I awoke this morning, and as usual, immediately started my daily conversation with Jesus. It hit me as I was praying and talking to my friend that He too looks forward to hearing from me as much, if not more, than I do to talking with Him. What an awesome reminder and gift on this Christmas Eve morning!
I have been praying for 3 weeks now for a family and most especially for a young boy who got into a car accident while looking at Christmas lights with his family. He is suffering from injuries to his brain stem and the doctor's prognosis is bleak. His name is Brian. I don't know nor have I ever met this child, or anyone in his family, yet I am compelled throughout my days to lift him to our Lord. I am asking for a miracle...
Throughout these last few months I have been praying the same thing for my own son. He is not in hospice clinging to his life by a thread, but his injuries are threatening his life. They are the kind of injuries that most cannot see. The emotional kind, that kill us slowly, if not taken care of.
So here I am Lord--praying--for two young boys who need you desperately! I pray for healing, for salvation, for every ounce of their lives to bring you glory, for the witness and testimony of their lives to bring h onor to Your name. I cry out for them because they cannot cry out to you for themselves. I weep over them, and when I find myself not knowing what to ask, I look to you Jesus to intercede for them.
There is a hope that God must place in the heart of every mother. One that keeps them on their knees, continuing to pray when the world gives up. One that keeps them thinking that "this time next year things will be different", one that says "it will all work out and be okay". Sometimes, we confuse the hope of the outcome of our prayers with the One who are hope is in. Forgive me for this, Lord. Sometimes, as a mom, I need to be reminded that these children are on loan to me and that the God of Heaven loves them far more than I ever possibly could.
There is a verse in Scripture that speaks of Mary saying "she held all of these things in her heart". As a mom, I too, hold all of these things in my heart. She must have encountered the sleepless nights, the tears, the joys and certainly she encountered the ultimate heartbreak. Through it all, she held on to the Hope that God put in her heart. A hope that one day, on the other side of Glory, all would be revealed in the Marvelous light!
So, for Brian's mom, myself, and all the moms out there who are on their knees, praying for their children today, I pray for you and with you. May we all realize that all we need for this life is found in the Source of all life: Jesus.
I have included a song just for you. Be blessed and Merry Christmas!
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Saturday, December 24, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Your Grace is Enough For Me
You never know how awesome God is until you are dropped full throttle into an enormous trial... As I walk hand in hand with my Savior through yet another whopper of a trial, I appreciate more than ever before in my almost 45 years, the sufficiency of His grace. I will not lie and say that I am smiling away the days, most of them are tear-filled, but the peace of God fills my heart and, there are even moments of dancing before Him!
I guess I am finally learning to Trust. It is such a short, simple word, yet it is one that I struggle with on the deepest level. Its interesting to me that there are some things in our lives that are easily entrusted to God. Then there are others that He nudges out of our hands, and then there are still others that when they are taken from our control, it is as if we have been skimmed by a cannon ball. A gaping hole is what we feel. These last few weeks have been that way for me. There are few things, actually none, that have occupied the magnitude of my heart over my children. And laying them down and truly trusting that God loves them more than I ever could is hard to swallow. But God, as loving as He is, is also a jealous God. He will allow no one to come before Him in my life. He will also heal that cannon ball sized hole!
I wanted this post to be so much more than it is. I wanted it to contain all the incredible testimonies of what God has done and is continuing to do; the Scriptures that are jumping off the pages and attaching themselves to my heart, bringing me encouragement, peace, joy and life. But, no one would read something that long! (I'll save it for the book!) So, in one sentence: Jesus has become my best friend!
Being sent to a strange place, having no job, a kid that is a mess, missing my other children to the point that it is hard to breathe, etc., etc. , has been the greatest, most wonderful blessing of my life! Who knew that through all this I would end up wealthier than I have ever been! Who knew that having swollen eyes from all the tears, shaky knees, fears, doubt and little to no income would bring me to a place of TRUST. God knew, that's who... For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, not to harm you, to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and I will be your God.
He knows... and I trust Him.
I guess I am finally learning to Trust. It is such a short, simple word, yet it is one that I struggle with on the deepest level. Its interesting to me that there are some things in our lives that are easily entrusted to God. Then there are others that He nudges out of our hands, and then there are still others that when they are taken from our control, it is as if we have been skimmed by a cannon ball. A gaping hole is what we feel. These last few weeks have been that way for me. There are few things, actually none, that have occupied the magnitude of my heart over my children. And laying them down and truly trusting that God loves them more than I ever could is hard to swallow. But God, as loving as He is, is also a jealous God. He will allow no one to come before Him in my life. He will also heal that cannon ball sized hole!
I wanted this post to be so much more than it is. I wanted it to contain all the incredible testimonies of what God has done and is continuing to do; the Scriptures that are jumping off the pages and attaching themselves to my heart, bringing me encouragement, peace, joy and life. But, no one would read something that long! (I'll save it for the book!) So, in one sentence: Jesus has become my best friend!
Being sent to a strange place, having no job, a kid that is a mess, missing my other children to the point that it is hard to breathe, etc., etc. , has been the greatest, most wonderful blessing of my life! Who knew that through all this I would end up wealthier than I have ever been! Who knew that having swollen eyes from all the tears, shaky knees, fears, doubt and little to no income would bring me to a place of TRUST. God knew, that's who... For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, not to harm you, to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and I will be your God.
He knows... and I trust Him.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
The Sojourner
Its been a while since I've written. In all honesty, I have been struggling with some fears and doubt. I know I am not alone. We all wonder if we are really walking in the will of God. Lets face it, as humans, we strain, at times, to hear God speak. We wonder if the timing is right, we second-guess ourselves when we step out in faith and things look messy and unstable. We ponder over and over whether it was really God who said it, or was it me? We ask ourselves, did I hear Him right? The good news is, if I am asking all these questions, it means that I truly want to please God and walk in His ways!
When my kids were younger and they asked me questions, I always tried to answer them as truthfully and completely as I could depending on their age and level of maturity. I thought about that today as I was reflecting on these last few weeks. I can't help but wonder if the answers I hear from God are simply, as complete as I can handle, based on my maturity. Sometimes, as my kids got older, I would answer them with a question or give them something to ponder for a while, a tidbit of truth that was just a little beyond them--something to stretch them and their thinking, or attitude or understanding. I believe God does the same. Its similar to the "carrot in front of the mule", me being the mule. I think God is stretching me. Trying to help me see things differently--from a place of greater understanding.
My focus can be, at times, so earthly. I need this, or they need that and the other person wants this... Martin Luther said many years ago that " every generation needs to find out what God is doing in this generation and align yourself with it and get involved with it." I think we (and I mean me) need to change our prayers. I have to be honest and say that I am not sure what God is doing in this generation. He could certainly pick from a long list, as far as I can see! But, if I were to make an educated guess, I would say that He is in the same business as always--rescuing the lost. He gave us only one commission and he came for one reason. It hasn't changed.
In the book of Nehemiah, it says of him that "he was doing a good work." Meaning that the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem was a good work. I think we are still in the wall building business! If the character of our work and the motivation of our work is God-centered, than we too, are doing a good work. We are the "bond servants" of Christ. Work is our destiny!
I am really beginning to think that God is calling me to His work. For several months now, I have been asking him for work--the kind that pays the bills! For the last few days, He has been reminding me of some things that were spoken over me and to me, in what seems like a lifetime ago. So long, in fact, that I had almost forgotten. Could this be the time and the place? It seems unlikely, but what do I know! He says, " I know the plans I have for you..." I wrote this poem earlier today--you all get to see that I flunked poetry 101! Anyway, it came as I continue to ponder why I am here in Savannah; so far from everything I knew and everyone I love and was connected to. I wrote it as I related to Ruth in the book by her name.
The Sojourner
I was asked to take a trip one day, a trip somewhere far away, where I knew no one nor their ways; I was asked to go and not to stay. So I arose and took some things I thought I might need, but when arrived I was told only to sow seed. I said, " O Lord how can this be, I need to stay alive" He answered, "Fear not my daughter, continue and you will thrive."
I've walked this place for many days, continued to share His way with those who were before me. But time is going by and the questions still arise, "Am I really here for you, or perhaps it was for me; please o please Lord, please help me to see. Should I go back or press ahead? Your path I do not know." His answer clear as light, "Fear not my daughter, do not go." But Lord I'm scared, all is dark as night." With everything within me, I want to go back back in fright. He says, "Stay put, do not disgrace, I have a plan, and you will see." "O Lord, I hope so. My faith is in Thee."
So, as the Lord wills, this walk is to be continued. Me, clinging to my Savior as Ruth did to Naomi!
PEACE
When my kids were younger and they asked me questions, I always tried to answer them as truthfully and completely as I could depending on their age and level of maturity. I thought about that today as I was reflecting on these last few weeks. I can't help but wonder if the answers I hear from God are simply, as complete as I can handle, based on my maturity. Sometimes, as my kids got older, I would answer them with a question or give them something to ponder for a while, a tidbit of truth that was just a little beyond them--something to stretch them and their thinking, or attitude or understanding. I believe God does the same. Its similar to the "carrot in front of the mule", me being the mule. I think God is stretching me. Trying to help me see things differently--from a place of greater understanding.
My focus can be, at times, so earthly. I need this, or they need that and the other person wants this... Martin Luther said many years ago that " every generation needs to find out what God is doing in this generation and align yourself with it and get involved with it." I think we (and I mean me) need to change our prayers. I have to be honest and say that I am not sure what God is doing in this generation. He could certainly pick from a long list, as far as I can see! But, if I were to make an educated guess, I would say that He is in the same business as always--rescuing the lost. He gave us only one commission and he came for one reason. It hasn't changed.
In the book of Nehemiah, it says of him that "he was doing a good work." Meaning that the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem was a good work. I think we are still in the wall building business! If the character of our work and the motivation of our work is God-centered, than we too, are doing a good work. We are the "bond servants" of Christ. Work is our destiny!
I am really beginning to think that God is calling me to His work. For several months now, I have been asking him for work--the kind that pays the bills! For the last few days, He has been reminding me of some things that were spoken over me and to me, in what seems like a lifetime ago. So long, in fact, that I had almost forgotten. Could this be the time and the place? It seems unlikely, but what do I know! He says, " I know the plans I have for you..." I wrote this poem earlier today--you all get to see that I flunked poetry 101! Anyway, it came as I continue to ponder why I am here in Savannah; so far from everything I knew and everyone I love and was connected to. I wrote it as I related to Ruth in the book by her name.
The Sojourner
I was asked to take a trip one day, a trip somewhere far away, where I knew no one nor their ways; I was asked to go and not to stay. So I arose and took some things I thought I might need, but when arrived I was told only to sow seed. I said, " O Lord how can this be, I need to stay alive" He answered, "Fear not my daughter, continue and you will thrive."
I've walked this place for many days, continued to share His way with those who were before me. But time is going by and the questions still arise, "Am I really here for you, or perhaps it was for me; please o please Lord, please help me to see. Should I go back or press ahead? Your path I do not know." His answer clear as light, "Fear not my daughter, do not go." But Lord I'm scared, all is dark as night." With everything within me, I want to go back back in fright. He says, "Stay put, do not disgrace, I have a plan, and you will see." "O Lord, I hope so. My faith is in Thee."
So, as the Lord wills, this walk is to be continued. Me, clinging to my Savior as Ruth did to Naomi!
PEACE
Friday, August 26, 2011
The Storm
As the South and Northeast prepare for "Irene" to hit this weekend, I can't help but think of the storms of my life... I have been walking through one of the longest financial droughts of my life for the last 2 years. It has been humbling to say the very least. I have struggled with doubt and pride, fear and frustration, and my willingness to praise Him through it and count it all joy. I don't have a crystal ball, so I don't know how long this particular storm will last, nor do I know the scope of what will come of it, but there are a few things I can stand on; one of which is that this is not my home.
God has a way of stripping us of everything that we exalt above Himself. When I sing songs of worship, surrender; the "all of me" type songs, God responds with a "Yes and Amen." He then sets things into motion, in order that my confession and my life line up with one another and more importantly with His will.
As I read through the book of Ruth this morning, that truth became even more clear to me. Ruth made her confession of "where you go, I will go, where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God, my God"... (Ruth 1:16) I too have made this confession. Ruth clung to Naomi, and followed her. "Now, Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a man of wealth... named Boaz and he came from Bethlehem..."the man is a near relative of ours, one who has the right to redeem us."
I am so grateful that my Redeemer had been given the right to redeem me. I am delighted to glean in His fields. I am pleased that I have found favor with Him and that He sees all that I am and all that I have done. He has allowed me to come under his wings of refuge and find strength. "The Lord recompense you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge." Ruth 2:12
This is not my home. Just as Moab was not Naomi's home. She sojourned there for a period of time and then returned to her kinsman redeemer. She went through the trials of this life, and even though she tried to change her name to bitterness, He called her Naomi, for she was indeed pleasant to behold.
I am a sojourner on this earth. The road is pretty bumpy right now, and this current storm seems to endure beyond what I can bear, but I know that it won't be long until I am reunited with my Kinsman Redeemer; and He will call me by a new name and put a new song in my heart. In that time, I will be fully satisfied! And like Ruth, I will be His Bride, forever.
God has a way of stripping us of everything that we exalt above Himself. When I sing songs of worship, surrender; the "all of me" type songs, God responds with a "Yes and Amen." He then sets things into motion, in order that my confession and my life line up with one another and more importantly with His will.
As I read through the book of Ruth this morning, that truth became even more clear to me. Ruth made her confession of "where you go, I will go, where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God, my God"... (Ruth 1:16) I too have made this confession. Ruth clung to Naomi, and followed her. "Now, Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a man of wealth... named Boaz and he came from Bethlehem..."the man is a near relative of ours, one who has the right to redeem us."
I am so grateful that my Redeemer had been given the right to redeem me. I am delighted to glean in His fields. I am pleased that I have found favor with Him and that He sees all that I am and all that I have done. He has allowed me to come under his wings of refuge and find strength. "The Lord recompense you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge." Ruth 2:12
This is not my home. Just as Moab was not Naomi's home. She sojourned there for a period of time and then returned to her kinsman redeemer. She went through the trials of this life, and even though she tried to change her name to bitterness, He called her Naomi, for she was indeed pleasant to behold.
I am a sojourner on this earth. The road is pretty bumpy right now, and this current storm seems to endure beyond what I can bear, but I know that it won't be long until I am reunited with my Kinsman Redeemer; and He will call me by a new name and put a new song in my heart. In that time, I will be fully satisfied! And like Ruth, I will be His Bride, forever.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Rest and Refreshment
I had a killer week last week. I worked hard and my body is sore. I am grateful for the work and the money that came in. This week I have next to no work and on Monday I began to worry. I caught myself though and began to thank God for the rest and spoke (out loud) of my confidence in my Provider. As I praised my God, the enemy fled! Ps 16:8 I have set the Lord continually before me ; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices; my body too shall rest and confidently dwell in safety. Yesterday, I had a little work and then I was called by a friend for "a little help." When I arrived, I was shocked to find that my precious daughter was standing there with my friend! What a surprise, what a blessing!
