Posted on by jwlozano

BOOT CAMP: Wk 3 Finances

Check out this week’s podcast @ https://anchor.fm/jasmine-lozano4/episodes/Boot-Camp-The-Importance-of-Giving-and-Money-Management-evms05

I know, I know! No one wants to hear or talk about money. And I think that speaks volumes as to why so many people struggle with it. Money, giving, tithing, saving, investing, and debt has become an off limit subject for many people, both in and outside the four walls of the church.

For years, money issues have been listed as one of the top reasons married couples divorced for both Christians and non-Christians. The majority of Americans live paycheck to paycheck and wouldn’t be able to handle a $500 emergency without using credit. In the last 5 years, over 2.5 million people have filed bankruptcy.

But it’s not just individuals and families who are struggling financially. According to ChristianityToday.com, more churches close their doors every year because they are unable to pay their bills than for any other reason. 

I find it surprising that even though about 40% of Jesus’ parables dealt with money, the people of God struggle with finances in the same manner as the people of the world. I’m not pointing the finger. I only recently have been able to become debt free through God’s provision and grace.

When I became a Christian in 2006, my church offered both a new members class and a class for new Christians that introduced me to the principle of tithing. I’ll be honest; it sounded crazy at first. Giving 10% of “my” hard earned money to a church that seemed to be doing okay seemed counterintuitive. 

But something happened when I gave my life to Jesus. I decided I would believe what he said. If he said it was more blessed to give than receive, I believed it. If he said I should give and it would be given to me, I believed it. I was taught in these classes that tithing was more about a person’s heart than a person’s money. 

Jesus said that our heart was where our treasure was. In plain English, how and where you spend your money shows what matters to you most. For some people, recreation, vacation or entertainment is their priority. For some, it may be their children’s activities or personal hobbies. I spend money on all of these things, but not before I return to God what belongs to him already.

The Bible tells us in Deuteronomy 8:18 that it is God who gives us the ability to get wealth. It’s because of him we can wake up, physically move our limbs, and even have the particular set of skills we need to allow us to provide for our families. And yes, I’m aware I quoted Liam Neeson.

Once we understand that everything belongs to him, it becomes less difficult to actually trust him with all we have. Tithing is simply a measure to show God not only are we thankful for what he’s blessed us with, but that we trust him in handling it as well. 

When my family was getting out of debt, I was amazed at the supernatural increase we experienced and remembered something God promised in the book of Malachi. 

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” (Malachi 3:10-11 emphasis added)

I shouldn’t have been as surprised because God did exactly what he said he would do in His word. Because we had been faithful for years in tithing and giving, God was true to his word and poured out a blessing we couldn’t keep to ourselves. I’ll go into more detail in this week’s podcast with my special guest!

I encourage you to listen to my podcast this week as I dig deeper on the issue of finances. My guest and I will talk more about giving, saving, debt and other areas that God wants us to be successful in.

Posted on by jwlozano

PODCAST SHOW NOTES: WEEK 3 – FINANCES W/ PRINCESS WOMACK

This Week’s Blog Post: JasmineLozano.com

Listen to this episode of the podcast! https://anchor.fm/jasmine-lozano4/episodes/Boot-Camp-The-Importance-of-Giving-and-Money-Management-evms05

Money is one of the most talked about subjects in the Bible. God talks about it. Jesus talks about it. And so should we.

My guest today is someone who I’ve spent hours upon hours with talking about finances. Join me and my guest (and best friend!) Princess Womack as we have a conversation about giving, debt, and God’s blessing. 

Princess is a mother of 3, a life group leader in her local church, an entrepreneur, realtor and the list goes on! Not only is she passionate about helping others win in their finances, she also holds a degree in the same field!

The majority of Americans live paycheck to paycheck and wouldn’t be able to handle a $500 emergency without using credit. In the last 5 years, over 2.5 million people have filed bankruptcy.

Why are so many Christians struggling in their finances?

People believe they are good stewards of their money, but are usually mistaken.

They don’t budget or assign their money for a purpose.

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

Also, we live in an age where we are connected with people on a more intimate level than ever before. We see their vacations, new homes, new cars, but we don’t know the whole story. People end up comparing and competing with people who make 3x as much as they do or are drowning in so much debt, they’re barely staying afloat. 

Princess and her family became debt free in the matter of 30 days when she began donating and then selling masks during the coronavirus pandemic. One could think this was a fluke occurrence or stroke of luck, but Princess and her family had spent years cultivating the gift of generosity, and it was only a matter of time before they would be on the receiving end.

