My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness. Isaiah 26:9 (NIV)
The best time to seek the Lord is early in the morning.
Sure it will be difficult to stir yourself awake, pull back the covers and place your feet on the ground. The full weight of the day presses down on your shoulders and all you want to do is crawl back into bed. But what rich rewards wait for those who seek the Lord before the first rays of the morning sun break through the clouds.
Jesus is our example. It says in Mark 1:35 “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (NIV).
Jesus didn’t stay in the bedroom or find another room in the house, but went as far as leaving the house. He found a solitary place to be alone with His Father.
Beloved, we must steal away early before the day robs our hearts. When we are alone in prayer we must understand this is the most blessed and satisfying place where we meet Jesus. How many people struggle with prayer only because it requires us to be alone and isolated?
And what do we do when we enter the secret place of prayer? Do we unburden our needs and wants? Do we run down a laundry list of things to do and places to go? Do we pray for our love ones and family members? Perhaps, but the purpose of meeting Jesus in those lonely places away from distractions is because Christ is our attraction. His jealous love for us demands our attention!
By faith we come to Him prayer to present ourselves as a living sacrifice. Not driven by our wants, desires and hopes and plans. Such a sacrifice Jesus is pleased for it comes from heart yearning to be near Him.
How lonely He must be when His people refuse to leave their slumber to meet Him in the morning. Listen, all of creation is silent yet in those hours the world will stir awake. The birds begin to sing and light begins to dawn all evidence of God's sustaining power. His voice can be heard more clearly in the dark stillness of the early morning hours.
With great longing, He waits for us to walk through the door to greet Him with a kiss. Just say little or nothing at all, but only to adore Him.
Prayer is not a monologue but a breathing dialogue. Words flow in a musical pattern and we pause to listen for Him to speak, and then flow again. Until we understand it a pleasure to be in His presence then pray will always be some laborious obligation we must fulfill.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Temptation
Temptation is all around us. It's unavoidable the moment our feet touch the floor in the morning to the end of the day when we fall back into bed wearied from the day.
Temptation can come from various sources like the media, a conversation at work or some stranger passing you by on the sidewalk. Even on the best days, a sinful memory could suddenly bubble up in your mind and send you spinning back to the past. But God never tempts His people. Our flesh, the world and the devil are the instigators of temptation.
When we think of temptation we generally know what makes us weak and want to give in to sin. It can be overeating, anger, or gossiping. Temptation is very personal to the individual. What may tempt you may not be something I find desirable to partake.
Still temptation for many can be a fearful experience. Temptation is much like a border crossing. Your heart shifts with a glance of your eyes in a wrong direction. Soon your feet follow in a movement away from what you know is right. You inch closer to the line the Lord has clearly drawn and prohibited you from crossing.
I remember one particular temptation that in times past literally made me shake with a mixture of fear and anticipation. It could be a hot August day and my knees would shake and my stomach became twisted into a tight knot. My mind was inflamed by what was behind particular closed doors. I'd already crossed the line by not fleeing temptation and running to Christ for help. I took it upon myself to figure it out. Somehow I'd manage and cope with this deep inward yearning to do wrong. Time after time, I'd fallen flat on my face.
God does not want us to fear temptation. Rather, we must learn to fear the Lord. Psalms 19:9 says, "The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. "
Nothing brings us back to our senses and to right thinking when we genuinely ask the Lord to help us fear Him. When we fear the Lord - in awe and reverence - we realize our smallness and His greatness to deliver us. And when we fear Him, there is a growing hatred toward sin and a longing to be holy like Christ.
Don't fear my beloved, God pours out a supernatural grace so you can truly love and fear Him. You will overcome!
Temptation can come from various sources like the media, a conversation at work or some stranger passing you by on the sidewalk. Even on the best days, a sinful memory could suddenly bubble up in your mind and send you spinning back to the past. But God never tempts His people. Our flesh, the world and the devil are the instigators of temptation.
When we think of temptation we generally know what makes us weak and want to give in to sin. It can be overeating, anger, or gossiping. Temptation is very personal to the individual. What may tempt you may not be something I find desirable to partake.
Still temptation for many can be a fearful experience. Temptation is much like a border crossing. Your heart shifts with a glance of your eyes in a wrong direction. Soon your feet follow in a movement away from what you know is right. You inch closer to the line the Lord has clearly drawn and prohibited you from crossing.
I remember one particular temptation that in times past literally made me shake with a mixture of fear and anticipation. It could be a hot August day and my knees would shake and my stomach became twisted into a tight knot. My mind was inflamed by what was behind particular closed doors. I'd already crossed the line by not fleeing temptation and running to Christ for help. I took it upon myself to figure it out. Somehow I'd manage and cope with this deep inward yearning to do wrong. Time after time, I'd fallen flat on my face.
God does not want us to fear temptation. Rather, we must learn to fear the Lord. Psalms 19:9 says, "The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. "
Nothing brings us back to our senses and to right thinking when we genuinely ask the Lord to help us fear Him. When we fear the Lord - in awe and reverence - we realize our smallness and His greatness to deliver us. And when we fear Him, there is a growing hatred toward sin and a longing to be holy like Christ.
Don't fear my beloved, God pours out a supernatural grace so you can truly love and fear Him. You will overcome!
Open My Eyes
I’m reminded when I was a child peering through a kaleidoscope. I was fascinated by the various bright colors and odd shapes being formed as I slowly turned the lens.
Likewise, the lens of our life can be bright and attractive or very distracted and distorted. Through this same lens, we form judgments, opinions, biases etc. We reach a conclusion, some very faulty and fragmented, on what we consider true just by what we see around us.
We need the Holy Spirit to remove the veil of unbelief from our eyes so we see the truth of God’s word. David writes in Psalm 119:18: “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” The Hebrew word for “open” means to uncover, remove.
When our vision is obscured, it’s almost certain our knowledge of Christ is lacking. Proverbs 29:18 tells us where there is no vision or revelation the people perish (or as another version describes, “cast off restraint”), but blessed are those who keep the law.
Mary came to the tomb to expecting to see a dead Christ not expecting to see a risen Savior. Through her sorrow and grief she could not see Jesus standing right before her eyes, but she mistakenly thought it was a gardener. Until He spoke her name then revelation was imparted. Her eyes were opened. Christ was resurrected! And the veil was removed from her eyes (John 20:15-18).
Jesus instructed Mary in John 20:17, “Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.”
Beloved, the Scriptures tell us we walk by faith, not by sight (II Corinthians 5:7). The Greek word for sight means the external or outward appearance, form figure, shape.
Mary needed to learn to walk by faith, trusting in an unseen Lord, for He would soon ascend to heaven to be seated at the right hand of His Father. Just because she could no longer see Him in a bodily form did diminish the truth of His resurrection or existence. So to our knowledge of God is not based on what is seen or perceived, but rather based on trust in a God whom we don’t see, yet believe He is real.
Interestingly, in the same chapter of John, where Jesus prevented Mary to touch Him, one of the disciples refused to believe His resurrection unless he touched the nail prints in His hands and pierced side (I John 20:24-29).
Believing, Mary went away in joy and told the disciples of the good news (verse 18), but Thomas refused to believe until evidence was presented. Much in the same way, some refuse to believe unless evidence is seen. Even when it is produced, some will continue to be doubtful.
There is a blessing the Lord imparts to those who have not seen yet believe (John 20:29) which makes seeing on that day all the more wonderful and glorious when we no longer see in part, but completely!
Likewise, the lens of our life can be bright and attractive or very distracted and distorted. Through this same lens, we form judgments, opinions, biases etc. We reach a conclusion, some very faulty and fragmented, on what we consider true just by what we see around us.
We need the Holy Spirit to remove the veil of unbelief from our eyes so we see the truth of God’s word. David writes in Psalm 119:18: “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” The Hebrew word for “open” means to uncover, remove.
When our vision is obscured, it’s almost certain our knowledge of Christ is lacking. Proverbs 29:18 tells us where there is no vision or revelation the people perish (or as another version describes, “cast off restraint”), but blessed are those who keep the law.
Mary came to the tomb to expecting to see a dead Christ not expecting to see a risen Savior. Through her sorrow and grief she could not see Jesus standing right before her eyes, but she mistakenly thought it was a gardener. Until He spoke her name then revelation was imparted. Her eyes were opened. Christ was resurrected! And the veil was removed from her eyes (John 20:15-18).
Jesus instructed Mary in John 20:17, “Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.”
Beloved, the Scriptures tell us we walk by faith, not by sight (II Corinthians 5:7). The Greek word for sight means the external or outward appearance, form figure, shape.
Mary needed to learn to walk by faith, trusting in an unseen Lord, for He would soon ascend to heaven to be seated at the right hand of His Father. Just because she could no longer see Him in a bodily form did diminish the truth of His resurrection or existence. So to our knowledge of God is not based on what is seen or perceived, but rather based on trust in a God whom we don’t see, yet believe He is real.
Interestingly, in the same chapter of John, where Jesus prevented Mary to touch Him, one of the disciples refused to believe His resurrection unless he touched the nail prints in His hands and pierced side (I John 20:24-29).
Believing, Mary went away in joy and told the disciples of the good news (verse 18), but Thomas refused to believe until evidence was presented. Much in the same way, some refuse to believe unless evidence is seen. Even when it is produced, some will continue to be doubtful.
There is a blessing the Lord imparts to those who have not seen yet believe (John 20:29) which makes seeing on that day all the more wonderful and glorious when we no longer see in part, but completely!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
A Sober Mind
God wants our minds to be sober, free from fleshly or worldly intoxication.
Our minds can be intoxicated by the world, their way of thinking and behaving. Our minds can be affected by distress and difficult circumstances.
I Peter 1:13 says we must gird up the loins of the mind. To gird up the loins of your mind in the original means to tie a belt around your mind. It comes from the action one does when tying a belt around the waist to gather up a tunic so you can be unhindered in getting where you need to go.
Remember one of the pieces of the amour of God is the belt of truth. To tie a belt around your waist is representative of protecting the productive area (the loins) with God’s truth as we do our mind.
In other words, our imagination is very potent and creative. Anxiety can influence the mind making it intoxicating and inflame the thoughts. It can impair judgment and fuel a wild imagination into a blazing forest fire. You begin to imagine things waiting around the corner that don't exist! Shadows loom tall and monstrous, but they are only shadows. David said in Psalms 23, though I walk through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.
Fear is another toxin that can feed on your imagination to distort what you see or don’t see. And soon we are not fixing our minds on the things above but on earthly things.
Isaiah 26:3 gives us a promise of peace for a mind stayed on Christ. That promise would extend to our imaginations – we are not imagining the worse – but we are at peace.
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you: because he trusts in you. (KJV)
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Prisoner of Hope
Through the Scriptures, there are those who found themselves bound, captive and in horrible prison. Joseph was sold by his brothers and taken to Egypt. After refusing to sleep with his master's wife, he was sent to prison on trumped up charges of rape. Later, he was released from prison and ushered into the Egyptian palace (Genesis 41:14).
Joseph was second to Pharaoh, ruling over Egypt. Another example is Daniel, a young Jewish man who was a Babylonian captive, but God gave him wisdom and the ability to interpret dreams. He interpreted the king's troubling dream and in exchanged given a powerful position (Daniel 2:48).
These men did not deserve the treatment of being put into prison like a common criminal. But God used this time to test and prove them. They became prisoners of hope. Zechariah 9:12 says, "Return to your fortress, O prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you." (NIV).
By putting their trust in the Lord, they believed God had not forgotten them and will one day rescue them. Because these men trusted God, they were prisoners with hope. There will be terrible, dark days ahead but because they understood God is an ever present help, they didn't sink down into the thick mud of despair.
Has God given you vision and dreams? Has He stirred your heart to see what the future holds for you in ministry? Have you prayed and seen through the eyes of faith what God is about to do in restoring your marriage? your children? Do you find yourself shut up in a place where you feel alone and abandoned? Does it feel as if the walls are closing in and your life seems small and insignificant? Do you grow impatient of looking for a way out?
This is time to allow God's word to test and prove our hearts. The reason Joseph was in prison is answered in Psalms 105:19, "till what he foretold came to pass, till the word of the LORD proved him true."
God uses our jail time as means of getting to the deep areas of our heart that need to be dealt with so we can fully stand prepared in the palace - a place of provision, blessing, power and privilege.
One day Joseph would encounter his brothers but what he learned in prison, taught him forgiveness and humility, even when they bowed to him - fulling God's word in a dream long ago that one day his family will come and bow down to him.
