If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you belong to Him. You belong to the body of Christ at large - you have a caring and loving family. God has given us a place at His table to be fed, nourished and provided for in every way.
The Scriptures say, "To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." (Ephesians 1:6 KJV).
Then why is it so challenging to believe we are accepted in the Beloved?
Could it be that sitting around a kitchen table fills you with dread? You remember the arguing and fighting or the cold, angry stares of family members across the table. You tried to speak, change the subject or do anything to make peace but you were ignored or told to be quiet. So you slipped out of the room unnoticed.
Or did you ever walk into church, sit in the back and prayed no one would see you because the mess you made with your life? You felt you were wearing your sin for all to see and would never fit in with these nicely dressed folks with polite smiles.
Just remember the prodigal son. The father order the best cow to be killed and prepared for a feast. The son who was lost was found and returned home! There is something celebratory about God who receives us openly and warmly. God makes us feel right at home. More importantly, He draws us to His heart with full acceptance.
You don't bring cups and silverware to a home you'd been invited, do you? You are not even required to cook the meal or serve the refreshments. You are to simply show up! Acceptance with God is as simple as showing up. "Here I am, Lord!"
Beloved, the worse thing to do is believe the lie of the devil when Jesus knocks at door, and we refuse to open it. His acceptance is sure, His love unchanging and all we need to do is embrace Him.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Saturday, June 29, 2013
God Never Fails To Deliver
God will never fail to deliver His child. Eighty year old Daniel understood this after being tossed in a den full of hungry lions. By morning the king full of remorse for his decision runs to the pit. Daniel's response, "My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty." (Daniel 6:22).
God will silence the roar of the lion in your life that threatens to devour your home, your family, your peace or anything else that is good and wonderful. The devil only destroys, kills and devours like a lion.
One of the attitudes the Lord is working out of my heart is one that says, "Even the best has been taken from me." This attitude emerges ever so often when in a season of relief and enjoyment something goes wrong and I find myself in a pit of despair or confused to what went wrong. Why was this taken from me? What do I do wrong? I hear the roar of the lion saying, "You are going down. Everything you have I'll eat and spit out!" There is a lion that is only familiar to you that looks at you with hungry eyes, staring you down, ready to pounce.
But at the mention of Jesus name, the Lord will shut the mouth of the lion. Paul writes to young Timothy, "But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth." (2 Timothy 4:17).
How does the Lord shut the lion's mouth? How does He deliver us from being devoured?
He sends a bigger lion! The Lion of Judah. Revelations 5:5 says, "Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals." (NIV). And in Hosea 11:10, "They will follow the LORD; he will roar like a lion. When he roars, his children will come trembling from the west."
Call to the Lion of Judah, beloved. With a single roar, the noise and tumult of the Enemy is silenced.
God will silence the roar of the lion in your life that threatens to devour your home, your family, your peace or anything else that is good and wonderful. The devil only destroys, kills and devours like a lion.
One of the attitudes the Lord is working out of my heart is one that says, "Even the best has been taken from me." This attitude emerges ever so often when in a season of relief and enjoyment something goes wrong and I find myself in a pit of despair or confused to what went wrong. Why was this taken from me? What do I do wrong? I hear the roar of the lion saying, "You are going down. Everything you have I'll eat and spit out!" There is a lion that is only familiar to you that looks at you with hungry eyes, staring you down, ready to pounce.
But at the mention of Jesus name, the Lord will shut the mouth of the lion. Paul writes to young Timothy, "But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth." (2 Timothy 4:17).
How does the Lord shut the lion's mouth? How does He deliver us from being devoured?
He sends a bigger lion! The Lion of Judah. Revelations 5:5 says, "Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals." (NIV). And in Hosea 11:10, "They will follow the LORD; he will roar like a lion. When he roars, his children will come trembling from the west."
Call to the Lion of Judah, beloved. With a single roar, the noise and tumult of the Enemy is silenced.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Oh Give Thanks!