It astonishes me at how God orchestrates things in my life. He truly is Emmanuel. He truly is with us, even to the end of the age. The Word of God speaks of "pools of refreshment" and this week I am blessed enough to enjoy the pool of refreshment that God has provided. I could have chosen to worry, I could have sunk down in despair, but I chose the better thing! I chose to lay my burden down at His feet and bless His name in Faith and Trust, and now I am free to enjoy the rest He has provided for me. He is so good. He is so faithful. He is my God. Amen
It astonishes me at how God orchestrates things in my life. He truly is Emmanuel. He truly is with us, even to the end of the age. The Word of God speaks of "pools of refreshment" and this week I am blessed enough to enjoy the pool of refreshment that God has provided. I could have chosen to worry, I could have sunk down in despair, but I chose the better thing! I chose to lay my burden down at His feet and bless His name in Faith and Trust, and now I am free to enjoy the rest He has provided for me. He is so good. He is so faithful. He is my God. Amen
Monday, August 15, 2011
Endurance
The Lord has been speaking to me the word Endurance lately. Perhaps it is the times we live in or the trials we Believers now face in our world today, but I believe God wants to encourage us to be strong in Him and to hold steadfast to His promises. He wants for us the crowns of glory he has set up for each one of us! Heb. 6:11-12 But we do (strongly and earnestly) desire for each of you to show the same diligence and sincerity (all the way through) in realizing and enjoying the full assurance and development of your hope until the end. In order that you may not grow disinterested and become spiritual sluggards, but imitators, behaving as do those who through faith (by the leaning of the entire personality on God in Christ in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom and goodness) and by practice of patient endurance and waiting are NOW inheriting the promises.
As I draw closer to God through prayer and the reading of His Word, I find that it is far easier for me to trust and have confidence in His power, wisdom and goodness. Thereby making it easier to endure expectantly. As I look back over my walk with Christ, I am awestruck by the way my thinking has changed! I was one who constantly believed that I had to be in control. I spent most of my life, even my Christian life, revering myself. I had placed myself "on the throne." I am so grateful that God has brought me to the end of myself and allowed me to enter in to the assurance I now have in "Him, who sits on the throne, and unto the Lamb" to Him be all the power and glory forever!
As I draw closer to God through prayer and the reading of His Word, I find that it is far easier for me to trust and have confidence in His power, wisdom and goodness. Thereby making it easier to endure expectantly. As I look back over my walk with Christ, I am awestruck by the way my thinking has changed! I was one who constantly believed that I had to be in control. I spent most of my life, even my Christian life, revering myself. I had placed myself "on the throne." I am so grateful that God has brought me to the end of myself and allowed me to enter in to the assurance I now have in "Him, who sits on the throne, and unto the Lamb" to Him be all the power and glory forever!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
The "Moat" Around Others
I was awakened early this morning, a combination of soreness from work yesterday and the heaviness of intercession on my heart for a friend. Since I have no answers for her circumstances, I turn to the One who does. Intercession is a strange thing. There are very few occasions when it is simply just prayer. More often than not, it is God's heart for the person made manifest in me. I do not think I could handle the heart of God for this person in its entirety, but the portion He gives me is incredible. It is as if He knows that she can not pray or ask or seek Him right now, so He calls on His army to stand in the gap. We (intercessors) are like a moat around the castle. What a word picture God gave me today!
Ps 46 " God is our Refuge and our Strong Tower, a very present and well proved help in times of trouble..." The people run into to it, and they are safe! "There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God... God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved."
There is something extraordinary about confidence and assured trust in God. It makes the heart glad! I have been asking God for the "joy of the Lord" daily for the last couple of weeks. I felt it was something that I was missing in my life. I hadn't experienced it for quite some time. I guess I had allowed this life to encroach upon it, so I decided to ask for its return and God has granted my request. Not just for me; but for those around me and because it is strength to me for the purpose of interceding for others. I had forgotten how wonderful the joy of the Lord is!!! I feel a hundred pounds lighter!
"Come, behold the works of the Lord...Be still and know that I am God... The Lord of Hosts is with us." What a relief for those who believe!
Father, I thank You and exalt You, for You are truly Great. Jesus, You are our High Tower and You are greatly to be praised! I am so grateful for Your Word and for the word picture You have given me today. I am blessed to be a part of Your army and I count it a privilege of great worth. May you be pleased with me today and each day. Continue to purify and purge all that is not of You. I love you Lord. Amen
Ps 46 " God is our Refuge and our Strong Tower, a very present and well proved help in times of trouble..." The people run into to it, and they are safe! "There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God... God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved."
There is something extraordinary about confidence and assured trust in God. It makes the heart glad! I have been asking God for the "joy of the Lord" daily for the last couple of weeks. I felt it was something that I was missing in my life. I hadn't experienced it for quite some time. I guess I had allowed this life to encroach upon it, so I decided to ask for its return and God has granted my request. Not just for me; but for those around me and because it is strength to me for the purpose of interceding for others. I had forgotten how wonderful the joy of the Lord is!!! I feel a hundred pounds lighter!
"Come, behold the works of the Lord...Be still and know that I am God... The Lord of Hosts is with us." What a relief for those who believe!
Father, I thank You and exalt You, for You are truly Great. Jesus, You are our High Tower and You are greatly to be praised! I am so grateful for Your Word and for the word picture You have given me today. I am blessed to be a part of Your army and I count it a privilege of great worth. May you be pleased with me today and each day. Continue to purify and purge all that is not of You. I love you Lord. Amen
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
I Am Beloved
Reading the Word truly does "transform" our minds! As I mentioned in several posts, it took years for me to accept as truth God's love for me. I was plagued with guilt and shame. Intimidated by other, more mature Christians, and constantly insecure and fearful; trying to be perfect and failing miserably. I thought that if I "cleaned up my act", and looked like I had it together, I would be accepted. It didn't take long for that way of thinking and living to begin to crumble. Perfectionism left me exhausted and even more insecure. It left me in a state of instability and completely joyless. It caused me to walk away from the One who loves me most.
I believe with all my heart that God allows really painful events to come our way. Things that truly bring us to the end of ourselves. I know that He allows these things to bring about good in our lives. Had I not turned away and back again, I would not have experienced the depth of His love for me and the freedom that has come from knowing that love. Had I not turned away and back again, I do not think any other event would have brought me to the place of utter confidence in my forgiveness, redemption and security in Christ. It also made me realize, once and for all, that there is no place in my life for self-sufficiency. I am not on the throne---He is, and now, I rather like it that way!
As I was studying this morning, I came across the words to an old English Hymn by Catesby Paget. The words are not only beautiful, but they are my truth. I have traded my ashes for beauty! I am His Beloved daughter!
Near, so very near to God,
Nearer I cannot be;
For in the person of his Son
I am as near as He.
So dear, so very dear to God,
More dear I cannot be;
The love wherewith He loves the Son--
Such is His love to me.
These verses say it all. We, who are in Christ, are so perfectly loved! Be blessed today!
I believe with all my heart that God allows really painful events to come our way. Things that truly bring us to the end of ourselves. I know that He allows these things to bring about good in our lives. Had I not turned away and back again, I would not have experienced the depth of His love for me and the freedom that has come from knowing that love. Had I not turned away and back again, I do not think any other event would have brought me to the place of utter confidence in my forgiveness, redemption and security in Christ. It also made me realize, once and for all, that there is no place in my life for self-sufficiency. I am not on the throne---He is, and now, I rather like it that way!
As I was studying this morning, I came across the words to an old English Hymn by Catesby Paget. The words are not only beautiful, but they are my truth. I have traded my ashes for beauty! I am His Beloved daughter!
Near, so very near to God,
Nearer I cannot be;
For in the person of his Son
I am as near as He.
So dear, so very dear to God,
More dear I cannot be;
The love wherewith He loves the Son--
Such is His love to me.
These verses say it all. We, who are in Christ, are so perfectly loved! Be blessed today!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
God's Will: Itinerary or Attitude...
I saw a sign the other day while driving. It read "God's will is not so much an itinerary as it is an attitude." While I understand where the writer is coming from, there are certain aspects of God's will that are an itinerary. The itinerary, however, comes about through the attitude and grace of God. After all, we are nothing apart from Him. There is absolutely nothing I can do, in and of myself, that would cause me to be "salt and light" to a desperate world. There is nothing in me, apart from the Holy Spirit, that would cause me to lay down my own agenda and take up God's agenda each day. Apart from Him, I would never involve myself in the messiness of another's life or listen for hours and help them sort through all the negative emotions and fill their ears with the truth of God's Word. Nothing that would cause me to rise any earlier than I normally would so that I could pray for someone else. There is nothing of any value in my flesh--its weak and lazy and selfish. But for the grace of God, who leads me and brings me from glory to glory. I am able to do all things through Christ who strengthens me!
I met an "atheist" this week and as we chatted casually, he commented on the cross around my neck and commented that "Surely, you are far too intelligent to be a Believer." It struck me as a funny comment and being quick-witted, I replied, "surely, I am far too intelligent NOT to be." As the conversation continued, it occurred to me that though He calls himself an atheist, he is nothing more than a person who is sick-to-death of organized religion and hypocrisy. He is nothing more than a person who has been offended and who is in desperate need of something real-- Something, or someone, whom I happen to know... While I could not promise him no hypocrisy--after all, we all fall short of the glory of God, I could promise him that the God of the Bible (which he had on his mantle) and the person of Jesus Christ are very real and that they are as active and relevant today as they have ever been.
Was it God's itinerary for me to be in that place, at that time? I think so...
Father, in the name of Jesus and through Your grace, I ask that You would help me to always follow Your agenda. I pray that You would not only guide my feet, but purify my heart. Remove all that would hinder me from being true to You and Your calling over my life. And Lord, please grant my new friend the grace to believe and the grace to accept Your free gift, extended to him. You said You would rather we be hot or cold, than lukewarm. Father, his heart is cold toward you right now, I pray that you would set it ablaze. In the name of Jesus. Amen
I met an "atheist" this week and as we chatted casually, he commented on the cross around my neck and commented that "Surely, you are far too intelligent to be a Believer." It struck me as a funny comment and being quick-witted, I replied, "surely, I am far too intelligent NOT to be." As the conversation continued, it occurred to me that though He calls himself an atheist, he is nothing more than a person who is sick-to-death of organized religion and hypocrisy. He is nothing more than a person who has been offended and who is in desperate need of something real-- Something, or someone, whom I happen to know... While I could not promise him no hypocrisy--after all, we all fall short of the glory of God, I could promise him that the God of the Bible (which he had on his mantle) and the person of Jesus Christ are very real and that they are as active and relevant today as they have ever been.
Was it God's itinerary for me to be in that place, at that time? I think so...
Father, in the name of Jesus and through Your grace, I ask that You would help me to always follow Your agenda. I pray that You would not only guide my feet, but purify my heart. Remove all that would hinder me from being true to You and Your calling over my life. And Lord, please grant my new friend the grace to believe and the grace to accept Your free gift, extended to him. You said You would rather we be hot or cold, than lukewarm. Father, his heart is cold toward you right now, I pray that you would set it ablaze. In the name of Jesus. Amen
Monday, July 25, 2011
Throwing Off My Outer Garment
I was reading in the Gospel of Mark this morning and the Holy Spirit is revealing his secrets to me again! Mark 10:46-52 The scene is Jesus walking with his disciples and the blind man Bartimaeus hears that Jesus is walking by and begins yelling wildly for Jesus. The crowd around the man are rebuking him, telling him to be still, which makes Bartimaeus yell all the more. Jesus stops and calls him to Himself and Bartimaeus removes his outer garment and runs to Jesus; asking for his sight to be restored, and Jesus said "Go your way, your faith has healed you."
The Word of God is overflowing with little nuggets of truth. Often times I overlook them; missing them or dismissing them simply as words in a story. Sometimes, like today, one of these nuggets jumps off the page and the four little, seemingly insignificant words become a teaching or an instruction that alters my steps. Its truly amazing! As I looked at these words today, I couldn't help but realize that they were a key phrase and important part of Bartimaeus' healing, and perhaps ours as well.
I believe that the blind man removed more than just his cloak. In the natural, he may have removed it so as not to trip over it while leaping up and running to our Lord; but I believe this speaks in the spiritual realm as well.
There are things in my life and, if I were to guess, your lives as well, that need to be removed so that we can move freely toward Jesus. There are things in us and things that we carry that trip us up. There are things that God puts his finger on and says, in His still small voice, "let's get rid of this", so that we can receive the next blessing from Him; the next step, if you will, toward greater freedom in Christ.
Bartimaeus, threw off the outer garment of the world and then called Jesus "Master". (Mk 10:51) Giving Jesus the Lordship over His life. His sight was restored, again, not only physically but spiritually as well, as the story reveals that he began to walk with or "accompanied Jesus on the road." (Mk 10:52)
As I prepare to go about my day today, I am seeking God for that which He would have me throw off my back--things that I carry that hinder me and cause me to stumble-- and remembering that He is my Master, who has only my good in mind.
Father, I praise and thank you for Your Word which is always timely and in season. I pray that as this day goes on that You will reveal to me and to whomever is reading this message, that which needs to be put aside in order that we may walk with You in greater freedom. I thank You that Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light. You have only our best in mind. Amen
The Word of God is overflowing with little nuggets of truth. Often times I overlook them; missing them or dismissing them simply as words in a story. Sometimes, like today, one of these nuggets jumps off the page and the four little, seemingly insignificant words become a teaching or an instruction that alters my steps. Its truly amazing! As I looked at these words today, I couldn't help but realize that they were a key phrase and important part of Bartimaeus' healing, and perhaps ours as well.
I believe that the blind man removed more than just his cloak. In the natural, he may have removed it so as not to trip over it while leaping up and running to our Lord; but I believe this speaks in the spiritual realm as well.
There are things in my life and, if I were to guess, your lives as well, that need to be removed so that we can move freely toward Jesus. There are things in us and things that we carry that trip us up. There are things that God puts his finger on and says, in His still small voice, "let's get rid of this", so that we can receive the next blessing from Him; the next step, if you will, toward greater freedom in Christ.
Bartimaeus, threw off the outer garment of the world and then called Jesus "Master". (Mk 10:51) Giving Jesus the Lordship over His life. His sight was restored, again, not only physically but spiritually as well, as the story reveals that he began to walk with or "accompanied Jesus on the road." (Mk 10:52)
As I prepare to go about my day today, I am seeking God for that which He would have me throw off my back--things that I carry that hinder me and cause me to stumble-- and remembering that He is my Master, who has only my good in mind.
Father, I praise and thank you for Your Word which is always timely and in season. I pray that as this day goes on that You will reveal to me and to whomever is reading this message, that which needs to be put aside in order that we may walk with You in greater freedom. I thank You that Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light. You have only our best in mind. Amen
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Building Block of Security
Good Morning! I have been off for the last couple of days, enjoying time with my oldest son and consequently, my youngest son as well! Having the extra time in the morning has been wonderful as it allows me more time to let the Word of God "steep". I was reading this morning in the book of Isaiah and am not only encouraged, but the Lord is speaking something far deeper than encouragement today. Forgive me while I listen to the Holy Spirit and write at the same time!
As I read Is. 54 there are so many things I can relate to my own life and the lives and situations of friends as I pray for them, but one thing in particular stood out to me today that I never really noticed before. Vs. 17 (a very familiar and quoted verse) But no weapon formed against you shall prosper, ( usually where we stop) and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgement you shall show to be in the wrong. This (peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition) is the heritage of the servants of the Lord: this is the righteousness or vindication which they obtain from Me (this is that which I impart to them as their justification), says the Lord. (Amplified)
I never saw that before. I believed this verse as a promise, but never realized it as an impartation. Not that a promise of God is a small thing; that is not what I mean at all. This is part of what becomes ours at salvation! This is, therefore, foundational. This is a building block. So why am I just seeing this now... Its not that I did not know we had access to peace, or security or triumph over opposition; I simply did not know that they were imparted to me along with justification! Translated, that means they were things I strived for--I told you, I am a recovering perfectionist!