Beloved, God will release you soon. And sooner when you release to Him the things you have been holding on to that you know is keeping you from entering into the true freedom of Christ!
Joseph was second to Pharaoh, ruling over Egypt. Another example is Daniel, a young Jewish man who was a Babylonian captive, but God gave him wisdom and the ability to interpret dreams. He interpreted the king's troubling dream and in exchanged given a powerful position (Daniel 2:48).
These men did not deserve the treatment of being put into prison like a common criminal. But God used this time to test and prove them. They became prisoners of hope. Zechariah 9:12 says, "Return to your fortress, O prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you." (NIV).
By putting their trust in the Lord, they believed God had not forgotten them and will one day rescue them. Because these men trusted God, they were prisoners with hope. There will be terrible, dark days ahead but because they understood God is an ever present help, they didn't sink down into the thick mud of despair.
Has God given you vision and dreams? Has He stirred your heart to see what the future holds for you in ministry? Have you prayed and seen through the eyes of faith what God is about to do in restoring your marriage? your children? Do you find yourself shut up in a place where you feel alone and abandoned? Does it feel as if the walls are closing in and your life seems small and insignificant? Do you grow impatient of looking for a way out?
This is time to allow God's word to test and prove our hearts. The reason Joseph was in prison is answered in Psalms 105:19, "till what he foretold came to pass, till the word of the LORD proved him true."
God uses our jail time as means of getting to the deep areas of our heart that need to be dealt with so we can fully stand prepared in the palace - a place of provision, blessing, power and privilege.
One day Joseph would encounter his brothers but what he learned in prison, taught him forgiveness and humility, even when they bowed to him - fulling God's word in a dream long ago that one day his family will come and bow down to him.
Beloved, God will release you soon. And sooner when you release to Him the things you have been holding on to that you know is keeping you from entering into the true freedom of Christ!
Saturday, February 23, 2013
At The Break of Day
At the dawn of our break through, we find ourselves at a cross current. A cross current is "a stretch of turbulent water in a river or the sea caused by one current flowing into or across another current" (AudioEnglish.Net)
God is about to fulfill His promise to you! But at this very moment, there is another turbulent current stirred by the flesh and devil to hinder the flow of God's work.
Just as the light is about to rise, restoring hope, this rip tide of temptations wants to pull us under and away from experiencing a break through. For some of us, we need a "break out" from already being swept out to a sea of fear and confusion!
In this time, siren like voices of the past begin to stir and speak into our ears. Temptations we thought were finished, buried and completely eradicated from our lives suddenly beckon us to turn back, even threaten to crash us on a shore of broken rocks of despair!
"You are not going to make it!" Then louder the voices call, "You are disgusting, look at you, what a failure! Why don't you let go and give in to what you know is true about yourself." Emotions are provoked. A heat in your stomach warms you to the thought of releasing your grip on God's promise. Maybe it might be easier to stop fighting, holding on to a promise that anchors you through so many storms! Perhaps, it's true God has forgotten me?
Listen, beloved, hold on to this promise in Psalms 46:4, "There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day."
God's living river is a current so strong, it carries you along with gladness. Where? To the city of God, a holy place, where He dwells! Beloved, God is with us! He will not fail to help us at the break of day.
When you feel your strength fails or your heart is tired of fighting, call out to Him. His voice will override all doubts and fears. Even as I write this I sense in the Spirit there are many who are mere inches of a break through...the first rays of the morning sun is about to break through your darkness, sorrow and pain. Joy is coming in the morning!
God is about to fulfill His promise to you! But at this very moment, there is another turbulent current stirred by the flesh and devil to hinder the flow of God's work.
Just as the light is about to rise, restoring hope, this rip tide of temptations wants to pull us under and away from experiencing a break through. For some of us, we need a "break out" from already being swept out to a sea of fear and confusion!
In this time, siren like voices of the past begin to stir and speak into our ears. Temptations we thought were finished, buried and completely eradicated from our lives suddenly beckon us to turn back, even threaten to crash us on a shore of broken rocks of despair!
"You are not going to make it!" Then louder the voices call, "You are disgusting, look at you, what a failure! Why don't you let go and give in to what you know is true about yourself." Emotions are provoked. A heat in your stomach warms you to the thought of releasing your grip on God's promise. Maybe it might be easier to stop fighting, holding on to a promise that anchors you through so many storms! Perhaps, it's true God has forgotten me?
Listen, beloved, hold on to this promise in Psalms 46:4, "There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day."
God's living river is a current so strong, it carries you along with gladness. Where? To the city of God, a holy place, where He dwells! Beloved, God is with us! He will not fail to help us at the break of day.
When you feel your strength fails or your heart is tired of fighting, call out to Him. His voice will override all doubts and fears. Even as I write this I sense in the Spirit there are many who are mere inches of a break through...the first rays of the morning sun is about to break through your darkness, sorrow and pain. Joy is coming in the morning!
Where Are You?
After Adam and Eve sinned, God asked them a question. Even today how we respond to this question is important to our understanding of God and how we fellowship with Him.
In Genesis 3:9 God calls out to Adam and Eve. “Where are you?”
All around the world, God calls out to the lost and to those who are hiding. It’s never a question of God needing directions as if He couldn't find us. God is everywhere at all times. As fallen humanity, sinners don’t naturally seek out God. Our tendency is to run and hide from His presence. Still God in His mercy seeks us out (Isaiah 53:6, Luke 19:10).
And truth be told, some of us did not want to be found because we were so enamored and ensnared by the pleasures of sin.
Out of pride and fear, we dismiss Him though we admittedly can see how destructive our lives become without Him. There is a deception that weaves a tight web around our minds, blinding us from the true reality of our condition outside of Christ!
Unless He seeks us out as He did to Adam and Eve we remain in our sins, deceived and ashamed.
If God asks where are you it’s never to be taken lightly. This is not a childish game of hide-and-go seek. Why is it that we foolishly think we can be selective in choosing the areas of our lives to be known by God while other parts of our heart remain hidden from His sight? Hebrews 4:13 says, “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”
When He questions us, we must answer honestly. About what we think, of how we feel, of the things that trouble and concern us and even why we are hiding. And we must be willing to listen when He responds. He will always speak the truth about Himself and of our condition.
Remember when God comes walking into hidden garden of our lives, it is not to destroy us but to bring us into life.
Don't run!
In Genesis 3:9 God calls out to Adam and Eve. “Where are you?”
All around the world, God calls out to the lost and to those who are hiding. It’s never a question of God needing directions as if He couldn't find us. God is everywhere at all times. As fallen humanity, sinners don’t naturally seek out God. Our tendency is to run and hide from His presence. Still God in His mercy seeks us out (Isaiah 53:6, Luke 19:10).
And truth be told, some of us did not want to be found because we were so enamored and ensnared by the pleasures of sin.
Out of pride and fear, we dismiss Him though we admittedly can see how destructive our lives become without Him. There is a deception that weaves a tight web around our minds, blinding us from the true reality of our condition outside of Christ!
Unless He seeks us out as He did to Adam and Eve we remain in our sins, deceived and ashamed.
If God asks where are you it’s never to be taken lightly. This is not a childish game of hide-and-go seek. Why is it that we foolishly think we can be selective in choosing the areas of our lives to be known by God while other parts of our heart remain hidden from His sight? Hebrews 4:13 says, “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”
When He questions us, we must answer honestly. About what we think, of how we feel, of the things that trouble and concern us and even why we are hiding. And we must be willing to listen when He responds. He will always speak the truth about Himself and of our condition.
Remember when God comes walking into hidden garden of our lives, it is not to destroy us but to bring us into life.
Don't run!
Friday, February 22, 2013
Fearful Places
As Christians, we can face external fears perhaps better than others because we are armed with Scriptures and know the right words to say when putting on a brave face.
Somehow we can navigate through a job loss or home foreclosing. Our fears are lessened by the many resources available and options to help alleviate the pain and distress.
After all, God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love and sound mind. Yes, the Word of God is true and we have been given a sound mind, but we have not been honest with Him.
When we go to prayer, the Lord patiently whispers to our hearts a place we fear to go or even speak about. Somehow we have walled up this place in our heart with layers of excuses and reasons to avoid it. The years roll on and we have learned to live with it or cope even silence the cry should it surface unexpectedly.
We are like the woman who crawled her way through the tight knotted crowd, bleeding internally, hoping to touch Jesus. Her strength was fading quickly as she inched her self to Jesus. Her eyes fixed on His feet as others tried in vain to move around her but too often stepped on her back, legs and arms. Her fingers stretched to brush against the tassels of His robe. It says power left Him, and in Mark 5:32, Jesus kept looking around to see who touched Him. Jesus, the Son of God, all powerful and all knowing was searching for someone who dared to touched Him, in a way unlike those in the crowd who pressed hard against Him.
It was a bleeding woman, considered unclean, in a fearful place reaching out in faith to be healed.
Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. (verse 33 NIV).
How many of us are bleeding inside, hemorrhaging from wounds so deep, we can't even speak? We long to be healed, to be loved but what if God turned around to look at us. To really look at what was really going on inside. This is our fearful place. A place we can't believe God would even want to heal and make right, because of our failures and sin.
If you have to crawl to Jesus tonight - reach out your hands to Him - invite Him inside the fearful place. Remember the nailed scarred hands and feet, wounds He bore to bring us healing.
He bled for those who are internally bleeding so they can be restored!
Somehow we can navigate through a job loss or home foreclosing. Our fears are lessened by the many resources available and options to help alleviate the pain and distress.
After all, God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love and sound mind. Yes, the Word of God is true and we have been given a sound mind, but we have not been honest with Him.
When we go to prayer, the Lord patiently whispers to our hearts a place we fear to go or even speak about. Somehow we have walled up this place in our heart with layers of excuses and reasons to avoid it. The years roll on and we have learned to live with it or cope even silence the cry should it surface unexpectedly.
We are like the woman who crawled her way through the tight knotted crowd, bleeding internally, hoping to touch Jesus. Her strength was fading quickly as she inched her self to Jesus. Her eyes fixed on His feet as others tried in vain to move around her but too often stepped on her back, legs and arms. Her fingers stretched to brush against the tassels of His robe. It says power left Him, and in Mark 5:32, Jesus kept looking around to see who touched Him. Jesus, the Son of God, all powerful and all knowing was searching for someone who dared to touched Him, in a way unlike those in the crowd who pressed hard against Him.
It was a bleeding woman, considered unclean, in a fearful place reaching out in faith to be healed.
Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. (verse 33 NIV).
How many of us are bleeding inside, hemorrhaging from wounds so deep, we can't even speak? We long to be healed, to be loved but what if God turned around to look at us. To really look at what was really going on inside. This is our fearful place. A place we can't believe God would even want to heal and make right, because of our failures and sin.
If you have to crawl to Jesus tonight - reach out your hands to Him - invite Him inside the fearful place. Remember the nailed scarred hands and feet, wounds He bore to bring us healing.
He bled for those who are internally bleeding so they can be restored!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
The Living Door
I opened the door to see my father standing in the hall. This was the first time he came to visit me. At the time, I lived alone in a small apartment a few miles from my parents' home. He was wearing his usual starched, white hospital uniform where he worked some twenty years. In fact, I was born in the same hospital. My eyes traced the many white snap color buttons that ran along one side of the shirt, just below the shoulders to keep a large flap closed. At that moment, I wanted to reach out and touch it remembering as a child when he walked into the door at the end of a long shift and picked me up in his arms.
"Dad?"
He looked uncomfortable as he shifted his weight. His eyes darted about almost looking for the nearest exit. "I've come to say goodbye." His voice held little emotion, but something didn't seem quite right. My head slightly bent as if to hear the undertones in his dry, flat tone.
Then in seconds he was gone. I hurried over to the living room window and stood on my toes trying to catch a glimpse of his car pulling away but didn't see anything below.
He never went to work but drove back to his mother's house in another state. Twenty-three years of marriage came to abrupt end leaving us bemused and relieved. For the most part, Dad was a stranger who sat quietly on the couch with very little interaction. As the years rolled on, he settled in a comfortable pattern of work and sleeping while we were at school. He was gone before most of us had swung open the front door after school.
I'm reminded of the Scripture when Jesus says in John 10:9 "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." (KJV).
It's not enough to stand outside a home wanting to know what it might be like inside, you have to go through the front door. For most of my life I'd open doors hoping to find my father waiting on the other side. Sadly, these were doors that should never be opened. Instead of my Dad greeting me, I was embraced by frustration, misery and emptiness.
This morning Jesus whispered to my heart, "I receive you." To walk through the front door is one thing, but to be warmly and lovingly received when the door swings open makes all the difference.
