Author Archives: cazehner

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About cazehner

I'm a woman who loves God's Word, the Bible. And I love sharing what it is God reveals to me through his Word. I pray that everything I write is consistent with Scripture, and that everyone who reads this blog will be drawn closer to the Savior. I am praying for you.

Crucified

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Galatians 2:20

I used to say Galatians 2:20 was my “life verse.” I think it probably still is, although I’ve come to embrace other verses as well. But I remember sitting in the tiny room in Waco Elementary School where I gave music lessons, and coming across this verse as I read my Bible during my lunch break. It spoke to me that day in a pointed way, and I sat there and memorized it, claiming it as my life verse.

Today I read it and wonder if it is even true in my life.

What does it mean to be crucified with Christ? I can’t die for my sins like Jesus did. I’ve heard it said Jesus died on “my” cross. But that cross was His. He was the only one who could hang on that cross. And because He did, I won’t have to hang on mine.

Being crucified with Christ is not the means of salvation. That was Jesus’ job.

I believe Paul was talking about what happens after we accept Jesus’ atoning work on His cross. It’s the dying we do as willingly as He died; the giving up, the surrender of the “me.” Dead men have no rights, no plans, no will of their own. A dead man is dead – not almost dead, or dead in some ways but not others.

Dead.

So I’m wonder if that describes me in my relationship with my Savior. Is the life I now live lived by faith in the One who loved me enough to die in my place? Is my walk with Him surrendered to His will? Is He my co-pilot… or the ship?

If 2:20 is my life verse (and I think I might claim it once again), then I have some soul-searching and changing to do.

God, help me truly and finally die to Connie, and allow only You to fill me, raise me up, and live through me.

Crucify the “me,” Lord.

Wisdom. Is it a thing any more?

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James 3:17-18

If you want to know true wisdom, you have to stop talking. Listen. Think. Don’t just accept the loudest voices or the popular opinion of the day. James gives us eight things to consider when seeking wisdom.

  1. Is it pure? I know purity is a laughable concept these days. But that’s not wise. Is what you are considering without a hidden agenda? Can you find the absence of evil, either morally or with intention to do harm? Wisdom from above – true wisdom, is pure.
  2. Is it peaceable? Sometimes I look at the faces of those spouting “wisdom” and I see anything but peace. I don’t hear peace, but violence and retribution. We see the result in looting, destruction, bodily harm toward those who challenge this so-called wisdom. We’ve even heard government officials encourage rioting and chaos. Wisdom from above – true wisdom, is peaceable.
  3. Is it gentle? I was watching a You Tube video by a woman speaking on the issue of abortion, and when life begins. She was giving a medical description of what happens when egg meets sperm. Her voice was matter of fact, gentle, even loving, without judgment. Just the facts, Ma’am. Suddenly about a dozen people began shouting over her, interrupting her speech and trying to drown out the sound of her voice. When security came to usher them out, the dissenters began pushing, shoving, hitting and kicking those trying to keep order. Wisdom from above – true wisdom, is gentle.
  4. Is it open to reason? I can’t type those words without shaking my head. Do you need examples of the unreasonableness in our society today? I ask you, is the wisdom proclaimed by our media, government, academia, the progressive church reasonable? You know it’s not. And the deeper problem is, they aren’t interested in hearing the truth. Reason is not a thing for them. Wisdom from above – true wisdom, is open to reason.
  5. Is it merciful? I hear the people claiming to be tolerant, being the most intolerant of anyone who has a different opinion than them. If you disagree, you are cancelled, sometimes violently. If you have something they want, no matter how hard you worked to get it, they feel entitled to simply take it, ransack a store, break into your home, steal your identity. There is no mercy in entitlement. They feel they are owed what you have and will demand it even if you are hurt in the process. No mercy. Oh, they can show mercy all day to those in their own camp. But they will punish without mercy anyone who questions them. Wisdom from above – true wisdom, is merciful.
  6. Is it full of good fruits? Are the results of modern wisdom unifying or divisive? The world’s agenda is to divide. Do you think we are happier as a nation, more effective as the Church the more we accept the wisdom of the world? Are families stronger, people generally happier today? Wisdom from above – true wisdom, produces good fruits.
  7. Is it impartial? If you don’t think our justice system leans to the left, you aren’t paying attention and I honestly question your wisdom. If you don’t think there are rights for some and not for others, you are wrong to think that. Right is right, wrong is wrong, fair is fair, and should look the same for everyone. Wisdom from above – true wisdom, is impartial.
  8. Is it sincere? That’s a hard one because people can sound sincere, and be intentionally deceptive. Sincerity is something that might take some time to discern. Look past what is said and pay attention to what is done. If words and actions don’t agree, there is no sincerity. Wisdom from above – true wisdom, is sincere.