Psalms 107 is medicine for the anxious heart. Its for the one fainting from the heat of day when difficulties, stressful events or problems overwhelm a life. It's a Psalm of relief, like a cool refreshing drink, when you feel parched while walking through a challenging season in your spiritual walk.
The Psalm serves as a reminder of God's goodness and faithfulness not just in our own lives, but in the lives of others God has touched.
We read of the homeless given a home in a safe city (verse 7). The hungry are feed (verse 9). Prisoners are freed from a self inflicted prison brought on by their rebellion and disobedience (verses 10-16). Fools are delivered and healed (verses 17-20). The storm tossed are guided to a safe harbor (verses 23-30).
Throughout the Psalms there is a repeated cry to give thanks to the Lord for His goodness. Not only as result of Him answering prayer and meeting a need, but right through the tough and trying moment until the answer comes from the Lord. This is when we will be the most tested in our faith.
We must believe God is good and His goodness has not been withheld from us even if we do badly in responding to the trials and testings in our life. Perhaps this what makes Psalms 107 so wonderful is that some did not do well and found themselves in a pit or a prison, but God's unfailing goodness rescued them!
The last verse of the Psalm ends on a very powerful note. It says, "Whoever is wise will observe these things, and they will understand the lovingkindness of the Lord" (verse 43).
What that says is that we may not be always on the receiving end of a blessing, but by simply observing God's goodness in the life of another, helps us understand and appreciate His goodness!
The Psalm serves as a reminder of God's goodness and faithfulness not just in our own lives, but in the lives of others God has touched.
We read of the homeless given a home in a safe city (verse 7). The hungry are feed (verse 9). Prisoners are freed from a self inflicted prison brought on by their rebellion and disobedience (verses 10-16). Fools are delivered and healed (verses 17-20). The storm tossed are guided to a safe harbor (verses 23-30).
Throughout the Psalms there is a repeated cry to give thanks to the Lord for His goodness. Not only as result of Him answering prayer and meeting a need, but right through the tough and trying moment until the answer comes from the Lord. This is when we will be the most tested in our faith.
We must believe God is good and His goodness has not been withheld from us even if we do badly in responding to the trials and testings in our life. Perhaps this what makes Psalms 107 so wonderful is that some did not do well and found themselves in a pit or a prison, but God's unfailing goodness rescued them!
The last verse of the Psalm ends on a very powerful note. It says, "Whoever is wise will observe these things, and they will understand the lovingkindness of the Lord" (verse 43).
What that says is that we may not be always on the receiving end of a blessing, but by simply observing God's goodness in the life of another, helps us understand and appreciate His goodness!
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Beware of Filling In The Gaps
There is a time in our Christian walk where God will speak to us about something in our heart that must be addressed and remedied. Often it is a stronghold built and rooted in the mind and heart.
A stronghold often starts with a single thought that may be born out of distress or difficulty but it ends with a question directed toward God. Where were you when...? Why didn't you help me when...? Why did he or she have to died...? The question comes from a genuine need for some answer or response, but the heavens seem like brass and no voice from above seems to respond to the question.
The temptation is to fill in the gaps with an answer to satisfy us in some measure.
The result can be devastating in our perspective of God. We are on dangerous ground when we take Scriptures and mix it with our own thoughts and ideas to form some answer God never spoke (God is not obligated to answer or explain Himself to us). This becomes the brick and mortar of the stronghold. Underneath the question is a subtle accusation that God failed us. In other words, it's an assault on His character.
And this gives the Enemy an opportunity to whisper deceitful lies. He's the accuser, the father of lies and nothing pleases him more but to agree to someone who is hardly aware they are accusing God for coming up short. Remember in the garden in Genesis 3:3. He added what God didn't say in regards to touching the fruit.
