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

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

Alleluia

HE   IS   RISEN!!!!!!
               
                 AND


            HE  WILL  RETURN...

The Good Old Days?

I was reading the Book of Samuel last night and over and over throughout the book it told the stories of the servants of God going before the Lord with very specific questions and how they received very specific answers from God.  I noticed that some of the answers were audible--they were heard with human senses, while other times, there was no mention of how the answer came to be "heard".  As my eyes became heavy with sleep, I drifted off thinking how great it would be if the audible voice of God was the way He led His people still...

When I woke up this morning, the first thing on my mind and heart was the very thing that was there when I fell asleep.   Only now, the voice of the Holy Spirit was leading me in Truth!  Lk 9:62  And Jesus said to him, "no one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back at the things behind is fit for the kingdom of God." 

Jesus was and is all about the "new".  He is our new covenant with God.  He is doing a new thing among us.  He has given us a new spirit to lead us in all truth.  He gave us a new commandment.  He gives us a new heart.  His mercies are new each morning.  We are to look with great expectation to a new Heaven and a new Earth .  We are to put on the new nature of Him.  He will give us a new name and a new body.  We are a new creation and are given a new birth!    Wow!  Forgive me Lord for my foolish thoughts.

Being led by the Holy Spirit is a special gift.  But it is a leading that needs to be cultivated.  I am in no way discounting the Holy Spirit here, just follow this with me.  I simply mean that (for me) I must be in a place of prayer, quiet, obedience, etc  to hear the leading.  Now let me clarify that further.  I have heard the promptings of the Holy Spirit in a noisy airport!  What I mean is that I must live a life of prayer and the discipline of quietness before the Lord.  I must cultivate a relationship with God through worship, prayer, waiting on Him, and obedience to His word.  It is in this relationship, that I enjoy the give and take or the conversation with God.

Years ago I had a husband who was, shall I say, difficult to please. (OK, darn near impossible to please!)  Anyway, I would do everything in my power to make sure that when he came home, all would be clean and perfect---no noise from the kids, nothing out of place--so as not to upset him for he often became violent.    One day, I prayed about what to make him for dinner.  I know that sounds crazy, but I prayed about everything related to him because I was so fearful.  On this particular day, I heard in my Spirit that I should prepare a salad.  "A salad?"  I must have heard wrong...He was usually ravenous when he got home, a salad would never do.  So I went to the store and purchased everything I needed and prepared lasagna and a salad!   That evening, my husband came home and dinner was being put on the table as always, and he looked at me and said, "all I want is a salad."   I nearly died!  I served him a salad and then went to my room and wept.  Not because I had slaved all day in the kitchen, but because I realized at that moment, that the God of the Universe cared so deeply for me, cared about something so minor as a salad, and I hadn't listened.

 I will never forget that night as long as I live!  God did a new thing in my heart that night!  He demonstrated to me personally how much he cared for me.  He showed me that even my time was valuable to Him.  I didn't need to waste the time on the lasagna, I could have just made a salad in 5 minutes!   God showed me His love for me.  He continues to show it to me in ways that are so personal, that only the One who has counted the hairs on my head, and knows the length of my days; who knows me so intimately that I can come before Him and just sit quietly, and have  every prayer heard.  This is all part of the NEW Covenant.  How grateful I am for the Blood of Jesus!  How awesome it is to be counted as a child of God.   And one day soon, to be presented to the Lord as a pure, unblemished, fully prepared  Bride.   I am blessed. 

Father, we thank you for the sacrifice of your Son, so that we may enjoy the fullness of the New Covenant with you.  We no longer have to come before you with a slayed animal because the Blood of Jesus fully atoned for all the sin of this world.  How He bore that burden, I will never be able to comprehend.  But because of it, we have access to you.  Because of it, we can be one with You just as Jesus is one with You.  We can be lead by the Comforter, the One who leads us in all Truth, even Your Holy Spirit.  Thank you Lord, for your generosity towards us.  Thank you that you care so deeply and know us so intimately and that you want only the best for us.    Amen

In the Midst Of...

Boredom.  The Bible says that "idle hands are the devil's workshop."    I understand that passage more than ever over the last year.  I am currently unemployed and looking for a job.  As someone who is a bit more Type A than not, not having a job is parallel with going out of my mind!   I am forcing myself daily to keep my mind occupied with things that are "noble and praiseworthy" as the Word suggests.   I have read every book in my library (again):  all uplifting, encouraging and edifying to my Spirit.  I am in the Word, more than I am out of it.  I am praying and fasting.  And of course, I am looking for work.  Sounds busy, right?  But here is the thing; and please try to understand this in the right way, I am Restless.  I am doing everything in my power to use this time wisely, but other than reading, I have nothing to do.  I need to use my hands!  I need to use my mind. 

Does it ever seem to any of you, that God has you right where He wants you?  While I have Peace in the midst of this, I also have a sense of underlying restlessness.  I think I have always had an underlying restlessness about me.  There is something in me that tells me I have to strive for whatever, for everything.  I have the overwhelming sense that God is trying to remove the root of this striving from me, and replace it with "Being".  I need to learn to relax and just BE in His presence.  Constant motion is a distraction that keeps me from allowing God to speak to me and bless me.  To affirm me and to carress those hurts and bind up the wounds.  To share with me His secrets, His plans and His heart.  I am in desperate need of these things, as I am sure most of us are.  There is too much noise around us that is vying for our attention and in the midst of it all is the "still small voice" of our Lord.  Beckoning to us, to come away to a quiet place and sit with Him.  We have become addicted to the noise and the silence is something we have come to avoid at all costs.  The reality is, that only in the silence are we really refreshed and quieted.  There, there is no need to strive for anything.       I have the feeling that God has me right where He wants me...

To Strive means to labor, hard.  It also means to contend with in opposition. 
Is. 45:9 says, "Woe to him who strives with his Maker."  It  goes on to ask the question,  "Can the clay say to the Potter, what do you think you are making?' or, Your work has no handles?"     vs 11:  "Thus says the Lord,...Would you question Me about the things to come concerning my children, and concerning the work of My hands, Would you command me?" 

 We need to be careful, in the midst of trials, not to question and complain.  We need to trust that the Potter--the One who forms us and makes us in to the vessel of His choosing--is just and faithful to complete the work He has begun in us.  We need to be mindful of the fact that we are no longer our own; we have been chosen and paid for by the blood of Christ.   We need to remember that just like the Bread of Life (Jesus)  that was broken and distributed for the sake of many, we too, must be broken so that we may be distributed for the sake of others.

Diamonds before they are unearthed don't shine.  It is only when they are cut, and fashioned and polished are they brilliant.  My light, too,will not shine until I am broken and put back together, restored and fitted for His service, through trials.   Just like a piece of clay, I am now in a place where God is molding me for His service.  I do not yet know what type of vessel I will become, but I do know that I will be beautiful and brilliant and I will shine!  I need only to be still, like a lump of clay, and let the Potter have His way.

Phil 1:27  Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel...standing firm in united spirit and purpose, striving side by side, and contending with a single mind for the Faith.  This is the only striving we are to do!

I invite you to spend some time each day with God.  Each time a thought comes in that is not of Him, catch it and put it out of your mind.  Bring a Scripture with you, and when a distraction comes, read and reread the passage.  Ask God to speak and tell Him you are listening.  I love the part of the story of Samuel, where Levi, the priest tells Samuel  "Go back to your bed and when you hear the voice again, say " your servant is listening" .  We need to be listening more than speaking to God!

The Giver

My former Pastor said there are 2 kinds of people: Givers and Takers.  I am quite comfortable in the role of Giver.  I enjoy doing for others and making things special.  I am usually quite willing to give of myself and offer a hand.  I am generous and hospitable.  I am a Giver.  Yesterday, I had a few ladies over for lunch and after they left, as I was cleaning up, I found a gift card on the table.  I began to feel a whole slew of emotions;  embarrassment, humility, happy, sad, confused, prideful, etc.  It was so strange for me to be on the other end , the receiving end of things, I just wasn't sure what to feel.  I literally struggled with this all night! 