The Bible tells us in Deuteronomy 8:18 that it is God who gives us the ability to get wealth. Once we understand that everything belongs to him, it becomes less difficult to actually trust him with all we have. Tithing is simply a measure to show God not only are we thankful for what he’s blessed us with, but that we trust him in handling it as well. 

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” (Malachi 3:10-11 emphasis added)

Tips to winning in your finances:

  1. KNOW WHAT YOU OWE
  2. GET ON THE SAME PAGE IF YOU’RE MARRIED
  3. MAKE A PLAN/BUDGET

Connect with Princess!! 

princesswomack.exprealty.com

Facebook: Princess Womack- EXP Realty

Instagram: @princessrealestateagent

Posted on by jwlozano

BOOT CAMP: Wk 2 Bible Study

Check out this week’s podcast @ https://anchor.fm/jasmine-lozano4/episodes/Boot-Camp-The-Importance-of-Bible-Study-evkn6i

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”Hebrews‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In November 2019, my family visited Newport State Park in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin. It was one of the most magnificent experiences I have ever had. The park is located on the very tip of the Wisconsin Peninsula.

Because this park is designated as a dark sky location, artificial light is heavily discouraged. They ask that if you must use a flashlight, be sure it’s pointed to the ground. There aren’t even any lights on the bathrooms or in the bathrooms, which made it pretty difficult taking my 6 year old to use the unlit bathroom in 28° weather!

Because the weather was so cold at night, we would go back to the car for a few minutes to warm up, but encountered a major problem. Every time we’d turn on the car, my dim lights would still remain on. We knew there had to be a way to turn these off, but we just didn’t know how.

I’ve always been paranoid about keeping the owner’s manual in the car and with the help of it (and google) we found the way to keep the lights off when we started the car.

The owner’s manual for your car helps you to figure out the details of your car that you don’t know. Most of us know how to put the car in drive and we can figure out how to turn the windshield wipers, but there are some areas of our car that we have no knowledge of.

The same is true in life. For many people, there are areas where they are simply not knowledgeable. Maybe you grew up in a home where finances were never discussed so as an adult you struggled trying to make ends meet, get out of debt, or save money. 

Maybe you grew up eating fast food every meal, and now that you’re in your 30s or 40s, you’re finding out that type of diet is not sustainable. Whatever the case may be, we are privy to a wealth of information. Looking up how to solve almost any problem it’s just a few fingertips away. But there are some problems that go deeper than just a Google search. 

For me, there is no other book that can help me understand my money, help me to flourish in my relationships, help me to raise my kids, help me to change my diet, and a host of other problems that plague many of us. That book is the Bible; the word of God. 

2 Timothy 3:16 says “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 

That means every word of the Bible was inspired by God. There is a point to every book, chapter and verse, even the long, boring ones that seem to go on forever! (I’m sorry if you’re offended I called some of the Bible boring, but if you disagree, you’re lying. Come on, Leviticus!?) But they are there for a reason. 

We’ve been given the word of God as a tool to hear the voice of God and familiarize ourselves with his promises and yes, even his consequences. While we have been redeemed from the curse of the law (Galatians 3), there are still consequences to disobeying the word of God, just as there are benefits to obeying it.  

Isaiah 40:8 says “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” 

We see nature changing all of the time in front of our eyes. We also see culture, trends and opinions change just as frequently. While everything around us is unstable and subject to change, the Bible is the one constant we can rest our faith on.

I challenge you to make reading your Bible everyday a priority this week. Decide beforehand how long you will read, where you will do your reading and what book you will read. Don’t leave your spiritual development up to chance. Be intentional about pursuing God’s word and see the difference it will make in your day.

Let’s chat: What are some obstacles you face when trying to be consistent in your Bible reading?

Posted on by jwlozano

Podcast Show Notes: Episode #3 Bible Study

This Week’s Blog Post: https://jasminelozano.com/2021/04/19/boot-camp-week-1-fellowship/

Study on Bible Reading @ Statista.com: Jan 2020 to June 2020 

https://www.statista.com/statistics/299433/bible-readership-in-the-usa/

34% NEVER READ (30% 2018)

16% EVERY DAY (3% 2018)

8 Reasons We Don’t Read the Bible

https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/8-reasons-we-don-t-read-the-bible.html

ONE OF THE MAIN AND MOST OVERLOOKED REASON CHRISTIANS DON’T READ THEIR BIBLES:

THE DEVIL DOESN’T WANT YOU TO READ IT!