If are standing outside, shivering with fear and the rain of sorrow falling on your head, place your hand on the Living Door.
He will open it and receive you into a place of safety and love - into the very chambers of His heart. Jesus said, "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." (John 15:7 NIV). I long for a father and behind the Door, God the Father was waiting, all the time, with arms open wide to say, "I receive you!"
He's waiting for you, beloved, go on, it's all right. Open the Door, it's not locked to keep you from the blessings waiting inside!
"Dad?"
He looked uncomfortable as he shifted his weight. His eyes darted about almost looking for the nearest exit. "I've come to say goodbye." His voice held little emotion, but something didn't seem quite right. My head slightly bent as if to hear the undertones in his dry, flat tone.
Then in seconds he was gone. I hurried over to the living room window and stood on my toes trying to catch a glimpse of his car pulling away but didn't see anything below.
He never went to work but drove back to his mother's house in another state. Twenty-three years of marriage came to abrupt end leaving us bemused and relieved. For the most part, Dad was a stranger who sat quietly on the couch with very little interaction. As the years rolled on, he settled in a comfortable pattern of work and sleeping while we were at school. He was gone before most of us had swung open the front door after school.
I'm reminded of the Scripture when Jesus says in John 10:9 "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." (KJV).
It's not enough to stand outside a home wanting to know what it might be like inside, you have to go through the front door. For most of my life I'd open doors hoping to find my father waiting on the other side. Sadly, these were doors that should never be opened. Instead of my Dad greeting me, I was embraced by frustration, misery and emptiness.
This morning Jesus whispered to my heart, "I receive you." To walk through the front door is one thing, but to be warmly and lovingly received when the door swings open makes all the difference.
If are standing outside, shivering with fear and the rain of sorrow falling on your head, place your hand on the Living Door.
He will open it and receive you into a place of safety and love - into the very chambers of His heart. Jesus said, "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." (John 15:7 NIV). I long for a father and behind the Door, God the Father was waiting, all the time, with arms open wide to say, "I receive you!"
He's waiting for you, beloved, go on, it's all right. Open the Door, it's not locked to keep you from the blessings waiting inside!
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Resisting The Enemy
Spiritual victory requires complete submission to the Lord.
James 4:7 says, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (KJV). Submission requires surrendering any control we might have over a situation or problem, in particular when we are tempted.
Otherwise, we will be operating in our strength, trying desperately to free ourselves from worldly and fleshly snares.
The more you resist a temptation, the more difficult it becomes not to give in to it! Rather you resist by first submitting to the Lord and then you will be able to fully resist the devil.
Submission means recognizing the Lord's authority to give you power to resist temptation and the tempter.
Of the few places Jesus was astonished in the New Testament is when a Roman centurion recognized His authority to heal by simply saying the word. This man submitted to Jesus because he understood what it means to answer to someone who holds greater power and influence over him. (Matthew 8:8-10)
Spiritual victory in submitting to the Lord gives us a fearlessness to resist the devil. No longer do we bend, bow or cower because Satan tempts us to sin. Through God's power we can shut the Enemy's mouth that shouts lies in our ears that we will never make any progress, were stuck and useless to resist. We know greater is He in me than he who is in the world!
Right now, are you being tempted to sin? Are you wanting to take matters into your own hands when someone has hurt you? Do you feel like giving up after falling flat on your face? Are you listening to the lie of the enemy to return to a place you know sin is lurking behind closed doors?
Beloved, run to the Lord. Present your body to Him as a living sacrifice. Offering these members not for sin, but as instruments of righteousness. Acknowledge He has all power to help you. Be honest with Him letting Him know what how you feel and think. Talk to Him about what you want to do and you understand it is sinful. Then listen for His voice to speak to you through the Scriptures. The Lord will make a way of escape for you, but you must be submitted to Him to obey His leading.
When you submit to God, He hides you under the shelter of His wings like a mother hen gathering her chicks. You are no longer a target of the devil. Why? Your life is hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3)
Submission to Christ is the resistance the Enemy fears!
James 4:7 says, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (KJV). Submission requires surrendering any control we might have over a situation or problem, in particular when we are tempted.
Otherwise, we will be operating in our strength, trying desperately to free ourselves from worldly and fleshly snares.
The more you resist a temptation, the more difficult it becomes not to give in to it! Rather you resist by first submitting to the Lord and then you will be able to fully resist the devil.
Submission means recognizing the Lord's authority to give you power to resist temptation and the tempter.
Of the few places Jesus was astonished in the New Testament is when a Roman centurion recognized His authority to heal by simply saying the word. This man submitted to Jesus because he understood what it means to answer to someone who holds greater power and influence over him. (Matthew 8:8-10)
Spiritual victory in submitting to the Lord gives us a fearlessness to resist the devil. No longer do we bend, bow or cower because Satan tempts us to sin. Through God's power we can shut the Enemy's mouth that shouts lies in our ears that we will never make any progress, were stuck and useless to resist. We know greater is He in me than he who is in the world!
Right now, are you being tempted to sin? Are you wanting to take matters into your own hands when someone has hurt you? Do you feel like giving up after falling flat on your face? Are you listening to the lie of the enemy to return to a place you know sin is lurking behind closed doors?
Beloved, run to the Lord. Present your body to Him as a living sacrifice. Offering these members not for sin, but as instruments of righteousness. Acknowledge He has all power to help you. Be honest with Him letting Him know what how you feel and think. Talk to Him about what you want to do and you understand it is sinful. Then listen for His voice to speak to you through the Scriptures. The Lord will make a way of escape for you, but you must be submitted to Him to obey His leading.
When you submit to God, He hides you under the shelter of His wings like a mother hen gathering her chicks. You are no longer a target of the devil. Why? Your life is hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3)
Submission to Christ is the resistance the Enemy fears!
Monday, February 18, 2013
Tenderness
Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the LORD. (2 Kings 22:19).
King Josiah had a rare characteristic that kings before and after lacked when responding to God's wrath coming against a nation that refused Him. Most of the kings of the southern kingdom only persisted in their arrogance and become more wicked than their forefathers.
Josiah was different. He had a tender heart.
In Hebrew the word is rakak meaning to be soft and weak. Tenderness it's not how the world views softness or weakness. Josiah was soft and weak to the Word of God by heeding to it, rather than trying to put on brave face and walk in arrogance. To tremble at God's word is not a weakness, but very powerful in the eyes of God. It's a sure sign of a heart that is tender, (soft and weak) toward the things of God.
When you can no longer be moved by the voice of God, tremble while reading His word, there is a danger of a heart growing cold and indifferent. When you can close your ears to cry of the needy or turn your eyes from the one who is suffering, then tenderness has given way to a congealed, closed heart.
What gave Christ such a magnanimous presence and strength as He walked the earth was how He demonstrated a rich, tender heart (Isaiah 42:3). He healed all manner of sickness and illness. He wept at Lazarus tomb. He forgive the woman caught in adultery. Jesus purged the temple of money changers in display of passion for His house to be a place of prayer, not a market of buyers and sellers. He prayed in the garden until blood dropped from His forehead.
The tenderness of Christ is in stark contrast to the coldness and hardness of the religious rulers of His day who knew only about rules, laws and commandments. Forgiveness, grace, mercy and love were foreign words to them, even though Moses who they studied and revered, God revealed Himself as "...faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands." (Deuteronomy 7:9 NIV).
If you are worn and tired from the battle and find your heart shutting down to defend yourself - God will be your shield to keep you tender and protected from a world that is icy cold and unfeeling. Yet a world that so desperately wants to see believers cry for them, when their tears have all but dried up. Christians who are strong to fight the battles of temptations because they are weak to God, making them more than over comers!
King Josiah had a rare characteristic that kings before and after lacked when responding to God's wrath coming against a nation that refused Him. Most of the kings of the southern kingdom only persisted in their arrogance and become more wicked than their forefathers.
Josiah was different. He had a tender heart.
In Hebrew the word is rakak meaning to be soft and weak. Tenderness it's not how the world views softness or weakness. Josiah was soft and weak to the Word of God by heeding to it, rather than trying to put on brave face and walk in arrogance. To tremble at God's word is not a weakness, but very powerful in the eyes of God. It's a sure sign of a heart that is tender, (soft and weak) toward the things of God.
When you can no longer be moved by the voice of God, tremble while reading His word, there is a danger of a heart growing cold and indifferent. When you can close your ears to cry of the needy or turn your eyes from the one who is suffering, then tenderness has given way to a congealed, closed heart.
What gave Christ such a magnanimous presence and strength as He walked the earth was how He demonstrated a rich, tender heart (Isaiah 42:3). He healed all manner of sickness and illness. He wept at Lazarus tomb. He forgive the woman caught in adultery. Jesus purged the temple of money changers in display of passion for His house to be a place of prayer, not a market of buyers and sellers. He prayed in the garden until blood dropped from His forehead.
The tenderness of Christ is in stark contrast to the coldness and hardness of the religious rulers of His day who knew only about rules, laws and commandments. Forgiveness, grace, mercy and love were foreign words to them, even though Moses who they studied and revered, God revealed Himself as "...faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands." (Deuteronomy 7:9 NIV).
If you are worn and tired from the battle and find your heart shutting down to defend yourself - God will be your shield to keep you tender and protected from a world that is icy cold and unfeeling. Yet a world that so desperately wants to see believers cry for them, when their tears have all but dried up. Christians who are strong to fight the battles of temptations because they are weak to God, making them more than over comers!
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Reconciliation
You want everything to go right, then suddenly life takes a left turn. Unexpected, unplanned and certainly something that you wish to avoid, but unfortunately it collides into your otherwise neatly planned and safe world. Like a car accident, you are fortunate to walk away with only a scratch, so you pray.
What is this force that can sideline some while others can be tempted to grow cold and bitter?
It's call an offense.
It can start off with a minor disagreement or difference in opinion or taking an opposing view point. Then something changes and something that at first seems trivial becomes a looming mountain. The initial sting of an offense sends you reeling, off balance and uncertain how to restore the peace you once enjoyed between friends or family members.
Now, it seems like an out all war of a heated words of who said what and why.
Proverbs 18:19 reads in the NLT, "An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars."
Most offenses start with broken lines of communication. Something gets lost in the translation with words being omitted or instructions not clear or even confusing. This type of offense was not done deliberately to hurt or to wound. Simply, something in the conversation was overlooked and the gaps were filled in by the other parties' expectations, thoughts or ideas on the situation.
Trying to clear the matter up can be just as difficult as it is explaining what went wrong without the "arguments" that can ensue.
Perhaps the greatest challenge in letting go of an offense is when you don't understand why the person became offended in the first place. And worse yet, the sinking feeling you are about lose a relationship spiraling down into something dark and disastrous.
You can't fix an offense, but only release it into the hands of God who gives us the power to be ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). We have the choice to forgive regardless to how the other individual responds. When we are free to forgive, we are indeed free from the sting of an offense. And true restoration begins, again.
What is this force that can sideline some while others can be tempted to grow cold and bitter?
It's call an offense.
It can start off with a minor disagreement or difference in opinion or taking an opposing view point. Then something changes and something that at first seems trivial becomes a looming mountain. The initial sting of an offense sends you reeling, off balance and uncertain how to restore the peace you once enjoyed between friends or family members.
Now, it seems like an out all war of a heated words of who said what and why.
Proverbs 18:19 reads in the NLT, "An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars."
Most offenses start with broken lines of communication. Something gets lost in the translation with words being omitted or instructions not clear or even confusing. This type of offense was not done deliberately to hurt or to wound. Simply, something in the conversation was overlooked and the gaps were filled in by the other parties' expectations, thoughts or ideas on the situation.
Trying to clear the matter up can be just as difficult as it is explaining what went wrong without the "arguments" that can ensue.
Perhaps the greatest challenge in letting go of an offense is when you don't understand why the person became offended in the first place. And worse yet, the sinking feeling you are about lose a relationship spiraling down into something dark and disastrous.
You can't fix an offense, but only release it into the hands of God who gives us the power to be ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). We have the choice to forgive regardless to how the other individual responds. When we are free to forgive, we are indeed free from the sting of an offense. And true restoration begins, again.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
A Fatal Glance
Jesus warned that there will a day when judgment will come upon the earth. He likened it Sodom and her surrounding cities when it was swept away by fire and brimstone raining from the heavens. In Luke 17:32, Jesus says, "Remember Lot's wife!" (NIV).
Why did Lot's wife look back?
Was it hard to look at the back of her husband's head who was willing to offer up their two daughters to pacify the men gathered outside their door? The men of the town both old and young demanded the two men visiting them come out so they can have sexual relations.