How do we ask the painful and hard questions without accusing God? Simple. Tell Him honestly how you feel. Don't hide anything from Him but bring it to the light. Anything in the dark will soon fester and become foul, mainly our attitudes. Then let Him speak to you. Let Him ask the questions. God is strong, powerful and full of grace to handle anything we present to Him. Lastly, offer a sacrifice of praise which will cost us in the midst of heartache and pain. Just knowing God is still here, listening, waiting to restore and heal us, should make any one rejoice.
When we praise even as tears stream down our face, God meets us with a supernatural grace, and we move away from any accusations that otherwise would have formed a stronghold - to keep God out - and our pain and sorrow locked inside.
A stronghold often starts with a single thought that may be born out of distress or difficulty but it ends with a question directed toward God. Where were you when...? Why didn't you help me when...? Why did he or she have to died...? The question comes from a genuine need for some answer or response, but the heavens seem like brass and no voice from above seems to respond to the question.
The temptation is to fill in the gaps with an answer to satisfy us in some measure.
The result can be devastating in our perspective of God. We are on dangerous ground when we take Scriptures and mix it with our own thoughts and ideas to form some answer God never spoke (God is not obligated to answer or explain Himself to us). This becomes the brick and mortar of the stronghold. Underneath the question is a subtle accusation that God failed us. In other words, it's an assault on His character.
And this gives the Enemy an opportunity to whisper deceitful lies. He's the accuser, the father of lies and nothing pleases him more but to agree to someone who is hardly aware they are accusing God for coming up short. Remember in the garden in Genesis 3:3. He added what God didn't say in regards to touching the fruit.
How do we ask the painful and hard questions without accusing God? Simple. Tell Him honestly how you feel. Don't hide anything from Him but bring it to the light. Anything in the dark will soon fester and become foul, mainly our attitudes. Then let Him speak to you. Let Him ask the questions. God is strong, powerful and full of grace to handle anything we present to Him. Lastly, offer a sacrifice of praise which will cost us in the midst of heartache and pain. Just knowing God is still here, listening, waiting to restore and heal us, should make any one rejoice.
When we praise even as tears stream down our face, God meets us with a supernatural grace, and we move away from any accusations that otherwise would have formed a stronghold - to keep God out - and our pain and sorrow locked inside.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
In Times Of Pressure
How you respond in times of pressure is telling of the quality of faith you have in Christ.
Pardon the weak illustration, but before products are sold, they undergo several tests to ensure it will meet the customer's need, but also if it is durable to withstand the stress of being used (or even misused) in various environments. Several years ago I watched a program of what they do to cell phones when dropped, submerged or nearly crushed.
Likewise, faith is meant to be stretched, tried and tested as we are being conformed to His likeness. Faith in Christ is what carries us through every season, be it good or difficult. Faith roots and grounds us to the Scriptures. What we read and mediate in the Scriptures helps to reinforce believing God who helps us as we go about our day. Faith is about applying the promises of God to every circumstance we encounter and trusting God to answer us as He determines what is best for us.
Sadly, many remain at the point of entry into the Christian walk and at the first sign of trouble or difficulty they shrink back. God is not pleased when we shrink back (Hebrews 10:38) but rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
Faith demands absolute trust in Christ alone which our flesh will resist. The flesh wants a list of dos and don'ts, to see and touch. It want's to reason and analyze which might be all right, if doing it with a renewed mind. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (KJV).
If we can sum it up in one word, faith is in the Person of Jesus Christ. As an old hymn describes, everything else is sinking sand! He alone is to be trusted and every word in the Scriptures. We can rest our hope fully on His promises in a challenging and changing world.
Pardon the weak illustration, but before products are sold, they undergo several tests to ensure it will meet the customer's need, but also if it is durable to withstand the stress of being used (or even misused) in various environments. Several years ago I watched a program of what they do to cell phones when dropped, submerged or nearly crushed.