I like James’ list here. As I reread what I’ve written I realize I’ve made it more political than I intended. Yes, there is a false wisdom in that arena. But we need to guard against it in our personal lives, in our Bible reading, in our Sunday School classrooms and Bible studies, in our relationships. James’ list applies to all of it. I think we would all benefit from taking a minute to examine what we are hearing and seeing around us in the day to day, in light of James’ list.

I doubt any of us want to be fools. But fools we are if we attach ourselves to anything other than wisdom from above. Look at verse 18. Here’s what can happen if we are using that godly wisdom:

And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Who doesn’t want peace? Only those described in verses 14-16:

But if you have bitter jealousy in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

So, the question I ask in the title is,” Is wisdom a thing any more?” It would seem not. But it needs to be. And it’s up to you and me to accept the wisdom from above for ourselves, to know it, listen to it, live it. If we don’t who will?

Living Our Faith

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Acts 14, James 1-2

James tells us trials and hardships are blessings. They grow us into people who demonstrate their faith in God by what we do. I love how the Bible teaches us through words, and also demonstrates the Truth through the actions of real people.

Like Paul in Acts 14. He was stoned and left for dead because he preached Jesus. He didn’t die. Instead, he got up and walked back into the city where the people who tried to kill him were. He then left that city and continued preaching Jesus in surrounding cities. Then, and this is where I see the truth of James’ words, Paul went back to Antioch so he could preach there again.

His example speaks to what James says. Opposition to the Gospel should not silence us. It should embolden us, make us stronger, more determined to share the Good News to the people who obviously need Him.

If we claim to have faith in God, our actions ought to demonstrate that. Paul didn’t run from opposition. He ran right into its midst – twice! That is faith demonstrated. That is living faith.

Let us live our faith today!

One God

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Acts 12

Herod was killed on the spot. He got up in front of the people and declared himself a god, and promptly found out he was not. God struck him down and he died right then and there.

In today’s society we are encouraged to proclaim that we are gods. “I am capable, worthy, powerful, beautiful, strong, good. I am who I am!” There are even preachers and authors out there making millions of dollars telling us how we can be everything we were meant to be, because we deserve it. It’s unfortunate that God doesn’t take them out like He did Herod. Their punishment won’t be any less final, however. And it will be eternal.

But be warned, dear one. Those of us who believe the lie will be held accountable, too.

DO NOT encourage your children to be strong. Encourage them to be submissive to the One who is strong.

DO NOT teach your children they are powerful. Teach them to trust the One who is all powerful.

DO NOT tell them they are beautiful. Tell them how to be a window so people can see the beauty of God.

Understand that God will not share His godhood. Not with you. Not with the children in your home.

There is one God.

Tender Urgency

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Luke 22; John 13-14

Jesus’ last moments with His disciples before He went to the cross is filled with tender urgency. Like a dad who taught his son how to drive a car gives last minute instructions as the boy leaves to take the test, or a mom who raised her daughter to be a loving, supportive, and godly wife speaks words of encouragement on her wedding day, Jesus wants to be sure his disciples have learned everything He’s taught them. He wants to send them off with one more lesson, one more word of encouragement before they take the next step in their relationship with Him.

What does He tell them? Be a servant. Believe in Me no matter what happens. Love me. Obey what I have taught you. I’m not abandoning you. One day I’ll come back for you.

There are so many intimate words from Jesus to His disciples as they sat around the dinner table in the upper room. This would be their last meal as a family before everything changed. And what Jesus told them was important.

These chapters are pure gold. I hope you read them and hear God’s tender urgency as He speaks to your own heart through the Words of Jesus at the Last Supper.

Entitled?