See blog: https://jasminelozano.com/?s=open

Satan tempts Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11)

  • Jesus used the Word of God, not opinion
  • We cannot combat the attacks of the enemy without the Word of God. 

Satan Tempts Eves

“Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?”” (Genesis‬ ‭3:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

Satan successfully employed two tricks he likes to often use to distract us:

  • He wants us alone 
  • He wants us to doubt God’s word. 
  • He wants us with him

WHY SHOULD WE READ THE BIBLE

For many people, there are areas where they are simply not knowledgeable. Maybe you grew up in a home where finances were never discussed so as an adult you struggled trying to make ends meet, get out of debt, or save money. 

  • To learn God’s will and promises
  • To hear God’s voice
  • Spiritual food

Scriptures About Scriptures

2 Timothy 3:16 NIV 

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 

Hebrews‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged 

sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

‭‭

Joshua 1:8 ESV 

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Psalm 119:105 ESV

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Romans 15:4 ESV 

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Psalm 119:11 ESV

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Hebrews 4:12 ESV 

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

2 Timothy 2:15 ESV 

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Colossians 3:16 ESV

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Matthew 4:4 ESV

But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

BASIC TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH READING THE BIBLE

  1. Make a plan.
  2. Try doing it first thing in the morning.
  3. Put your Bible in an obvious place.
  4. Read it before you have a meal.
  5. Join a Bible Study.
Posted on by jwlozano · 3 Comments

BOOT CAMP: Week 1 Fellowship

Check out this week’s podcast on Fellowship! https://anchor.fm/jasmine-lozano4/episodes/Boot-Camp-The-Importance-of-Fellowship-eujl2r

You need to go to church. Period. No nice introduction or anecdote, no statistics or kind encouragement. If you are physically able, you need to take your body to church.

As I’m writing this post, I am aware that many churches have been closed for a period of time due to the coronavirus pandemic. During this time, many believers have had to worship around their TVs, computers and phones.

Technology really came through! Many churches were forced to rethink their approach to reaching the masses and as a result, many were able to reach more people than ever before.

My husband and I love watching other services online. We like to see what other churches are doing, what their stages look like, what they’re teaching, the songs they’re singing. 

But as much as I enjoy watching different services online, there is nothing like being in the physical house of the Lord. While I’m grateful that we were still able to worship virtually during the time it was necessary, we were never meant to walk this Christian journey alone. 

Paul had Silas. Mary had Martha. Peter had James and John. And we need connection. It is so important to be surrounded by people who can help encourage you and strengthen you when you need it. 

Jackie Hill-Perry said it best. “God himself has never been alone. He has Jesus and the Holy Spirit. We are never less like God than when we isolate ourselves.”

The Bible is full of examples of believers gathering for worship and encourages us to stay connected. Hebrews 10:25 ESV says, “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

When I first became a believer, I lived at the church! Youth chaperon needed? Sign me up! Sunday night classes? I was there. I wanted to learn everything I could about faith and how to live this new life. I needed to find people who had experience. I needed to find people to grow with who were new to faith like I was. The bottom line, I needed to find connection.

I also needed accountability and encouragement. I was amazed that after a bad day, I could turn to a sister in Christ rather than a substance. I learned very quickly why the believers in the New Testament were always together and breaking bread.

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Acts 2:42 ESV

When the Holy Spirit first came to the new Christians, the Bible says they were together and on one accord. While they were not necessarily meeting in what we would define as a church building, they were together; they were the church. 

My faith was strengthened every time I heard an encouraging message Sunday morning; it was strengthened everytime I went to a Sunday night Bible study; it was strengthened every Wednesday night when I heard testimonies of God’s provision and protection. 

Physically going to church and developing relationships with people in all levels of faith helped me to continue to grow and develop my own.

I often hear people give countless excuses as to why they couldn’t make it to church. My volleyball coach used to say, “Excuses are like belly buttons. Everyone has them and they’re all full of lint.” I’ve been told there is a harsher analogy for this, but this blog is rated PG! But he was right. 

We can tell ourselves and others countless reasons as to why it is so difficult to get to the church, but most times the hard truth is this: If you didn’t make it to church, it’s because you didn’t want to go.

I know. It sounds tough. Where is the grace? I’ll lighten up a bit.Thankfully, we are not made righteous by what we do or by what we don’t do, otherwise, we’d be saved by works and not faith. Our righteousness (right standing) is received by the simple act of salvation, our relationship as children of God.