There are, lets face it, things that we believe, that we simply and completely acknowledge and take hold of by FAITH and faith alone. I cannot understand or comprehend (nor do I think anyone can) Justification. It is only through faith and by faith that we are justified. Its a mystery, but one that I accept gratefully and without question. I think the "without question" is the key to what I am getting at today. I did not receive the things in verse 17 without question or as part of justification. I simply did not get the memo that they were a package deal!
Maybe I'm a little nuts, (OK, I am) but this changes things for me. Somehow knowing that this is part of the unexplained, unfathomable gift of God, allows me to accept it and to walk with my head held high. Its not psycho-babble; when you OWN something, deep in your soul, you can walk in it, in Confidence. I do not doubt my salvation, but I had a very difficult time for many years believing and walking in God's love for me. My own insecurity and having never been loved without conditions before, made it difficult for me to grasp God's love ( and I don't think we ever will fully understand it).
There should be a book about what is ours (our heritage) in Christ. Who knows, maybe I'll write it!! It would certainly help someone like me! I am okay with the mysteries of God, I accept them. I struggle with the things that are vague or the things in the Word that say "if you do..." I struggle with them, because I know I could never be (on my own) "good enough" to claim them for myself. Claiming them, as part of my heritage in Christ, is a whole other story. Maybe that's it--taking myself out of the equation...
Father I thank you for revealing more of Yourself to me today. Help me to discern and walk in the fullness of Your grace today and every day and help me to extend Your grace to others. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen
As I read Is. 54 there are so many things I can relate to my own life and the lives and situations of friends as I pray for them, but one thing in particular stood out to me today that I never really noticed before. Vs. 17 (a very familiar and quoted verse) But no weapon formed against you shall prosper, ( usually where we stop) and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgement you shall show to be in the wrong. This (peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition) is the heritage of the servants of the Lord: this is the righteousness or vindication which they obtain from Me (this is that which I impart to them as their justification), says the Lord. (Amplified)
I never saw that before. I believed this verse as a promise, but never realized it as an impartation. Not that a promise of God is a small thing; that is not what I mean at all. This is part of what becomes ours at salvation! This is, therefore, foundational. This is a building block. So why am I just seeing this now... Its not that I did not know we had access to peace, or security or triumph over opposition; I simply did not know that they were imparted to me along with justification! Translated, that means they were things I strived for--I told you, I am a recovering perfectionist!
There are, lets face it, things that we believe, that we simply and completely acknowledge and take hold of by FAITH and faith alone. I cannot understand or comprehend (nor do I think anyone can) Justification. It is only through faith and by faith that we are justified. Its a mystery, but one that I accept gratefully and without question. I think the "without question" is the key to what I am getting at today. I did not receive the things in verse 17 without question or as part of justification. I simply did not get the memo that they were a package deal!
Maybe I'm a little nuts, (OK, I am) but this changes things for me. Somehow knowing that this is part of the unexplained, unfathomable gift of God, allows me to accept it and to walk with my head held high. Its not psycho-babble; when you OWN something, deep in your soul, you can walk in it, in Confidence. I do not doubt my salvation, but I had a very difficult time for many years believing and walking in God's love for me. My own insecurity and having never been loved without conditions before, made it difficult for me to grasp God's love ( and I don't think we ever will fully understand it).
There should be a book about what is ours (our heritage) in Christ. Who knows, maybe I'll write it!! It would certainly help someone like me! I am okay with the mysteries of God, I accept them. I struggle with the things that are vague or the things in the Word that say "if you do..." I struggle with them, because I know I could never be (on my own) "good enough" to claim them for myself. Claiming them, as part of my heritage in Christ, is a whole other story. Maybe that's it--taking myself out of the equation...
Father I thank you for revealing more of Yourself to me today. Help me to discern and walk in the fullness of Your grace today and every day and help me to extend Your grace to others. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Wisdom
Have you ever gone through a period of time in your life where it seems as though whichever way you choose is not necessarily wrong, but you are just not sure which way is the best? I have been praying and seeking God for Wisdom. I am in a place in my life where I am refusing to settle for the "Ishmael"; I want the "Isaac". I think this in itself is Wisdom! Wanting and being willing to wait (for what seems like a very long time!) for the very best, for the promise of God, rather than conjuring up my own blessing.
I have noticed an ugly pattern in my life. It is impatience. I don't mean to be impatient, but it seems that I wait and wait and wait for God to move and then, just before, I "throw in the towel" on God and jump back in to the driver's seat and steer myself into a man-made replica of the promise and blessing of God.
Am I alone in this? I think not... I have come to the conclusion recently, that I do this because of a lack of wisdom, rather than a lack of patience. Have you ever heard the saying "fools rush in"? The Bible speaks of the fool as one who lacks Godly wisdom and understanding. There are many times (far too many) that I fall into this category. I forget to ask for wisdom. I forget to ask for discernment. Sometimes, I refuse to listen. Fool!
Proverbs 9:4 Whoever is simple (easily led astray or wavering), let him turn in here! As for him who lacks understanding, Wisdom says, Come, eat of my bread and drink of my spiritual wine which I have mixed. Leave off simple ones and live! Walk in the way of insight and understanding. I, obviously have "turned in here", in reference to the gift of grace. I read the Word, sit under the teaching, attend Bible studies, pray etc., all of which increases wisdom and understanding. But, I believe (and have searched the Scriptures and found this to be true), that we are to ask God for wisdom. DAILY!!!!
He who lacks wisdom, let him ask. Sounds pretty clear to me! We are to seek wisdom as that which is more precious than rubies, diamonds or pearls. Remember, when this was written, they didn't have jewelery stores on every corner. I have to admit, I have not sought wisdom as I ought. I occasionally remember to ask. I needed the reminders today from Proverbs that wisdom is profitable for all of life. That He who heeds instruction and correction is( not only himself )in the way of life, but also is a way of life for others. (Prov 9:17)
I want length of days, favor with God, insight, understanding, everlasting riches and certainly, I want to be a way of life for others. I want Wisdom and all that it brings. How about you?
Father, I ask you for your wisdom, for your insight,and for your discernment in my life. I thank you, that when I lack anything, you bid me to come to you and ask, knowing that I will receive. You withhold nothing good from me. You do not give me a stick when I ask for a fish. I am your daughter, you withhold nothing good and beneficial from me. I thank you Father, in the name of Jesus. Amen
I have noticed an ugly pattern in my life. It is impatience. I don't mean to be impatient, but it seems that I wait and wait and wait for God to move and then, just before, I "throw in the towel" on God and jump back in to the driver's seat and steer myself into a man-made replica of the promise and blessing of God.
Am I alone in this? I think not... I have come to the conclusion recently, that I do this because of a lack of wisdom, rather than a lack of patience. Have you ever heard the saying "fools rush in"? The Bible speaks of the fool as one who lacks Godly wisdom and understanding. There are many times (far too many) that I fall into this category. I forget to ask for wisdom. I forget to ask for discernment. Sometimes, I refuse to listen. Fool!
Proverbs 9:4 Whoever is simple (easily led astray or wavering), let him turn in here! As for him who lacks understanding, Wisdom says, Come, eat of my bread and drink of my spiritual wine which I have mixed. Leave off simple ones and live! Walk in the way of insight and understanding. I, obviously have "turned in here", in reference to the gift of grace. I read the Word, sit under the teaching, attend Bible studies, pray etc., all of which increases wisdom and understanding. But, I believe (and have searched the Scriptures and found this to be true), that we are to ask God for wisdom. DAILY!!!!
He who lacks wisdom, let him ask. Sounds pretty clear to me! We are to seek wisdom as that which is more precious than rubies, diamonds or pearls. Remember, when this was written, they didn't have jewelery stores on every corner. I have to admit, I have not sought wisdom as I ought. I occasionally remember to ask. I needed the reminders today from Proverbs that wisdom is profitable for all of life. That He who heeds instruction and correction is( not only himself )in the way of life, but also is a way of life for others. (Prov 9:17)
I want length of days, favor with God, insight, understanding, everlasting riches and certainly, I want to be a way of life for others. I want Wisdom and all that it brings. How about you?
Father, I ask you for your wisdom, for your insight,and for your discernment in my life. I thank you, that when I lack anything, you bid me to come to you and ask, knowing that I will receive. You withhold nothing good from me. You do not give me a stick when I ask for a fish. I am your daughter, you withhold nothing good and beneficial from me. I thank you Father, in the name of Jesus. Amen
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Because I Rejoice in Your Salvation
There is so much to be gained in reading the Word of God each day! I awoke early this morning and have been reading the Book of 1 Samuel. Hannah's prayer encourages me. Her faith and her confidence in the Lord, which she exhibits through leaving her first born in the temple, reveals the secrets of God to my spirit. Quiet, confident trust; the assurance that comes from seeing God above all else or everyone else--awesome!
I was praying for a friend this morning who happens to be going through a trial that is far greater than she could ever manage on her own--the kind that does the greatest work in our hearts and lives--and as I was praying God revealed to me the bondage of intimidation in her life and said to pray that it be broken. He showed me that when we allow others to intimidate us, we are actually honoring that person over God.
In the Book of Samuel, Eli the priest was intimidated by his own sons and did not correct and discipline them as he should have. When God pronounced the judgement on Eli's house and cursed the generations of men to come, He did so, because Eli exulted his children over God, and allowed them to despise the offerings (sacrifices) to the Lord. They were evil; yet God saw Eli as equally guilty, because He knew of their sin and did nothing. He was intimidated by them; he did not recognize his God ordained position, not only as chief priest, but also as father.
We too have a God ordained position. We are first and foremost children of the Living God. We are heirs of the King of Kings! We have been given authority, through Christ, and we need to use the authority given us for the will of God on earth. We need never be intimidated--we have the power of God behind us--in us!
"My heart exults and triumphs in the Lord; my horn (my strength) is lifted up in the Lord. My mouth is no longer silent, for it is opened wide over my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation."
1 Sam 2:1
There is none like you, Lord! You have set your blessings over us, to a 1000 generations. I love you Lord, be exalted! Amen
I was praying for a friend this morning who happens to be going through a trial that is far greater than she could ever manage on her own--the kind that does the greatest work in our hearts and lives--and as I was praying God revealed to me the bondage of intimidation in her life and said to pray that it be broken. He showed me that when we allow others to intimidate us, we are actually honoring that person over God.
In the Book of Samuel, Eli the priest was intimidated by his own sons and did not correct and discipline them as he should have. When God pronounced the judgement on Eli's house and cursed the generations of men to come, He did so, because Eli exulted his children over God, and allowed them to despise the offerings (sacrifices) to the Lord. They were evil; yet God saw Eli as equally guilty, because He knew of their sin and did nothing. He was intimidated by them; he did not recognize his God ordained position, not only as chief priest, but also as father.
We too have a God ordained position. We are first and foremost children of the Living God. We are heirs of the King of Kings! We have been given authority, through Christ, and we need to use the authority given us for the will of God on earth. We need never be intimidated--we have the power of God behind us--in us!
"My heart exults and triumphs in the Lord; my horn (my strength) is lifted up in the Lord. My mouth is no longer silent, for it is opened wide over my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation."
1 Sam 2:1
There is none like you, Lord! You have set your blessings over us, to a 1000 generations. I love you Lord, be exalted! Amen
Thursday, July 14, 2011
That You May Know...
One of my most favorite passages of Scripture is in the Book of Ephesians. Paul is praying for us and He prays that we may know (practically, through experience) the love of Christ. That we may be filled (completely) with the presence of God.
As time passes, I can honestly, finally say, that I know God loves me. It took many years for the various healing, shame and insecurities to be swallowed up with the love of Christ; and I am so, so grateful. I look forward to realizing all the more, the height, depth, breadth and length of His love for me, but most of all, to be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love. I don't know about you, but no one on earth has ever loved me enough to make me feel secure; and certainly I have never known a love that is the very foundation of my life.
I love that Paul recognized that our knowing the love of Christ experiencially would not only take time, but that it requires Faith. Eph 3:17 May Christ through your faith dwell in your hearts!
I was encouraging a new friend yesterday, and I was reminding her that she is the daughter of the King! I was reminding her that His love for her is so immense, it is beyond what we can fathom. I told her that as she reflects on His love (through reading the Word, prayer, etc), that the fear she is experiencing will dissipate. Perfect love casts out fear. We cannot think on Christ and be afraid--its impossible! As I was so passionately telling her these things, I realized their truth for myself again and was encouraged! Its funny how that works...
I pray that you may have power to grasp with all the saints what is the breadth, and length and height and depth of the love of Christ for you. I pray that you may encourage others in His love as well. Amen
As time passes, I can honestly, finally say, that I know God loves me. It took many years for the various healing, shame and insecurities to be swallowed up with the love of Christ; and I am so, so grateful. I look forward to realizing all the more, the height, depth, breadth and length of His love for me, but most of all, to be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love. I don't know about you, but no one on earth has ever loved me enough to make me feel secure; and certainly I have never known a love that is the very foundation of my life.
I love that Paul recognized that our knowing the love of Christ experiencially would not only take time, but that it requires Faith. Eph 3:17 May Christ through your faith dwell in your hearts!
I was encouraging a new friend yesterday, and I was reminding her that she is the daughter of the King! I was reminding her that His love for her is so immense, it is beyond what we can fathom. I told her that as she reflects on His love (through reading the Word, prayer, etc), that the fear she is experiencing will dissipate. Perfect love casts out fear. We cannot think on Christ and be afraid--its impossible! As I was so passionately telling her these things, I realized their truth for myself again and was encouraged! Its funny how that works...
I pray that you may have power to grasp with all the saints what is the breadth, and length and height and depth of the love of Christ for you. I pray that you may encourage others in His love as well. Amen
Monday, July 11, 2011
He Renews My Faith
I have been around long enough to know that when I am hungry, angry, lonely and tired (HALT) it is time to take care of me! I know I am at that stage when all I can do is weep. Yesterday was one of those days... Its interesting to me today, after having slept, eaten, gotten in the Word, and taken a step back and looked at myself; how all that emotion can simply go away. I found myself yesterday literally yelling at God. "You said you are my provider, you said you're our Redeemer, our Deliverer..." I guess I wasn't feeling provided for, redeemed, or delivered at the time.
God, I have learned, is far bigger than anything I can throw at him. He can handle my meltdowns, like no one else can. He can handle my anger, my frustration, my doubts and all my pain; whether or not I sugar-coat it or I put it out there plainly. My prayer (of yelling) was just as holy as my prayer in quiet. They were both honest and from my heart. They were both a cry to Him! and therefore they were from a place of humility. I need Him. End of story.
The best part of walking with God is that He walks with me. He is always here, even when I am freaking out and no one else wants to be near me; and truth be told I don't want to be around anyone! He doesn't walk away and say "when you get it together, give me a call". He doesn't require me to "doll it up", before I bring it to Him. He simply says "Come. Come as you are." "Come unto me, all you, who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
When I come, He renews my strength. He renews my faith. He takes the burdens. He leaves His peace. He gives me rest and He reassures me, like no one else can.