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Luke 17

We live in an age of entitlement. Employers are finding it hard to find people actually willing to work. If they do work, they believe they are owed a paycheck that equals that of those who have seniority. There are people who refuse to work who want those who have worked hard, saved, invested, and enjoy the fruit of their labor to hand over their earnings to make things “equal.”

Kids who put on a uniform once a week demand equal playing time with the kids who practice all week, train, sweat, and study to improve. And everybody gets a trophy!

Most of us can look at these examples and see the problem. The truth is, entitlement is a big problem in our world. And we know it. At least we recognize it in our world, but do we recognize it in ourselves?

Jesus talked about having the attitude of a servant. A servant knows he is not “entitled” to anything. His lot in life is to do what is required. Period.

Entitlement is a problem in the world, but it is also a problem in the Church. Some people think God owes them. They question God when they don’t get the answer to prayer they expect. They get angry with God when trouble comes, illness or death touches them.

I’ve heard people say So and So “doesn’t deserve that.” I don’t think that’s a judgment God wants us to make. Not if we are His servants.

The truth is a true servant of God will take whatever happens, do whatever is required of them, and thank God for the privilege of serving Him so that He – not the servant – is glorified.

Easy? No! Will we never question, never be disappointed or discouraged? No! But if we remind ourselves that all things work together for good for those of us who love God, and that He is able to do above and beyond what we ask or think, we will realize what a privilege it is to be His servants.

No such thing as an entitled servant! “We are unworthy servants, we have only done what was our duty.” (Vs 10b)

You Are Not The Exception

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Luke 12-14

Is Jesus the only way? Really? People want to believe that, if there aren’t multiple ways to God, a least they themselves will be the exception. In theory, Jesus is the Way, but God is too loving to send a good person like me to hell. Right?

That’s not what Jesus says. Jesus says the way is narrow, the invitation to the banquet comes with restrictions, the landowner demands obedience, even those rich according to their own standards will be held accountable to God’s standards.

The truth is, it doesn’t matter what you think. You aren’t God. It only matters what God says about His design.

Like it or not. Believe it or not. Jesus is the only way…

And you are not the exception.

Squandering A Blessing

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John 6

Jesus was focused on His mission. But the Jewish people didn’t want a spiritual Savior, they wanted a human king, someone like them who would overthrow Roman rule. Jesus knew they were eager to make Him into that king. But becoming that king would have been disobedience, and Jesus wasn’t having anything to do with that. He was not about to compromise the mission.

So Jesus did something that spoke to me today. He removed Himself from their presence, and went instead into the Presence of the Father. Jesus went up the mountain alone to find a secluded spot where He could pray in private.

We Christians are being coerced into compromise these days. Giving in is the easy thing to do. But it’s sin. We go ahead and call people by their preferred pronouns, pretending along with sinners that a person can change his or her God-given gender. We embrace sin, tolerate false teaching, blend in so as not to offend way too often. We’ve even changed the way we worship so it’s appealing to non-believers, instead of what is required of the One we are supposed to be worshiping. Compromise has become the norm, and it’s becoming a requirement for Christians.

I’m wondering if we shouldn’t learn from Jesus’ example. Have we neglected the blessing of prayer, the incredible privilege of shutting ourselves off from the world for a moment to spend some intimate time with the Creator God who loves us? Even Jesus knew the importance of intentional communion with the Father. Shouldn’t it be obvious that we need it even more?

I think the evidence that we are squandering this blessing of prayer is plainly seen. If we were praying for God to reveal sin in us, He would. If we asked Him to cleanse our hearts, He would. If we asked Him for strength to stand up to the temptation to compromise, He’d gladly give us the strength. We have not because we ask not.

And we compromise because we don’t have the strength to stand. Look around. Are we happy with where our compromises have taken us?

We have the privilege of prayer. It might take some effort to climb a mountain to get alone with God. We might have to step away from technology for a few minutes, remove ourselves from the hustle and bustle of life, from our families and friends. It might be a bit inconvenient. But anything worth having is worth working for.

And I think tapping into the gift of prayer is worth it. How sad when we squander this precious privilege of prayer.

One Serious Job Description

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Matthew 10

Would you, after reading the job description for a disciple, sign up? God describes what he’s looking for in a disciple here in Matthew 10.

