Crucified With Christ and Your New Life

Today's full reading: Galatians 2:17-3:9

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20 NIV)

It is a distressing thought to imagine my life being over. I am dead. There is nothing more "I" can do. "My time" is complete. I "have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live". This is true in a somewhat strange sort of way. For the seasoned believer this may not seem radical or strange, but for the recent convert think of it in terms of your old life and your new life.

The old you has been crucified with Christ, your sinfulness has earned its final wage: death. (Romans 6:23) The new you has never been more alive, in Christ. Jesus makes all things new (2 Corinthians 5:17). Now the only way to live is a life of faith in Jesus Christ. What does that mean? It means that your everyday decision making must done through a your new mind: the mind of Christ (Ephesians 4:22-24)

Today, as an act of worship, praise God for taking the punishment for your sin on himself and putting it to death on the cross. Ask the Lord to strengthen your faith as you exercise it today through Godly decision making.

"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
(Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV)

NT Reading Trek Update: Galatians is Here!

Those of you who have been reading this blog for the last few months may be wondering what happened in the last two weeks. Unfortunately I have not been able to post regularly about our readings as we trek through the New Testament together. However, I have been greatly enjoying the readings. God's Word is always so timely in our lives.

If you have missed some of the readings please utilize the links below to catch up. If you feel you are too far behind just start fresh with today's reading. DO NOT allow any feelings of guilt to invade your thinking. The most important thing to remember when you are following a Bible reading plan is to make it part of your daily routine. Develop the habit of reading God's word each and everyday.

According to the "Tyndale" One Year Bible reading plan, which I am following, we finished 2 Corinthians Saturday, September 13, and began a quick wade through Galatians on Sunday, September 14.

Here are some helpful links to the daily readings. Enjoy!

Thursday, September 11
2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Friday, September 12
2 Corinthians 12:11-21

Saturday, September 13
2 Corinthians 13:1-14

***Sunday, September 14***
Galatians 1:1-24

Monday, September 15
Galatians 2:1-16

Tuesday, September 16
Galatians 2:17-3:9

Wednesday, September 17
Galatians 3:10-22

Thursday, September 18
Galatians 3:23-4:31

Friday, September 19
Galatians 5:1-12

Saturday, September 20
Galatians 5:13-26

Sunday, September 21
Galatians 6:1-18

Next Monday we begin Ephesians so buckle up and get ready for a great week in God's word!

Vacation Reading Plan Update

Many of you know that I am on vacation right now. My family and I are having a great time enjoying one another at Disney World. As you can imagine I have had very little time to sit down and write. However, I am still enjoying sinking my spiritual teeth into 2 Corinthians. I hope you have had a great week so far. I hope to write again very soon. Until then, feel free to use the reading guide below to follow along.

Tuesday, September 2nd
2 Corinthians 6:1-13

Wednesday, September 3rd
2 Corinthians 6:14-7:7

Thursday, September 4th
2 Corinthians 7:8-16

Friday, September 5th
2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Saturday, September 6th
2 Corinthians 8:16-24

Sunday, September 7th
2 Corinthians 9:1-15

New Creation and Reconciliation

Today's full reading: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:17-21 NIV)

The excerpt from today's reading is filled with amazing truth. Take a few minutes to meditate on the following highlights:

1. We are a new creation in Christ.

2. God has reconciled us to himself.

3. God no longer counts our sins against us.

4. The ministry of reconciliation is now ours.

5. We are now Christ's ambassadors.

6. We will become the righteousness of God.

Today, as an act of worship, praise God for his amazing work in our lives and for the life changing truth of his word.

Faith and Sight

Today's full reading: 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:10

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. We live by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, 5:7 NIV)

Our part in Christianity, the gospel, and the work of salvation all begins with faith. In the end our believing is pretty much all we bring to the table. Yes, our repentance, surrender, and commitment have a place as well, but the major piece is faith. The Bible says, "without faith it is impossible to please God." (Hebrews 11:6 NIV)

It takes great faith to place your future in the Lord's hands. Consider how much faith you really have. What is riding on your faith? Now consider what your faith would look like if believing in Christ put you and family at great risk of personal injury or death.

Today, as an act of worship, praise God for the gift of faith he has given you. Ask him to strengthen your faith as you learn to depend on him each and everyday. Thank God for the amazing faith of so many Christians around the world who are suffering for the cause of Christ today!

Self-made Disaster

Today's full reading: 2 Corinthians 4:1-12

"For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." (2 Corinthians 4:5-9 NIV)

Today Paul reminds us of his utter dependence on Christ. As I read these words I am filled with great hope to know that Paul was able to keep things in perspective. He knew that Christ was the center of everything. Most Christian leaders would agree that one of the most tempting pitfalls in 21st century Christianity in America is having a self-made attitude. Paul continually reminded the churches that he was simply a servant of the Church and that Christ was the head of the Church.

Today, as an act of worship, ask the Lord to do a full search of your life and show you areas where you are not depending on Christ. Give up any hint of the self-made notion that may be persisting in your life. Praise God for supplying all our needs and promising to never abandon us.