Or was she bitter at leaving their hometown of Haran? After all,God called Abraham to leave but not her husband. Now, she was force to evacuate the city she had made her home away from home. No more wandering about the countryside or arguing with Abraham's family or servants. In Sodom, she made friends and hope to see her daughters married in a short time. Later, there will be grandchildren to hold! But their sons-in-law only mocked at Lot as they hurried to get out of the city (Genesis 19:14).
Maybe once last glance wouldn't hurt. Who would notice?
Lot look straight ahead. Her daughters heads were bowed looking at their feet, trying to keep a steady pace without stumbling. Just one more quick look over her shoulders. Her home was going to be torched and with it all the possessions she held so dear - so many fond memories and difficult ones too. Her garden where she lovingly planted food and herbs will be a complete ash heap (Genesis 19:25). What about her friends? Her stomach knotted in a tight ball. Her sons-in-laws will be killed in furnace blast of heat falling from heaven.
Slowly, she turned head, her eyes still straight ahead but her heart no longer with her family. It was in Sodom where she belonged. Then as her head turned left, aligning to her shoulders, her eyes followed. The last thing she felt was her body stiffening, crystallizing in seconds, entombed in salt. Her lips parted to scream, but no one ahead dare look back.
How many of us took a fatal glance back at the life God has said, "Flee for your lives! Don't look back, and don't stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!" (Genesis 19:17).
Run, beloved, run to Christ and keep yours fixed on Him! There is nothing left in Sodom for you or me, but destruction.
Why did Lot's wife look back?
Was it hard to look at the back of her husband's head who was willing to offer up their two daughters to pacify the men gathered outside their door? The men of the town both old and young demanded the two men visiting them come out so they can have sexual relations.
Or was she bitter at leaving their hometown of Haran? After all,God called Abraham to leave but not her husband. Now, she was force to evacuate the city she had made her home away from home. No more wandering about the countryside or arguing with Abraham's family or servants. In Sodom, she made friends and hope to see her daughters married in a short time. Later, there will be grandchildren to hold! But their sons-in-law only mocked at Lot as they hurried to get out of the city (Genesis 19:14).
Maybe once last glance wouldn't hurt. Who would notice?
Lot look straight ahead. Her daughters heads were bowed looking at their feet, trying to keep a steady pace without stumbling. Just one more quick look over her shoulders. Her home was going to be torched and with it all the possessions she held so dear - so many fond memories and difficult ones too. Her garden where she lovingly planted food and herbs will be a complete ash heap (Genesis 19:25). What about her friends? Her stomach knotted in a tight ball. Her sons-in-laws will be killed in furnace blast of heat falling from heaven.
Slowly, she turned head, her eyes still straight ahead but her heart no longer with her family. It was in Sodom where she belonged. Then as her head turned left, aligning to her shoulders, her eyes followed. The last thing she felt was her body stiffening, crystallizing in seconds, entombed in salt. Her lips parted to scream, but no one ahead dare look back.
How many of us took a fatal glance back at the life God has said, "Flee for your lives! Don't look back, and don't stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!" (Genesis 19:17).
Run, beloved, run to Christ and keep yours fixed on Him! There is nothing left in Sodom for you or me, but destruction.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Bread of Remembrance
During the Passover, Christ broke bread and told His disciples to take and eat. This represented His body broken for us (Matthew 26:26) and Jesus is called the Bread of Life (John 6:35). By breaking and distributing the bread to eat, the Lord was in essence giving away His life, as it were in pieces, to be consumed by his disciples who in turn become bread for others.
We see this breaking, distributing and gathering of bread illustrated in the feeding of the 5,000 when Jesus order the disciples to gather every fragment so nothing will be lost (John 6:12). Not one crumb or fragment of Christ’s life is ever wasted, but is always multiplied.
Compared to Gospel accounts of Mark 14:22 and Matthew 26:26, Luke adds the words, “in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church also includes this call to remember (I Corinthian 11:23-24).
When you eat the bread during communion, do you reflect more on your own brokenness/restoration or more on your redeemed life purchased by a broken Redeemer?
Who and what we remember matters when we take communion. For it will help us not to forget our purpose in partaking of the bread both as an individual and as a community of believers.
After the resurrection, Jesus walked along the Sea of Galilee to find the disciples had returned to fishing. After all the events that transpired, He finds them at the very placed He called them three years before! What is interesting is that Jesus makes them breakfast but notice the description in John 21:9. There is fish broiling on hot coals and bread.
Why do you think Jesus included the bread for breakfast?
It could be as simple as having fuller breakfast but I believe it was to serve as a reminder.
“Remember I’m the Bread of Life! Remember how I feed the multitudes with only five loaves and fishes! Remember that man shall not live by bread alone but through every word that proceeds from the mouth of God!”
Remember His word when you are hungry and tempted to fill it with the worldly things. Only His bread can multiply life in and through you that truly satisfies the soul.
We see this breaking, distributing and gathering of bread illustrated in the feeding of the 5,000 when Jesus order the disciples to gather every fragment so nothing will be lost (John 6:12). Not one crumb or fragment of Christ’s life is ever wasted, but is always multiplied.
Compared to Gospel accounts of Mark 14:22 and Matthew 26:26, Luke adds the words, “in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church also includes this call to remember (I Corinthian 11:23-24).
When you eat the bread during communion, do you reflect more on your own brokenness/restoration or more on your redeemed life purchased by a broken Redeemer?
Who and what we remember matters when we take communion. For it will help us not to forget our purpose in partaking of the bread both as an individual and as a community of believers.
After the resurrection, Jesus walked along the Sea of Galilee to find the disciples had returned to fishing. After all the events that transpired, He finds them at the very placed He called them three years before! What is interesting is that Jesus makes them breakfast but notice the description in John 21:9. There is fish broiling on hot coals and bread.
Why do you think Jesus included the bread for breakfast?
It could be as simple as having fuller breakfast but I believe it was to serve as a reminder.
“Remember I’m the Bread of Life! Remember how I feed the multitudes with only five loaves and fishes! Remember that man shall not live by bread alone but through every word that proceeds from the mouth of God!”
Remember His word when you are hungry and tempted to fill it with the worldly things. Only His bread can multiply life in and through you that truly satisfies the soul.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Do I Satisfy You?
One early morning I was sitting in the dark praying when the Lord whispered, "Do I satisfy you?" My heart slowed as I felt the words slide from my mind down into the deepest place in my soul.
Tears streamed down my eyes. I turned my face almost embarrassed, "Yes, yes, you do."
He was silent but my thoughts were aroused.
Why is it so difficult to believe in a God who is all sufficient while the needs of life seem so overwhelming?
There's more lack and want than fulfillment. Then my mind traveled back several years. I remember the bitter ache of loneliness. A dull ache which drove me to dark, rebellious places. All I wanted was a moments relief, but only found more frustration and separation from God.
Days later a single strand of truth floated across my mind. I sat down at the kitchen table. "Lord you know how much I spent my life trying to please self. How empty it has left me. How destructive it has been to me and others in my life."
God knows even when I was close and right with Him, I tried in my own strength to gain His acceptance only to fail miserably.
As I became to weep a deep longing poured out of my lips.
"Jesus, let me please you, satisfy your aching heart! But I'm so lost in how I can bring true joy to your heart?"
Until I realized the truth found in Revelation 4:11 "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." (KJV).
I was made for His pleasure. What a freeing truth to stand before Him in prayer. To say with confidence, "You made me, formed me, kept and sustained my life because I bring pleasure to you!
In the same way, just as the Father said to Jesus when He came out of the waters of baptism, "And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17 NIV).
Beloved, you are God's delight and pleasure. Not mired or muddled by past failures or today's fumbles. He desires with a deep yearning to hear you speak to Him. Even one time to glance up at the clouds in the sky and think on Him.
Oh, how His heart must be aroused with a jealousy to have the desire of His heart - that is us- all to Himself.
Tears streamed down my eyes. I turned my face almost embarrassed, "Yes, yes, you do."
He was silent but my thoughts were aroused.
Why is it so difficult to believe in a God who is all sufficient while the needs of life seem so overwhelming?
There's more lack and want than fulfillment. Then my mind traveled back several years. I remember the bitter ache of loneliness. A dull ache which drove me to dark, rebellious places. All I wanted was a moments relief, but only found more frustration and separation from God.
Days later a single strand of truth floated across my mind. I sat down at the kitchen table. "Lord you know how much I spent my life trying to please self. How empty it has left me. How destructive it has been to me and others in my life."
God knows even when I was close and right with Him, I tried in my own strength to gain His acceptance only to fail miserably.
As I became to weep a deep longing poured out of my lips.
"Jesus, let me please you, satisfy your aching heart! But I'm so lost in how I can bring true joy to your heart?"
Until I realized the truth found in Revelation 4:11 "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." (KJV).
I was made for His pleasure. What a freeing truth to stand before Him in prayer. To say with confidence, "You made me, formed me, kept and sustained my life because I bring pleasure to you!
In the same way, just as the Father said to Jesus when He came out of the waters of baptism, "And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17 NIV).
Beloved, you are God's delight and pleasure. Not mired or muddled by past failures or today's fumbles. He desires with a deep yearning to hear you speak to Him. Even one time to glance up at the clouds in the sky and think on Him.
Oh, how His heart must be aroused with a jealousy to have the desire of His heart - that is us- all to Himself.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Lord, Quicken Our Prayers!
I believe Mark 7:31-37 illustrates a state of prayerlessness.
There are 3 key points I want to draw out of this portion of Scripture.
• Jesus us must lead us away from a crowd of unbelieving voices (verse 33)
• Jesus must touch our ears (verse 33 and 35)
• Jesus must heal our tongues (verse 33 and 35)
Jesus must lead us away from unbelieving voices
There was a crowd who brought to Jesus a man who was deaf and mute. They begged Jesus to touch him, but Jesus took the man aside. I believe this crowd can represent many believers who demand by some tangible evidence that God can perform a miracle in order to believe.
Prayer is not the evidence of things hoped, rather it is faith. Hebrews 11:1 says “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
God answers prayer but in the manner He so desires. We must move away from the voices that dull our hearing and mute our mouths from crying out to Him regardless to what is seen or felt in the natural. Unfortunately, there will always be a crowd standing on the edge of God’s promises like the Israelites who failed to enter into the Promise Land because of unbelief. They rather have the giants removed before crossing the Jordan!
Jesus must touch our ears
Too often we listen to other voices that only dull our hearing of God’s voice.
Think of Samuel when God called him three times before Eli told him it was God who was speaking. Consider Jesus walking on the road to Emmaus speaking to the disciples who could not tell it was Christ who was speaking to them. Mary thought Jesus was the gardener until Jesus spoke her name.
Paul in Romans 10:17 writes, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” We must hear God clearly so we can prayer effectively.
We can superimpose a familiar voice over the voice of God who is speaking to us (like Samuel who thought it was Eli – I Samuel 3:6-10) so our hearing can become selective and distorted. There are some people who we tune out while others we listen closely. These voices can influence how we hear and what we think we hear from God.
Jesus must touch our tongues
After Jesus spits He touches the man’s tongue. In the original, the word mute means, one who has a hoarse, hollow voice, speaking with a harsh or thick voice. Think of Moses who said he couldn't speak because he was unskilled. (Exodus 6:30). The word Moses used is “uncircumcised” as if to say “God my lips are like those of a pagan, unclean!” Consider Isaiah who lips were also purged when a coal touch his lips.
Jesus, take us by the hand and into us in secret closet to pray! Open our ears that we may truly listen to Your voice alone! And quicken our tongues to rehearse the wonderful deeds You are doing in us and throughout the earth!
There are 3 key points I want to draw out of this portion of Scripture.
• Jesus us must lead us away from a crowd of unbelieving voices (verse 33)
• Jesus must touch our ears (verse 33 and 35)
• Jesus must heal our tongues (verse 33 and 35)
Jesus must lead us away from unbelieving voices
There was a crowd who brought to Jesus a man who was deaf and mute. They begged Jesus to touch him, but Jesus took the man aside. I believe this crowd can represent many believers who demand by some tangible evidence that God can perform a miracle in order to believe.
Prayer is not the evidence of things hoped, rather it is faith. Hebrews 11:1 says “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
God answers prayer but in the manner He so desires. We must move away from the voices that dull our hearing and mute our mouths from crying out to Him regardless to what is seen or felt in the natural. Unfortunately, there will always be a crowd standing on the edge of God’s promises like the Israelites who failed to enter into the Promise Land because of unbelief. They rather have the giants removed before crossing the Jordan!