As I was lying in bed talking to the Lord, He spoke to my heart and reminded  me of a prayer I had secretly prayed for years during a very dark period of my life.  I had been used and literally taken for everything I had.  I was angry and hurt and disappointed in myself for having been so foolish.  I was in a place where I felt safe having no relationships at all; so to avoid being hurt again.  This self-imposed isolation was the direct result of sin; my sin.    I couldn't forgive myself for having put my family through such an awful ordeal.  I couldn't forgive myself for having walked away from Church and to some extent God.  And I couldn't, for a long time, ask God for forgiveness, because I knew I didn't deserve it.  (As if any of us do)    Even though I prayed, I knew that God was not in a position to answer my prayers, because I was harboring unforgiveness.  The Bible says "What is bound on earth, is bound in Heaven".  I knew that my unforgiveness of self and others was keeping me in this prison of loneliness, self-hatred, and isolation, but I was stuck there and wasn't really sure how to break free.  I was the sheep who went astray and got caught up in the briers and could not get out.  So, I repented and  prayed..

I began with the obvious--the unforgiveness.  I began to pray that God would teach me how to forgive and how to love.  I asked God for His compassion and His heart for those who had hurt me so terribly and caused such destruction in our lives.  I asked God for a way to connect with people again, and to have healthy relationships.  I had asked God to surround me with people who were like minded.  And I prayed that He would "restore to me (and my children) the years the locust had stolen."  I thanked Him for never having stamped out this "smouldering flax".

As my heart began to open again, like spring bulbs coming through the frozen ground, I began to realize that He, truly, is the only Giver.  The Bible tells us that "every good and perfect gift is from above".   Today, I learned to accept the gift of someone else, someone Like-minded, which was my prayer, as if the gift were given from God himself. 

  Eph 5:1-2   Therefore be imitators of God, copy Him and follow His example, as well-beloved children imitate their father.  And walk in love, esteeming and delighting in one another, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us..."  

 

To Bite Again

As I mentioned yesterday, this is Holy Week; a week that many people in all faiths prepare their hearts.  In the Jewish faith the preparation is for the Feast of Passover, in the Christian Faith we will soon celebrate the Resurrection of Christ, on Easter Sunday.  But prior to the Easter, I am focusing on the Cross.  The preparations of Jesus and His sufferings.  As I read through the Gospels, I find that they really don't paint a vivid picture for us 21st Century folk, because we aren't at all familiar with the brutality of crucifixion. I so appreciate Mel Gibson's movie The Passion for giving us the visual that we needed to help us understand more clearly that which the people in Jesus' day understood; for it was a common occurrence to witness the excruciating pain and humiliation of crucifixion.

As I was reading today in Matthews Gospel, the word Remorse stood out to me in relation to Judas.  As you know, Judas was one of the 12 Apostles, a follower of Jesus, who betrayed Jesus for what amounted to be a little more than 20 bucks.  Thirty silver pieces.  He sold out his friend for $20!    The Bible says, "When Judas, His betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, with remorse he took back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests, saying I have sinned in betraying innocent blood." ( Mat 27:3-4)    They basically told him "that's your problem--go deal with it".   The story says that Judas left the priests and went off and hanged himself. 

Remorse is not the same as Repentance.  Remorse is from the Latin word mordere', which means "to bite", thereby making the word remordere'  or " to bite again".  Remorse is the act of biting again.  Meaning that it is a gnawing at your mind for something that you have done wrong.  It is basically a nagging or annoyance of the mind.  It stems from our conscience; which is our internal bell that lets us know we have done or are about to do something wrong.  It is a gift that God put in the heart of all mankind.    And we can ignore it, if we choose, thereby searing our conscience, and eventually  rendering it useless.

It is interesting to me, that Judas, who was one of the 12 Apostles, chosen by Jesus, walking and talking with Jesus, following Him, seeing first hand all the miracles, getting a "behind the scenes", up close and personal view of everything Jesus--did not think to ask for forgiveness.  Could it be possible that He did not really believe in Him.  Could it be possible that he did not know the One whom he followed.    Are WE like him?  Having remorse but not repenting?  Destroying the very thing that God put in us (our conscience) for our own safety.

The difference between remorse and repentance is found in the story as well.  Judas died--he killed himself; he died in sin and guilt.  He silenced the biting of his mind, the nagging voice that told him over and over that he screwed up--he made that stop, but he died.  Repentance on the other hand brings life.  It means " to turn" .  To Re-pent means to  Re-turn.   To turn from sin and return to God.  It means to seek forgiveness,  and reform one's life.  To feel sorry and turn your life around--not returning to the thing that you feel sorry for.  Repentance is an ongoing action verb!  And it produces another verb--to live.  The Bible says "the wages (the paycheck) for sin is death".  But to those who repent, theirs is the kingdom of God.

Acts 3:19   So Repent, change your mind and purpose; turn around and return to God, that your sins may be erased, blotted out, wiped clean, that times of refreshing (fresh air, breath) may come from the presence of the Lord..."   Life requires air.  Jesus supplies life.

My prayer today and everyday is for those who may not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior to read this blog  and understand the tremendous love and wealth of life and blessing  found in Him for this life and for eternity.  I pray too, that those who do know Christ would be encouraged and  walk in the forgiveness that his death provided for us.   No shame;  because he bore, not only our sin, but all our shame as well, on the Cross.

Father, I repent of my sins, I ask you to forgive me.  I ask you to remove all the shame.   I ask You to come into to my heart and  take over  by your Holy Spirit, secure my place in Your kingdom for all eternity.  I believe in You and ask you to be Lord of my life.  I thank  you now for your grace and count myself as one of your children, blameless in your sight, because of the blood Jesus shed for me on the Cross.  Thank you Lord.  Amen

If you prayed this prayer, please leave a comment, I would like to encourage you and pray with you further.

Passion

OK, I know I am dating myself here, but How many of you remember the song (Passion) by Rod Stewart?  This is silly, but it was a reminder to me that the word Passion  can be used in such varied ways.  This week is Holy Week.  Some people even refer to it as Passion Week.  For those of you who don't know, this is the week in History that Jesus prepared to die for our sin and our shame on the Cross at Calvary.  This was His Passion. It was what He came here to do.  It had been decided at the very foundations of the earth.  It was prophesied in detail, before He was ever born. And, it is the one single act that changes History and the hearts of those who believe, even now, almost 2500 years later. 

 So, what is passion, what does it mean?  The Webster dictionary defines it as  1. The sufferings of Christ between the Last Supper and His death. (to be capitalized)   2.  A strong feeling; the emotions as distinguished from reason.   3. rage, anger, or Love    4. Love;  an object of affection or enthusiasm     5. a sexual desire.    Interesting that Christ still gets top billing in the Dictionary.  I can only assume that is because there was no other act in History that showed such intense Love and Passion as the act of being brutally beaten, flogged, humiliated and then nailed by His wrists to a tree to be mocked and spit at and to DIE. 

Usually we describe a passionate act as something that rises up quickly, but as we can see from the example of Christ; passion is a slow burn.  It is something that is in a person's heart for a long time.  Being fed, nurtured along and eventually comes to maturity and is expressed.  Passion can be for good or evil, and it works the same way.  It builds over time.   It is also something that is in our nature; our emotional  and physical makeup.  Jesus was born to earth to die on our behalf.  It was the nature of Him to be the atoning sacrifice of the world.     Heb 9:14 How much more surely shall the blood of Christ, Who by virtue of His eternal Spirit , His own preexisting divine personality, has offered Himself as an unblemished sacrifice to God...   Passion also has it's home in our mind; our thinking.  The Bible tells us that God had us in mind before he set the foundations of the world in place.    It also tells us that " a man's mind plans his way". (Prov. 16:9).

I wrote the word passion twice yesterday.  I used the word to described what I believe is my calling;  the area in which I believe God would have me serve others.  When I got home last night after writing the word, I began to reflect on it for a long time.  I began to see that this passion I have for other women to know and experience Christ has been burning in my heart for a longgggg time.  It is something that is part of my nature--my new nature!, and it has been fed and nurtured along.  It is something that is now on my mind. It has bubbled up to the point of expression.  I have been praying about it almost endlessly since I arrived here in Savannah.  God is giving me a vision for it and showing me the steps I need to take to help it reach maturity and be His expression here.  There is a feeling of urgency, and yet a willingness to allow God's timing.  It will be wrought with  self-sacrifice and it will be of eternal value.