Following Christ: Reflection and Transformation

Today's full reading: 2 Corinthians 3:1-18

"Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:15-18 NIV)

The true significance of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection cannot be overstated. It is the single most important event in human history. Considering the history of the nation of Israel, Jesus ushered in what we call the "new covenant". The old covenant was known as "the law" which no one could keep perfectly. Paul writes in his letter to the Roman believers that the law does not make anyone righteous because by it's very nature it simply reveals how sinful we are. I say all this to say, the "new covenant" does make a way for us to be righteous. It does offer forgiveness for our sins. It does bring eternal life.

When we follow Christ we are placing our hope in the glorious "new covenant". There is no longer a veil separating us from the presence of God. We immediately begin to reflect the glory of the Lord. Ultimately, the image that people see when they look at us should be the image of Christ. We should be reflecting him more and more each day. We come to Christ just as we are, but he never intends for us to stay that way. Jesus Christ is transforming us daily.

Today, as an act of worship, ask the Lord to reveal to you the areas in your life that transformation has not yet taken place. Surrender your all to him. Invite the Lord to continue the transformation process in you so that you reflect the glory of his grace.

Are You the Aroma of Christ?

Today's full reading: 2 Corinthians 2:12-17

"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. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." (2 Corinthians 2:14-15 NIV)

I love the imagery Paul uses to describe the church; we are the aroma of Christ. Is that true of you today? Can people around you sense that there is something different about you? Has Christ truly made a difference in your life?

Today, as an act of worship, let Christ shine through you in the things you say and the way you live. If glorifying God is truly your goal, it will be clearly seen in the way you live today - the way you spend your money, the way you speak to your family members and co-workers, and the way you show love toward the outcast.

Are You A Dependent?

Today's full reading: 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11

"Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come." (2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NIV)

Each of us enter the world as a dependent. Our lives are completely out of our hands; we are physically dependent on the protection and nurturing of others - most often a parental figure. Human experience teaches us that for most of our young lives (often on a daily basis) we seek to separate ourselves from this natural dependency and become self-supporting and/or self-sustaining. No matter what the causes are for this way of thinking and acting, there is a terrible trap that looms here in the shadows.

Consider for a moment what the pitfalls are to becomeing self-supporting and self-sustaining. Can you guess? The answer is: SELF CONFIDENCE or PRIDE.

Sure, there is a natural point when we fight for our independence from our parents and learn to stand on our own. But, we must never allow our thinking to become so skewed that we really believe WE did it on our own - independent from God. We may be able to survive without our parents, but we cannot survive without God. In fact, the longer you walk with God the more you learn to lean on him. He never falters nor faints.

Today, as an act of worship, come to the Lord with open arms. Surrender your plans for your future, and offer him your total allegiance.

Suffering and The Role of Prayer

Today we begin a nineteen day trek through Paul's second letter to the Corinthian believers. I hope you will join me on this journey. Each day I will post a link to the full reading and then highlight a couple of verses to ponder carefully. May God teach us to depend on him through his word. Feel free to add your thoughts, questions, and/or observations in the comment area on the website (www.bjprice.blogspot.com).

Today's full reading: 2 Corinthians 1:1-11

"We [Paul and Timothy] do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers." (2 Corinthians 1:8-11 NIV)

Have you ever thought about becoming a missionary? Have you ever thought about the importance of praying for missionaries? We can only imagine the difficulties that Paul and Timothy endured. What was it that took them to the point of death? Whatever it was, we know that it ultimately caused Paul and Timothy to place there full dependency on Christ.

They were now writing this second letter to the Corinthian believers to spur them on in their faithful prayers for God to work on their behalf. For whatever reason (which seems somewhat crazy) God has chosen to work according to our prayers. This is a truly amazing thought! No, prayer is not like a drive through window where we order God around. Nevertheless, God does want us to pray and thus join his work in the world.

Today, as an act of worship, carefully examine your own attitude toward prayer. Do you consider yourself a prayer warrior? Ask God to show you how your prayers make a difference in the work of the Kingdom. "With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:18 NIV)

The Glory of Christ in All Things

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28 NIV)

Why must we suffer in this life? What good could possibly come from hardship? For that matter, what value do I place on the difficulties I face when I am simply trying to obey God's will?

I have drank from this verse many times when feeling like my life was on the brink of disaster. The words of Romans 8:28 never cease to satisfy. They sustain me through the hard times.

I love this truth. My everyday life and ministry hinges on this truth. God has proven its accuracy time and time again. He truly works all things out for my good and his glory.

Today, as an act of worship, let us lift up praise and thanksgiving to our God for proving his faithfulness to us in all things. He never abandons us. He never leaves us. He works in and through us to display his glorious grace.

Father, thank you for working through even the smallest details of my life. Today, I agree with Paul, who wrote under the inspiration of Your Spirit, that in all things you work for my good. Thank you for giving me everything I need to live this new life.

God's amazing grace is most clearly displayed not in our strength but in our weaknesses. Jesus said it this way, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Worthy of Suffering Disgrace for the Name

Acts chapter five concludes with a powerful image of the apostles' response to public humiliation and disgrace. They were arrested twice, questioned, found innocent of wrong doing, yet they were flogged, and ordered never to speak in the name of Jesus again.