Jesus must touch our ears
Too often we listen to other voices that only dull our hearing of God’s voice.
Think of Samuel when God called him three times before Eli told him it was God who was speaking. Consider Jesus walking on the road to Emmaus speaking to the disciples who could not tell it was Christ who was speaking to them. Mary thought Jesus was the gardener until Jesus spoke her name.
Paul in Romans 10:17 writes, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” We must hear God clearly so we can prayer effectively.
We can superimpose a familiar voice over the voice of God who is speaking to us (like Samuel who thought it was Eli – I Samuel 3:6-10) so our hearing can become selective and distorted. There are some people who we tune out while others we listen closely. These voices can influence how we hear and what we think we hear from God.
Jesus must touch our tongues
After Jesus spits He touches the man’s tongue. In the original, the word mute means, one who has a hoarse, hollow voice, speaking with a harsh or thick voice. Think of Moses who said he couldn't speak because he was unskilled. (Exodus 6:30). The word Moses used is “uncircumcised” as if to say “God my lips are like those of a pagan, unclean!” Consider Isaiah who lips were also purged when a coal touch his lips.
Jesus, take us by the hand and into us in secret closet to pray! Open our ears that we may truly listen to Your voice alone! And quicken our tongues to rehearse the wonderful deeds You are doing in us and throughout the earth!
Contending For A Rich Inheritance
Through the blood of the Lamb we overcome the devil who desires to steal, kill and destroy any goodly and godly inheritance we gain through the death and resurrection of Christ.
For every battle we overcome, the borders of our heart expand thus increasing His inheritance much like Israel who dispossessed the enemies in the Promised Land. In turn, the fruit of our victories is to be invested for those who will come after us.
Proverbs 13:2 says “A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.”
A wonderful example of this Scripture of laying up a good inheritance for a future generation is found in Numbers 27:7-8 and in Numbers 36. We read of five daughters securing an inheritance in the Promise Land long before entering it.
In these passages, we learn some valuable lessons from how they contended for their rightful inheritance.
1. We learn to contend not be contentious for our inheritance – the daughters asserted their father died in his own sin and was not part of the rebellion of Korah.
2. We learn that marital and social standing was not going to be a hindrance in obtaining the promise of a goodly and godly heritage. These were single women who had no brothers or husbands to secure their inheritance.
3. We learn these women honored the law and did not refute it but rather stated their case in a non-confrontational way – they stated the facts, not their opinion. One irrefutable fact was they carried their father’s blood in them (they were his daughters after all) and it should be enough to secure them a heritage – regardless to their social status without brothers, husbands or sons.
4. We learn they were willing to abide by the restriction to marry within the same tribe (Numbers 36)
5. We learn that even in the Promise Land they had to once again assert their claim to Joshua (Joshua 17:4-5).
Our inheritance is not material or some other natural substance, but rather it is in the person of Jesus Christ.
Apostle Paul says in Philippians 3:12, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus (italics mine).”
The word in original for “apprehended” is to seize tight hold of, arrest, catch and capture. As much as we desire to possess the inheritance of Christ in our lives, the Lord wants to possess us as His own precious possession, His treasure (I Peter 2:9). God desires to have God possessed men and women!
Let us remember the Scripture in I Corinthians 6:19-20. We are not our own we have been bought at a price!
For every battle we overcome, the borders of our heart expand thus increasing His inheritance much like Israel who dispossessed the enemies in the Promised Land. In turn, the fruit of our victories is to be invested for those who will come after us.
Proverbs 13:2 says “A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.”
A wonderful example of this Scripture of laying up a good inheritance for a future generation is found in Numbers 27:7-8 and in Numbers 36. We read of five daughters securing an inheritance in the Promise Land long before entering it.
In these passages, we learn some valuable lessons from how they contended for their rightful inheritance.
1. We learn to contend not be contentious for our inheritance – the daughters asserted their father died in his own sin and was not part of the rebellion of Korah.
2. We learn that marital and social standing was not going to be a hindrance in obtaining the promise of a goodly and godly heritage. These were single women who had no brothers or husbands to secure their inheritance.
3. We learn these women honored the law and did not refute it but rather stated their case in a non-confrontational way – they stated the facts, not their opinion. One irrefutable fact was they carried their father’s blood in them (they were his daughters after all) and it should be enough to secure them a heritage – regardless to their social status without brothers, husbands or sons.
4. We learn they were willing to abide by the restriction to marry within the same tribe (Numbers 36)
5. We learn that even in the Promise Land they had to once again assert their claim to Joshua (Joshua 17:4-5).
Our inheritance is not material or some other natural substance, but rather it is in the person of Jesus Christ.
Apostle Paul says in Philippians 3:12, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus (italics mine).”
The word in original for “apprehended” is to seize tight hold of, arrest, catch and capture. As much as we desire to possess the inheritance of Christ in our lives, the Lord wants to possess us as His own precious possession, His treasure (I Peter 2:9). God desires to have God possessed men and women!
Let us remember the Scripture in I Corinthians 6:19-20. We are not our own we have been bought at a price!
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
You Cover My Head
An array of distracting thoughts happen in seconds when I begin to pray. Thoughts of what the day may hold at the office or what church service will be like next week or what will I eat or breakfast. That is why I pray in a closed room with the lights off and pace the floor (in part to keep alert and warm).
But then every so often a thought of my sinful past, forgiven and forgotten by God, stops me cold. Why the sudden intrusion is a mystery and the source be it flesh or the devil? It's a flaming arrow piercing my skull in what is meant to be a holy moment with my Father.
Most of us are taught to take captive every thought (and that includes good thoughts - for God's thoughts are always higher and wiser).
This time the Lord revealed something in what might have presented an opportunity for an unclean thought to snake it's way through my mind and bite me with a sting of lust. There in that moment some twenty years ago a thought got entrenched in my mind.
If this person could see me now, where I am at and what I'm doing, then it will only prove what an absolute failure he or she had been to me. They had believed I'd fail, so I'll prove it!
Then before I could take the thought captive in prayer, the Lord showed me a hidden thought behind the sin. I was trying to prove to the ones that loved me that they were right in thinking I was a failure (which they didn't think at all)! It's a challenge to be free from the idea that you are disappointment.
There is a promise for us when the blows of disappointment try to strike our head. Blows that send us reeling and cause our thoughts to be damaged. Psalms 140:7 says, "O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle." (KJV).
As much we can take captive every thought, we can rest assure in the day of battle, God covers are minds. This covering not keeps away evil thoughts, but helps us retain godly and holy thoughts. The Lord not only knows how to deliver us from the flaming arrows but dislodge the ones that have seared our minds!
But then every so often a thought of my sinful past, forgiven and forgotten by God, stops me cold. Why the sudden intrusion is a mystery and the source be it flesh or the devil? It's a flaming arrow piercing my skull in what is meant to be a holy moment with my Father.
Most of us are taught to take captive every thought (and that includes good thoughts - for God's thoughts are always higher and wiser).
This time the Lord revealed something in what might have presented an opportunity for an unclean thought to snake it's way through my mind and bite me with a sting of lust. There in that moment some twenty years ago a thought got entrenched in my mind.
If this person could see me now, where I am at and what I'm doing, then it will only prove what an absolute failure he or she had been to me. They had believed I'd fail, so I'll prove it!
Then before I could take the thought captive in prayer, the Lord showed me a hidden thought behind the sin. I was trying to prove to the ones that loved me that they were right in thinking I was a failure (which they didn't think at all)! It's a challenge to be free from the idea that you are disappointment.
There is a promise for us when the blows of disappointment try to strike our head. Blows that send us reeling and cause our thoughts to be damaged. Psalms 140:7 says, "O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle." (KJV).
As much we can take captive every thought, we can rest assure in the day of battle, God covers are minds. This covering not keeps away evil thoughts, but helps us retain godly and holy thoughts. The Lord not only knows how to deliver us from the flaming arrows but dislodge the ones that have seared our minds!
Sunday, February 10, 2013
The Fragrance of Worship
Hebrews 11:21 records, "By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff." (KJV).
In the most difficult seasons of our lives we must learn to lean on God and worship Him. The most beautiful praise is not necessarily found in a pristine chapel singing hymns.
True worship is found in the woman, the sinner, coming into a religious meeting for men only. Men who despised her, even used her to boost their own religious understanding of what was holy. Obviously she was not. How dare she enter this place! She broke an alabaster box of costly perfume and wept at his feet. How wonderful did the fragrance of her worship move the heart of God! So much so she become a memorial for all time of a broken woman who came to anoint Christ in preparation of His burial.
When we push past the pain, fear and uncertainties of life and whisper to Jesus a soft thank you - it will seem if all the music and rejoicing in heaven is silenced - when praise flows through a broken vessel. The sweetness of it sends shudders of terror through hell. Someone has stood to their feet to worship rather than give way to self-pity or despair!
It's the man who strayed from the Lord, whose heart became cold and callous to the things of God. Then one day he falls to his knees and worships the Lord shortly after being diagnosis with a disease that could claim his life. His immune system may be failing, but he returns to the Lord, now leaning on His beloved, coming out of a desert, to truly be His alone. In worship, he leans to bless God for His promise in Psalms 107:17-20.
Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. (NIV)
When we learn to worship in the darkest moments, God enters our valley of the shadow of death to light our way. He brings healing to our feverish minds and calms our racing thoughts of dread to bring peace. He feeds our famished souls with a good word.
It's moments like these that we discover a beautiful and profound secret. We ravish the heart of God with just a single glance of our eye and He's captivated by us!
Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck. (Song of Solomon 4:9, KJV).
In the most difficult seasons of our lives we must learn to lean on God and worship Him. The most beautiful praise is not necessarily found in a pristine chapel singing hymns.
True worship is found in the woman, the sinner, coming into a religious meeting for men only. Men who despised her, even used her to boost their own religious understanding of what was holy. Obviously she was not. How dare she enter this place! She broke an alabaster box of costly perfume and wept at his feet. How wonderful did the fragrance of her worship move the heart of God! So much so she become a memorial for all time of a broken woman who came to anoint Christ in preparation of His burial.
When we push past the pain, fear and uncertainties of life and whisper to Jesus a soft thank you - it will seem if all the music and rejoicing in heaven is silenced - when praise flows through a broken vessel. The sweetness of it sends shudders of terror through hell. Someone has stood to their feet to worship rather than give way to self-pity or despair!
It's the man who strayed from the Lord, whose heart became cold and callous to the things of God. Then one day he falls to his knees and worships the Lord shortly after being diagnosis with a disease that could claim his life. His immune system may be failing, but he returns to the Lord, now leaning on His beloved, coming out of a desert, to truly be His alone. In worship, he leans to bless God for His promise in Psalms 107:17-20.
Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. (NIV)
When we learn to worship in the darkest moments, God enters our valley of the shadow of death to light our way. He brings healing to our feverish minds and calms our racing thoughts of dread to bring peace. He feeds our famished souls with a good word.
It's moments like these that we discover a beautiful and profound secret. We ravish the heart of God with just a single glance of our eye and He's captivated by us!
Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck. (Song of Solomon 4:9, KJV).
Little Ones
The Lord was speaking to my heart regarding offenses, but more so how I treat those in the body of Christ with tenderness and care. One indication of an offense is a bad attitude. I quickly lose a spirit of gratitude and right perspective when offended. A minor offense becomes this overwhelming mountain, hindering my fellowship and prayer life. Sadly, I became a stumbling block to those around me.
In fact, one of the definitions of offense means a stumbling block. A stumbling block is an obstacle to progress or an impediment to belief or understanding. In other words, an offense causes someone to stumble or trip over our words or by some offensive action we have committed. This can have a devastating impact when we offend a brother and sister in the Lord.
Beloved, there is a danger when we are offended. Offenses not dealt in truth and in love will cause us to turn the offense toward God. Proverbs 18:19 says, “An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars” (NLT).
Jesus warned the disciples in Luke 17:1, “Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come” (NIV). It is one thing to be the offended party but the greater sin lies with the one who offends. We see this in Mark 9:42 and Matthew 18:1-5 where Jesus warns against those offend a “little” one in Christ. He says it would be better if a millstone was tied around the offender’s neck and drowned in the sea.
The “little ones” can be those who are young in Christ, but I believe these “little ones” are those who we might perceive has having no great stature – the unknowns or the ones we tend to overlook, the ones we might see as being gifted or have much to offer who seem plain, ordinary and weak.
Jesus warns the disciples unless you change and become little children, you never enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:2-5). So we are all little ones in the kingdom of God! Let us remember Jesus takes seriously those who offend the little ones.