I am His, and He is mine. Amen
God, I have learned, is far bigger than anything I can throw at him. He can handle my meltdowns, like no one else can. He can handle my anger, my frustration, my doubts and all my pain; whether or not I sugar-coat it or I put it out there plainly. My prayer (of yelling) was just as holy as my prayer in quiet. They were both honest and from my heart. They were both a cry to Him! and therefore they were from a place of humility. I need Him. End of story.
The best part of walking with God is that He walks with me. He is always here, even when I am freaking out and no one else wants to be near me; and truth be told I don't want to be around anyone! He doesn't walk away and say "when you get it together, give me a call". He doesn't require me to "doll it up", before I bring it to Him. He simply says "Come. Come as you are." "Come unto me, all you, who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
When I come, He renews my strength. He renews my faith. He takes the burdens. He leaves His peace. He gives me rest and He reassures me, like no one else can.
I am His, and He is mine. Amen
Monday, June 27, 2011
A Measure of Faith
My greatest privilege in parenting is the assurance of God that He has heard my prayer and His answer to it is "Yes and Amen". Through faith in my God, I am able to rest knowing that "His sovereign current will take my children to their final destination" --their eternal home with Him! ( quote of Rev. Ryan Young) What a beautiful image. Wrapping them in prayer and setting them in the river. Knowing that though they walk in Egypt; Egypt will not walk them. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. Nothing we do will cause Him to take his love from us. What a promise! What a gift!
Through the years, there have been few encouragements that have resonated in my spirit to the degree that this timely Word has. It has strengthened my soul. Obliterated the weariness and caused me to pick up my cross and continue, knowing the joy that is set before me!
We are instructed to put our hand to the plow and not look back. We are encouraged to not grow weary in well doing. As a parent, I have to admit, I had grown weary, deep in my soul. It is gut-wrenching to see your children follow after the things of this world and loose sight of that which is eternal. But God...He will not snuff out the smoldering flax! He renews our strength and allows us to soar on wings of eagles!
This week has been a battle. A battle fought and, by faith, won, on my knees and on my face before the Lord. Though my body is spent and exhausted, my spirit is alive with anticipation to see that which has been sealed in my heart, for my children, come to pass.
I believe God has given me a "measure of faith" to pray and partner with you, for your children. If this message is for you, and you would like me to partner with you in prayer, leave a comment with the name of your child/children. It is my great honor to believe with you for them. Amen
Through the years, there have been few encouragements that have resonated in my spirit to the degree that this timely Word has. It has strengthened my soul. Obliterated the weariness and caused me to pick up my cross and continue, knowing the joy that is set before me!
We are instructed to put our hand to the plow and not look back. We are encouraged to not grow weary in well doing. As a parent, I have to admit, I had grown weary, deep in my soul. It is gut-wrenching to see your children follow after the things of this world and loose sight of that which is eternal. But God...He will not snuff out the smoldering flax! He renews our strength and allows us to soar on wings of eagles!
This week has been a battle. A battle fought and, by faith, won, on my knees and on my face before the Lord. Though my body is spent and exhausted, my spirit is alive with anticipation to see that which has been sealed in my heart, for my children, come to pass.
I believe God has given me a "measure of faith" to pray and partner with you, for your children. If this message is for you, and you would like me to partner with you in prayer, leave a comment with the name of your child/children. It is my great honor to believe with you for them. Amen
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Wondering
Do you ever wonder why God answers some prayers and not others? I can't help but ponder this over and over. In all the years I have walked with the Lord, it has always been the one thing I would love to have an answer for. Some prayers I send up are answered quickly (like the one for my son last night!--Thank you Lord!) and others, I ask and ask and ask; some for years on end. I have studied the Scriptures and I have not found the answer to this quandry yet. I know that fasting and obedience and tithing and the like are all pertinent to a life devoted to God (spiritual disciplines) and while I am not perfect, I do practice these disciplines, but there is something so mysterious when it comes to prayer. Maybe I will never have the answer. Maybe, it is just one of the great mysteries of God. I can deal with that; but there is something in my Spirit that tells me to keep searching...
I am often surprised by the power of the Spirit of God, as I hope most of us are! I often, in my human thinking, put God in categories. Let me explain. There are certain times when I pray specifically that I am certain of what is "my job" and what is "God's job" when it comes to the answer to what I am asking of God. The written Word is clear as to what my position is and I am confident that as I stand in that position, and pray or fast or whatever, that God will do the rest as He sees fit. For example, I told my son yesterday that He was going to go to Church Camp. I had prayed about it for two weeks, ( I know that sounds strange, but trust me, it was a heart thing that required it) and finally believed that God had shown me that I must stand in the position He ordained (my parental authority). I have quite often run my home as a democracy--very rarely taking the authoritarian position, and some of my compromises have lead to disaster! Anyway, this was the position God required me to stand in, and so I did. My prayer was "okay Lord, I will take this position as you instruct, and I believe YOU will take care of the rest." I braced myself for the ensuing battle and I stood firm and lovingly behind my shield of faith as the flaming arrows shot from my little rebel's mouth! I continued to pray and asked others to join me (as the Word instructs) and by midnight, my son agreed that he would go to camp!
As I lay in bed last night, thanking God, and knowing full well that the battle for my son's heart conversion is not over and in fact, has only just begun, I asked God what the difference was in this prayer as opposed to others. I fell asleep rehearsing various Scripture in my mind and really seeking the answer as if there were some hidden angle or puzzle I had to figure out. This morning I woke with the thought (from God and His Word) that there is nothing hidden--everything in Him is light. He is not up there on His throne saying "I've got her now, she will never figure this one out--ha ha!" He is not a God of secrets. Jesus said that He revealed everything He knew of the Father so that WE could be one with Him as He is one with the Father.
Crazy thought satisfied! I have decided to continue with my study of the Scripture and beef up my prayer life. I don't know if I will find the answer to this question, but I do know that I do not know much, so this decision will be for the good!
Holy Spirit, I invite you to come upon me in power, so that I may be a witness throughout the world. In the Name above all Names, Jesus, I pray. Amen
I am often surprised by the power of the Spirit of God, as I hope most of us are! I often, in my human thinking, put God in categories. Let me explain. There are certain times when I pray specifically that I am certain of what is "my job" and what is "God's job" when it comes to the answer to what I am asking of God. The written Word is clear as to what my position is and I am confident that as I stand in that position, and pray or fast or whatever, that God will do the rest as He sees fit. For example, I told my son yesterday that He was going to go to Church Camp. I had prayed about it for two weeks, ( I know that sounds strange, but trust me, it was a heart thing that required it) and finally believed that God had shown me that I must stand in the position He ordained (my parental authority). I have quite often run my home as a democracy--very rarely taking the authoritarian position, and some of my compromises have lead to disaster! Anyway, this was the position God required me to stand in, and so I did. My prayer was "okay Lord, I will take this position as you instruct, and I believe YOU will take care of the rest." I braced myself for the ensuing battle and I stood firm and lovingly behind my shield of faith as the flaming arrows shot from my little rebel's mouth! I continued to pray and asked others to join me (as the Word instructs) and by midnight, my son agreed that he would go to camp!
As I lay in bed last night, thanking God, and knowing full well that the battle for my son's heart conversion is not over and in fact, has only just begun, I asked God what the difference was in this prayer as opposed to others. I fell asleep rehearsing various Scripture in my mind and really seeking the answer as if there were some hidden angle or puzzle I had to figure out. This morning I woke with the thought (from God and His Word) that there is nothing hidden--everything in Him is light. He is not up there on His throne saying "I've got her now, she will never figure this one out--ha ha!" He is not a God of secrets. Jesus said that He revealed everything He knew of the Father so that WE could be one with Him as He is one with the Father.
Crazy thought satisfied! I have decided to continue with my study of the Scripture and beef up my prayer life. I don't know if I will find the answer to this question, but I do know that I do not know much, so this decision will be for the good!
Holy Spirit, I invite you to come upon me in power, so that I may be a witness throughout the world. In the Name above all Names, Jesus, I pray. Amen
Monday, June 20, 2011
Community
Since arriving here in Savannah (almost 5 months ago), I have been praying for a new body of believers at the church I am attending. I have most especially been praying that each member would experience on a regular basis a "sense" of community there. I have observed for these last few months the people going in and out of the building, with very few lingering to talk with one another and enjoy the blessing of fellowship. I realize that my point of view may be a bit skewed, since I am new, and much of the time feel as though I am on the "outside looking in," but none the less, I continue to pray this blessing over these people continuously; knowing that even if this is a misconception on my part, that God will honor and reveal and answer as He sees fit.
Yesterday, we began a new study in the Book of Acts. The verse we looked at (Acts 1:8) was a verse I had memorized long ago and yet as I prayed it back to the Lord last night, He began to reveal something new to me that coin sides with the prayer for community I had already been praying. He showed me that the progression of being "His Witnesses in Jerusalem, all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth" begins with our church--this is, for each body of believers, their "Jerusalem" and when we have received and utilize the power of the Holy Spirit to build community and to witness to one another (building one another up, encouraging each other, praying for each other, etc) then the light of our witness of Him overflows to all Judea (further out on the ripple), then Samaria (further still), and to the ends of the earth. The progression, like that of dropping a rock in the water, has a ripple effect. The light of our testimony of Him becomes brighter and more powerful as we come into relationship with one another. One flashlight can help an individual see his way, but a few hundred or thousand flashlights who have come together can illuminate and guide a city!
I am not an island! I may live on one, but there are plenty of others who live here with me. As I prayed last night, God showed me the lonely hearts in our small church body, mine included, and it broke my heart as He revealed that it too, breaks His. Loneliness is not part of God's plan for us; His Church. He, our loving, gracious Father, created the church to be relational--with one another, adding to our numbers, and with Him. As I wept on my bed for the many "islands" in my church body, I cried out, too, for the power of the Holy Spirit to break the chains that bind us--that keep us from being transparent with each other and vulnerable, that hold us back from answering an alter call, stepping out of our comfort zones and joining a life group or simply walking up to someone and introducing ourselves. The bondage of fear keeps us stuck where we are. What a tactic of the enemy! But "the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much". So, I'm praying--how about you?
Yesterday, we began a new study in the Book of Acts. The verse we looked at (Acts 1:8) was a verse I had memorized long ago and yet as I prayed it back to the Lord last night, He began to reveal something new to me that coin sides with the prayer for community I had already been praying. He showed me that the progression of being "His Witnesses in Jerusalem, all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth" begins with our church--this is, for each body of believers, their "Jerusalem" and when we have received and utilize the power of the Holy Spirit to build community and to witness to one another (building one another up, encouraging each other, praying for each other, etc) then the light of our witness of Him overflows to all Judea (further out on the ripple), then Samaria (further still), and to the ends of the earth. The progression, like that of dropping a rock in the water, has a ripple effect. The light of our testimony of Him becomes brighter and more powerful as we come into relationship with one another. One flashlight can help an individual see his way, but a few hundred or thousand flashlights who have come together can illuminate and guide a city!
I am not an island! I may live on one, but there are plenty of others who live here with me. As I prayed last night, God showed me the lonely hearts in our small church body, mine included, and it broke my heart as He revealed that it too, breaks His. Loneliness is not part of God's plan for us; His Church. He, our loving, gracious Father, created the church to be relational--with one another, adding to our numbers, and with Him. As I wept on my bed for the many "islands" in my church body, I cried out, too, for the power of the Holy Spirit to break the chains that bind us--that keep us from being transparent with each other and vulnerable, that hold us back from answering an alter call, stepping out of our comfort zones and joining a life group or simply walking up to someone and introducing ourselves. The bondage of fear keeps us stuck where we are. What a tactic of the enemy! But "the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much". So, I'm praying--how about you?
Saturday, June 18, 2011
The Proof All Around Us
Life has a way of humbling you. It can be difficult at times and cause you to lose heart. But God has a way of using our experiences to move us forward and remind us of where we are going.
I have spent the last three weeks enjoying the presence of my daughter who has been visiting. While she was here I experienced a refreshing, joyful time with her filled with laughter and some once-in-a-lifetime experiences. We went horseback riding, visited with new friends, shopping and best of all kayaking; where God provided us with the gift of meeting one of his amazing creations. We were blessed to come upon a pod of dolphins while out on the water and it was truly awesome! They swam around us and under us, they popped up out of the water and were face to face with us, they allowed us to touch them and watch them interact with each other. It was truly amazing! As we were being entertained and awe struck by these marvelous creatures, I could not help but say out loud that God is Awesome! Not only did he create these beautiful, intelligent dolphin, but he gave us the desire of our hearts (most especially my daughter's heart desire) to interact with them. The look of wonder on her face was incomparable! There truly is, as Scripture reminds us, no excuse for not believing in such an awesome God--the proof is all around us! I was so humbled by the experience and so blessed at the same time.
The funny thing about being blessed in such a way as this, was that all I could think of was how much I wished my oldest son could have been there with us. I literally ached to be able to have shared this with him. Later that night, as I fell into bed exhausted, I was thanking the Lord for such an awesome gift and He gently reminded me that though this was an exceptional day, the most awesome gift He gave me was His grace. He began to reveal to me that all of His blessings flow from His gift of grace to us. I was humbled once again.
Who would have thought that a simple prayer to see a dolphin while we were kayaking could have moved the God of the Universe to send His Word to command His Creation to come, right where we were, at just the right time to bring us such an incredible blessing? To show each of us how much He loves us, and how great His grace and mercy and power are. Unfathomable: yet made simple, so we could receive it.
As we finished up our kayaking trip and the last dolphin swam away, some other people kayaking were finishing up as well. I asked if they enjoyed the dolphin as much as we had (they were there for the last few minutes of our blessing!) and one of the women said, " its amazing that evolution had allowed them to breathe out of a hole on their head." I could not help but speak that "the only amazing thing was the intricate design of the Creator of everything--God Himself and to Him ALONE be all the Glory!"
No Way would anything or anyone else ever get the credit for this! GOD ALONE. Amen!
I have spent the last three weeks enjoying the presence of my daughter who has been visiting. While she was here I experienced a refreshing, joyful time with her filled with laughter and some once-in-a-lifetime experiences. We went horseback riding, visited with new friends, shopping and best of all kayaking; where God provided us with the gift of meeting one of his amazing creations. We were blessed to come upon a pod of dolphins while out on the water and it was truly awesome! They swam around us and under us, they popped up out of the water and were face to face with us, they allowed us to touch them and watch them interact with each other. It was truly amazing! As we were being entertained and awe struck by these marvelous creatures, I could not help but say out loud that God is Awesome! Not only did he create these beautiful, intelligent dolphin, but he gave us the desire of our hearts (most especially my daughter's heart desire) to interact with them. The look of wonder on her face was incomparable! There truly is, as Scripture reminds us, no excuse for not believing in such an awesome God--the proof is all around us! I was so humbled by the experience and so blessed at the same time.
The funny thing about being blessed in such a way as this, was that all I could think of was how much I wished my oldest son could have been there with us. I literally ached to be able to have shared this with him. Later that night, as I fell into bed exhausted, I was thanking the Lord for such an awesome gift and He gently reminded me that though this was an exceptional day, the most awesome gift He gave me was His grace. He began to reveal to me that all of His blessings flow from His gift of grace to us. I was humbled once again.
Who would have thought that a simple prayer to see a dolphin while we were kayaking could have moved the God of the Universe to send His Word to command His Creation to come, right where we were, at just the right time to bring us such an incredible blessing? To show each of us how much He loves us, and how great His grace and mercy and power are. Unfathomable: yet made simple, so we could receive it.