I can't help but wonder if it was for this reason that Jesus often withdrew to the lonely, quiet places with God.  He knew what was coming and what it would cost, and what value it would have for those who choose to take part.  The objects of His Passion.

Lord, There are no words to thank you for the Cross.  The brutality of what you suffered is more than I can comprehend.  The only Worship I can offer is that of a life of imitating You.  Help me Lord, to take up my cross each day, and to walk in Your way.  Give me a vision of eternity, so I can stay the course.  I love you Lord.  Amen 

How Many Times?

Matthew 18:21  Then Peter came up to Him (Jesus) and said, Lord, how many times may my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let it go?  As many as up to seven times?  Jesus answered him, I tell you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven!    If the Word of God doesn't challenge you, it is because you aren't reading it! 

Today we did an exercise in church where we wrote down on a black piece of paper  a sin or sins that we just couldn't seem to accept the forgiveness that Christ offered to us on the Cross.  We know we have been forgiven; we just weren't walking in that forgiveness.  We hadn't forgiven ourselves.    Often, I have had a difficult time forgiving myself, for the sins I have committed.  I especially have trouble when I see the consequence of that sin even years down the road.  This is not unconfessed sin I am talking about, this is the sin that is buried in Christ.  ( When we accept the grace of God, through Christ's death and resurrection, we are forgiven of every sin--past, present and future--that we commit.  Jesus paid the price by dying for us.  The veil (that separated us from communion with God) was torn in two.  We now have unencumbered access to God.) 

As I took my filled out black piece of paper  toward the front, grabbed a hammer and nailed it to the cross; Several things occurred to me:  1.) It was my sin that sent Jesus to that Cross.  If I were the only person who was separated from God, Jesus would have done exactly the same thing!   2.)  I nailed Him to that Cross.  As I took the hammer in my hand today, it occurred to me that I nailed him to The Cross.  Nailing that scrap of paper was like nailing the very flesh of Jesus. 3.)  As I walked back to my seat, it occurred to me, that I had, in my heart, called Jesus a liar. 

I had been walking around, carrying the weight of my sin.   Sin that had already been atoned for by my Savior.   Sin that He died for, so that I wouldn't have to die for it.  I hadn't forgiven myself.  I wouldn't allow myself to fully enter in.  I was the only one who was keeping me from being  AT-ONE with God.  God wasn't punishing me, I was punishing me!  The worst part of this exercise was, that I wasn't alone. Many, many people who walked to that cross in the front today, walked up there in self-loathing, in unforgiveness, in unbelief.    How Sad...

I asked a good friend the other day, "When does the abundance begin?"  The Bible says, " I have come to give you life,  and life more abundantly".   I think that question was answered for me today.  The answer is, When I fully enter in to and understand and trust in and rely on Christ and all that He did for me.    It is so easy to say that we get it.  I thought I did.  But today, the Holy Spirit brought me deeper in Truth and delivered me from something that was so deep in my heart, I didn't even know it was there--But God did.  And He knew that it had to be removed today.   The Bible says,  He searches our hearts.  1Chron. 28:9 For the Lord searches all hearts and minds and understands all the wanderings of the thoughts.  And again, 1 Cor.2:10...and the Holy Spirit searches diligently, exploring and examining everything, even sounding the profound and bottomless things of God-the divine counsels and things hidden beyond man's scrutiny. 

As I reflect, I think the reason I have had such a difficult time forgiving others is that I found myself to be unforgivable.  What a lie from the pit of Hell!  We are all forgivable.  No matter how many times we fail, so long as we confess our sin to God and turn from it, we will be forgiven.  It is the beauty of the Cross.  It is why I can hold my head high in the presence of my accuser, it is the reason I can forgive others.

Father, we thank you that it was your will for us from the beginning of time;  to have relationship and open communication with you.  We thank you that Jesus' Death and Resurrection make that possible, and that this too, was part of Your plan from the foundations of the earth.  Thank you Lord for making it possible for me to walk, free of the burden of my sin, with you and that Your Spirit enables me to forgive as  have been forgiven.   In Jesus name I pray.  Amen 

Taking Him at His Word

Of all the things I struggle with in life there is none so great as Trust.  It is interesting to me that God continuously, throughout His Word, says to us "Believe, trust, rely on, be confident in..."   Something tells me I am not alone!

When you have been abused and abandoned and cheated on and deceived over and over again and by myriad of people, it is difficult (OK, really, really difficult) to trust God.  I don't know why, but as humans, we tend to project our previous experiences onto others and even on to God.  I often don't even realize that I am doing this.  It is usually an unconscious act, and a detrimental one no doubt.  Our experiences shape who we are; there is no way around that truth.  However, I am coming to realize that God, when all those experiences are set before Him, transforms them somehow, into something lovely.    Beauty for Ashes.  The hard part, I guess, is trusting Him with all that pain.  It requires us to re-hash it, and I don't know about you, but I would rather not.  It also requires us to know the One in whom we are to trust; which in turn requires us to read the Word and pray, and be lead by the Spirit in all truth.

As I walk with the Lord through this life I have come to love Him.  I have come to trust in Him.  I am growing in trust.  I am learning to take Him at His Word.  After all, isn't that what faith is?    I am beginning to lay aside the questions and the doubts and simply rest in His Word, hoping and believing that I will not be found a fool for having believed.  In fact, just last night, that was part of the prayer I prayed. ( If you can't be honest with God with all your doubts and fears, What is the point?)   Father, I am choosing to trust You, I am choosing to take You at Your word.  I believe that You are trustworthy.  Please do not let me be ashamed or disappointed in You or disillusioned by my belief in You.

That prayer is real.  That prayer went directly to the throne.  It came from the heart of one of His children.  One who has been disillusioned and brought to shame for having trusted so many others, one who, finally, is  laying down every ounce of self-sufficiency and saying in her heart  I TRUST YOU.  It is the final plunge;  the letting go of the branch you are hanging from.  It is coming to the end of yourself and relying completely on Him.  It is terrifying and exhilarating all at the same time.  But most of all, it is the freedom that this heart has longed for!       Ps 33:21  For in Him does our heart rejoice, because we have trusted in His holy name.

This morning, the Lord brought me to this Scripture, Ps  34:5  They looked to Him and were radiant:   their faces shall never blush for shame or be confused.  I had to laugh, because I had just prayed that prayer last night.   It was Him speaking directly to my heart, assuring me that He will never let me down and that I am safe with Him.  I can take Him at His Word.  I love the Lord because He first loved me.

Father I thank you for Your Word.  I thank you that it reveals to us Your nature and points us in the right direction.  Amen

Stop Nagging Me

Have you ever had someone nag you?  I mean really nag you to the point where you give in just to get them to go away?  Teenagers are pretty good at this.  They can be very tenacious!  As I was praying today, putting up the same petitions to the Lord, it occurred to me that I have complete permission, from Jesus, to Nag!  And moreover, Jesus actually tells me to keep on nagging, until I have what I'm asking for.  It goes like this:

Lk. 11:9-10  "For I say to you, Ask and keep on asking and it shall be given you; seek and keep on seeking and you shall find; knock and keep on knocking and the door shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks and keeps on asking, receives...".    How awesome!  I can come continuously, boldly even, before the throne of God and ask of Him, and I am not called a Nag for doing it! 

There is a catch, however, and it goes like this (my paraphrase):  Whatever you ask, according to the will of God, believe in your heart that it will be provided, thanking God for everything.  So, How does one know if what they are asking is the will of God?  Consult the written Word first.   If you are asking for a new Mercedes, you won't find it in there--if you are asking for the salvation of someone you love, go for it!  If you are asking for wisdom or discernment, keep asking!