In fact, one of the definitions of offense means a stumbling block. A stumbling block is an obstacle to progress or an impediment to belief or understanding. In other words, an offense causes someone to stumble or trip over our words or by some offensive action we have committed. This can have a devastating impact when we offend a brother and sister in the Lord.
Beloved, there is a danger when we are offended. Offenses not dealt in truth and in love will cause us to turn the offense toward God. Proverbs 18:19 says, “An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars” (NLT).
Jesus warned the disciples in Luke 17:1, “Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come” (NIV). It is one thing to be the offended party but the greater sin lies with the one who offends. We see this in Mark 9:42 and Matthew 18:1-5 where Jesus warns against those offend a “little” one in Christ. He says it would be better if a millstone was tied around the offender’s neck and drowned in the sea.
The “little ones” can be those who are young in Christ, but I believe these “little ones” are those who we might perceive has having no great stature – the unknowns or the ones we tend to overlook, the ones we might see as being gifted or have much to offer who seem plain, ordinary and weak.
Jesus warns the disciples unless you change and become little children, you never enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:2-5). So we are all little ones in the kingdom of God! Let us remember Jesus takes seriously those who offend the little ones.
Friday, February 8, 2013
The Binding Love Of The Father
Hebrews 12:6 may be difficult for some to read or understand, but there is a glorious, rich promise of understanding the loving heart of the Father to those who accept the Lord's discipline. It reads, "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." (KJV).
The word scourge means to be tied to a post and whipped. For the rebellious, hard-headed, and sin bent son or daughter, God's remedy is to bind the prodigal to keep him or her from running back to a place of destruction. God never measures out a strong punishment and just leaves us in that condition. He heals, restores and receives us back into His loving arms.
Here are some things God works into our lives when we accept His discipline.
1. Sanctification: God desires to have us to Himself with no fleshly and worldly mixture. The work of sanctification is a work of separation. All associations, affiliations, ties etc. to this life is severed and we cleave to Christ. It’s Jacob limping after a long night of wrestling with an angel and the lover leaning on her beloved as she comes out of the wilderness. God’s wounding is to bring a certain death to the flesh so only the life of Christ possesses a man.
2. Purification: God desires a holy people. No greater battle is found in the mind where unclean and impure thoughts lodge and create strongholds (even strangleholds). Through chastening we are partakers of God’s holiness to Hebrews. And through the work of chastening we are able to obey the mandate to be holy as He is holy.
3. Restoration: God uses chastening to correct and restore the relationship of a Father to His son and daughter thus returning to His original intent. In this relationship trust in the Father’s care produces a confidence to believe Him for the impossible. This helps us move us beyond the wounding because God does not leave us in a pile of rubble but will rebuild us for His purpose.
4. Deliverance: God goes to the root of the issue in the heart by scourging or driving out the enemy within us. God’s chastening goes to the core of the problem unlike any other method to set us free from bondage. The bible says he who has suffered in the flesh, ceases from sin. For those suffering from addictive behaviors, God’s chastening hand breaks the power of both demonic and negative response patterns.
After the Lord severely discipline some years ago, I find myself quicker to confess sin, ready to forgive and a deeper love for Him. It's no wonder that on a particular day while alone in prayer, I raise both arms and clasp my hands together, as if to be handcuffed, and said to God, "Bind me to you for my heart wants to drift away!"
The word scourge means to be tied to a post and whipped. For the rebellious, hard-headed, and sin bent son or daughter, God's remedy is to bind the prodigal to keep him or her from running back to a place of destruction. God never measures out a strong punishment and just leaves us in that condition. He heals, restores and receives us back into His loving arms.
Here are some things God works into our lives when we accept His discipline.
1. Sanctification: God desires to have us to Himself with no fleshly and worldly mixture. The work of sanctification is a work of separation. All associations, affiliations, ties etc. to this life is severed and we cleave to Christ. It’s Jacob limping after a long night of wrestling with an angel and the lover leaning on her beloved as she comes out of the wilderness. God’s wounding is to bring a certain death to the flesh so only the life of Christ possesses a man.
2. Purification: God desires a holy people. No greater battle is found in the mind where unclean and impure thoughts lodge and create strongholds (even strangleholds). Through chastening we are partakers of God’s holiness to Hebrews. And through the work of chastening we are able to obey the mandate to be holy as He is holy.
3. Restoration: God uses chastening to correct and restore the relationship of a Father to His son and daughter thus returning to His original intent. In this relationship trust in the Father’s care produces a confidence to believe Him for the impossible. This helps us move us beyond the wounding because God does not leave us in a pile of rubble but will rebuild us for His purpose.
4. Deliverance: God goes to the root of the issue in the heart by scourging or driving out the enemy within us. God’s chastening goes to the core of the problem unlike any other method to set us free from bondage. The bible says he who has suffered in the flesh, ceases from sin. For those suffering from addictive behaviors, God’s chastening hand breaks the power of both demonic and negative response patterns.
After the Lord severely discipline some years ago, I find myself quicker to confess sin, ready to forgive and a deeper love for Him. It's no wonder that on a particular day while alone in prayer, I raise both arms and clasp my hands together, as if to be handcuffed, and said to God, "Bind me to you for my heart wants to drift away!"
Thursday, February 7, 2013
If You Can?
A man came to Jesus' disciples to cast out a demon tormenting his son. His disciples couldn't dispossess the enemy. Jesus turned to the man baffled, "'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." (Mark 9:23 NIV). The man couldn't deliver his son, but he could believe in the One who had the power to deliver.
Everything is possible to those who believe God is more than willing and able to do as He promised.
To the man drinking alone in a dark, cold alley who groans under the weight of regret and sin. He once had a decent job and a warm home, but it was all wiped away after his marriage failed. His children are no where to be found. If he can, freedom is available, when he calls upon the Lord. If he believes God, He will pick him up and turn his life around.
To the man in Europe tonight who longs for a father only to find himself in dark places, searching and hungry for a touch. He wakes in the morning in a strange place with an unfamiliar face. Just a whisper away is a Father waiting to hold him, reassuring arms to protect him, if only he can believe God can save him.
Or a young, married woman in Asia, who for just one moment looks up at sky, tears course down her face. If only she had peace from this awful thought of losing her husband. If she believes, Jesus will walk through the prison of fear and release her from bondage.
Even now there are many throughout the world Jesus is meeting in alleyways and roadsides and in homes and prisons who simply took Him at His word. We might not hear of these stories but on that day around the throne, nations of people will praise the Lamb. Through the blood of Jesus, they overcame. These are the ones who said, "I can't stop drinking, but I can believe God will help me." Or "I don't know how to stay sexually pure, but God can give me power to refuse temptation. I believe He has made a way of escape."
When we believe Him we move from the realm of impossibilities to the possible in Christ. Some changes are dramatic and other changes require time and patience, but still God is faithful to His word. It's not about will power or making promises to do better.
Just a simple honest prayer, "Lord, please help me to believe that you have a different life for me. I don't know even know if I want it, but I'm dying inside and want to live again. I want to live. Please help me."
This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles (Psalms 34:6).
Only believe Him.
Everything is possible to those who believe God is more than willing and able to do as He promised.
To the man drinking alone in a dark, cold alley who groans under the weight of regret and sin. He once had a decent job and a warm home, but it was all wiped away after his marriage failed. His children are no where to be found. If he can, freedom is available, when he calls upon the Lord. If he believes God, He will pick him up and turn his life around.
To the man in Europe tonight who longs for a father only to find himself in dark places, searching and hungry for a touch. He wakes in the morning in a strange place with an unfamiliar face. Just a whisper away is a Father waiting to hold him, reassuring arms to protect him, if only he can believe God can save him.
Or a young, married woman in Asia, who for just one moment looks up at sky, tears course down her face. If only she had peace from this awful thought of losing her husband. If she believes, Jesus will walk through the prison of fear and release her from bondage.
Even now there are many throughout the world Jesus is meeting in alleyways and roadsides and in homes and prisons who simply took Him at His word. We might not hear of these stories but on that day around the throne, nations of people will praise the Lamb. Through the blood of Jesus, they overcame. These are the ones who said, "I can't stop drinking, but I can believe God will help me." Or "I don't know how to stay sexually pure, but God can give me power to refuse temptation. I believe He has made a way of escape."
When we believe Him we move from the realm of impossibilities to the possible in Christ. Some changes are dramatic and other changes require time and patience, but still God is faithful to His word. It's not about will power or making promises to do better.
Just a simple honest prayer, "Lord, please help me to believe that you have a different life for me. I don't know even know if I want it, but I'm dying inside and want to live again. I want to live. Please help me."
This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles (Psalms 34:6).
Only believe Him.
Prayer That Refreshes His Heart
Prayer is the pathway to the throne. It’s very life line to God. The primary opposition to pray apart from our flesh is Satan who will stop at nothing to silence us from speaking and hearing from God.
Do you know all of hell trembles when you call out to Him with an honest and sincere heart?
God visit me in this hour! God go to the depths of my heart and examine me! See if there is any controversy in my heart and change me from the inside out! (Psalms 26:2). No part dark! Lord, get the mixture and unbelief out of my heart!
First, let’s look at what true prayer is not.
Prayer is not a constant stream of rambling words. Jesus warns us against this type of prayer in Matthew 6:7. In the original it means to blubber nonsensical repetitions; to chatter (be "long-winded"), using empty (vain) words. In other words, true prayer is not all about our needs, wants and desires. Often these prayers are manipulative and selfish rather than seeking first His kingdom and His interests.
Prayer is not making promises and vows. Proverbs 20:25 says in the New Living Translation “Don't trap yourself by making a rash promise to God and only later counting the cost.” For those who pray like this mostly like fall into a cycle of sin and confession. Over and over again we repeat and repent that we’ll do better only to become frustrated at the lack of progress and wonder why God is not hearing us.
Prayer is not punching in the clock. There is an attitude that prayer is some stifling duty which requires my time and attention. No, beloved, we must pray for those who are dying and perishing. It’s a privilege and honor to pray! Lamentations 2:19 says, “Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord: lift up thy hands toward him for the life of thy young children that faint for hunger in the top of every street.” (KJV)
Prayer only when there is a crisis or failure. There’s a common cycle among believers where we tend to pray more in times of difficulty and crisis and then go completely silent when all is well only to resume praying when confronted by another crisis. We move from glory to glory not crisis to crisis! Beloved, this is not the hour to have prayer be sparse or inconsistent. Isaiah warns, “Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.” (KJV).
So what is true prayer?
True prayer is refreshing the heart of God by rehearsing His Word back to Him in a dialogue (not a monologue). We all pray differently because of life experiences, our personality and various types of prayers but it doesn't make it any less true ministry to Lord. True prayer is a call and response to the Spirit who intercedes on our behalf (Romans 8:26). Reading the Word, verse by verse then praying aloud is an example of rehearsing His Word. You will soon hear the Lord respond with His voice through the Scriptures!
Do you know all of hell trembles when you call out to Him with an honest and sincere heart?
God visit me in this hour! God go to the depths of my heart and examine me! See if there is any controversy in my heart and change me from the inside out! (Psalms 26:2). No part dark! Lord, get the mixture and unbelief out of my heart!
First, let’s look at what true prayer is not.
Prayer is not a constant stream of rambling words. Jesus warns us against this type of prayer in Matthew 6:7. In the original it means to blubber nonsensical repetitions; to chatter (be "long-winded"), using empty (vain) words. In other words, true prayer is not all about our needs, wants and desires. Often these prayers are manipulative and selfish rather than seeking first His kingdom and His interests.
Prayer is not making promises and vows. Proverbs 20:25 says in the New Living Translation “Don't trap yourself by making a rash promise to God and only later counting the cost.” For those who pray like this mostly like fall into a cycle of sin and confession. Over and over again we repeat and repent that we’ll do better only to become frustrated at the lack of progress and wonder why God is not hearing us.
Prayer is not punching in the clock. There is an attitude that prayer is some stifling duty which requires my time and attention. No, beloved, we must pray for those who are dying and perishing. It’s a privilege and honor to pray! Lamentations 2:19 says, “Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord: lift up thy hands toward him for the life of thy young children that faint for hunger in the top of every street.” (KJV)
Prayer only when there is a crisis or failure. There’s a common cycle among believers where we tend to pray more in times of difficulty and crisis and then go completely silent when all is well only to resume praying when confronted by another crisis. We move from glory to glory not crisis to crisis! Beloved, this is not the hour to have prayer be sparse or inconsistent. Isaiah warns, “Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.” (KJV).