I think about my own children. Neither are old enough for a cell phone so I’ll ask my son if he will text me when he gets one. He said, “Oh, you know it! I’ll blow you up!” He recently got his own ipad and has proven he was not lying. I wake up to about 10 texts on average every morning!

My daughter, on the other hand, is not much of a chatter. When I ask her the same question, my heart sinks a bit. “Maybe,” she’ll say casually without even a smirk to let me know she’s joking. I really hope she is!

But this is how many Christians approach corporate fellowship with God. Maybe they will go to church this week. Maybe they will give. Maybe they will join the Bible study. Despite the relationship with him as his children, many people have put off making a commitment to church attendance and involvement, leaving it up to how they feel when they wake up Sunday morning. Read this passage from Psalm 92:

The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing. -Psalm 92:12-15

So what is the opposite of being fresh and flourishing? Spoiled and withering. What a contrast. Am I saying your life is going to completely crumble and fall apart if you don’t go to church? No. I know non-Christians and Christians alike who don’t regularly attend church and they seem to be doing okay.

But as a believer, God did not call us to just do okay. He called us to a better life. John 10:10 tells us he came to give us a life that is more and better than we ever dreamed of. 

While personal discipleship is important for growth in faith, corporate discipleship helps to expound on that growth. When I became a believer, I made a decision that I would be at church every Sunday. Period. My Sunday morning attendance was not based on what external factors may have happened the night before or morning of. I was going to be at church. I was going to meet with my father.

Just as we commit to our jobs, appointments and even sports teams, God’s children must commit and prioritize their decision to follow him. Not out of obligation or requirement, but out of love and honor. 

Do you face challenges when it comes to prioritizing weekly church attendance? Let’s chat in the comments!

Posted on by jwlozano

BASIC TRAINING

Listen to the podcast episode for this blog post: Welcome to my Podcast! https://anchor.fm/jasmine-lozano4/episodes/Welcome-to-my-Podcast-euiitg

Christians are often called the army of God. We sing songs as kids about being in the Lord’s army; we are told in scripture to fight spiritual battles with spiritual weapons (Ephesians 6:10); we read about God strengthening his followers’ hands for battle (Psalm 144:1).

The Bible is filled with language and imagery about battle and war. There are few groups that form the bond and unity like the military. While one of my least favorite genres of movies is war movies, I have seen my fair share of them (often not of my own volition). 

Consider the United States military. There are different branches and ranks. Soldiers are equipped to perform different tasks based on their abilities. There are snipers and skilled weapons specialists, but there are also clerical and medical experts. There are soldiers who disarm bombs and soldiers who prepare meals that are the bomb (I’m from the 90’s, sorry!).

But there is one thing every member of the military has in common; THEY ALL COMPLETE BASIC TRAINING.

Basic Training or boot camp is designed to prepare military recruits for service.  Depending on the branch of the military, recruits are put through months of training tailored to that branch to give them the basic skills they will need to be able to perform effectively.

The different branches vary in what is required physically to complete Basic Training. The Navy has a requirement that recruits must be able to tread water for 5 minutes. But all branches require a timed run ranging from 1.5 to 3 miles. 

Whether a soldier is swabbing the deck (I got that from a movie, though it may have been a pirate movie) or filing a report, they all need to be able to run. They all need to be able to endure long distances.

As the church, it seems we have discounted the importance of Basic Training for the believer. Once someone finds their faith and is planted in church, it is crucial to train new recruits in what’s required and expected in the army of the Lord.

Could you imagine joining the Army and immediately being put on a plane to a combat zone, given a gun and dropped off? You would be totally unprepared. 

But unfortunately, the church does this to many new believers as they sign up to join the Army of God. They come to church and are bombarded with cliches and theologies when they can’t even find the book of Matthew yet.

If we want to be effective in sharing the gospel with hurting people, we have to be trained in the basics of our faith.

When I was saved 15 years ago, I was very privileged to be at a church that invested in Chrstian education. I was able to take classes about prayer, serving, and evangelism that helped build the foundation I needed to be able to serve the Lord and run well.

This is an area of faith I am so passionate about. Teaching believers the basics of faith. How to pray; how to study the Bible; why we give and serve. For many people, the benefits of the Christian life stop at the point of salvation. They can trust Jesus to save them from hell, but are not taught how he can sustain them on earth.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing a Boot Camp series on basic training for Christian living. God has such a great life planned for his children and we learn about it through his Word, fellowship and prayer. 