Likewise, faith is meant to be stretched, tried and tested as we are being conformed to His likeness. Faith in Christ is what carries us through every season, be it good or difficult. Faith roots and grounds us to the Scriptures. What we read and mediate in the Scriptures helps to reinforce believing God who helps us as we go about our day. Faith is about applying the promises of God to every circumstance we encounter and trusting God to answer us as He determines what is best for us.
Sadly, many remain at the point of entry into the Christian walk and at the first sign of trouble or difficulty they shrink back. God is not pleased when we shrink back (Hebrews 10:38) but rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
Faith demands absolute trust in Christ alone which our flesh will resist. The flesh wants a list of dos and don'ts, to see and touch. It want's to reason and analyze which might be all right, if doing it with a renewed mind. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (KJV).
If we can sum it up in one word, faith is in the Person of Jesus Christ. As an old hymn describes, everything else is sinking sand! He alone is to be trusted and every word in the Scriptures. We can rest our hope fully on His promises in a challenging and changing world.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Refined Faith
Paul writes to the Corinthians, "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." (2 Corinthians 4:17). Here is a man who suffered shipwrecks, beatings, stoning, prisons and opposition of both within and outside the church.
In our culture where living a pain-free life is premium, self comfort the chiefest goal and access to every convenience a must, any suffering or pain sets us reeling. We are most miserable being miserable! Not so with Paul for he had an eternal perspective. He saw what others couldn't see in the midst of pain, suffering, loneliness, darkness and hours of feeling abandoned. His faith in God was stronger, sweeter and more sure than the day he first encountered Christ.
Our faith is of greater value than gold and it's weight can not be compared to anything else we cherish! Because it is so precious and sweet, Satan will do anything to undermine it with lies. Lies that say your failure brought on suffering (I'm not speaking of times when God may chasten us or we chose to disobey and suffer from our folly). Or the devil will say, "Ease up on being a witness to Christ!" "Relax, take it easy besides no one wants a fanatic in the office spouting off Scriptures!"
Sadly, the persecution in America comes in a different form, but it's changing rapidly becoming an aggressive persecution, it's called soft living - and it's just as deadly as being physically persecuted. The Laodicean church was neither hot or cold it says in Revelation, but lukewarm.
When we will live right before God, we will be opposed. But to avoid any suffering or opposition will only weaken us. We'll lose our passion for God and things of the world become more attractive. We'll settle down with the Enemy just for a moment of relief not realizing he is destroying bit by bit our purest faith in God.
We can go through anything in this life with Christ knowing in the end there waits an eternal glory that overcomes all our sorrow and pain!
In our culture where living a pain-free life is premium, self comfort the chiefest goal and access to every convenience a must, any suffering or pain sets us reeling. We are most miserable being miserable! Not so with Paul for he had an eternal perspective. He saw what others couldn't see in the midst of pain, suffering, loneliness, darkness and hours of feeling abandoned. His faith in God was stronger, sweeter and more sure than the day he first encountered Christ.
Our faith is of greater value than gold and it's weight can not be compared to anything else we cherish! Because it is so precious and sweet, Satan will do anything to undermine it with lies. Lies that say your failure brought on suffering (I'm not speaking of times when God may chasten us or we chose to disobey and suffer from our folly). Or the devil will say, "Ease up on being a witness to Christ!" "Relax, take it easy besides no one wants a fanatic in the office spouting off Scriptures!"
Sadly, the persecution in America comes in a different form, but it's changing rapidly becoming an aggressive persecution, it's called soft living - and it's just as deadly as being physically persecuted. The Laodicean church was neither hot or cold it says in Revelation, but lukewarm.
When we will live right before God, we will be opposed. But to avoid any suffering or opposition will only weaken us. We'll lose our passion for God and things of the world become more attractive. We'll settle down with the Enemy just for a moment of relief not realizing he is destroying bit by bit our purest faith in God.
We can go through anything in this life with Christ knowing in the end there waits an eternal glory that overcomes all our sorrow and pain!