So what is true prayer?
True prayer is refreshing the heart of God by rehearsing His Word back to Him in a dialogue (not a monologue). We all pray differently because of life experiences, our personality and various types of prayers but it doesn't make it any less true ministry to Lord. True prayer is a call and response to the Spirit who intercedes on our behalf (Romans 8:26). Reading the Word, verse by verse then praying aloud is an example of rehearsing His Word. You will soon hear the Lord respond with His voice through the Scriptures!
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
You Are The God Who Sees Me
The tenderness of God can melt the most unfeeling, indifferent heart. God’s kindness is powerful to draw men and women to Him. Such holy kindness silences the roar of accusations and bitter attitudes of the world that God is distant, unfeeling and uncaring.
The Scripture says in Romans 2:4, “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?” (NIV)
God’s kindness is most evident through his eyes. “Keep me as the apple [pupil] of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings” (Psalms 17:8 NIV).
Isn’t it true that nothing captures the heart more is when you see the kindness in the eyes of someone you love?
They are able to look right past your pain and see you for who and what you truly are. Not a person defined by failure or the awful side effects of your struggle and discomfort. Even if you react badly and resist any kindness, those eyes remain fixed on you with such tender care and acknowledgement that all your resistance melts away.
Recall Hagar who was mistreated by Sarah. Hagar fled into the wilderness (Genesis 16:8). She was an outsider, an Egyptian, and a servant. Still God met Hagar in her desperate hour. Out of His kindness, God blessed her son yet to be born, Ishmael, though he would be a wild donkey of a man and live in hostility with his brothers (16:2).
Hagar‘s response is telling. She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me.” (16:13). El Roi is the Hebrew name of God which translated is “The God who sees me”.
God sees you, beloved, in your deepest midnight hour weeping for relief. He sees you when you have been abused and violated and have no where to run. He sees you when you failed and pray time and time again for deliverance.
Hagar may have known about God through the life of Abraham. A God who sees all things. But how much greater the comfort when you see God in the midst of your pain and sorrow. As a result, no longer is your vision of Him through the lens of pain distorted or unclear. Rather, one glimpse of His eyes watching you and everything falls into proper perspective! A God who sees is a God who truly cares to act on your behalf! God's blessing on Ishmael's life was evidence of God's care to a mother in desperate need of comfort and protection.
Here’s a practical exercise. We are made in the image of God so take a glance in the mirror. What do you see? A life marked by failure? A face clouded by shame? Eyes filled with regret and sorrow? If the Lord lives inside of you – you have the hope of glory- God’s presence. God wants you to see yourself differently – the God who can make your face radiant.
Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. Psalms 34:5.
The Scripture says in Romans 2:4, “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?” (NIV)
God’s kindness is most evident through his eyes. “Keep me as the apple [pupil] of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings” (Psalms 17:8 NIV).
Isn’t it true that nothing captures the heart more is when you see the kindness in the eyes of someone you love?
They are able to look right past your pain and see you for who and what you truly are. Not a person defined by failure or the awful side effects of your struggle and discomfort. Even if you react badly and resist any kindness, those eyes remain fixed on you with such tender care and acknowledgement that all your resistance melts away.
Recall Hagar who was mistreated by Sarah. Hagar fled into the wilderness (Genesis 16:8). She was an outsider, an Egyptian, and a servant. Still God met Hagar in her desperate hour. Out of His kindness, God blessed her son yet to be born, Ishmael, though he would be a wild donkey of a man and live in hostility with his brothers (16:2).
Hagar‘s response is telling. She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me.” (16:13). El Roi is the Hebrew name of God which translated is “The God who sees me”.
God sees you, beloved, in your deepest midnight hour weeping for relief. He sees you when you have been abused and violated and have no where to run. He sees you when you failed and pray time and time again for deliverance.
Hagar may have known about God through the life of Abraham. A God who sees all things. But how much greater the comfort when you see God in the midst of your pain and sorrow. As a result, no longer is your vision of Him through the lens of pain distorted or unclear. Rather, one glimpse of His eyes watching you and everything falls into proper perspective! A God who sees is a God who truly cares to act on your behalf! God's blessing on Ishmael's life was evidence of God's care to a mother in desperate need of comfort and protection.
Here’s a practical exercise. We are made in the image of God so take a glance in the mirror. What do you see? A life marked by failure? A face clouded by shame? Eyes filled with regret and sorrow? If the Lord lives inside of you – you have the hope of glory- God’s presence. God wants you to see yourself differently – the God who can make your face radiant.
Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. Psalms 34:5.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Overcoming Disdain
Disdain is a word we don’t often use in our everyday vernacular, but we use different words to express a feeling of contempt for someone or to regard something as being unworthy or inferior.
Another word for disdain is scorn.
In the book of Judges we read of a man’s life, Jephthah who was scorned by his brothers. Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty warrior (verse 11:1). Jephthah name means “He opens”. In verse 2 it reads in the NIV, “Gilead's wife also had several sons, and when these half brothers grew up, they chased Jephthah off the land. You will not get any of our father's inheritance," they said, "for you are the son of a prostitute.”
Obviously, Jephthah had no say in his father’s relationship with a prostitute. However, his brothers took it upon themselves to drive him out of the family home and land to ensure he would not receive an inheritance. How painful is must have been to be disdained by family members for something you had no control over!
While visiting a friend in Ireland several years ago, a woman said that those who profess Christianity were disowned by their Catholic family members. Her father refused to talk to her saying in essence, she was dead to him. She pleaded with him as his daughter not on the grounds of religion, but he refused.
Later, Jephthah’s brothers came to him for help to fight against the Ammonites. You could hear the longing in Jephthah’s voice to be part of their lives again so he agreed on the terms he becomes their leader. It says the Spirit of the Lord came upon Him (Judges 11:30) so he gained a victory over the enemy, but he did something foolish. He made a vow that whatever comes of the out of the door, he would sacrifice (31).
It wasn’t enough that God gave him power over the enemy; Jephthah had to add something more to ensure a victory. He opened his mouth and subsequently his front door flew open when his daughter came out celebrating her father’s triumph.
And this is the poison of one who has been disdained. Something gets deeply entrenched in our minds and hearts that we have to secure God’s favor. God will not disdain us as others had in our lives because we fail or falter in trusting Him. He accepts us into His call and equips us without our help or vows.
He swings open a door to a victory we have so longed for, but because of the sting of disdain, we can’t accept it so easily because we believe we will be rejected, mocked and or put to scorn. The only antidote to disdain is in the faithfulness of God to us. He was faithful to Jephthah, as He is to us today, to include us in His records of the mighty in faith (Hebrews 11:32)not our family history or orgin. You are His valiant overcomer!
Another word for disdain is scorn.
In the book of Judges we read of a man’s life, Jephthah who was scorned by his brothers. Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty warrior (verse 11:1). Jephthah name means “He opens”. In verse 2 it reads in the NIV, “Gilead's wife also had several sons, and when these half brothers grew up, they chased Jephthah off the land. You will not get any of our father's inheritance," they said, "for you are the son of a prostitute.”
Obviously, Jephthah had no say in his father’s relationship with a prostitute. However, his brothers took it upon themselves to drive him out of the family home and land to ensure he would not receive an inheritance. How painful is must have been to be disdained by family members for something you had no control over!
While visiting a friend in Ireland several years ago, a woman said that those who profess Christianity were disowned by their Catholic family members. Her father refused to talk to her saying in essence, she was dead to him. She pleaded with him as his daughter not on the grounds of religion, but he refused.
Later, Jephthah’s brothers came to him for help to fight against the Ammonites. You could hear the longing in Jephthah’s voice to be part of their lives again so he agreed on the terms he becomes their leader. It says the Spirit of the Lord came upon Him (Judges 11:30) so he gained a victory over the enemy, but he did something foolish. He made a vow that whatever comes of the out of the door, he would sacrifice (31).
It wasn’t enough that God gave him power over the enemy; Jephthah had to add something more to ensure a victory. He opened his mouth and subsequently his front door flew open when his daughter came out celebrating her father’s triumph.
And this is the poison of one who has been disdained. Something gets deeply entrenched in our minds and hearts that we have to secure God’s favor. God will not disdain us as others had in our lives because we fail or falter in trusting Him. He accepts us into His call and equips us without our help or vows.
He swings open a door to a victory we have so longed for, but because of the sting of disdain, we can’t accept it so easily because we believe we will be rejected, mocked and or put to scorn. The only antidote to disdain is in the faithfulness of God to us. He was faithful to Jephthah, as He is to us today, to include us in His records of the mighty in faith (Hebrews 11:32)not our family history or orgin. You are His valiant overcomer!
Sunday, February 3, 2013
True Wisdom
On the morning I would be one of the 12 jurors selected to attend a trial for a man accused of theft, the Lord directed me to Proverbs 3:7-8. It reads in the King James version, "Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones."
In the original wise means, cunning man, subtil, wisehearted. There is a wisdom that James describes as being earthly and demonic (James 3:15).
Although the trial was just a little over one day it proved difficult who or what to believe. The woman bringing the charges was the accused girlfriend. Her testimony was unclear and wavered on many key points. The man accused of theft, defended himself with a lawyer sitting beside him to consult if he needed assistance.
I couldn't help but think of King Solomon's first case of two prostitutes accusing each other of killing her baby in the middle of the night. Only God inspired, heavenly wisdom, was able to reveal the identity of the true biological mother of the living baby.
Still the Lord was going much deeper than my desire to ask for wisdom in every day life decisions and important matters like someone's guilt or innocence in a courtroom. I had to confess that I was wise in my own eyes. I judged by what was felt, seen or heard to draw some conclusions (right or wrong) about a problem or situation. On those occasions that I was right in my judgment, it soon became apparent that I was arrogant.
Wisdom rooted in arrogance gives the devil a foot hold. Satan fell from heaven because of pride and rebellion.
True wisdom is when we embrace the fear of the Lord and it causes us to move away from evil. A fear that keeps us from thinking too highly of ourselves or our abilities. Rather we are "right sized" in our relationship to God and understand we can ask for wisdom without falling prey to pride. The benefits of God's wisdom is healing to our minds and bodies. When we think we know the answer or solution to problems independent of God, we only bring unnecessary stress to our bodies.
In the original wise means, cunning man, subtil, wisehearted. There is a wisdom that James describes as being earthly and demonic (James 3:15).
Although the trial was just a little over one day it proved difficult who or what to believe. The woman bringing the charges was the accused girlfriend. Her testimony was unclear and wavered on many key points. The man accused of theft, defended himself with a lawyer sitting beside him to consult if he needed assistance.
I couldn't help but think of King Solomon's first case of two prostitutes accusing each other of killing her baby in the middle of the night. Only God inspired, heavenly wisdom, was able to reveal the identity of the true biological mother of the living baby.
Still the Lord was going much deeper than my desire to ask for wisdom in every day life decisions and important matters like someone's guilt or innocence in a courtroom. I had to confess that I was wise in my own eyes. I judged by what was felt, seen or heard to draw some conclusions (right or wrong) about a problem or situation. On those occasions that I was right in my judgment, it soon became apparent that I was arrogant.
Wisdom rooted in arrogance gives the devil a foot hold. Satan fell from heaven because of pride and rebellion.
True wisdom is when we embrace the fear of the Lord and it causes us to move away from evil. A fear that keeps us from thinking too highly of ourselves or our abilities. Rather we are "right sized" in our relationship to God and understand we can ask for wisdom without falling prey to pride. The benefits of God's wisdom is healing to our minds and bodies. When we think we know the answer or solution to problems independent of God, we only bring unnecessary stress to our bodies.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
The Barren Places
God can speak to the places in our lives that are barren.
This barren place was once impregnated by hope until an terrible event or experience in life dealt a death blow to it. All that seems left is a desolate, waste place in our soul. We sealed off our hearts, letting no one not even God near it, for its too painful. We can't even put words to the deepest longing in our soul. It's the Shunammite woman who was told by the prophet Elisha that she would have a son. Her pain and longing was so deep her response was to reprove him for lying (2 Kings 4:16). God will not lie to you. What He promised to do for you in the barren places will happen.
This barren place is true for men and women.
It's the barren woman's eyes that drift to a father holding a newborn in his arms. She has to look away because of the sudden stab of pain in her gut. Or the man, who has a secret, of being molested as a boy and is afraid to fellowship in church with other men because he feels angry and ashamed. When one of them tries to shake his hand or pat him on the back, he feels sickened, yet so alone and wants to reach out for friendship. It's the teenager caught up with friends that go from one party to the next. She's bright and carefree, but where she really wants to be is at home with a mother. A mother who had abandoned her years ago.