As we finished up our kayaking trip and the last dolphin swam away, some other people kayaking were finishing up as well. I asked if they enjoyed the dolphin as much as we had (they were there for the last few minutes of our blessing!) and one of the women said, " its amazing that evolution had allowed them to breathe out of a hole on their head." I could not help but speak that "the only amazing thing was the intricate design of the Creator of everything--God Himself and to Him ALONE be all the Glory!"
No Way would anything or anyone else ever get the credit for this! GOD ALONE. Amen!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
When its Hard to Bless
We all struggle with a variety of areas in our Walk. I am no different! Lately, God has had His finger on one particular area; my tongue! As you know, I share a home with my 16 year old. As you probably have guessed by now, he frustrates the life out of me! Sometimes, I have a hard time remembering that I love him--he "pushes my buttons" like no one else can. I am desperately trying not to bash him with my words. I especially am trying not to use words like "always" and "never" as they are words that simply are not accurate. My struggle is that when he frustrates me, I throw the entire relationship with him (16 years) into one pot. The truth is that he, with all his issues, was a delight until the last couple of years. So throwing his entire life in the pot of frustration is not fair. But when I see red--its all I see and my memory fails me.
1Peter 3:9 Never return evil for evil or insult for insult (scolding, tongue-lashing or berating) but on the contrary blessing (praying for their welfare, happiness and protection, truly pitying and loving) them. For know that to this you have been called, that you may yourselves inherit a blessing, bringing welfare, happiness and protection. (Amplified)
When we put ourselves in a position of defense, we create a condition in our hearts that invites offense. Think about this for a minute. If I am continuously feeling like my child's behavior is a personal attack, and I am constantly defending my position as the authority in our home. I have created in my heart a condition that invites offense. This is a dangerous condition! If my heart suffers with this condition, it will always be looking for offenses and the enemy will have a field day with that. It will transfer itself to every relationship. Soon, I will have only enmity rather than love. Let us not forget, sin takes us further than we ever want to go and keeps us longer than we ever wanted to stay.
But God... by His grace,and through His Holy Spirit, shows me the areas in which I need to grow. As I pray and ask Him to create in me a pure heart, He reveals the ugliness and sets out on the mission of removing it. It is a process, and if I keep myself on the alter and allow Him to do the work, He will rid me of this hideous condition and bring me one step closer to resembling Him!
As I look back over my life, I see that this condition has plagued my heart for many years and caused many failed relationships. Now that I see it, (now that God has revealed it) I am disgusted by it and ready for Him to remove it. This is not to say I won't be frustrated by my teenager or anyone else for that matter; but I can choose how I respond and God will enable me to walk it out the way He would--with love and compassion, pity and prayer. My new position will be offensive rather than defensive. This is how we score! This is how I will win my race!
Are you asking God to show you areas in which you need growth? He is gentle and merciful. His yoke is light. He is faithful to forgive and remove the diseases of our hearts. Amen!
1Peter 3:9 Never return evil for evil or insult for insult (scolding, tongue-lashing or berating) but on the contrary blessing (praying for their welfare, happiness and protection, truly pitying and loving) them. For know that to this you have been called, that you may yourselves inherit a blessing, bringing welfare, happiness and protection. (Amplified)
When we put ourselves in a position of defense, we create a condition in our hearts that invites offense. Think about this for a minute. If I am continuously feeling like my child's behavior is a personal attack, and I am constantly defending my position as the authority in our home. I have created in my heart a condition that invites offense. This is a dangerous condition! If my heart suffers with this condition, it will always be looking for offenses and the enemy will have a field day with that. It will transfer itself to every relationship. Soon, I will have only enmity rather than love. Let us not forget, sin takes us further than we ever want to go and keeps us longer than we ever wanted to stay.
But God... by His grace,and through His Holy Spirit, shows me the areas in which I need to grow. As I pray and ask Him to create in me a pure heart, He reveals the ugliness and sets out on the mission of removing it. It is a process, and if I keep myself on the alter and allow Him to do the work, He will rid me of this hideous condition and bring me one step closer to resembling Him!
As I look back over my life, I see that this condition has plagued my heart for many years and caused many failed relationships. Now that I see it, (now that God has revealed it) I am disgusted by it and ready for Him to remove it. This is not to say I won't be frustrated by my teenager or anyone else for that matter; but I can choose how I respond and God will enable me to walk it out the way He would--with love and compassion, pity and prayer. My new position will be offensive rather than defensive. This is how we score! This is how I will win my race!
Are you asking God to show you areas in which you need growth? He is gentle and merciful. His yoke is light. He is faithful to forgive and remove the diseases of our hearts. Amen!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Walk by Faith
2Cor 5:7 For we walk by faith ( we regulate our lives and conduct ourselves by our conviction or belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, with trust and holy fervor; thus we walk) not by sight or appearance. (Amplified)
Some new friends here in Savannah are moving in a few weeks due to a job relocation. I have been praying for them as I am fully familiar with picking up your life and moving it to another place. One of the things God put on my heart to do for them, is research the various churches in their new community. One less thing they will have to do! As I was doing this today, the Scripture above came to mind. As I read it over and over in the Amplified version and prayed about it, I came to realize what an awesome challenge and courageous venture it is to walk in this world according to our faith; Regulating our lives and our Conduct according to our conviction or belief.
It occurred to me as I sat with this verse, that while we have solid convictions of belief ie: the inerrant Word of God, the plan of Salvation, the Trinity, the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, etc--the foundations of our faith--there are also the individual convictions that the Holy Spirit brings to us personally in which we must conduct ourselves. The "tweaking" in our character, or the areas in which we struggle with sin. As we learn to live our lives, open to the Spirit's direction, we fulfill the purposes of God, not only in us but through us, for others. The statement is easier to make than to live! The struggle I find is in the "not by sight" part of the verse.
I struggle with this area. I truly want to please God. I desire to hear His leadings and be obedient, to move when He says move and to stay put when He says stay. The problem is, I would like the directions to be more clear! Maybe its the remnants of perfectionism in me, but I would love it if I could know without a doubt that I was hearing the promptings of God, and not my self. And that is the challenge we all face! We want to know, without a doubt. That is not possible!
He assigns us these seemingly impossible tasks, knowing that they are impossible for us; knowing that we will have to seek Him and walk in faith, wondering if we heard Him correctly; clinging to Him, asking Him to illuminate the next step, getting small assurances along the way, calling out to Him, moving further and further. Its like fumbling around in the dark, and yet it is this walk, this process, that leads us to fulfillment. The Scripture doesn't say we must run by faith, it says walk for a reason! God wants us to stay in touch! Daily, sometimes moment by moment. He knows when to send the little encouragements; He knows when to be completely silent, so that we rely on what we know of Him. He knows what it will take to turn our hearts toward Him, and He knows how to assuage the doubts that creep in. ... With trust and holy fervor we walk.
If I had to be truly honest, I would say that even though I step out in faith, the trust and holy fervor are accumulated along the path. The truth is, I may be willing, but I don't usually have a clue what the cost is, and that is where God comes in. He is building faith. He is cultivating trust. He is trodding over doubts. These are the "alters" of my life with Him. These are the places I visit over and over, as I walk by faith. They are my reminders of His faithfulness. They are the pillars I lean on when I am too weary to continue. These are the building blocks of my Strong Tower.
Walking by faith has become a balance of looking to God, (who is in the lead), examining self and looking back at my "alters".
Some new friends here in Savannah are moving in a few weeks due to a job relocation. I have been praying for them as I am fully familiar with picking up your life and moving it to another place. One of the things God put on my heart to do for them, is research the various churches in their new community. One less thing they will have to do! As I was doing this today, the Scripture above came to mind. As I read it over and over in the Amplified version and prayed about it, I came to realize what an awesome challenge and courageous venture it is to walk in this world according to our faith; Regulating our lives and our Conduct according to our conviction or belief.
It occurred to me as I sat with this verse, that while we have solid convictions of belief ie: the inerrant Word of God, the plan of Salvation, the Trinity, the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, etc--the foundations of our faith--there are also the individual convictions that the Holy Spirit brings to us personally in which we must conduct ourselves. The "tweaking" in our character, or the areas in which we struggle with sin. As we learn to live our lives, open to the Spirit's direction, we fulfill the purposes of God, not only in us but through us, for others. The statement is easier to make than to live! The struggle I find is in the "not by sight" part of the verse.
I struggle with this area. I truly want to please God. I desire to hear His leadings and be obedient, to move when He says move and to stay put when He says stay. The problem is, I would like the directions to be more clear! Maybe its the remnants of perfectionism in me, but I would love it if I could know without a doubt that I was hearing the promptings of God, and not my self. And that is the challenge we all face! We want to know, without a doubt. That is not possible!
He assigns us these seemingly impossible tasks, knowing that they are impossible for us; knowing that we will have to seek Him and walk in faith, wondering if we heard Him correctly; clinging to Him, asking Him to illuminate the next step, getting small assurances along the way, calling out to Him, moving further and further. Its like fumbling around in the dark, and yet it is this walk, this process, that leads us to fulfillment. The Scripture doesn't say we must run by faith, it says walk for a reason! God wants us to stay in touch! Daily, sometimes moment by moment. He knows when to send the little encouragements; He knows when to be completely silent, so that we rely on what we know of Him. He knows what it will take to turn our hearts toward Him, and He knows how to assuage the doubts that creep in. ... With trust and holy fervor we walk.
If I had to be truly honest, I would say that even though I step out in faith, the trust and holy fervor are accumulated along the path. The truth is, I may be willing, but I don't usually have a clue what the cost is, and that is where God comes in. He is building faith. He is cultivating trust. He is trodding over doubts. These are the "alters" of my life with Him. These are the places I visit over and over, as I walk by faith. They are my reminders of His faithfulness. They are the pillars I lean on when I am too weary to continue. These are the building blocks of my Strong Tower.
Walking by faith has become a balance of looking to God, (who is in the lead), examining self and looking back at my "alters".
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
In the Position of Blessing
As I prayed for my son last night, I asked God to show me a way that I could bless him for his birthday today. I have no means for material gifts at the moment, and as most parents would, I am feeling badly because of it. I want to bless him simply because He is my child. I decided that, as a 16 year old boy, he would most like for me to allow him to get his driver's permit. While I have major reservations about him getting his license right now, I thought that getting the permit would not only bless him, but encourage him as well. So, I took the card that I had bought him and signed the permission for permit that has been sitting on my desk since we arrived here in Savannah, and I put them both on the counter so that he would see them when he went out the door for school. That was the plan...
As usual, getting my son out of bed in the morning is a chore. This morning, it was a battle! After arguing, he got up and slammed the door of his room, locking it; and to my surprise went out the window, never coming out to the kitchen to realize the blessing I had prepared for him.
I say all of that not as a "put down" of my son, but because it reminded me of how God must feel. God loves us and so desires to bless us; yet we do not always put ourselves in a position of receiving His blessings.
Throughout the Bible we read the stories of rebellion and disobedience. The children of Israel were famous for their disobedience and they suffered time and time again, for it. The reality of it is that God requires obedience for our benefit. Gen 20:12 Regard and treat with honor, due obedience and courtesy, your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land the Lord your God gives you. As I read this verse today, I saw something that I had not seen before. Not only does this verse speak of obedience to earthly parents and to God, as our Father, but it speaks of the lengthening of our days in the land that he promised to His people. The very land they wandered around for 40 years and didn't enter because of their disobedience.
As I thought on that, I thought about the promises of the New Covenant. I thought about my own disobedience and how it causes suffering and keeps me from entering in to all (the fullness) of Christ. While we live in grace--the unmerited favor of God through the sacrifice of Christ--there are still consequences for our sin. The degree of peace, the unrealized blessings because I did not follow His leadings, not to mention the blessing to someone else that should have come but didn't, because I failed to speak the word of exhortation God put on my heart for them. All of these things and more, keep us from seeing and realizing the right hand of God in this life.
And like me, wanting to bless my son, God wants to pour out on us, His Children, the riches of His Glory in Christ. We need to position ourselves through obedience and faith for His blessing. Deut 11:26 Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse--the blessing if you obey...and the curse if you will not obey. God gave Israel the choice; and He presents each of us with the same choice each day. While we are no longer under the law, God still requires our obedience. He is just. It is His nature; it can not be changed. Yes, we who are under grace are already blessed. Rom 4:8 Blessed and happy and to be envied is the person of whose sin the Lord will take no account nor reckon it against him. In addition, under grace, there are blessings for those who trust, who are steadfast, who endure and who adhere to (our obedient in) the things of God.
I want to be in a position to receive the blessings from His right hand each and every day. I don't want to miss a single one!
Father, forgive us our failings and trespasses. Teach us to trust you completely and to love you obediently. Help us to see your blessings toward us and to be vehicles for your blessings to others. We thank You and praise Your Mighty Name. Amen
As usual, getting my son out of bed in the morning is a chore. This morning, it was a battle! After arguing, he got up and slammed the door of his room, locking it; and to my surprise went out the window, never coming out to the kitchen to realize the blessing I had prepared for him.
I say all of that not as a "put down" of my son, but because it reminded me of how God must feel. God loves us and so desires to bless us; yet we do not always put ourselves in a position of receiving His blessings.
Throughout the Bible we read the stories of rebellion and disobedience. The children of Israel were famous for their disobedience and they suffered time and time again, for it. The reality of it is that God requires obedience for our benefit. Gen 20:12 Regard and treat with honor, due obedience and courtesy, your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land the Lord your God gives you. As I read this verse today, I saw something that I had not seen before. Not only does this verse speak of obedience to earthly parents and to God, as our Father, but it speaks of the lengthening of our days in the land that he promised to His people. The very land they wandered around for 40 years and didn't enter because of their disobedience.
As I thought on that, I thought about the promises of the New Covenant. I thought about my own disobedience and how it causes suffering and keeps me from entering in to all (the fullness) of Christ. While we live in grace--the unmerited favor of God through the sacrifice of Christ--there are still consequences for our sin. The degree of peace, the unrealized blessings because I did not follow His leadings, not to mention the blessing to someone else that should have come but didn't, because I failed to speak the word of exhortation God put on my heart for them. All of these things and more, keep us from seeing and realizing the right hand of God in this life.
And like me, wanting to bless my son, God wants to pour out on us, His Children, the riches of His Glory in Christ. We need to position ourselves through obedience and faith for His blessing. Deut 11:26 Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse--the blessing if you obey...and the curse if you will not obey. God gave Israel the choice; and He presents each of us with the same choice each day. While we are no longer under the law, God still requires our obedience. He is just. It is His nature; it can not be changed. Yes, we who are under grace are already blessed. Rom 4:8 Blessed and happy and to be envied is the person of whose sin the Lord will take no account nor reckon it against him. In addition, under grace, there are blessings for those who trust, who are steadfast, who endure and who adhere to (our obedient in) the things of God.
I want to be in a position to receive the blessings from His right hand each and every day. I don't want to miss a single one!
Father, forgive us our failings and trespasses. Teach us to trust you completely and to love you obediently. Help us to see your blessings toward us and to be vehicles for your blessings to others. We thank You and praise Your Mighty Name. Amen
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
For His Name Sake
As I cry out to the Lord today, I am reminded of the Scripture in Daniel 9:19. "O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive, O Lord, give heed and act! Do not delay, for Your own sake, O my God, because Your city and Your people are called by Your name." As His child, I am invited to come boldly before His throne and make my plea. God answers because of His Covenant and His Name. Vs. 23 " At the beginning of your prayers, the Word, giving an answer, went forth..." While I see delay, and the waiting may seem endless; there are reasons for the delay. There is a battle raging in the Heavenly realms, that I am not aware of. BUT GOD... has sent forth His answer and by His Holy Spirit, He speaks. (Dan 10:12) "Then he said to me, FEAR NOT, for from the first day that you set your mind and heart to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come as a consequence of and in response to your words."