The next part of this is (for me) where the battle lies.   Perhaps you can relate.  In my mind, lies the battleground for everything faith related.  I struggle, not so much with the thought that God can do something, but with the will He do it (for me).  The other part of my struggle, is completely un-Godly(meaning not of God), but I am going to share it, because I have the feeling I am not alone in this.  It is the feeling of unworthiness.  And might I add, its pretty powerful.  I  have, at times, felt unworthy to even ask anything of God.  Even though I ask for forgiveness daily or more, I still felt unworthy.  I know that my worthiness is only in Christ.  I would not have entre' to the Throne of God without the blood of my Savior, so that is not it for me.  It is more the attack that comes nearly every time I pray.  The attack of the enemy that holds out all these little snapshots of all my failings.  Its the demonic whispers that say "you don't deserve His blessings, look at how you handled this or that situation." or  the "yea, you better pray, because you are the worst mom ever."    These things are specifically designed by the enemy of our souls to distract us from belief.  Satan knows what the Word of God says.  If he can distract us, and derail us, it is his utter pleasure, not to mention his job.  He has perfected his subtle tactics and he has plenty of helpers to spread the gloom!

But God  ( my two favorite words!) has provided for even this!  The Scriptures are full of the tools we need to ward off every evil.  My personal favorite for this situation is to say out loud "The Lord rebuke you, Satan".  And he will flee.  It is a command that comes from the position of The Authority of Heaven and Earth.  I cannot say, "I rebuke you", because I am not the all-powerful, ever living God.  But I am His and He gives me the desire and the ability to know his Word, and the courage to use it .  I may have to use it 100 times a day to ward off all the little foxes that nip at me and nag me, but at least I can!

Getting back to the Asking:  The Bible says "in everything by prayer and supplication, let your request be made known, always Thanking God."     Did you ever let out a shout of praise?  I had a friend who I used  to pray with a lot before she passed away;  she was the most God-like creature I ever met!  Anyway, she used to say her secret to answered prayer lay in the fact that she always let out a cheer of praise with each prayer!  She literally would Whoop it up!  It was a riot to see this 90 + year old lady whooping it up with each prayer that came from her lips!   I likened it to the cheers at a football game, when your favorite team won the game.  Only, she would say,  we should not wait until the Prayer has been answered, but rather continuously cheering and thanking God, from the minute it leaves  our lips.  I have to admit,  until the Holy Spirit just reminded me of that, I had forgotten it.  I do thank God at the end of each prayer and request, but there was something about the way she expressed her gratitude;  as if it were already given, that was inspiring and uplifting--she saw it completed in her spirit and she rejoiced.  O, to have that type of faith!  It is no wonder that my Mom prayed with this woman each week for my salvation.  After a few short months their prayers were answered, and let me tell you, IT WAS A BIG REQUEST!!!

I am so grateful that God does not say "stop nagging me".  Rather, he invites us to come and come again and again,  and lay our requests at His feet.  He encourages us to walk away from those prayers in complete confidence and rejoice as though they are already answered;  because they are!

Father we thank you for all that you are and all that you provide for us, both seen and unseen.  Help us to know you and have confidence in you.  You are so good.  Amen

Consider the Lilies

And Jesus said to his Disciples,  "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious and troubled with cares about your life, as to what you will eat, or about your body, as to what you will wear... Consider the ravens:  they neither sow nor reap... and yet God feeds them.  Consider the lilies, how they grow.  They neither toil not spin or weave: yet, I tell you, that not even Solomon in all his splendor was arrayed as one of these... And you, do not seek what you are to eat and drink; nor be of anxious mind, unsettled, excited, worried and in suspense; for all the pagan world is greedily seeking these things; and your Father in heaven knows that you need them." Lk 12

So much of my life is reflected in the Apostle Peter.  His eagerness to please God, his failures,  His zeal and fire, his stubbornness, his willingness to obey and his lack of faith, all rolled into one!  I have the sense, most days, that God bids me to come on the water and as I start out walking on it, like Peter, I look away from the One who bid me to come, and I begin to sink.    So often, I hear the voice of my Lord saying "o ye of little faith".    My comfort in all of this is that God Himself is the author and finisher of my faith and that Jesus is my intercessor.

Lk 22:32   Jesus speaking to Peter says, "But I have prayed especially for you (Peter) that your own faith may not fail; and when you yourself have turned again, strengthen and establish your brethren.
In at least 3 translations of this text, Peter's name is put in parenthesis.  I can't help but think that it is no accident.  I can't help but wonder if God knew that we would so identify with this man, that  we could insert our own name in that parenthesis. 

What is it about the human condition that causes us to have momentary lapses in faith?  in judgement? in self-control?   Why do we continuously look to ourselves, rather than keeping our focus on God?   As I pour through the Scriptures, it is evident that people throughout history, have done this very thing.  We seem to think so much of ourselves, that we truly believe( and demonstrate by our actions) that God needs our help in making His promises come to pass. 

Abraham (the Father of our Faith) is a perfect example of this, and believe me there are tons of examples!  God promises he and his wife Sarah a son.  Sarah basically says, "yea, right!" and Abraham, the Bible reports, Believes God and holds the promise in his heart.  Commendable, right?  But after a while, Sarah convinces Abraham to take her maid-servant and lay with her and get her pregnant.  Now, this is just wrong on so many levels.  It would be a cold day in hell before I told my husband (not that I have one) to take up with another woman!  But, as a woman, I kind of get this; in that she probably felt some type of guilt for not being able to produce the son for Abraham.  We women and our guilt!   OK, so Sara lacked faith--we kind of knew that going in; but Abraham had to have lacked faith also.  Now, I know what you are thinking.  He is just a guy, and guys think differently, especially when it comes to sex, and blah, blah, blah.  By the way, whether or not the culture of the time, and our own culture now, excuses this type of behavior, it was and is still sin in God's eyes, as you see from the story.  Anyway, so now both parties are lacking in the area of faith and they have decided how they are going to "Help God"  keep his promise!  They, like us, are about to screw up in a big way.
But God is still on the throne, and He doesn't need any help, and He isn't incapable of keeping his promises or covenants with His chosen ones.  God fulfills the promise to the couple and  Sarah too brings forth a son.   So now there is major strife between Sarah and her servant ( wow, big surprise!) and Abraham seems to be only slightly upset by the whole thing until, that is, Sara starts nagging him to get rid of the maid and the boy.  So like us; always wanting to hide our sin.   So, Abraham hears from God that it is OK to listen to Sarah (this time?)  packs up some supplies (easing his guilt?) for the maid and he sends  her into the wilderness.  Not to worry--God covers them too!

Clearly, God is not surprised by our lack of Faith.  From Adam on down to me, we have all lacked faith in our Shepherd, and yet he seals our destiny and marks us for Himself.  I'm sure, all that  we lack is made complete in our Savior!  I have said it before and it is worth repeating:  He is my Source.  He is the lifter of my head when I look down at the waters raging around me.  He will supply all my needs, according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus.  No scheme or plan on my part is necessary to help Him fulfill His promises to me.  I am His and He is Mine .

Lord, I ask that you would increase our faith, not only by the hearing of your Word but through your Holy Spirit within us.  Help us to fix our eyes on You, the author and finisher of our faith.  In Jesus name  Amen

The Teeter-Totter

"It's All About You, Jesus, and all this is for You...  It's not about me..."  I sang those words over and over in Worship through the years.  As I was thinking about the words to this song. I realized that songs and hymns are simply  people's revelations of Truth.  So many times we sing words without having the revelation, or without owning the same revelation.  We know its truth, we agree with it, but we haven't really taken it in to our own experiences--into our own walk, just yet.  I remember, years ago, when I was on the Worship Team at my church;  singing songs and being utterly convicted.  It was difficult to hide the tears that streamed down my face while standing in front of 150 people.  There were times, when I had to kneel down, and repent right there in front of everyone, not aloud, but in my Spirit, because I just couldn't continue singing words that I didn't own.  I was grateful, that we were allowed to move under the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our Worship--whether on the alter or in our seats.  Worship was all about God!

It is easy for us (for me) to get caught up in my walk with God and what He is doing in me and through me.  I often loose sight of the fact that its really not about me. I think it is actually a balance beam of sorts.  Let me clarify:  As a visual person, I often  am given a picture to help me keep certain truths locked in my heart.  The picture I got today was that of a teeter-totter.  You know, the things on the playgrounds when we were kids.  They were just a long board with handles on each end and it balanced on a steel bar in the middle.  One person sat on each side; when you went up they went down.  It was always a lot of fun unless you were on it with someone who outweighed you and they used it to their advantage by keeping you in the air the entire time;  then it was pretty dull.  

