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A Great Exchange

September 12, 2012 by Fritz

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me … To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…that he might be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:1-3 / Luke 4:81)

When they are put into the hands of Jesus, God replaces our ashes (burnt up dreams and missed opportunities), mourning (sadness), and spirit of heaviness (depression) with a beauty that’s enticing, a joyfulness that splashes onto everything, and an attitude of praise covering our struggles.

The phrase, “to appoint”, here literally means “to call” and the term, “Zion”, refers specifically to God’s people. The meaning is clear: followers of Christ going through sadness, grief, and depression are the specific candidates for renewal.

Expect it

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Why Good People Suffer

September 4, 2012 by Fritz

“Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?” — God (Job 1:8)

When one thinks of suffering, Job traditionally comes to mind. Even God said that among people he was “perfect”. Yet, God allowed Job to go through troubles that make thinking people cringe. Why?

God does not answer that question directly but, like a good teacher, he leaves clues for those who really want to know.

Among those “in the earth” Job was as good as it gets but there has only ever been one completely free of sin and self — and it wasn’t you, me, or even Job.

“And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.” — God (Ezekiel 22:30)

As good as Job was, there were things that could only be learned through extended emotionally difficult times. During these seasons compassion is learned, God’s ability and desire to do all the carrying, all the heavy lifting, all the providing is learned. We learn how to focus on God’s approval, to be attentive to his ways. We learn how to pray.

These things we must learn to walk with God and they can only be learned by walking with God through suffering. Strange as it may seem, it was God’s goodness that allowed Job to go through the difficulties. Job not only ended up with twice as much as he had before but he ended up with a changed heart, too.

Something to think about.

— fritz.
Related Post: “Job’s Misunderstanding” – May 31, 2011

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Ministry is…

August 24, 2012 by Fritz

“See, I have called by name Bezaleel …And I have filled him with the spirit of God … To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass …” – Exodus 31:1-4″

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; — Colossians 3:23

My job is my ministry. Christ removes the divide between the secular and the sacred.

Just like Bezaleel of old, God fills us with his Holy Spirit to work — and that’s our ministry to Christ and his creation.

Question:How would your job change if you did it as your ministry?

— fritz

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