Monday, June 24, 2013
Waiting For The Answer
We read in Genesis 18:12, after so many years had passed, Sarah was told she'll soon have a son. Her response is telling. So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?”
From this passage in Genesis we learn what it means to submit our requests.
1. Submitting our requests to God means experiencing a moment where we must be “as good as dead” to any possibility of it happening in our human efforts and abilities. We learn to be unwavering, trusting in the power of God to fulfill His promise. (see Romans 4:19-21).
2. Submitting our requests does not always mean an immediate answer to our prayer. Our condition may not change or it may even worsen. Sarah said, “I’m worn out (decaying) and my master is old”. I suppose even years before God first made the promise to Abraham, Sarah had long resigned to her barren state. How often have we grown weary from praying when the answer seems delayed? Jesus encourages us in Luke 18:1 to continue to pray and not faint. The word faint means to “be negatively influenced with the outcome of experiencing inner weariness.” If we look at natural condition and draw a conclusion based on those things that are temporal rather than reminding ourselves of God’s eternal power to fulfill His promise, we can easily grow weary and faint.
3. When God answers our requests, we may find ourselves tested by God to sacrifice the very thing He provided. Think of Abraham asked by God to take Isaac to Mt. Moriah to sacrifice him. Why? Genesis 22:12 says, “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”
Lastly, Hebrews 11:11 gives a powerful insight into Sarah’s heart. She who said, “God, I’m so worn out. Life has been very hard and difficult. When I was young, you know how much I longed to hold a child, my own child in my arms. Just look at me now! I’m not only old and worn out, but then there is Ishmael, my husband’s child by an Egyptian handmaid. Why would you visit me now? Why this appointed time?”
Listen beloved, the lie of the enemy is to come to us and say it’s too late, my time has passed, I have no strength even to conceive the thought of a promised realized, it’s too painful even to consider. Hebrews 11:11 says God gave Sarah strength to conceive. Why? Because Sarah judged Him faithful to do as he promised. Sarah not only became a mother but she’d become a mother of nations by faith! Her smallest plea was answered but impacted countless others – even today.
From this passage in Genesis we learn what it means to submit our requests.
1. Submitting our requests to God means experiencing a moment where we must be “as good as dead” to any possibility of it happening in our human efforts and abilities. We learn to be unwavering, trusting in the power of God to fulfill His promise. (see Romans 4:19-21).
2. Submitting our requests does not always mean an immediate answer to our prayer. Our condition may not change or it may even worsen. Sarah said, “I’m worn out (decaying) and my master is old”. I suppose even years before God first made the promise to Abraham, Sarah had long resigned to her barren state. How often have we grown weary from praying when the answer seems delayed? Jesus encourages us in Luke 18:1 to continue to pray and not faint. The word faint means to “be negatively influenced with the outcome of experiencing inner weariness.” If we look at natural condition and draw a conclusion based on those things that are temporal rather than reminding ourselves of God’s eternal power to fulfill His promise, we can easily grow weary and faint.
3. When God answers our requests, we may find ourselves tested by God to sacrifice the very thing He provided. Think of Abraham asked by God to take Isaac to Mt. Moriah to sacrifice him. Why? Genesis 22:12 says, “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”
Lastly, Hebrews 11:11 gives a powerful insight into Sarah’s heart. She who said, “God, I’m so worn out. Life has been very hard and difficult. When I was young, you know how much I longed to hold a child, my own child in my arms. Just look at me now! I’m not only old and worn out, but then there is Ishmael, my husband’s child by an Egyptian handmaid. Why would you visit me now? Why this appointed time?”