As I thought on this picture this morning, I couldn't help but think that God far outweighs me!  And yet, He humbled Himself and lifts me up!  He takes great pleasure when I humble myself and lift Him up.  I pray, He is lifted up--He answers, I am lifted up.  I repent , He is lifted up-- He forgives, I am lifted up.  Are you catching this word picture?  I am allowed to enter in to the exchange!  Could He dominate?  Absolutely!  But His pleasure lies in not only leading his people, but being followed by them.

I remember playing on the teeter-totter.  If the action was exciting enough, it drew a crowd of other kids, who all wanted to participate too.  Sometimes we would load up the teeter-totter with several kids on either side!  The ones who couldn't fit, were often  eager to wait until it was their turn.   My  give and take, my up and down motion,  with God attracts other people!  When God is lifted up in my life and I am humble, people become eager to participate! 

If you were lucky enough to be at the playground with a parent who would play on the teeter-totter with you, it was a even bigger thrill!  The adult on one side, a group of  kids on the other.  As kids, we teamed up to try and outweigh the adult.  Everybody on the playground wanted to play--they were all jealous for what you had.  A parent, who was also willing to come down to your level and play with you, was a rare treasure indeed!  Its like that with God.  His willingness to come down to our level and get in the game with us, makes Him a rare treasure.  If we remember to lift Him up, people will be jealous and want Him for themselves!

It is all about Him.  His reputation is on the line.  His Word, His Grace, His mercy, His Spirit, His Sacrifice, His Love, His, His, His..... for all of eternity, it is all about Him.  He is the rarest, most precious treasure we have.     I wanted to share Him with you today.   Are you sharing Him?

Sweet Sleep

As the alarm was sounding this morning and waking me from my glorious slumber, my first thought was one of praise to my God for allowing me to rest, assured by His goodness, in peace.

 These last several weeks God has drawn me so close to Himself that nearly every thought I have is a reflection on Him in some way.  As I cling to Him, He guides and strengthens me.  He gives me wisdom to know which way to proceed.  He molds my heart and changes my attitudes towards things, thereby changing my responses, to bring about  His best for me and others in each situation. All of this has been a labor of Love..  My God, toward me and I toward Him!   As I lay myself on the alter, I am  laying down pride in exchange for Humility and Love.  Praying until the wee hours of the night, that God would make me into an instrument of His Peace, Devouring His Word like a starved animal, and Yielding myself and allowing God to remove the toxins in my heart and mind.  It is labor.   It requires enormous effort on my part to stay on that alter and not run away.  Everything in my flesh wants to get up and run, yet the still, small voice of my Redeemer says  "Do not Fear".   As I lay under the knife of my skilled surgeon, I am soothed by His voice and His Spirit reminds me  that all of this is a preparation for that which is to come. I asked God for this, knowing that it would be painful and knowing that I would want to flee, but knowing more than anything else, that the removal of these things would allow me to walk unto higher ground with my God.             My rest last night was a gift from Him!  And my praise this morning for it was the only response I could give. 
  Ps 4:8 .   In peace I will both lie down and sleep,  for You , Lord, alone make me dwell in safety and confident trust. 

There are times when God calls us to labor with Him; actually, as I think on that some more, we are called to labor with God.  The Apostle Paul frequently refers to us as soldiers--foot soldiers- for the Gospel. He speaks of putting on our armor and going into battle again and again. Throughout the Bible, there are accounts of God's faithful servants doing battle, and though we are the soldiers in the fight, the battles always belong  to the Lord.     More often than not, I find myself in a battle.  For years, I  tried to shrink back and not fight, hating the confrontation of it all,  only to find myself hiding in the wide-open and being nearly devoured by my enemy.  But God is Gracious and merciful to me.  I am finally learning how to fight the battles that come my way.  I fight now, on my knees, in confident trust that God is able!  In humility alone  am I victorious. 

Ecc. 6:12  The sleep of a laboring man is sweet...  My Shepherd is gracious to me always!  He provides respits in the battles for me to be refreshed and restored.
 Ps 127:2  ...for He gives blessings to His Beloved in sleep.   That is so cool!  We are being blessed even when we don't realize it, and that is part of His divine plan!   My God is all to familiar with battle.  He is all to familiar with the struggles of this life because He experienced them for Himself so that He could identify with us and us with Him.  He knows that as the battles rage on, the soldiers can grow weary.  So, He invites us to partake in His rest.  "Come onto me all those who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest."  There was a time when I thought that Scripture was only for the non-believer, but I do not see it that way anymore.  It is the invitation that I  RSVP to all the time! 

One day, we will not be soldiers.  The war will have been won!   We will be the fully prepared Bride feasting in perfect repose with our Lord.   Selah!  Think on that--it will blow your mind!   We will have entered in to His Rest fully and completely; satisfied, praising the King forever.

The Good Shepherd

Another sleepless night.  My body is tired, and I am fighting to keep my mind stayed on Him who is my Peace.

 I went to service this morning and Nathan spoke on The Good Shepherd.  I let the words wash over me and remind me that Jesus alone will cover me and protect me. He will bandage my wounds and He will lead me.  He alone will teach me to be, as He, the gate keeper of my home.  To love and to protect my sheep, which He entrusted to me.  He will enable me when I am short on love, to provide and care for others. He will lead me, go before me, and be my rear guard.  His voice alone,  I will follow. The Shepherd lives with His sheep and He lays down His life for them.   He paid the price of ownership for me and I rejoice in my good fortune, based on His character, that He is my Shepherd!

Years ago I picked up a little paperback book, A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23, by Phillip Keller,  and in it I discovered some pretty amazing truths, not only about the Shepherd, but about the sheep and, more particularly, how similar sheep are to people!    Keller, the author, is a shepherd of a flock of sheep and says, "it is no accident that God has chosen to call us sheep...our mob instincts, fears and timidity, our stubbornness and stupidity, our perverse habits, are all parallels of profound importance.  Yet despite these adverse characteristics Christ chooses us, buys us, calls us by name, makes us His own, and delights in caring for us."   If you ever have the chance to read this book, I highly recommend it!

Sheep are stupid!  Sheep are stubborn.  Sheep are fearful and timid.  Sheep run off on their own and get caught up in the briers and then they bellow for the Shepherd.  Sheep are incapable of caring for themselves, and need constant discipline.    I AM A SHEEP!   And my Good Shepherd leaves the flock and comes to rescue me, and when He finds me, He scoops me up in His arms, restoring my soul and returns me clean and healed back to the fold. When I wander toward the poisonous plants of this world, His rod disciplines and corrects me, and His staff pulls me back from the danger and hazards that can befall me. He makes me lie down in Peace, free from the worries of this life and the tensions that arise due to arrogance and pride;  and the vying for attention in the " pecking orders" of life.  He leads me to the freshest waters of His word, to restore my soul.  He is The Source of life for me and this sheep could not live without her Shepherd.   What an amazing Shepherd He is!

One Body

Because of the way our brain functions and our personality dictates, we often put things in different and distinct categories.  Each category has its own "file" in our thinking.  Men, especially, categorize things in their brain, and many times the categories don't mingle--they are separate.  Women, on the other hand, while they may put things in distinct categories, those files mingle with one another and communicate with one another in their brains.  The human body, and most especially the brain, is  fascinating to study!

So, where am I going with this?   It is increasingly interesting to me, as God establishes me in this new church, that there is a place for me here that no one else can fill.  That sounds conceited, but follow this with me.  I was a member of another church in CT, and before walking away from that place, I was a vital member of that body (at least I think I was!)  God established a place for me there and in  the ministries I was involved in.  He knit my heart with others and we grew together as one body and it was good--great, in fact!  And I tucked that away in a category in my brain, considering it to be separate from what I would experience again.   Now, at Savannah Christian, God is beginning to do the same thing.  Knitting my heart with others, developing relationships and carving out a place for me to serve and minister to others as only I can because of the experiences I have walked through with Christ and without Him (BC).  And it too,  is good.  The difference  I am realizing, is that this is not a separate category, it is an extension of the other;  this is One Body, whether I am in CT, MA,  GA or Guam!  My membership, and yours, in the Body of Christ  is not separated by the church we belong to or the roles we play within those churches.  The body of believers is vast, but we are one in Christ.  These are my brothers and sisters.  I had just never met them before!