My God is Faithful! My God hears and responds to my prayers! He wages war in the Heavenly Realms on my behalf, for His Name's sake!
Without the Word of God, I could not endure this season of my life. It alone is life to me. I am reminded every time I pick it up, of the words of the Apostle Peter, "Lord, to whom shall we go? For You have the words of eternal life." (Jn 6:67) There are seasons in the life of every Believer in which God brings us to the place where there is nothing and no one for us to rely on, except Him. He allows us to be stripped and emptied so that He may clothe us and fill us with Himself. While it may be the most frightening time in our lives, if we can cleave to Him and endure it, His reward (both here and in eternity) will be immense.
I have a Helper. I have a Comforter. I have the Holy Spirit of God living in me. It is Him who rises up, as I decrease, and "it is the Spirit Who Gives Life: the flesh conveys no benefit whatever (there is no profit in it). The words that I (Jesus) have spoken to you are spirit and life" (Jn 6:63) I can not rely on my emotions to tell me the truth, I must rely on the One who is the Word, who is the Truth; to lead me and direct my paths.
I will never tell anyone that this is easy--it is NOT. I heard a woman preacher, when I was first saved, speak on this very topic. I did not understand then as I do now, but I always remembered this little tune she sang; it was something the Spirit spoke to her during a period of stripping. "I am not moved by your tears." The are times when God must not be moved by our tears, in order that He do a work in us. There are times when the cup we are asking Him to take away, is the very cup that will bring the fulfillment of His purpose for our lives into being.
And so I sing that tune to myself today, as a reminder to myself that God is on the throne; that He has sent His answer from the very first day I humbled myself and called out to Him; and that this cup, though it be filled with tears, is the very cup with which God will bring blessing to others. Jesus poured Himself out for me; who am I to think that He would not require the same of me.
Father I thank you for Your Word. I thank You for the Comforter in the midst of this season, and I surrender myself to You. Have Your way, for the glory of Your Name. Amen (so be it)
My God is Faithful! My God hears and responds to my prayers! He wages war in the Heavenly Realms on my behalf, for His Name's sake!
Without the Word of God, I could not endure this season of my life. It alone is life to me. I am reminded every time I pick it up, of the words of the Apostle Peter, "Lord, to whom shall we go? For You have the words of eternal life." (Jn 6:67) There are seasons in the life of every Believer in which God brings us to the place where there is nothing and no one for us to rely on, except Him. He allows us to be stripped and emptied so that He may clothe us and fill us with Himself. While it may be the most frightening time in our lives, if we can cleave to Him and endure it, His reward (both here and in eternity) will be immense.
I have a Helper. I have a Comforter. I have the Holy Spirit of God living in me. It is Him who rises up, as I decrease, and "it is the Spirit Who Gives Life: the flesh conveys no benefit whatever (there is no profit in it). The words that I (Jesus) have spoken to you are spirit and life" (Jn 6:63) I can not rely on my emotions to tell me the truth, I must rely on the One who is the Word, who is the Truth; to lead me and direct my paths.
I will never tell anyone that this is easy--it is NOT. I heard a woman preacher, when I was first saved, speak on this very topic. I did not understand then as I do now, but I always remembered this little tune she sang; it was something the Spirit spoke to her during a period of stripping. "I am not moved by your tears." The are times when God must not be moved by our tears, in order that He do a work in us. There are times when the cup we are asking Him to take away, is the very cup that will bring the fulfillment of His purpose for our lives into being.
And so I sing that tune to myself today, as a reminder to myself that God is on the throne; that He has sent His answer from the very first day I humbled myself and called out to Him; and that this cup, though it be filled with tears, is the very cup with which God will bring blessing to others. Jesus poured Himself out for me; who am I to think that He would not require the same of me.
Father I thank you for Your Word. I thank You for the Comforter in the midst of this season, and I surrender myself to You. Have Your way, for the glory of Your Name. Amen (so be it)
Sunday, May 15, 2011
This is the Day!
"This is the day the Lord has made, Let us rejoice and be glad in it!" I woke today with a headache and found myself in the same circumstances I was in yesterday. However, "His mercies are new each morning" and I can face the day with praise and thanksgiving! As I walk with the Lord, I realize more and more that true Worship and Reverence are evidenced by how I respond in the tough places. Like anything else, I am free to choose my response.
Today, I choose to rejoice! In the Light of His presence, in the beauty of my surroundings, in the blessings of His right hand. I am His and nothing can take me from His grip!
I pray that your response to God today will be the same.
Today, I choose to rejoice! In the Light of His presence, in the beauty of my surroundings, in the blessings of His right hand. I am His and nothing can take me from His grip!
I pray that your response to God today will be the same.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Press
Everything profitable comes through effort. I was thinking earlier today about the process of " re-inventing myself", and what a popular catch phrase it has become. The phrase has been made popular primarily by women in their forties and later who after years of raising a family, or embracing the corporate life and their career, are rounding a corner, so to speak, and finding themselves at a crossroad. I see more evidence of women my age and a bit older, who are now worn out by the "I can bring home the bacon, and fry it up in the pan"syndrome and "I can do it all and have it all" nonsense. They are now realizing what is important to them and what they can live without for the sake of fulfillment. They, like me, are in a place of examining themselves; what they enjoy, what they are good at, what their gifts and talents are, and how to maximize those things so that they not only bring financial, but also mental, emotional and spiritual satisfaction.
I hope and pray, that if anyone finds themself in this place, they remember to seek God for the answers to these questions. "Every good and Perfect gift is from above". All of my gifts and talents, skills and limitations are from God. "Apart from Him, I can do nothing". God is an expert designer! He is an excellent Lifecoach! He is all about making things "new again", and He knows me more intimately than I know myself. I could not imagine facing the re-invention process without Him.
I am finding, as I walk through this process, that I meet resistance at every turn. I am also finding that I am growing stronger in Spirit as I press against the resistance I face. The enemy of my soul would love for me to cower and run away, but it is not my desire to simply visit my Calling, but rather to live in it! For the first time in my life I am thriving in my hard places!
The Bible says of Samuel, John the Baptist and Jesus, that they "grew and became strong in Spirit." They worked at it. They allowed themselves to be disciplined. They were obedient. They cultivated in themselves a place for the Spirit to dwell. They did not coast through life, they pressed against the resistance. So can I, and so can you! One of my most favorite Scriptures is Habakkuk 3:19 The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds' feet and will make me to walk, not stand still in terror, but to walk and make spiritual progress upon my high places of trouble, suffering or responsibility.(Amplified)
Regardless of the season of life I am in, or how things change, He is my Source. It may seem that it is time to re-invent myself, but the truth is, He created me, and short of my willingness to obey, I don't have much to do with the calling He placed on me. I am His to use; however He sees fit. He, who began a good work in me, is faithful and able to perfect it and bring it to completion.
I hope and pray, that if anyone finds themself in this place, they remember to seek God for the answers to these questions. "Every good and Perfect gift is from above". All of my gifts and talents, skills and limitations are from God. "Apart from Him, I can do nothing". God is an expert designer! He is an excellent Lifecoach! He is all about making things "new again", and He knows me more intimately than I know myself. I could not imagine facing the re-invention process without Him.
I am finding, as I walk through this process, that I meet resistance at every turn. I am also finding that I am growing stronger in Spirit as I press against the resistance I face. The enemy of my soul would love for me to cower and run away, but it is not my desire to simply visit my Calling, but rather to live in it! For the first time in my life I am thriving in my hard places!
The Bible says of Samuel, John the Baptist and Jesus, that they "grew and became strong in Spirit." They worked at it. They allowed themselves to be disciplined. They were obedient. They cultivated in themselves a place for the Spirit to dwell. They did not coast through life, they pressed against the resistance. So can I, and so can you! One of my most favorite Scriptures is Habakkuk 3:19 The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds' feet and will make me to walk, not stand still in terror, but to walk and make spiritual progress upon my high places of trouble, suffering or responsibility.(Amplified)
Regardless of the season of life I am in, or how things change, He is my Source. It may seem that it is time to re-invent myself, but the truth is, He created me, and short of my willingness to obey, I don't have much to do with the calling He placed on me. I am His to use; however He sees fit. He, who began a good work in me, is faithful and able to perfect it and bring it to completion.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Who Needs Rose Colored Glasses
The way we measure success in our culture has little to do with God's measure. In our society, we are to be independent; in God's, we are to depend and rely on Him. In this world we are measured by our social class, in God's , there are no classes, we are all one in Him. In the world, our success is measured by the amount of money we have and what material possessions we own. In God's, we are measured by what we give and the attitude with which we give... I say all this as a reminder, mostly to myself, to be careful how we view things.
I can get entangled fairly easily in the world view. It wouldn't take much for me to look at my own circumstances right now and think "what a loser", "can't even support her own family", "not much use", and myriad of other negative thoughts; if my eyes were not focused on Christ. I could grumble and complain. I could compare myself to someone else and stumble in self-pity. I could be miserable and ungrateful. I could, if I didn't have my Christ-colored glasses on.
With my Christ-colored glasses I realize that everything I have and everything I am is from God. There is no need then, for me to compare myself to anyone else. I understand that I am responsible to use what I have and who I am, to bring God glory and honor. I know that God wants me to multiply what He has given me, and when He returns, I will give an account to Him for all of it.
With my Christ-colored glasses on, I am able to be grateful and content in all things. I am willing to give whatever to whomever God instructs; be it as simple as a smile or word of encouragement, an invitation for coffee and conversation, or sharing my story with someone who needs Jesus too. With my special glasses on, the ones that help me to see Jesus and all that He cares about, I am able to lay down my life for others and give, even the little I have, back to Him.
Success is doing the best I can, with what I have,where I am, right now, with a good attitude. I can do that, as long as I have my Christ Colored glasses on!
Father, help us to continuously fix our eyes on Jesus; be an imitator of Him in word, deed and heart, For Your glory. In His mighty name we pray. Amen
I can get entangled fairly easily in the world view. It wouldn't take much for me to look at my own circumstances right now and think "what a loser", "can't even support her own family", "not much use", and myriad of other negative thoughts; if my eyes were not focused on Christ. I could grumble and complain. I could compare myself to someone else and stumble in self-pity. I could be miserable and ungrateful. I could, if I didn't have my Christ-colored glasses on.
With my Christ-colored glasses I realize that everything I have and everything I am is from God. There is no need then, for me to compare myself to anyone else. I understand that I am responsible to use what I have and who I am, to bring God glory and honor. I know that God wants me to multiply what He has given me, and when He returns, I will give an account to Him for all of it.
With my Christ-colored glasses on, I am able to be grateful and content in all things. I am willing to give whatever to whomever God instructs; be it as simple as a smile or word of encouragement, an invitation for coffee and conversation, or sharing my story with someone who needs Jesus too. With my special glasses on, the ones that help me to see Jesus and all that He cares about, I am able to lay down my life for others and give, even the little I have, back to Him.
Success is doing the best I can, with what I have,where I am, right now, with a good attitude. I can do that, as long as I have my Christ Colored glasses on!
Father, help us to continuously fix our eyes on Jesus; be an imitator of Him in word, deed and heart, For Your glory. In His mighty name we pray. Amen
Monday, May 9, 2011
The Limits of Love
"I have seen that everything human has its limits and end, no matter how extensive, noble and excellent; but Your commandment is exceedingly broad and extends without limits into eternity." Ps 119:96
My daughter is writing a paper for her English class Love and War. She must write an academic paper on Love. How hard is that? I don't envy her plight. At 19 years old, one does not know much about love--at 44 years old, I am not much further ahead of her! What I do know is this: The kind of love we have for one another is temporal, unless God infuses it with Himself. God is Love, the Bible tells us. So, the way I see it, I am only capable of loving someone through God.
Jesus summed up the law (which the verse above is referring to) in one word: Love. We are to Love God and Love our neighbor as ourself. If I re-read the verse above and inject the words "to love" after "commandment", I see a glimpse of the truth that to love another person requires God. God would not command us to love without enabling us to do so. The Bible says, "All your commandments are faithful and sure" (Ps 119:86) This is because God is faithful and He is a solid foundation (sure). If I continue to love people in my own strength then my human love, which has many limitations, will end and die with me. It will not produce the everlasting fruit that God desires.
"Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you." (Jer 31:3) God loved you, prior to your birth, prior to your parents or grandparents birth! As far back as the foundatons of the earth and even before that! God was and is love, and therefore His love is without any limitations of time.
I was telling my daughter last night, that love is like wind, we can not see it, but there is plenty of evidence that it exists. In order for her to write an academic paper on something as intangible as love, she will have to approach it from the arena of evidence. I love that God approached us in the same way. "For God so loved the world, He gave His only son..." (Jn 3:16) God's love was evidenced by the fact that He gave. God did not expect us to understand His love for us without evidence. He designed the earth for us so that it would supply our needs. He designed our bodies so that, if we took care of them, they could heal themselves. He designed a plan of salvation so that we could have access to Him forever. He disciplines us, so that we will learn righteousness. These are the evidences of His love, and there are many, many others! There are no limits in the love of God.
One of the other things I mentioned to my daughter, is the fact that love is a choice; an act of free will. Many people think that love is a feeling or emotion, but they are sadly mistaken. The freedom to love or not is a choice, and that choice may produce emotions, but its not the other way around. You cannot, contrary to the popular belief, "fall in love"; you choose to love. You choose to take the steps necessary to get to know someone, you choose to share yourself with that someone, and you choose whether or not someone holds a place of value in your life. If this were not true, God would not have designed the plan of Salvation for us. He would simply have caused each of us to love Him and therefore obey Him, forever. Love is relational because God is relational. He wants us to want Him! He allows us to choose. The same is true of Jesus' command to us. "love your neighbor". We can choose to do that or not. The evidence of whether or not we belong to God is found in how we love our neighbor. If we belong to God and he is love, then we are able to love our neighbor in an everlasting way; a way that produces "fruit" (evidence). The evidence of God's love in us, causes others to choose God, which causes them to love, which causes others to come and so on. It is how we cause others to want what we have. Jesus. This is the everlasting evidence of love. It is everlasting, because each person who chooses God, will spend eternity with Him. This is where love is limitless!
My daughter is writing a paper for her English class Love and War. She must write an academic paper on Love. How hard is that? I don't envy her plight. At 19 years old, one does not know much about love--at 44 years old, I am not much further ahead of her! What I do know is this: The kind of love we have for one another is temporal, unless God infuses it with Himself. God is Love, the Bible tells us. So, the way I see it, I am only capable of loving someone through God.
Jesus summed up the law (which the verse above is referring to) in one word: Love. We are to Love God and Love our neighbor as ourself. If I re-read the verse above and inject the words "to love" after "commandment", I see a glimpse of the truth that to love another person requires God. God would not command us to love without enabling us to do so. The Bible says, "All your commandments are faithful and sure" (Ps 119:86) This is because God is faithful and He is a solid foundation (sure). If I continue to love people in my own strength then my human love, which has many limitations, will end and die with me. It will not produce the everlasting fruit that God desires.
"Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you." (Jer 31:3) God loved you, prior to your birth, prior to your parents or grandparents birth! As far back as the foundatons of the earth and even before that! God was and is love, and therefore His love is without any limitations of time.