My prayer is that you will not jog casually through your faith journey, but run well with endurance. I hope you can join me in the comments for some good discussion!

Posted on by jwlozano

Fitting In When You’re Feeling Out

In 2016, my family and I moved to my husband’s hometown in the Midwest. While I already had friends and family in my new home, many times I felt, and honestly still feel, out of place.

In 24 hours, I was living in a new place, driving on different streets, and worshipping at a new church. I knew that God wanted us to make this move. I felt like Abraham when God called him to move from Ur to Canaan, but at least I knew exactly where I was going.

What I didn’t know were the emotions that would show up when I got there. Homesickness wasn’t on my moving checklist. I hadn’t packed for feeling out of place. We were moving by faith, knowing that wherever we were planted, we would be available for God to use us.

But change and growth isn’t easy. Otherwise, everyone would do it. Everyone would have finished their book, completed their marathon or opened their restaurant. Not only is change not easy, but not everyone will want to join you for the ride. 

We often think going from glory to glory is linear. But the truth is, sometimes we will take two steps forward and one step back. 

I heard a message a few weeks ago from Steven Furtick, the pastor of Elevation Church, teaching the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis. I have heard this story too many times to count, but never heard this observation.

In the first chapter of Genesis, God created everything and it was good. In the last chapter of Genesis, after all Joseph had gone through in his life, Genesis 50 says God used it for good. Joseph was envied by his brothers, sold into slavery, and wrongfully put in prison. 

From Genesis 1 to Genesis 50, we read about the fall of man, the first murder, the flood, the tower of Babel, and Sodom and Gomorrah. Yet despite all of the disaster and tragedy:

God never stopped being good. 

He is faithful and will finish the work he begins in us (Phil 1:6). Just because he doesn’t finish it on our time schedule, doesn’t mean it’s not happening. When we are feeling out of place, we have to remember where we fit in God’s story. 

If you don’t know your place in his story, let me give you an abbreviated preview. 

You are an heir of Jesus (Galatians 3:26)

You are free in Jesus (Galatians 4:7)

You are precious in God’s eyes (Isaiah 43:4)

You are God’s special possession (1 Peter 2:9)

You are a friend of God (John 15:13)

You are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)

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When He Saved Me

As I reflect this Easter Sunday, I think of the goodness of God in my life. I sing on the praise team at my church and it’s not uncommon for people to come up to talk about worship after the service.

I’ve been asked more than once how I have so much energy during worship. I usually credit it to caffeine and the Holy Spirit, both of which help. But the main reason I have so much “energy” is because of my gratitude for all God has done.

Have you ever seen a video of a lottery winner? They are usually screaming, crying, or jumping in disbelief. Why? Because they know they’re lives are about to radically change.

Every opportunity I have to lift up the name of Jesus, I do it with everything in me because I remember when he saved me.

I remember how I rejected him for years. I remember how I pretended I didn’t need him. I remember how despite the truth that I ignored and disrespected him, he still reached down and pulled me out of the pit.

When he saved me, my life changed radically; and like the lottery winner, whenever I think about that change, I celebrate.

Posted on by jwlozano

Run Your Race

I recently began running again after almost a year off due to the pandemic. I am a new runner. I started in 2018 and have run a few races, including a half marathon. When I started I could barely run a quarter of mile without feeling like a lung was going to fall out of my body, so when I ran 13.1 miles (well, 13.84 miles, the course was off #humblebrag), I couldn’t believe I had come so far.

Fast forward to 2021, and I feel like I’ve never run. EVER. In my life. I’m slower, I’m tired, and it is hard. I just want to wave a magic wand and go back to where I was this time last year. 

But I can’t. And sometimes, that’s discouraging. I looked at the numbers from my half-marathon and saw that my slowest mile of the 13+ plus miles was still faster than my current mile! I had to make a decision: Give up and just live in the past or keep moving and get better everyday.

I chose the latter. 

I was reminded of a verse in Philippians about what I was experiencing. The people who know me well know that I have a verse for everything! There’s no situation I’ve come across where I was unable to find comfort and guidance in the Bible.

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (PHIL 3:13-14)

While it can be helpful to look back from time to time to remember and reflect, it is not always beneficial. It’s easy to get trapped in the mistakes or failures from years ago or envy a better time of your life. But the apostle Paul would tell us not to waste time on things that don’t propel us to our destination.