A disciple:
1. will be taken to court
2. will be beat up
3. will be dragged before governors and kings
4. may be turned into the authorities by their brother, father, or child
5. may be executed
6. will be hated
7. will be persecuted
8. will be saved in the end because no one can kill the soul.

Well, at least number 8 sounds good. Anyone who says being a child of God translates into good health and hefty bank accounts is lying.

The Gospel of Jesus is offensive, and if you proclaim it there will be people who hate you. The Gospel reveals our sin, our depravity, and our hopelessness. The Gospel tells us we aren’t enough, that we will never be enough. And friend, no one likes to hear that.

“But hang on,” Jesus says. “Endure to the end!”

The Gospel is worth it. Jesus is worth it. Jesus promises that when we believe in Him we are saved. Scripture says when we confess our sins we are forgiven. We’re promised that when we are weak HE is strong. When we don’t have the words, HE gives us the words. When we are helpless, HE is able.

These disciples signed up, went on a mission trip, performed miracles, told the Truth, and came back excited about being disciples. They no doubt faced opposition, but it prepared them, strengthened their faith, and in the end eleven of them went to their deaths proclaiming Jesus as the Savior of the world.

So, Christian, are you ready to put feet to your faith? Read the job description carefully. Then sign on the dotted line. You’re signing up for war. It won’t be easy. But it will be blessed beyond what you imagine. In the end, you will face Jesus and hear Him say, “Well done, my faithful servant, my warrior. Come home!”

Woe To Us All

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Luke 11

I know I probably comment on this every year when I get to this passage in God’s Word. But Jesus’ response to the lawyers’ hurt feelings is something we ought to emulate.

The lawyers didn’t object to Jesus hammering the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. But the truth of what Jesus was saying was hitting a bit too close to home for the lawyers. The lawyers, at least in their own minds, weren’t as bad as the Pharisees and they wanted to be sure Jesus made that distinction.

“Jesus, you’re starting to hurt our feelings with your ‘Woe to’s’ toward the Pharisees. We’re beginning to feel a bit threatened, unsafe, disrespected, misidentified.”

Jesus answers, “Oh, I’m sorry. Woe to you, lawyers…” and just so there would be no confusion Jesus began hammering them for their own sins. He didn’t coddle them, didn’t find them a safe place, or encourage them to stand strong, be proud, be who they were meant to be. “YOU ARE SINNERS,” He told them.

Do you honestly think Jesus would say to a man pretending to be a woman and upset because Jesus “misgendered” him, “Oh, I’m sorry, Ma’am. Sit here and let me do your nails?” No! He would say to that man, “YOU. ARE. NOT. A. WOMAN.”

The lawyers thought they weren’t as bad as the Pharisees. Today some men think they are women, some women think they are men, some people think they are cats. It doesn’t matter what you think!

Hear God say, “Woe to you.” And you know what? I think it’s time Christians did the same. So here goes. Sorry, not sorry.

XX will always be XX. XY will always be XY.
No one can change the binary gender God created: male OR female.
A male is a “he.” A female is a “she.: “They” is plural.
Woman are designed by God to carry a developing human in their wombs. Woman (not birthing persons) have babies. Men do not. Cannot.
Abortion is murder. Life begins at conception. God knew that person BEFORE he or she was planted in the mother’s womb. To end that life is murder.
There is objective truth.. There is right and wrong, good and bad, black and white.
There is truth, and there is opinion. They are not the same. And I will not pretend “your truth” is anything other than your opinion.

Call me what you want. Call me bigoted, hateful, intolerant, deplorable. I don’t care. Show me in the Bible where I’m wrong. Woe to all of us who deny what God has revealed in His Word.

Now, before you think I’m condemning anyone to hell, let me remind you what else God’s Word has to say.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Jesus died on the cross to buy your freedom from sin and mine, to break the chains of sin, to forgive us for our sins, to make us the righteousness of God. There isn’t anyone reading this post who cannot be saved. Show me in the Bible where I’m wrong.

What I’ve said here is not hate. In fact, I can honestly say I love you enough to be truthful with you. Jesus loved those lawyers enough to confront their sin. It would be hateful to go along with anyone’s sin, because sin separates us from God now, and in eternity. My friend, my heart’s desire is that you experience the Truth of God’s Word today; whether for the first time, or with a revived energy for proclaiming the Truth. Woe to us if we don’t.