I am so blessed to be part of, again, a body of people who revere and love God. I am excited by the opportunities that are before me in serving the members of this church family and the surrounding community, and I am blown away by the fact that this common thread of belief in Jesus Christ  opens the door to relationships like nothing else could.  When I left my church in CT, there was much regret and sadness.  I missed so many things, but none so much as the fellowship and relationships with other believers.  I ached for that and even though I went to a couple of other churches, I longed for those relationships and the kind of love that I had shared with them and known previously.

1 Cor. 12  talks about the Body of Christ and the roles and gifts  there in.  There is a part of those verses that  I prayed back to God for many years and I believe He is now answering... vs. 31  But earnestly desire and zealously cultivate the greatest and best gifts and graces.  And yet I will show you a still more excellent way, one that is better by far and the  highest of  them all---Love.  In the years of sifting, after leaving my church, God began to teach me how to love; and though I have not perfected it, I have prayed for the opportunity to share it with another body of believers and with the circle of my influence--the world around me. 

For such a time as this! The new thing that God  is doing, the new wine of my life poured into the new wineskin;  I am here and one with this Body,  and it is GOOD!  Praise God and to You be the Glory forever and ever.  Amen

Our Help

I lift mine eyes to the hills from whence cometh my Help.  Another all night vigil, but few words were uttered before the Lord.  Instead there was sighs and groans.  My heart too heavy for words. 

As I study the Psalms of David, I appreciate his transperancy before God.  I appreciate how he allows God to quiet his heart through faith.  In many of the Psalms, David starts out complaining and fearful and  in his fears He even commands God to destroy his enemies on his behalf.  He frequently asks the tough questions, like "How long must I wait?",  "Why have you forsaken me?".  If we are truly honest, we too ask those questions.  I found myself asking them just last night!

There are times in life where the trials seem to go on forever.  Spurgeon said it best when he wrote "Time flies with full-fledged wings in our summer days, but in our winters he flutters painfully.  A week within prison walls is longer than a month at liberty".    When we are in the midst of the trial we see it as urgent, and if we are wise, we cry out to the Lord.    Often times, when the trial lags on, we foolishly remark like David, "How long will you forget me, O Lord?  Forever?"   It is then, in those times, we need to be reminded  that our omniscient God does not suffer from dementia--He can not forget us; He has engraved us on the palms of His hands!

Psalm 12: " Help Lord".  I have prayed that prayer a million times!  It is one of those emergency  prayers.  Like the sighs and the groanings of our hearts, it is one of those prayers that go directly to the mercy-seat of our God.  The Arabic translation of this short prayer is :" Deliver me by main force, as with weapons of war."    I found that fitting for our emergency prayer!  David knew that no matter what, God would come to his aide.  He knew that God was no stranger to battle and he knew, like us, that God is the Victor!

I was talking to my son last night and listening to him spew about not believing in God and not believing in Satan, those are "your" beliefs and "I am my own person", blah blah blah.  And after he finished, I told him that whether or not he believes in God or the devil, they both exist and you will serve one or the other whether you realize it or not.  To choose God, is to choose life and love and security; and not to choose at all, is in fact, a choice.  I told him that the Bible says "if you are not for God, then you are against Him".   (now you understand the all night vigil)  I could not help but grieve for this young heart that is obscured in darkness.  I could not help but pray, and after hours and days and months and years of praying, I could not help but ask, with tear stained cheeks, "How Long must I wait, O Lord?"

Ps 12:5  "Now I will arise, says the Lord, because the needy are oppressed, because of their groans; I will set him in safety and in the salvation for which he pants." 

God hears our sighs, our groans,  our tears, and though they make no great noise, He bottles them up.  He has heard the voice of my weeping and He is on the way--I only need to look to the hills from wence cometh my help!

Developing Faithfulness

There is something so incredibly mind-blowing about the Word of God!  Everything;  every situation, every care, concern, feeling, fear, doubt, every praise, every need, everything we could ever face in this span of time here on earth is covered in the Word of God.  It is an endless well; a resource for life.  No matter what I face or think about, it is covered in God's Word.  It is all covered in Christ, who is The Word!    I studied, at one time, the names of God, and I wish I had that workbook in front of me now, because I am in a place in my life where, once again, God is enabling me to experientially know Him.   I use the word experientially  because it goes deeper than words on a page.  Have you ever read a Bio on someone?  You can gather information on that person, find out a little bit about who they are; what their interests are, if they are married or single, kids and the like, but it is a far cry from knowing them personally.  I believe it is the desire of God for each one of us to know Him personally and experientially.  The longer I live, the better acquainted I become with the Person and Diety of God.  It is not a passive thing--rather, like all relationships, it requires time and attention to grow and flourish.  But what about this is experiential?, you ask.  Let's explore...

The Bible is full of stories of faithful people.  They are the "great cloud of witnesses" from whose lives we can be taught and encouraged.  I love the story of Abraham.  He truly was a man of great Faith!  As I read the story of Abraham, I can't help but see that, like mine, his story is a progression of Faith.  Meaning that God allowed him to get to know Him in a deeper way with every act of obedience.   God didn't come on the scene and say "go take your son up on the mountain and slay him as a sacrifice to me" on the first day they met!   No.  God allowed, and still allows us, to grow with Him and in Him, disovering His Faithfulness.  He (God) required smaller acts of obedience from Abraham to show Himself worthy of Abraham's trust and utter reliance.  God was faithful and through His faithfulness, taught Abraham to be faithful too!

If you have ever been in a relationship with someone who continuously renegs on his word, or isn't reliable, you know that it is almost impossible to have a relationship with them.  Without trust there can be no relationship.  Trust takes time to build.    On the other hand, when you are in a relationship where there is trust, the love and the bond of intimacy continues to grow.  This is how it is with God!  I love that about the Lord--He humbles Himself so to demonstrate His love and Faithfulness to us, so that we, in turn, can be imitators of His love and faithfulness to others.  He teaches us to trust by being trustworthy!

As we walk with God; reading His Word, praying, seeking His Face, asking for His direction and serving Him, we are getting to know Him more and more through our experiences.  We pray and He hears us and responds.  We go through this trial and that and He reveals Himself to us as our Provider, our Healer, Our Redeemer, Savior, Friend, etc etc., and through those experiences, we develop assurances  of  Who He is.  The Bible says to those who are faithful with the little, more will be given,  and also, to those who are given much, much will be required.   God gives us only that which we can handle.  He is developing Faithfulness in us!

Stir Yourself

I got up, read the Word, prayed and now all I want to do is nothing.  Normally, Reading the Word and having my time of prayer energizes me.  I look forward to what God is going to do and show me for the rest of the day.  Today, I'm just blah!  Why do we have days like this?  I prefer the "up on the mountain" kind of days where you know you are walking and talking with God all day.  It's exhilarating!   Today, however, is more of a "valley day".  The kind of day where you wait quietly before the Lord and He is quiet.      I had someone tell me once that "God is always speaking" and that when I didn't hear Him, I should examine my self.  I have kept that practice in mind along with another:  The confidence of knowing that He is with me, even on my valley days, till the end of the age.  

There are plenty of days, for whatever reason, I am not at the top of my game.  Today, I just don't feel that great.  The boredom is getting to me.  I want to work.  I am searching for work and asking God for work; but I haven't found it yet.    Other days, there is illness, frustration, anger, family issues, concerns,  busyness and so many other things that weigh me down.   The Scriptures tell us that it "rains on the just and the unjust alike".  Just because we are children of God, does not mean we are exempt.  As a matter of fact, I can pretty much guarantee, that there will be an increase in "rain" at times, if you are a child of God.   God uses all our pain, suffering , afflictions and everything else, to sift us, like grain, and to purify us.   It's not fun, and I haven't run into any Christian who dances his way through those periods in their lives, but I have met some who, in the midst of their suffering, have such a confident understanding of who God is (wisdom), that they are able to walk through those times with joy. 