Listen beloved, the lie of the enemy is to come to us and say it’s too late, my time has passed, I have no strength even to conceive the thought of a promised realized, it’s too painful even to consider. Hebrews 11:11 says God gave Sarah strength to conceive. Why? Because Sarah judged Him faithful to do as he promised. Sarah not only became a mother but she’d become a mother of nations by faith! Her smallest plea was answered but impacted countless others – even today.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Unchangeable God
What a wonderful and beautiful truth! God is immutable and unchanging in His character. He is not fickle by moods swinging wildly from anger to joy to sadness to anger over our ups and downs in life. He does not give an extra dose of grace to one and say to another you have nothing left over because you failed Me too often.
Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Also, in Malachi 3:6 we read, "I the LORD do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed." (NIV).
With His unchanging character, is the comfort that He is not offended by the changes we undergo in daily life. He is not put out by our inconsistent temperament, our white hot passion for Him one day only to be left out in the cold the next day.
God expects change for He is working His Son's life in and through us. He is conforming us to His likeness and character. A familiar passage of Scripture says, "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns" (Philippians 1:6, NLT).
Change is not always pretty or attractive. In the end, like the caterpillar it will become a stunning butterfly. It's easy to get stuck in the messiness of change and believe this is all there is to you or you will never become anything more than a failure.
Don't believe the lies of the Devil that you are a failure or offensive but know you are deeply loved by God! The more change, the more intensity, and deeper the struggle really speaks of God's love and care to see you made complete in Christ. He is going below the surface to things that are in the heart which are buried and hidden. He's pushing them up and out of you so He can deposit more life, more strength and power in you.
From unchangeable God, you are beautiful in His eyes!
Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Also, in Malachi 3:6 we read, "I the LORD do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed." (NIV).
With His unchanging character, is the comfort that He is not offended by the changes we undergo in daily life. He is not put out by our inconsistent temperament, our white hot passion for Him one day only to be left out in the cold the next day.
God expects change for He is working His Son's life in and through us. He is conforming us to His likeness and character. A familiar passage of Scripture says, "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns" (Philippians 1:6, NLT).
Change is not always pretty or attractive. In the end, like the caterpillar it will become a stunning butterfly. It's easy to get stuck in the messiness of change and believe this is all there is to you or you will never become anything more than a failure.
Don't believe the lies of the Devil that you are a failure or offensive but know you are deeply loved by God! The more change, the more intensity, and deeper the struggle really speaks of God's love and care to see you made complete in Christ. He is going below the surface to things that are in the heart which are buried and hidden. He's pushing them up and out of you so He can deposit more life, more strength and power in you.
From unchangeable God, you are beautiful in His eyes!
Saturday, June 22, 2013
God Gives Sweet Rest
For about a month, the studio where my wife and I lived was very quiet until someone moved into the studio above us. The bedroom that once was a wonderful retreat was now invaded by heavy footsteps thundering overhead. Over the next several days there has been a lot of movement with objects being dropped on the floor. On a Saturday morning I awake to sounds above me stirring to life. I struggle to fall back asleep after an exhausting week.
I'm very sensitive to noise which can easily agitate and annoy me to point I become very anxious even depressed if I'm not able to control it. My wife tells me that I have "watch dog ears" that perk up at every sound. All the while sounds don't trouble or disturb her in anyway. Perhaps what troubles me the most is why people are not aware of the noise they make and how it effects those around them when living in such a confined space.
I became so agitated I took the elevator to the next floor and pasted a note on the door asking them to be considerate of the noise they were creating. I had my wife read it beforehand to ensure it was polite but clear to what I was requesting.
It was then I felt the Lord put a finger on a place in my life. A place where I've not known peace but anxiety and turmoil. In a time of prayer I read Proverbs 3:21-23, "My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. (NIV).
Anger, it says in the Scripture, lies in the bosom of a fool. I'd been foolish, losing any sound judgment, in responding to this problem. I repented and felt God's peace flood my heart. Over the next few days the noise has dropped significantly and I'm able to sleep. Though I still have moments where I catch myself when I hear a sound to ask God for help. Each time He has visited me with rest, both in my mind and at night.