To Abraham and Sarah, God fulfilled his promise with the birth of Isaac. Later, Isaac believed God will produce a child through his barren wife Rebecca (Genesis 25:21). And this is the word Hannah had embraced when God gave her Samuel.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:19, NIV).
God can spring up a new thing in our lives that may be wasted, a desolated and howling wilderness. We might have had a part to play to why we are barren - spiritually, emotionally or physically. Why would God visit us in these broken and lifeless places in our hearts? Because God gains the greater glory when He takes nothing and makes into something beautiful. No one could claim it had come from their own abilities or strength.
A prayer for the barren and the broken (the power of God will rest upon you as you pray from your heart in your own words):
Jesus, go to the deepest place in my heart. Visit me in this desolate, broken place. Heal my heart, even now, touch my mind. Forgive me for resisting you when all you wanted to do is heal me. Restore my soul and bring life to this place. I forgive those who have wounded me, spoke hateful words and treated me unkindly. Oh, God come now, take my heart and let it be yours forever. Walk through the walls of my soul, come now, and enter into this place with your light and truth. I want to be made whole, I want to be free, I want your presence in my life. I receive now your touch and believe that you will help me. In the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
This barren place was once impregnated by hope until an terrible event or experience in life dealt a death blow to it. All that seems left is a desolate, waste place in our soul. We sealed off our hearts, letting no one not even God near it, for its too painful. We can't even put words to the deepest longing in our soul. It's the Shunammite woman who was told by the prophet Elisha that she would have a son. Her pain and longing was so deep her response was to reprove him for lying (2 Kings 4:16). God will not lie to you. What He promised to do for you in the barren places will happen.
This barren place is true for men and women.
It's the barren woman's eyes that drift to a father holding a newborn in his arms. She has to look away because of the sudden stab of pain in her gut. Or the man, who has a secret, of being molested as a boy and is afraid to fellowship in church with other men because he feels angry and ashamed. When one of them tries to shake his hand or pat him on the back, he feels sickened, yet so alone and wants to reach out for friendship. It's the teenager caught up with friends that go from one party to the next. She's bright and carefree, but where she really wants to be is at home with a mother. A mother who had abandoned her years ago.
To Abraham and Sarah, God fulfilled his promise with the birth of Isaac. Later, Isaac believed God will produce a child through his barren wife Rebecca (Genesis 25:21). And this is the word Hannah had embraced when God gave her Samuel.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:19, NIV).
God can spring up a new thing in our lives that may be wasted, a desolated and howling wilderness. We might have had a part to play to why we are barren - spiritually, emotionally or physically. Why would God visit us in these broken and lifeless places in our hearts? Because God gains the greater glory when He takes nothing and makes into something beautiful. No one could claim it had come from their own abilities or strength.
A prayer for the barren and the broken (the power of God will rest upon you as you pray from your heart in your own words):
Jesus, go to the deepest place in my heart. Visit me in this desolate, broken place. Heal my heart, even now, touch my mind. Forgive me for resisting you when all you wanted to do is heal me. Restore my soul and bring life to this place. I forgive those who have wounded me, spoke hateful words and treated me unkindly. Oh, God come now, take my heart and let it be yours forever. Walk through the walls of my soul, come now, and enter into this place with your light and truth. I want to be made whole, I want to be free, I want your presence in my life. I receive now your touch and believe that you will help me. In the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
A Refugee of Grace
Psalms 91:1 says, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Also, Psalms 27:5 declares, “For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.”
Where do we take refuge when facing difficult or distressing times?
Some might crawl under the bed covers while others busy themselves until completely exhausted. Others find themselves in dark places or in sinful relationships all for a moments relief. Some bury themselves in reading a romance or adventure novel while others simply shut down, saying nothing and going nowhere.
When we don't make the Lord our dwelling place, any refuge outside of Christ can become a prison. And sadly, our refuge will eventually fail and we find ourselves a refugee.
So what do we do in our place of refuge?
Do we make promises not to do the things that caused us and others so much pain? Do we avoid people, places and activities so we don't turn our refuge place into a war zone? Instinctively, we know moving from place to place or creating new relationships or making vows will not avoid problems. For wherever we go or whatever we do, our problems are ever present because the trouble is within our hearts.
At certain times in our lives we may feel like a refugee – rootless, constantly on the move, never feeling quite at home. We look over our shoulders and around every corner for the enemy without while the enemy is really within. Nights are difficult when waking up with a tightness in your chest wondering what tomorrow might bring. Through the night we rehearse failures and mistakes, leaving us troubled and agitated. And with the morning light, it brings a harsh reality to a hopeless world where we yearn for something strong and protective.
Where we most often take refuge is in our minds. Our thoughts can take on a life of its own. We write our own story and the ending which may not be very happy ever after. Still it’s a place where we retreat when faced with life challenges or uncomfortable circumstances. We are the author and editor in our private world safe from harm and danger.
It’s not so much that we “check out” of reality but rather we form our own perception of reality to re-direct or avoid the true issue – what really is going on inside our hearts and minds.
“He dwelleth in the secret place” means to make God’s secret place your home.
Ruth and Rahab were two remarkable women who found grace in the secret place under the wings of the Almighty. Ruth left Moab shortly after the death of her husband to follow Naomi. Rahab, a prostitute who lived in a house on the wall of Jericho was saved after the city and all the inhabitants were destroyed. She and her people were enemies to be destroyed, including her city.
After they were brought out, Ruth from Moab and Rahab from outside the camp after Jericho was destroy, they found a covering of grace. This covering was presented by two men (a type of Christ) who brought them into a place of refuge. Ruth would marry her kinsmen redeemer, Boaz. Rahab married Salmon – possibly one of the spies. As a result, both women entered in the blood line of Christ.
These women left whatever refuge was theirs and embraced the promise of Deuteronomy 6:23, "But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land that he promised on oath to our forefathers." (NIV)
If you have been violated, bruised, crushed by hurtful words, abandoned or rejected, the Lord will help bring you out of your place of shelter and under His wings of grace. He will be your protection and defense from every storm and hateful enemy!
Where do we take refuge when facing difficult or distressing times?
Some might crawl under the bed covers while others busy themselves until completely exhausted. Others find themselves in dark places or in sinful relationships all for a moments relief. Some bury themselves in reading a romance or adventure novel while others simply shut down, saying nothing and going nowhere.
When we don't make the Lord our dwelling place, any refuge outside of Christ can become a prison. And sadly, our refuge will eventually fail and we find ourselves a refugee.
So what do we do in our place of refuge?
Do we make promises not to do the things that caused us and others so much pain? Do we avoid people, places and activities so we don't turn our refuge place into a war zone? Instinctively, we know moving from place to place or creating new relationships or making vows will not avoid problems. For wherever we go or whatever we do, our problems are ever present because the trouble is within our hearts.
At certain times in our lives we may feel like a refugee – rootless, constantly on the move, never feeling quite at home. We look over our shoulders and around every corner for the enemy without while the enemy is really within. Nights are difficult when waking up with a tightness in your chest wondering what tomorrow might bring. Through the night we rehearse failures and mistakes, leaving us troubled and agitated. And with the morning light, it brings a harsh reality to a hopeless world where we yearn for something strong and protective.
Where we most often take refuge is in our minds. Our thoughts can take on a life of its own. We write our own story and the ending which may not be very happy ever after. Still it’s a place where we retreat when faced with life challenges or uncomfortable circumstances. We are the author and editor in our private world safe from harm and danger.
It’s not so much that we “check out” of reality but rather we form our own perception of reality to re-direct or avoid the true issue – what really is going on inside our hearts and minds.
“He dwelleth in the secret place” means to make God’s secret place your home.
Ruth and Rahab were two remarkable women who found grace in the secret place under the wings of the Almighty. Ruth left Moab shortly after the death of her husband to follow Naomi. Rahab, a prostitute who lived in a house on the wall of Jericho was saved after the city and all the inhabitants were destroyed. She and her people were enemies to be destroyed, including her city.
After they were brought out, Ruth from Moab and Rahab from outside the camp after Jericho was destroy, they found a covering of grace. This covering was presented by two men (a type of Christ) who brought them into a place of refuge. Ruth would marry her kinsmen redeemer, Boaz. Rahab married Salmon – possibly one of the spies. As a result, both women entered in the blood line of Christ.
These women left whatever refuge was theirs and embraced the promise of Deuteronomy 6:23, "But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land that he promised on oath to our forefathers." (NIV)
If you have been violated, bruised, crushed by hurtful words, abandoned or rejected, the Lord will help bring you out of your place of shelter and under His wings of grace. He will be your protection and defense from every storm and hateful enemy!
Friday, February 1, 2013
Bite Size Truth and Love
The sensitive balance of speaking the right amount of truth in love is challenging.
Communicating truth is the most effective within a relationship. A relationship thrives and matures where both love and trust are shared by both parties. Ephesians 4:15 says, "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ." (NIV).
When we speak the truth in love we are not speaking about our own reality (perceived or real), but the reality presented by God’s word.
Too much truth can be too hard for people to digest or comprehend all at once without being offended. While too much love, may be enabling a person to remain in a pitiful condition, while failing to be truthful.
Those offended by the truth will argue their point of view. But when we speak the truth of God's word, no matter how hard or difficult, in love, we are on safe ground. In my opinion those stung by the truth, respect those who are willing to take the risk to say something, then say nothing at all!
A balance of love and truth helps form a healthy, Godly perspective so we can avoid being an offense and when we are the offended party.
When we just speak the truth without love it similar to what Paul describes in I Corinthians 13:1, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal” (NIV).
The word “resounding” in the original means to be noisy or to roar like the sea and the word “clanging” is a war-like sound. Truth without love is abrasive, cold and can sound much like a dull roar in the ear of the listener. How you say something (in a loving tone or in anger) is just as important as to what you are saying.
If we don’t speak the truth but only communicate a message of love we set no expectation for change or challenge those things that need to be addressed in our lives. In essence, we are voiding conflict that will promote growth and healing. Not only in our own lives, but in the community of believers. We are called to " grow up into Him who is the Head".
Often we tend to opt for a “softer” conversations that stay more on a superficial level. I believe this is because many of us have not been taught how to best tell the truth in love in a constructive and edifying manner.
The key to speaking the truth in love is Colossians 3:13. We need to “bear” with one another which mean to be patient and endure. Most offenses result when we don’t suffer long with those who may not understand or take more time to mature. Patience will keep us from being an offense and offending others.
Let patience have her perfect work (James 1:4) especially in learning the fine art of communicating the love and truth of God's word - in measured bite sizes for those who are hungry and desire change (I Peter 2:2).
Communicating truth is the most effective within a relationship. A relationship thrives and matures where both love and trust are shared by both parties. Ephesians 4:15 says, "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ." (NIV).
When we speak the truth in love we are not speaking about our own reality (perceived or real), but the reality presented by God’s word.
Too much truth can be too hard for people to digest or comprehend all at once without being offended. While too much love, may be enabling a person to remain in a pitiful condition, while failing to be truthful.
Those offended by the truth will argue their point of view. But when we speak the truth of God's word, no matter how hard or difficult, in love, we are on safe ground. In my opinion those stung by the truth, respect those who are willing to take the risk to say something, then say nothing at all!
A balance of love and truth helps form a healthy, Godly perspective so we can avoid being an offense and when we are the offended party.
When we just speak the truth without love it similar to what Paul describes in I Corinthians 13:1, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal” (NIV).
The word “resounding” in the original means to be noisy or to roar like the sea and the word “clanging” is a war-like sound. Truth without love is abrasive, cold and can sound much like a dull roar in the ear of the listener. How you say something (in a loving tone or in anger) is just as important as to what you are saying.
If we don’t speak the truth but only communicate a message of love we set no expectation for change or challenge those things that need to be addressed in our lives. In essence, we are voiding conflict that will promote growth and healing. Not only in our own lives, but in the community of believers. We are called to " grow up into Him who is the Head".
Often we tend to opt for a “softer” conversations that stay more on a superficial level. I believe this is because many of us have not been taught how to best tell the truth in love in a constructive and edifying manner.
The key to speaking the truth in love is Colossians 3:13. We need to “bear” with one another which mean to be patient and endure. Most offenses result when we don’t suffer long with those who may not understand or take more time to mature. Patience will keep us from being an offense and offending others.
Let patience have her perfect work (James 1:4) especially in learning the fine art of communicating the love and truth of God's word - in measured bite sizes for those who are hungry and desire change (I Peter 2:2).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)