me that your Holy Spirit will intercede for me and reassure me of your unfailing love. I will sing to you O Lord for even in my perplexity, you are good to me. Amen.