I was telling my daughter last night, that love is like wind, we can not see it, but there is plenty of evidence that it exists. In order for her to write an academic paper on something as intangible as love, she will have to approach it from the arena of evidence. I love that God approached us in the same way. "For God so loved the world, He gave His only son..." (Jn 3:16) God's love was evidenced by the fact that He gave. God did not expect us to understand His love for us without evidence. He designed the earth for us so that it would supply our needs. He designed our bodies so that, if we took care of them, they could heal themselves. He designed a plan of salvation so that we could have access to Him forever. He disciplines us, so that we will learn righteousness. These are the evidences of His love, and there are many, many others! There are no limits in the love of God.
One of the other things I mentioned to my daughter, is the fact that love is a choice; an act of free will. Many people think that love is a feeling or emotion, but they are sadly mistaken. The freedom to love or not is a choice, and that choice may produce emotions, but its not the other way around. You cannot, contrary to the popular belief, "fall in love"; you choose to love. You choose to take the steps necessary to get to know someone, you choose to share yourself with that someone, and you choose whether or not someone holds a place of value in your life. If this were not true, God would not have designed the plan of Salvation for us. He would simply have caused each of us to love Him and therefore obey Him, forever. Love is relational because God is relational. He wants us to want Him! He allows us to choose. The same is true of Jesus' command to us. "love your neighbor". We can choose to do that or not. The evidence of whether or not we belong to God is found in how we love our neighbor. If we belong to God and he is love, then we are able to love our neighbor in an everlasting way; a way that produces "fruit" (evidence). The evidence of God's love in us, causes others to choose God, which causes them to love, which causes others to come and so on. It is how we cause others to want what we have. Jesus. This is the everlasting evidence of love. It is everlasting, because each person who chooses God, will spend eternity with Him. This is where love is limitless!
Friday, May 6, 2011
More on Doubt...
Oswald Chambers said, "Doubt is not always a sign that a man is wrong; it may be a sign that he is thinking."
So much of my Christian Faith gives way to questions. When I was young in the Lord, I thought it wrong to question the things that didn't make sense to me. Now that I've walked with God a while, I find myself asking many questions. Clarity is something I need. It's kind of like Order or Air or Food or Water. You understand what I'm saying. It's a "Type A" thing, I guess. Yet so much of our Faith is a mystery and often times I find myself walking blind. Not blind in the sense that I don't know Whom I'm following, but blind in the sense that "I think I'm behind you Lord, but I can't see through all this darkness."
What is it about the darkness, that makes us question what we know? I have a fairly small condo, and the layout is quite simple; it is just an open space with a bedroom on either end. I know the space like the back of my hand. Yet, when I forget to turn the light on in the bedroom before shutting off the one in the kitchen, it takes me a lot more time to get from one room to the other, even though I know the way. It's as though I had never stepped foot in this space and I don't have a clue what the layout is or how to maneuver through it!
Sometimes the darkness in our life is like that too. My hands are out and I am consumed with feeling my way through things when all I really need to do is recall (bring to mind and remember) that which I know. I know I have walked with the Lord through many dark times in my life. I know that when the time was right, God revealed Himself and what I needed. I know that He supplied everything I needed. I know that I could never have come up with the answer He brought to the situation. I know that when the light of Christ finally goes on, it will all be clear; maybe not all at once, but eventually. Yet, with each new trial that comes my way, I still have the same sense that it is pitch dark and I'm walking around blindly in this new darkness. Now, I have experienced more peace in the trials as the years have accumulated, and I have gone from shaking my fists at God to saying "in your timing, Lord", but, its still dark, and its still scary and the outcome is still unknown, and the doubts still come...
I can't help but wonder, if the darkness (trials in life) is meant to bring doubt. I have found in my experience, that the doubts I have, when I am walking through very difficult times, are not so much of who God is, or what He can do (His power), but I question who I am in Him. Do I have what it takes to cling to Him through this? Do I have enough faith to ride out this storm? Do I trust Him with every detail of my life? Will He really take care of me? Is there something I have done that would cause Him to turn away from me? (this may be my Catholic upbringing (?) or it may be that I just can't comprehend unconditional love.) In recent years, there has been a particularly large amount of difficulty and "dark" times in my life and at times I have been distraught by the amount of time it took for me to see God's light or revelation or illumination. What I have noticed, however, is that in those times, God has revealed something to me about Himself that has altered my thinking and released me to love deeper than I had before the situation began. My doubts led me to a deeper understanding of God. Perhaps, as there is a circle of life (lion king!) there is a full circle to doubt as well; and when doubt has come full circle, there is life abundantly!
As I grow in Christ, I realize more and more that very little matters, except how we Love one another. I am finding that all the trials in my life come down to this point. Sometimes I have chosen not to love, sometimes I simply didn't know how and God showed me, and sometimes I didn't understand the question at all, and God had to bring me through it and test me again, hoping that this time I would pass the test! I may be slow, but I am beginning to understand, its all about Love--for Him and for others.
Create in me a pure heart, O Lord. That I may love as you have loved. Amen
So much of my Christian Faith gives way to questions. When I was young in the Lord, I thought it wrong to question the things that didn't make sense to me. Now that I've walked with God a while, I find myself asking many questions. Clarity is something I need. It's kind of like Order or Air or Food or Water. You understand what I'm saying. It's a "Type A" thing, I guess. Yet so much of our Faith is a mystery and often times I find myself walking blind. Not blind in the sense that I don't know Whom I'm following, but blind in the sense that "I think I'm behind you Lord, but I can't see through all this darkness."
What is it about the darkness, that makes us question what we know? I have a fairly small condo, and the layout is quite simple; it is just an open space with a bedroom on either end. I know the space like the back of my hand. Yet, when I forget to turn the light on in the bedroom before shutting off the one in the kitchen, it takes me a lot more time to get from one room to the other, even though I know the way. It's as though I had never stepped foot in this space and I don't have a clue what the layout is or how to maneuver through it!
Sometimes the darkness in our life is like that too. My hands are out and I am consumed with feeling my way through things when all I really need to do is recall (bring to mind and remember) that which I know. I know I have walked with the Lord through many dark times in my life. I know that when the time was right, God revealed Himself and what I needed. I know that He supplied everything I needed. I know that I could never have come up with the answer He brought to the situation. I know that when the light of Christ finally goes on, it will all be clear; maybe not all at once, but eventually. Yet, with each new trial that comes my way, I still have the same sense that it is pitch dark and I'm walking around blindly in this new darkness. Now, I have experienced more peace in the trials as the years have accumulated, and I have gone from shaking my fists at God to saying "in your timing, Lord", but, its still dark, and its still scary and the outcome is still unknown, and the doubts still come...
I can't help but wonder, if the darkness (trials in life) is meant to bring doubt. I have found in my experience, that the doubts I have, when I am walking through very difficult times, are not so much of who God is, or what He can do (His power), but I question who I am in Him. Do I have what it takes to cling to Him through this? Do I have enough faith to ride out this storm? Do I trust Him with every detail of my life? Will He really take care of me? Is there something I have done that would cause Him to turn away from me? (this may be my Catholic upbringing (?) or it may be that I just can't comprehend unconditional love.) In recent years, there has been a particularly large amount of difficulty and "dark" times in my life and at times I have been distraught by the amount of time it took for me to see God's light or revelation or illumination. What I have noticed, however, is that in those times, God has revealed something to me about Himself that has altered my thinking and released me to love deeper than I had before the situation began. My doubts led me to a deeper understanding of God. Perhaps, as there is a circle of life (lion king!) there is a full circle to doubt as well; and when doubt has come full circle, there is life abundantly!
As I grow in Christ, I realize more and more that very little matters, except how we Love one another. I am finding that all the trials in my life come down to this point. Sometimes I have chosen not to love, sometimes I simply didn't know how and God showed me, and sometimes I didn't understand the question at all, and God had to bring me through it and test me again, hoping that this time I would pass the test! I may be slow, but I am beginning to understand, its all about Love--for Him and for others.
Create in me a pure heart, O Lord. That I may love as you have loved. Amen
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Assurances from John 15
I have been doing a lot of studying for a project I am working on. One of the great things about the Holy Spirit is the fact that He leads us in truth. He brings assurances to our hearts and minds from the Word of God. At times, the enemy comes with his lies, and I need to fend him off with the truth and assurances I have as one of God's own. Here are a few of those assurances from John 15
I know I am His because:
15:1 Jesus is truth: I am the true Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser.
15:2 He (the Father) prunes me:...He cleanses and prunes repeatedly every branch that continues to bear fruit, in order that it bears more and richer and more excellent fruit.
15:4 I abide in Him and He abides in me: Dwell in Me and I will dwell in you. No branch can bear fruit on its own, without abiding in (being vitally united to) the Vine...
15:5 I bear fruit!: Whoever lives in me and I in him; bears much fruit
15:7 His Word lives forever in my heart: If you abide in me my words will continue to live in your heart.
15:7 I have been invited to ask anything of the Father: If you live in me and my words continue to live in your hearts, Ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.
15:8 I honor God: When you bear (produce) fruit My Father is honored and Glorified, and you show and prove yourselves to be true followers of Mine.
15:9 He loves me and I love Him: I have loved you as the Father has loved me; Abide in my love and continue in His love with me.
15:10 I know I live in His love because I obey His commands: If you keep my commandments ( if you continue to obey my instructions) you will abide in my love and live on (eternally) in it.
15:11 I have joy when I obey: I have told you these things that my joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy and gladness may be of full measure and complete and overflowing.
15:12 I Love: This is My Commandment: that you love one another just as I have loved you.
15:13 He enables me to put aside my wants and needs for the benefit of others: No one has greater love (no one has shown greater affection) than to lay down his life for his friends.
15:14 I have the Fear of the Lord: You are my friends IF you keep doing the things which I command you to do. * We demonstrate Reverence through Obedience
15:15 I am a friend of God: I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from My Father. I have revealed to you everything I learned from Him.
15:16 He chose me: You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you.
15:16 The fruit I bear is eternal: ...and appointed you that you may bear fruit, and keep on bearing it, and that your fruit may be lasting (that it may remain and abide forever)...
15:17 I grow in Love: This is my command: that you love one another. *from the previous verse, we are to continuously ask that we be enabled to fulfill that this command.
15:19 I Do Not belong to This World: If you belonged to this world, the world would treat you with affection and would love you as its own. But because you are not of this world; because I selected you out of this world, the world hates (detests) you.
15:21 I share in Jesus' sufferings: The world hated me and they will hate you also...they will do all this to you because you bear my name and on my account, for they do not understand the One who sent me.
15:26 I have received the Holy Spirit: But when the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, and Standby) comes...He will testify regarding Me. *The Holy Spirit is the way that makes abiding possible.
15:27 I confess Him and Testify of Him: You also will testify and be my witnesses because you have been with me. *We need to abide in Him to bear witness to Him
Are you His? Do you have the assurance that comes from the Holy Spirit and His Word?
Father, thank you for your Word. Thank you for your Holy Spirit that bears witness to my heart that I belong to You. Keep us continually abiding in You and Grow us up in Your love that we may bear fruit that is everlasting. We Thank You and Praise You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen
I know I am His because:
15:1 Jesus is truth: I am the true Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser.
15:2 He (the Father) prunes me:...He cleanses and prunes repeatedly every branch that continues to bear fruit, in order that it bears more and richer and more excellent fruit.
15:4 I abide in Him and He abides in me: Dwell in Me and I will dwell in you. No branch can bear fruit on its own, without abiding in (being vitally united to) the Vine...
15:5 I bear fruit!: Whoever lives in me and I in him; bears much fruit
15:7 His Word lives forever in my heart: If you abide in me my words will continue to live in your heart.
15:7 I have been invited to ask anything of the Father: If you live in me and my words continue to live in your hearts, Ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.
15:8 I honor God: When you bear (produce) fruit My Father is honored and Glorified, and you show and prove yourselves to be true followers of Mine.
15:9 He loves me and I love Him: I have loved you as the Father has loved me; Abide in my love and continue in His love with me.
15:10 I know I live in His love because I obey His commands: If you keep my commandments ( if you continue to obey my instructions) you will abide in my love and live on (eternally) in it.
15:11 I have joy when I obey: I have told you these things that my joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy and gladness may be of full measure and complete and overflowing.
15:12 I Love: This is My Commandment: that you love one another just as I have loved you.
15:13 He enables me to put aside my wants and needs for the benefit of others: No one has greater love (no one has shown greater affection) than to lay down his life for his friends.
15:14 I have the Fear of the Lord: You are my friends IF you keep doing the things which I command you to do. * We demonstrate Reverence through Obedience
15:15 I am a friend of God: I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from My Father. I have revealed to you everything I learned from Him.
15:16 He chose me: You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you.
15:16 The fruit I bear is eternal: ...and appointed you that you may bear fruit, and keep on bearing it, and that your fruit may be lasting (that it may remain and abide forever)...
15:17 I grow in Love: This is my command: that you love one another. *from the previous verse, we are to continuously ask that we be enabled to fulfill that this command.
15:19 I Do Not belong to This World: If you belonged to this world, the world would treat you with affection and would love you as its own. But because you are not of this world; because I selected you out of this world, the world hates (detests) you.
15:21 I share in Jesus' sufferings: The world hated me and they will hate you also...they will do all this to you because you bear my name and on my account, for they do not understand the One who sent me.
15:26 I have received the Holy Spirit: But when the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, and Standby) comes...He will testify regarding Me. *The Holy Spirit is the way that makes abiding possible.
15:27 I confess Him and Testify of Him: You also will testify and be my witnesses because you have been with me. *We need to abide in Him to bear witness to Him
Are you His? Do you have the assurance that comes from the Holy Spirit and His Word?
Father, thank you for your Word. Thank you for your Holy Spirit that bears witness to my heart that I belong to You. Keep us continually abiding in You and Grow us up in Your love that we may bear fruit that is everlasting. We Thank You and Praise You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen
Monday, May 2, 2011
Freedom in Doubt
Ever experience a paradigm shift in your thinking? Yesterday my Pastor started a new series on Doubt, and it was an awakening of sorts for my soul! I guesss, for me, I have always felt guilty for having doubts in my walk with the Lord. There has always been a negative connotation asssociated with doubt in my estimations. Some things have always raised questions for me, and for a period in my life, those questions caused me to make some choices that were not good for me and my family.
Yesterday the message that was preached from the pulpit was liberating! Doubt is a gift! Not the curse I have always believed it to be. I will attempt to do justice to what I learned yesterday in this post and I pray that the Holy Spirit will do the rest, so that you may experience this shift in thinking as well, if need be...
"Doubt is what brings many people out of their old beliefs and into faith in Jesus." When my daughter was a year old she had an accident that shook my world and the outcome of that accident changed the course of my life and the lives of my family forever. She got hold of a bottle of nail glue, somehow removed the top and it poured down her tiny little arm. This glue was from a "bad batch" and within seconds of hitting her clothing the temperature of this catalyst rose to over 387 degrees burning through her clothing and through the layers of skin on her wrist. She immediately went into shock and I into action. I will spare you the gruesome details but suffice it to say that we went through a couple of surgeries, skin graphs and tremendous pain. We were told at the time, by the doctors that she would never have use of her wrist because the tendons, nerves and muscles were burned and they could only do so much.