When I looked at my racing numbers through a different lens, I was encouraged to know that since I trained and got better before, I could do it again. And I could do it better. What’s in front of you is going to be better than what’s behind you.

We all go through ups and down but what matters is whether or not we move forward through them. Don’t allow yourself to get trapped in the closet of the past. Put one foot in front of the other and run your race.

Posted on by jwlozano

What Are You Wearing?

I recently went to a Milwaukee Bucks game. I’m a Dallas Mavericks fan so I personally don’t own any Bucks gear, and out of principle, never will. But one thing that stood out to me was that to the onlooker, there was no room to doubt who the Bucks fans were. It was easy to identify them as fans by what they were wearing. 

In the Old Testament, we meet a king who was identified by what he was wearing, but unfortunately, it almost cost him his life.

“So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah went ahead and attacked Ramoth Gilead. The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Wear my kingly robe; I’m going into battle disguised.” So the king of Israel entered the battle in disguise.

Meanwhile, the king of Aram had ordered his chariot commanders (there were thirty-two of them), “Don’t bother with anyone whether small or great; go after the king of Israel and him only.””

When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “There he is! The king of Israel!” and took after him. Jehoshaphat yelled out, and the chariot commanders realized they had the wrong man—it wasn’t the king of Israel after all. God intervened and they let him go. (2 Chronicles‬ ‭18:28-32‬ MSG)

You can tell alot about a person by what they wear. Their interests and hobbies can often be assumed based solely on their attire. Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, was a victim of mistaken identity because of what he was wearing. 

This led me to wonder what are we spiritually wearing as Christians? Are people able to identify us as followers of Jesus Christ? Do the people on our jobs or at our schools know that we have a relationship with Him? Is it radically obvious that we’ve had an encounter with Jesus?

Because Jehoshaphat has agreed to go into battle dressed as the king of Israel, he now has a target on his back. He is being mistaken as someone he is not, simply because of what he is wearing. 

Many Christians have failed to intentionally distinguish themselves from the world, despite their relationship with Christ.

Many believers still dress like the world, listen to the same music as the world, watch the same shows as the world and wonder why they still have the same problems of the world. We have done very little to set ourselves apart as we’ve been instructed.

Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you (2 Corinthians 6:17)

Jehoshaphat is dressed just like Ahab so that’s who the enemy thinks he is!!!! For many of us, the struggles we go through year after year are because we haven’t taken the time to make a clear distinction between us and the world.

AND THE ENEMY CAN’T TELL US APART!!!

It saddens me to look out at God’s people and not see God’s abundance. It hurts my heart to see the people of God struggling in their finances and their marriages and their faith, to see people attend church week after week and not be transformed and renewed. 

We’re supposed to live such abundant lives that we draw unbelievers to Jesus because they want what we have. But many unbelievers don’t want what we have because many Christians don’t have anything different from them. 

We have the same bad attitude, the same gossip, the same speech, the same worries, the same credit card debt, the same bad marriage.

We have not heeded to Romans 12:2 and allowed our minds to be renewed by the word of God. We have equated the word of God to a book of suggestions. For many of us, the word of God is nothing more than a self help book. “A verse a day keeps the devil away!” 

But the Bible is not a book of suggestions or advice. It is the living, breathing word from God on how we need to function and live as his children. But unfortunately, we have aligned ourselves with culture and customs and practices and people that are opposite of what we say we believe. 

And like Jehoshaphat, when the enemy comes, when trials come, when the battles come, we handle them like the world because we’re dressed like them. 

How do we get the right clothes to be prepared to live this life of faith?

We get them by reading our Bible, by praying in the Holy Spirit, by tithing, and serving. We clothe ourselves by fully following God with unwavering devotion and aligning ourselves with his word, regardless of what the culture is doing. 

But when we clothe ourselves in the wrong things, we will not be prepared for the attack of the enemy.

Many believers have failed to progress from the point of their salvation into sanctification (the act of being set apart). They’ve accepted him as savior but haven’t submitted to him as Lord. 

When we surrender our lives fully to Christ, we can’t help but to take off the things that cause us to look less like him. We start taking off the malice, envy, bitterness, wrath, anger, lying, and the old self.

We take off those old garments and we trade them in for a robe of righteousness, a garment of praise, and a crown of life. We make the decision that we are not going to misrepresent our father God, but will leave no room for doubt to the onlooker as to who we represent. 

May your priest be clothed with your righteousness; may your faithful people sing for joy. (Psalm 132:9)