Here was their response...

"The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ." (Acts 5:41-42)

This statement reveals how the apostles were the real thing. Read it again; it should speak to us in a profound way. As if the apostles activities prior to this persecution were not enough, this statement of how they responded to persecution shouts off the page. They were literally celebrating because they had each been flogged for Christ.

Here is a truth that each of us must be prepared to hear: "In this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33). Those are the words of Jesus, and they are true. So, how should we respond to trouble?

Today, as an act of worship, may we find a way to celebrate because of hardships. Remember what we are here to do: love the Lord and love our neighbors. This purpose is best achieved when we focus on bringing God glory in all things - including hardships, persecutions, and difficulties (see 2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

The Bible says, "in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship." (Romans 12:1)

Where Is the Line Between Christian Service and the Rest of My Life?

Over the course of eight years in vocational ministry one issue has continued to surface in my personal life that brings me great concern. It is the issue of "balance".

I think it was Dr. Seaus who said in O The Places You Will Go that "Life's a great balancing act!" This is a true statement as I am sure you can testify. We each fill many different roles and wear many hats in each role. For example: I am a Christ follower, husband, father, son, brother, friend, provider, helper, fixer, disciple maker, worship leader, program director, dish washer, clothes folder, diaper changer, floor moper, team leader, car driver, devotional writer, small group leader and I could go on and on by simply describing the activities I am actively involved in. You get the point. But, don't miss this! Some of these roles are part time and some are full time. Some are temporary and some are eternal.

Today we continue our look at Christian service by trying to define the boundaries. Much of life is a balancing act that we must navigate successfully. If we fail to find balance we will find ourselves emotionally and physically bankrupt. We must learn to live with healthy margins in place. (I'll share more about margins later.) However, hear me say this; there is no such thing as a part time Christian! Furthermore, we should not attempt to compartmentalize our Christian service.

Being a Christ follower is more than a life long commitment; it is a new person that we become. "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)

I think where we get off track is when we buy into the idea that we "go to church." That is so wrong! We do not go to church; we are the church. Living for Christ is living everyday all day for him. Christian service is not something we only do at church. In fact, if we will get our heads and our hands around this concept we will radically increase our Christian service.

The Bible says it this way, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." (Colossians3:23)

Who is Like You?

Exodus 15:1-18

Today we take a look at the song Moses and the Israelites sang to the LORD following the great exodus of the Israelites from 400 years of slavery in Egypt. Woven within the lyrics of this song is a vivid image of God that we will do well to recognize. Read the following excerpt from Exodus 15:2, 11 & 13.

2 The LORD is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him,
my father's God, and I will exalt him.

11 "Who among the gods is like you, O LORD ?
Who is like you—
majestic in holiness,
awesome in glory,
working wonders?

13 "In your unfailing love you will lead
the people you have redeemed.
In your strength you will guide them
to your holy dwelling.

I stand in awe of this God. He is truly amazing. Take a moment to consider what God has done for the children of Israel. If you are having trouble try reading Psalm 135 & 136. I sometimes describe them as "epic psalms" since they describe many aspects of God's specific dealings in Israel's history.

Personal Worship Activity:

Today, as a act of personal worship, take a few minutes to consider all that God has done in your life. How did you arrive at this point today? As memories begin to surface in your mind write them down and formulate then into a song or poem. Go for the major mile stones - good ones and bad ones. If you don't have the time to write a song or poem at least make a bulleted list. Be sure to weave praise into your epic. Tell of God's wonders.

The point of this exercise is to get you recognize God's movement in your life. Don't be afraid to list off bad or difficult things you've gone through. God will often uses our failures to display his marvelous grace in ways nothing else will do.

The most important thing of all is to worship him with your story. Read it, sing it, chant it, shout it - that does not matter. What matters is praising God for his work in your life.

I'd love for you to share your praise with others. Please feel free to post your psalm, story, poem, or list here in the comment area of this post.

Additional Scriptures: Isaiah 64:1-4, 2 Corinthians 12:9

Enjoy this great song taken from Exodus 15. It's being sung by Tim Neufield of the Band Starfield. The CD this song is included on is called Glory Revealed: The Word of God in Worship. It's an awesome album. Maybe my favorite. (It's definitely in the top 5.)

Adultery Begins in the Mind

Jesus challenged his followers by telling them “anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28) This means that the act of adultery is more than an act; it is also a thought. God knows that the act of adultery begins in the mind and He wants to arm us with the knowledge that the only way to truly avoid committing adultery is to guard our minds.

If our thoughts are allowed to wander on ungodly things, then our actions are soon to follow and in doing so our thoughts will drag us away from walking close to God. Paul challenged the church by telling them to “take captive every thought.” (2 Corinthians 10:5) We should always keep our thoughts on a tight leash.

Today, take time to evaluate your thought life. Write down the top five things you think about when you are alone. Weigh them carefully. Ask God to help you overcome any temptation you may be experiencing in your thought life.