As a mom, I was stricken with guilt and fear. I was not a Believer at the time, but something inside me told me that someone needed to lay hands on her and pray for her. I took my daughter and spent an entire day driving her from church to church looking for someone--some priest or minister or whatever--to pray for her. It was mind boggling to me that no one I came into contact with that day would do what I requested! Yes, they said they would pray, but the voice in me was saying "lay hands on her and pray" it was very specific. The Catholic priest said they didn't do that, and the other ministers looked at me like I had six heads!
I brought my daughter home in tears and I remember yelling out loud in the car, "Doesn't anyone believe in you God?". These men were supposed to be servants of God, yet they did not believe that He could heal my child! The voice inside me would not go away, and I became a women on a mission, trying to find someone to pray for her healing. I was working at a salon at the time, and one of the women I worked with (who was a bit peculiur!) said to me that she would pray for my daughter. She said she believed that as she layed her hands on my baby, the child would be healed. She went on to say, when I questioned her extensively, that as a child of the Living God, she had the right to call on the power of the Name of Jesus for every need that presented itself and that I could as well, if I believed on Him. I did not understand, but I allowed her to lay hands on my girl and pray. She drove to my home after work, and the prayer she prayed and the faith she had in the One she prayed to, altered our lives forever. I knew, without a doubt, that my daughter was healed. I also knew, that I needed what she had.
I went with her to church that Sunday, with my children, and not only did I receive the gift of Salvation, but I dedicated my children to the Lord as well. That was 18 years ago, and my daughter, in case you were wondering, is healed.
"Don't reject what you KNOW because of what you don't yet understand." Having been raised in the Catholic Church and having gone to Catholic school my whole life, I knew that the Bible was full of stories of Jesus healing people when he touched them. They were just stories to me then, but now they are Truth to me. Some things have happened along the way that have caused me to doubt, not so much the facts of who God is or His power, but more of who I am, as His child. The source of my doubt is usually found in my emotions and my choices, not the facts.
Matthew 5:8 says, Blessed (happy, enviably fortunate and spiritually prosperpous--possessing the happiness produced by the experience of God's favor and especially conditioned by the revelation of His grace, regardless of their condition) is the pure in heart, for they shall see God! (Amplified) Obedience combined with right living and the disciplines of reading the Word of God and daily prayer, bring CLARITY.
Without doubt, you can't really go deeper into faith. So, that is my paradigm shift. God is not afraid of my questions, as a matter of fact, He desires my questions, because He knows they will keep me seeking Him.
Father I thank you for the gift of doubt! I thank you for your Holy Spirit, who leads me in all truth. I thank you for counting me out of the crowd and making me one of Your children. I thank you for the power of Your Name, which is now at my disposal. I love you Lord. Keep me, keep us, ever questioning and ever seeking You. Amen
Yesterday the message that was preached from the pulpit was liberating! Doubt is a gift! Not the curse I have always believed it to be. I will attempt to do justice to what I learned yesterday in this post and I pray that the Holy Spirit will do the rest, so that you may experience this shift in thinking as well, if need be...
"Doubt is what brings many people out of their old beliefs and into faith in Jesus." When my daughter was a year old she had an accident that shook my world and the outcome of that accident changed the course of my life and the lives of my family forever. She got hold of a bottle of nail glue, somehow removed the top and it poured down her tiny little arm. This glue was from a "bad batch" and within seconds of hitting her clothing the temperature of this catalyst rose to over 387 degrees burning through her clothing and through the layers of skin on her wrist. She immediately went into shock and I into action. I will spare you the gruesome details but suffice it to say that we went through a couple of surgeries, skin graphs and tremendous pain. We were told at the time, by the doctors that she would never have use of her wrist because the tendons, nerves and muscles were burned and they could only do so much.
As a mom, I was stricken with guilt and fear. I was not a Believer at the time, but something inside me told me that someone needed to lay hands on her and pray for her. I took my daughter and spent an entire day driving her from church to church looking for someone--some priest or minister or whatever--to pray for her. It was mind boggling to me that no one I came into contact with that day would do what I requested! Yes, they said they would pray, but the voice in me was saying "lay hands on her and pray" it was very specific. The Catholic priest said they didn't do that, and the other ministers looked at me like I had six heads!
I brought my daughter home in tears and I remember yelling out loud in the car, "Doesn't anyone believe in you God?". These men were supposed to be servants of God, yet they did not believe that He could heal my child! The voice inside me would not go away, and I became a women on a mission, trying to find someone to pray for her healing. I was working at a salon at the time, and one of the women I worked with (who was a bit peculiur!) said to me that she would pray for my daughter. She said she believed that as she layed her hands on my baby, the child would be healed. She went on to say, when I questioned her extensively, that as a child of the Living God, she had the right to call on the power of the Name of Jesus for every need that presented itself and that I could as well, if I believed on Him. I did not understand, but I allowed her to lay hands on my girl and pray. She drove to my home after work, and the prayer she prayed and the faith she had in the One she prayed to, altered our lives forever. I knew, without a doubt, that my daughter was healed. I also knew, that I needed what she had.
I went with her to church that Sunday, with my children, and not only did I receive the gift of Salvation, but I dedicated my children to the Lord as well. That was 18 years ago, and my daughter, in case you were wondering, is healed.
"Don't reject what you KNOW because of what you don't yet understand." Having been raised in the Catholic Church and having gone to Catholic school my whole life, I knew that the Bible was full of stories of Jesus healing people when he touched them. They were just stories to me then, but now they are Truth to me. Some things have happened along the way that have caused me to doubt, not so much the facts of who God is or His power, but more of who I am, as His child. The source of my doubt is usually found in my emotions and my choices, not the facts.
Matthew 5:8 says, Blessed (happy, enviably fortunate and spiritually prosperpous--possessing the happiness produced by the experience of God's favor and especially conditioned by the revelation of His grace, regardless of their condition) is the pure in heart, for they shall see God! (Amplified) Obedience combined with right living and the disciplines of reading the Word of God and daily prayer, bring CLARITY.
Without doubt, you can't really go deeper into faith. So, that is my paradigm shift. God is not afraid of my questions, as a matter of fact, He desires my questions, because He knows they will keep me seeking Him.
Father I thank you for the gift of doubt! I thank you for your Holy Spirit, who leads me in all truth. I thank you for counting me out of the crowd and making me one of Your children. I thank you for the power of Your Name, which is now at my disposal. I love you Lord. Keep me, keep us, ever questioning and ever seeking You. Amen
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Do You Have A Vision?
Most of us have heard the Proverb "without a vision, the people perish", but what is vision? How do we get one? and What do we do with it when we have it?
I have had the privilege over the years to plant some seeds in the minds and hearts of some teenagers--mostly friends of my kids, who have now gone off to college. It is interesting to me, that these kids are now face booking me and some are reading this Blog. It shows me, that the youth of our Nation and, perhaps, the World, are hungry for truth and pretty certain that the world around them is not supplying it. One of my latest messages came from a young man who had struggled with drugs and got clean while on probation and then dabbled a bit more when "the man" stopped checking on him. During the period he was clean, he spent a lot of time in my home. His message was to thank me for the counsel, advise and encouragement I offered him during that time; it was also a cry for more.
This young man is not unlike so many of us. He needs a Vision. Perhaps, he needs several! My prayer for him and many others who do not yet know the Lord as their Savior, is that God will pour out His Spirit, as promised in the last days, and the young men will have visions...( Acts 2:17) I pray, for all these young people and for all of us, that the while the secret things belong to God, the things that are revealed belong to us and our children forever, that we may do all that the words of the law. (Deut 29:29)
He needs to cultivate a relationship with His Maker and he needs to seek that Maker for a vision for his life. These are the visions I pray for, not only for this young man but for all who know Him not: The first is a Revelation vision of who God is. The second is that of his own need of God--a Redemptive vision. The third is a Relational vision. The exchange and conversations between Creator and created. The fourth is a Requirement vision --what God has purposed for us to accomplish here on earth. And the last is a Reward vision--spending eternity with God. I believe that without each of these visions--daily motivators--we will not be able to "run the race" successfully.
It is a pleasure to be able to water the seeds I planted. I am thankful that God would give me the opportunity. I am thankful that the distance between us is shortened by social media. This powerful tool allows us the privilege of spreading the Gospel even where are feet do not touch!
Ps. 36:11 Let not the foot of pride overtake me, and let not the hand of the wicked drive me away. Father, I pray for the youth of our land. I pray that you would pour out Your Spirit and draw them onto Yourself. I thank You that even now you are stirring them with a hunger for Truth; Lord let them be met with Truth on every side. I pray for revelation, visions, dreams, social media, and any other means You would use to draw this generation unto Yourself. I pray Lord for this young man in particular. I know you have a plan for his life. Let nothing thwart the fulfillment of that plan. I pray also for my own children, and those of my friends, that they would turn again and walk with You all the days of their lives. I pray for Awakening. Let Your Spirit Flow. Use me for these purposes and any other You decide. Thank You Lord. Amen
I have had the privilege over the years to plant some seeds in the minds and hearts of some teenagers--mostly friends of my kids, who have now gone off to college. It is interesting to me, that these kids are now face booking me and some are reading this Blog. It shows me, that the youth of our Nation and, perhaps, the World, are hungry for truth and pretty certain that the world around them is not supplying it. One of my latest messages came from a young man who had struggled with drugs and got clean while on probation and then dabbled a bit more when "the man" stopped checking on him. During the period he was clean, he spent a lot of time in my home. His message was to thank me for the counsel, advise and encouragement I offered him during that time; it was also a cry for more.
This young man is not unlike so many of us. He needs a Vision. Perhaps, he needs several! My prayer for him and many others who do not yet know the Lord as their Savior, is that God will pour out His Spirit, as promised in the last days, and the young men will have visions...( Acts 2:17) I pray, for all these young people and for all of us, that the while the secret things belong to God, the things that are revealed belong to us and our children forever, that we may do all that the words of the law. (Deut 29:29)
He needs to cultivate a relationship with His Maker and he needs to seek that Maker for a vision for his life. These are the visions I pray for, not only for this young man but for all who know Him not: The first is a Revelation vision of who God is. The second is that of his own need of God--a Redemptive vision. The third is a Relational vision. The exchange and conversations between Creator and created. The fourth is a Requirement vision --what God has purposed for us to accomplish here on earth. And the last is a Reward vision--spending eternity with God. I believe that without each of these visions--daily motivators--we will not be able to "run the race" successfully.
It is a pleasure to be able to water the seeds I planted. I am thankful that God would give me the opportunity. I am thankful that the distance between us is shortened by social media. This powerful tool allows us the privilege of spreading the Gospel even where are feet do not touch!
Ps. 36:11 Let not the foot of pride overtake me, and let not the hand of the wicked drive me away. Father, I pray for the youth of our land. I pray that you would pour out Your Spirit and draw them onto Yourself. I thank You that even now you are stirring them with a hunger for Truth; Lord let them be met with Truth on every side. I pray for revelation, visions, dreams, social media, and any other means You would use to draw this generation unto Yourself. I pray Lord for this young man in particular. I know you have a plan for his life. Let nothing thwart the fulfillment of that plan. I pray also for my own children, and those of my friends, that they would turn again and walk with You all the days of their lives. I pray for Awakening. Let Your Spirit Flow. Use me for these purposes and any other You decide. Thank You Lord. Amen
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Meeting God
I was reading in the Old Testament today, Book of Exodus, about the Tent of Meeting or the Tabernacle. It always astonishes me. The attention to detail that God required of the Israelites in building the Tabernacle was all a foreshadowing for Christ. I studied the Tabernacle about 10 years ago in Bible School and it was truly fascinating. There were so many requirements for the people to come into the Presence of God. Only the High Priest could enter the place called The Holy of Holies, and at that, only once a year. Individuals could not access God. The priests were the only ones. I can't imagine having to go to a priest every time I had a request. Thank God, my High Priest--Jesus-- is with me always and that His Holy Spirit leads me!
As I think on all of that, knowing that Jesus' death and resurrection opens the way for us to enter in to God's presence, I can't help but think that I may enter in to it too lightly at times.
As human beings and as Americans in general, we do not esteem things the way we once did. We have become so utterly casual with everything. We focus on our comfort above most else, and don't even get me started on our speech! But I think, in all of this, we are the ones who lose. When everything is common place, then nothing is revered. I fear that many of us have that view of God.
Jesus' sacrifice has made coming before a Holy God permissible, but He still must be revered. The Bible continuously talks about the "Fear of the Lord". This is not so that we live in fear of God, but that we honor Him, Worship Him, seek Him, Live our lives as Holy--right living unto God. We are to be Righteous because He is Righteous, forgiving, because He is Forgiving. Having the fear of the Lord is loving Him.
Jesus instructed us to pray: Our Father, Who are in Heaven, HALLOWED be Your Name... (Lk 11)
To be hallowed is to be consecrated, set apart and revered. We are to view God as Higher than anything else in the world! We are also, since He is Hallowed, to set ourselves apart. We are live in this world, but not of this world. Meaning that the things that the world goes after--sexual immorality, greed, power, lies, deceitfulness, gossip and all the rest, are not to be what we choose for ourselves. We are to be different, because He is different and we are His.
When Jesus set himself apart from the others to pray, He prayed on His knees or on his face before God. I have to admit, I have not always taken this position physically. I spend my prayer time most days in my bed. But today as I was reading this, I was convicted in my heart that I should physically bow my body as I do my heart, when I pray. Just one more way to demonstrate to a Holy God my reverence of Him.
Lord, You alone are Holy, You alone are the Most High God. I love you and worship you with my whole heart. Holy Spirit, help me to always remember my place when I come before my Father. Thank you Lord Jesus for being my mediator, my High Priest. It is only by your blood, that I can even come. Praise Your Name. Amen
As I think on all of that, knowing that Jesus' death and resurrection opens the way for us to enter in to God's presence, I can't help but think that I may enter in to it too lightly at times.
As human beings and as Americans in general, we do not esteem things the way we once did. We have become so utterly casual with everything. We focus on our comfort above most else, and don't even get me started on our speech! But I think, in all of this, we are the ones who lose. When everything is common place, then nothing is revered. I fear that many of us have that view of God.
Jesus' sacrifice has made coming before a Holy God permissible, but He still must be revered. The Bible continuously talks about the "Fear of the Lord". This is not so that we live in fear of God, but that we honor Him, Worship Him, seek Him, Live our lives as Holy--right living unto God. We are to be Righteous because He is Righteous, forgiving, because He is Forgiving. Having the fear of the Lord is loving Him.
Jesus instructed us to pray: Our Father, Who are in Heaven, HALLOWED be Your Name... (Lk 11)
To be hallowed is to be consecrated, set apart and revered. We are to view God as Higher than anything else in the world! We are also, since He is Hallowed, to set ourselves apart. We are live in this world, but not of this world. Meaning that the things that the world goes after--sexual immorality, greed, power, lies, deceitfulness, gossip and all the rest, are not to be what we choose for ourselves. We are to be different, because He is different and we are His.
When Jesus set himself apart from the others to pray, He prayed on His knees or on his face before God. I have to admit, I have not always taken this position physically. I spend my prayer time most days in my bed. But today as I was reading this, I was convicted in my heart that I should physically bow my body as I do my heart, when I pray. Just one more way to demonstrate to a Holy God my reverence of Him.
Lord, You alone are Holy, You alone are the Most High God. I love you and worship you with my whole heart. Holy Spirit, help me to always remember my place when I come before my Father. Thank you Lord Jesus for being my mediator, my High Priest. It is only by your blood, that I can even come. Praise Your Name. Amen
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