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
Sunday, July 31, 2011
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
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