I think the joy comes from having spent an awful lot of time getting to know God.  Reading His Word, talking to Him, Listening to Him, being taught in the assembly (church), and practicing the nature of God--imitating Him.  As a matter of fact, I do not think that we could "count it all joy" without these things.   2 Cor. 1  talks about being comforted by the Comforter who experienced all these things when He became human for us, so that we may, in turn, comfort others.   I love Jesus' economy:  nothing is wasted.   It's not about us,  it's all about Him and showing others who He is!   And by the way, the joy, that we have and show, when we are walking through hard times, is a very powerful witness to others. 

Some of you may disagree, but for now this is my understanding.  My  joy comes from my confidence in who God is.  When I was first saved, I did not have what it took to "count it all joy", or rather I did not have the understanding of and the confidence in the Savior.  As a matter of fact, when I was a young Christian, I remember being a bit resentful when people would say those words to me. They (the words) were like a slap in the face!  I felt as though I were a complete failure because I didn't have the ability or whatever it took to put those words to practice.  I truly did not have a clue HOW to do it.    It wasn't until I walked through several trials (OK, 700 trials!) that I came to rely on God, came to trust in God and came to be confident that however things went down, He had me covered.  The "however" in the last sentence is the key to the joy.    It is the cry of the soul that says, "your will, not mine, be done". " I trust you".     It is the reason, that Jesus was able to go to the Cross.

Your Goodness Leads Us To Repentance

There are so many Scriptures that point to this Truth in the Bible that it astounds me!  Everywhere I turn in the Word there is an example of God reaching out to us.  It is so comforting to know that He is the One who brings us to Himself.  So often, as a parent, I focus on discipline and taking things away from the kids to try and get them to conform, and yet as I go through the Scriptures, this does not line up with them.  God heaps blessings on us until we are so full and so astonished by His goodness and mercy toward us, we bow our knees to Him in praise and in repentance.  It is the complete opposite of the worldly view and way. And when we, as Christians, finally get it, then we too become "fishers of men". 

This may offend some people and I apologize in advance if you do not share my opinion of this observation:  On St. Patricks Day in Savannah, as some of you may know, there is an enormous, really,  a bit over the top,  celebration and the city literally is over-run with people.  As I was walking around down town, I observed for a while, a group of Christians yelling at the people walking by them.  The Christians were telling everyone that they were sinners and that they needed to repent.  Some of the people just walked by without much regard for them, while others became enraged and spit at them.  It was quite the scene.   I made a comment to my kids in regard to the scene, saying that I didn't think this was what God had in mind.  It was one thing for John the Baptist to do this, because no one was saved or knew anything of the gospel message and He was called to prepare the way of the Messiah; but I don't see how yelling into throngs of people, both saved and unsaved--because no one knows where people stand with God in the split-second it takes to walk by--could be considered the calling of the Christian.  I have to say, I was even grieved by it!  It simply does not line up with what I have read in the Word.  Now, in all fairness, I am NOT God and I have no idea if God required that of them, so therefore, I do not judge them.  This was simply my observation.    My mom used to say, "you catch more bees with honey than you would with vinegar", and the Bible is pretty clear as well,  "they will know you are Mine, by your love". 

I don't know why I even got on that soapbox, but I'm stepping down now and on to more important things!   Jer. 29:11  One of my most favorite passages.  "For I know the thoughts and plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.  vs 12 Then you will call upon Me and pray to Me, and I will hear you. vs 13 Then you will seek Me ( as your greatest necessity, vital) and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. vs 14 ...and I will release you from all captivity..."   I like the progression of the blessings.  God enables us to respond to each step, before leading us deeper through the blessing!  So you see it?  He blesses, we call upon Him, He hears us and responds to us, then we begin to really seek Him as the vital part of our lives. Then , He sets us free from the things that have taken us captive--the sin in our lives.      Love it!  

   Lk.5   I'll summarize:    Peter and his brothers were out fishing all night and caught nothing, they were just finishing up cleaning and mending their nets and Jesus comes on the scene (gets in the boat) and tells them to cast their nets again.  Peter explains to Jesus that they were out all night and caught nothing, blah blah but  he obeys and casts out the nets again; catching more than 2 boats could handle to the point where they almost sank!   What a blessing for this exhausted fisherman!  vs 8  "But when Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said 'Depart from me, for I am a sinful man'".   The Goodness of God lead him to repent!  He saw how unworthy he was when Jesus blessed him.   Then Jesus said to Simon "have no fear, from now on you will be catching men!"   I love that.  He blesses us to the point of a broken and contrite heart, we repent, and he hands us, in complete confidence, our calling and purpose!  Simon and the boys left everything the Bible says--all those fish--and they followed Jesus.  They were able to see that the earthly blessing, as abundant as it was, was nothing compared to the calling of Christ to follow Him.

When Jesus, who has all authority over everything--even our flesh--draws us to Himself through blessings, usually at the point of what we think our greatest need is, we are able to see Truth and follow after it.

"Love your enemies (those who are opposed to Christ) and Pray for those who curse you.  To show that you are the children of Your Father who is in Heaven." Matt 5:44

Touching Heaven Changing Lives

I think this was the title of a song by Hillsongs, but it is the topic of prayer today.  Thank you to those of you who joined with me in prayer today for my son.  I expect God to move in and on behalf of Michael in a  powerful way!

I always come away from  my prayer time with the sense that I have touched Heaven in some small way.  Like the woman who knew she would be healed if she only touched the garment of Jesus as he walked by her.  But today, I have the sense that I too, have touched the garment of my Lord and that His power has gone forth.  My hope, my confidence and trust is in Him who is able to do exceedingly more than I could ever hope or imagine!

There is something extraordinarily powerful that takes place when the Redeemed  pray, especially when they pray together.  I can only imagine the prayers that went before the Lord today.  I know not what they all were.  Even some of my own were the cry of the Spirit with in me; my Lord, my intercessor, going before the throne of the Father on our behalf.  It is amazing!  To know Christ is to know Peace.  Jesus said "My peace I give you, not as the world gives..."    The peace of the world is shallow and hollow, but the Peace of the Lord is a deep well whose water is constantly fresh and it gives life to those who partake of it.

The sermon at Church yesterday was excellent.  Pastor Dave used a ton of visuals (I  am a visual learner, so this was great!) to get the point across.  He set before us the passover table and explained the Jewish Celebration in its entirety.  One part of the feast stood out to me.  We were given a piece of parsley and we dipped the parsley in salt water and ate it.  The parsley (bitter herbs) represented life and the salt water represented the tears that this life brings.  The whole thing was symbolic of  the fact that God is with us in the times we suffer.  When I read the book of Luke, I never understood the second cup that Jesus took  until now.    It was one of the nuggets of Truth  that will stay with me.  It is all part of the peace that comes from knowing God.

May  Christ, through your faith, actually dwell, settle down, abide and make His permanent  home in your hearts!  May you be rooted deep in love ad founded securely on love.  And may the Peace of God that surpasses all understanding reign in your hearts forever.  Amen

Reflections On Praise

"...And be thankful (appreciative) giving praise to God always". Col 3:15    In our society it is proper to say Thank you when someone has given you something.  Whether it be a gift, a kind remark or compliment, permission to go ahead of them in a line at the grocery store, or whatever else.  The thank you is the response that comes as a result of the other.  It is an exchange.  It is also a societal rule, if you will.  We teach our children to say "thank you" when something is given to them.  It is the polite thing to say.  However,  often times we say the words without having the heart motivation to back it up.  It is as if  the "thank you" has become empty, almost meaningless; some vain platitude that we have been conditioned to say when our unconscious brain says so.           I wonder how often I have said these two words without really thinking about it, or even being appreciative.  I wonder, if I have given that kind of  lip service even to a Holy God... 

I have caught myself several times this past week saying those two little words.  I have said them quite often, to my surprise.  I have to say that there have been a few times that I didn't really mean it; it was simply the polite thing to say.  I noticed, however,that  the contrast between the times I did mean it and when it was simply polite, had everything to do with the motivations of my heart.

I think that the essence of what the Apostle Paul was saying in the verse above, is this:  Let the motivation of your heart be continuously in  a position of humility so that you may be able to give thanks and show your appreciation toward the Lord all the time; both consciously and unconsciously or rather actively  and inactively; voluntarily, because  God has already given us THE GIFT--it is Christ.  He also continuously gives us gifts, seen and unseen, which we are to be appreciative of.  The Bible says "His mercies are new every morning".    I believe that if the position of my heart is one of thankfulness toward God I get far more glimpses of God in others and in the world around me; thereby making my praise more conscious and voluntary than latent. 

I woke up this morning and while still groggy, opened the door to take the dogs out, and the first thing that hit me was the smell of jasmine blowing in the breeze and I was instantly awake and thanking God!  It was a wonderful way for God to awaken my soul today.  One that, while I am sure others enjoyed it, it was also personal to me, because I noticed it and was thankful to the Creator for it.  I know that this example is simplistic, but let us not forget that God uses the simple to confound the wise.  We are to come to Him as children; those who appreciate because they see with fresh eyes, as if for the first time, the wonders of God.

I want to challenge you, as I continue to challenge myself, to be more conscious of our "Thank you's",  both toward God and others.  Check yourself, to see if your heart's motivation is thankfulness, and ask God to create in you a thankful heart, for His Glory.    May our praise be a sweet sound to your ears O Lord and a sweet smell to your nostrils!  Amen

OOPS!

I am not sure why the margins aren't working properly on the previous post or why there is extra writing about scheduling.    Perhaps I hit something accidently.  Sorry!     Also, I am adding this link to a video and song.  I know you will enjoy it! 

My son: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l09AJ9lXSE&feature=related

Forgive them Father, for They Know Not What They are Doing

Of all the things we are called to do as Christians, I think by far, the most difficult to comprehend and walk out, would be the identifying with Christ in His suffering at the Cross. In brokenness I have come to the Cross of Christ many times. Primarily for the forgiveness of my own sin. But Jesus, who is sinless, asks us in the Scriptures to identify with His suffering: Suffering on behalf of someone else, or in the case of Christ, for everyone else. I caught a glimpse of this revelation today in prayer. I have never been attacked for my faith before, (except by family) , I think that there are probably few who have in this country, so I always found it difficult to relate to the Scriptures in Acts where the Apostles were beaten and imprisoned and stoned to death for their faith. I know in other countries these atrocities still exist and I thank God we have this freedom in the USA. Somehow, I guess I always thought it would be kind of impossible to identify or even comprehend what Jesus experienced on our behalf.    It was always something that was too great for me to understand, and I left it at that. I know what He did, and I know why He did it, but the pain of it all(physical and emotional and mental) was and is incomprehensible to me. I say all that because I realized today that the key word in the passage is identify. It is always exciting to me when the Spirit impresses upon me a word or phrase in Scripture. It is almost as if I never saw it before. To identify, according to Webster, is to regard as identical, to establish the identity of, to practice psychological identification with, and have sameness of essential character. And I thought I knew what identify meant! As I pulled the definition apart, I began to realize that what I thought was impossible, is now manageable: I can identify with the sufferings of my Lord. While I may never physically hang on a Cross, I choose to lay down my flesh and come before My Savior, in prayer and fasting, to draw nearer to Him and allow Him to draw nearer to me. In that humility, God can give me His compassion for others, and His heart for those who are in darkness. It is only when I identify with Christ in all his suffering that I am given the heart of the Father for the world and, even closer to home, for my own child. For, even in the heart of a mother for her child, there is not the love that it takes to cry out as Jesus did for their forgiveness and spill Himself. I have suffered plenty in my short life; both because of my own sin and due to other's sin. I never counted my sufferings as identifying with Christ in His. I just never thought of it that way. Today, as I was praying with a friend over the phone, I asked God to heal and seal up the hurt and disappointment I was experiencing so that I could love without condition and have the compassion I needed to continue on with my son. You see, I am so deeply saddened by the extreme darkness he is in right now, I need to be able to get past the emotion of my flesh so that the Spirit man can come forward. The same Spirit that enabled Christ at the Cross to cry out "Father, Forgive them, for they know not what they are doing". I have to nail these emotions to the cross, so to speak, because they are interfering now with the work of the Spirit. The enemy of my soul is preying on the weakness of my flesh in the area of my emotions and is continually trying to devour me. Like a lion in the natural world, goes after the weakest one in the herd, so too, is the enemy now after my son. He can't get to me because I am hiding myself in Christ, so he will try to go after my children. It's time to fast and pray!

scheduled

4/6/11

by Claudia

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How do I get to his heart

I came home last evening from Charleston to find that my son, who is beyond angry with me for the move, had taken out his frustration against me on an antique coffee table that I love.  Now, I KNOW that people are more important than possessions, but for some reason, that was not the first thought that ran through my mind or out of my mouth...      I was furious.  Enraged.  Hurt,  by his blatant disrespect and callousness,  and most every other verb that goes along with that train of thought.  I was a bit stunned that he would do such a thing and yet not.  It was a personal attack;  intentional and malicious.  

  I would like to say that I handled it properly, but even today, I am not sure what properly would look like.  I know that somewhere in the speech that followed, I swore  at least twice, so Strike 1, in the "not properly handled" category for the Spirit-filled mom, and Strike 2 in the grumbling under my breath after he walked away with not an ounce of remorse. Strike 3 that I went to bed without having dealt with the anger ( I simply didn't know how), and Strike 4 for not having slept a wink while I stewed in the outrage all night!   When I got up this morning and let the dogs out, I realized that his rage continued to burn and he had destroyed someone else' property in the hope that we would be asked to leave the condominium complex, and in his estimation, I'm guessing, move back to where we came from.       NOT!

Forgive me while I try and sort through this in writing.  As I lay in bed last night, one scripture after another went through my mind.  "do not let the sun go down on your anger", "bless those who curse you", In your anger, do not sin",  Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but let your speech be edifying and for the building up of others."  (sorry, these are my memory paraphrases, but you get the idea).  Obviously I tried to take the focus off my son and be accountable to God for the sin on my part.  You know, "take the plank out of your own eye" before trying to reprove someone else.  Clearly, this is the next step--reproving him-- and I also think that restitution for the damage (at least the other person's) is in order.  But how do I get to his heart?

 That is the question I am putting before the Lord today....  If there is one thing I have learned on this 18 year journey with the Lord, it is that behaviors are a heart issue.  Knowing this, does not mean that I excuse the behavior, but that I bring the underlying problem, the core of the behaviors, to the One who can heal.  I am not capable of healing my son.  Right now, I am trying not to kill him!  But thank God, I know  the One who is able to heal and do exceedingly more than I could ever ask or imagine.

Every time I walked by that table today, with all the obscenities carved in it and its broken leg, I was angry; but even more than that, it saddened me deeply.  Not because this beautiful antique is ruined, but because the heart and eyes of my child are so darkened.   Rebellion is ugly to observe, but it is also ugly for the one walking in it.   In my outrage last night, as I was yelling at my son, I saw for a split second, a look of despair in his eyes.  "Sin takes us further than we ever wanted to go and it keeps us  longer than we ever wanted to stay".    I'm not sure who said that--some wise teacher from my past--but it always stuck with me.  I know, all to well, the disparity of rebellion.  I know the shame and the burden of walking under the weight of it.  I know what its like to not be able to look someone in the eye and the feelings that go with that shrug of the shoulder when you are desperately trying to pretend that the hurt you have caused doesn't matter.  I am familiar with the separation from family and friends  the rebellion causes and feeling like you just aren't good enough for anyone or any thing.   That's anguish.  That's the wage of  sinfulness.  The Bible says, "The wages of sin is death".  And the road is paved in anguish. 

I'm not sure I will be able to sort through this today, or even this week.  But God  knows the timing and the answers and the outcomes.  I'm on the right track.  Sometimes prayer isn't the only thing we can do, but it's always  the best thing we can do. 

If you would, please pray with me for my son.  And let me know how I can pray for you.  Thank you