I'm very sensitive to noise which can easily agitate and annoy me to point I become very anxious even depressed if I'm not able to control it. My wife tells me that I have "watch dog ears" that perk up at every sound. All the while sounds don't trouble or disturb her in anyway. Perhaps what troubles me the most is why people are not aware of the noise they make and how it effects those around them when living in such a confined space.
I became so agitated I took the elevator to the next floor and pasted a note on the door asking them to be considerate of the noise they were creating. I had my wife read it beforehand to ensure it was polite but clear to what I was requesting.
It was then I felt the Lord put a finger on a place in my life. A place where I've not known peace but anxiety and turmoil. In a time of prayer I read Proverbs 3:21-23, "My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. (NIV).
Anger, it says in the Scripture, lies in the bosom of a fool. I'd been foolish, losing any sound judgment, in responding to this problem. I repented and felt God's peace flood my heart. Over the next few days the noise has dropped significantly and I'm able to sleep. Though I still have moments where I catch myself when I hear a sound to ask God for help. Each time He has visited me with rest, both in my mind and at night.
Friday, June 21, 2013
God's Great Goodness
Psalms 100:5 in one of the many Scripture passages that speak of God’s goodness. It says, "For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." (KJV).
The Scriptural truth of God’s goodness is essential to our Christian maturity. God is good all the time.
Regardless to what we experience or feel, what we know or don’t know or what others tell us, we must believe God is good – all the time. His goodness is not dependent on our behavior or defined by some random acts of charity to a selected few who worked hard to deserve it.
God's goodness is an expression of His character, His very heart.
Our bravest attempt to be good fall short of God's goodness. For when we stumble and fall our goodness can never make up the loss of our moral footing. Try as we may with labor and sweat, we will never out due God's goodness. Out of His goodness, He remains faithful to rescue us time and time again. He is good when our prayers are answered and He is good while other answers to prayer sit dormant on a shelf for days, weeks and even years before there is an answer.
In our darkest hour when pain, fear and confusion overwhelm us and those close to us question God’s goodness; we should never be swayed by their view. To understand the depth of His goodness is know - really know - how much God loves us.
The Scriptural truth of God’s goodness is essential to our Christian maturity. God is good all the time.
Regardless to what we experience or feel, what we know or don’t know or what others tell us, we must believe God is good – all the time. His goodness is not dependent on our behavior or defined by some random acts of charity to a selected few who worked hard to deserve it.
God's goodness is an expression of His character, His very heart.
Our bravest attempt to be good fall short of God's goodness. For when we stumble and fall our goodness can never make up the loss of our moral footing. Try as we may with labor and sweat, we will never out due God's goodness. Out of His goodness, He remains faithful to rescue us time and time again. He is good when our prayers are answered and He is good while other answers to prayer sit dormant on a shelf for days, weeks and even years before there is an answer.
In our darkest hour when pain, fear and confusion overwhelm us and those close to us question God’s goodness; we should never be swayed by their view. To understand the depth of His goodness is know - really know - how much God loves us.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Walk In The Spirit
The Lord gives us a command and a promise in Galatians 5:16. "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." (KJV). What does it mean to walk in the Spirit? Why does it use the word walk rather than sit or stand in the Spirit?
Walking means mobility in a particular direction with a defined purpose that no other posture or position could fulfill. Every step forward is a step away from something and every step forward brings us closer to a destination. Walking with God means keeping pace with Him - if He slows, we do likewise and if He picks up the pace, we follow His leading.
I've been in many church meetings, conferences and other events where there was a lot of emphasis on being filled with the Spirit. I've seen some foolish and disturbing things that some claim to be manifestations of the Spirit. And I have witnessed in other places a true move of God where repentance and brokenness ushered in the power of God.
But I have heard little on the practical, every day walking in the Spirit. In the original, the Greek word to walk means to "walk in circles". In our culture, you may have heard the expression, "he or she is walking in circles" as if to say they are uncertain or spinning around on their heels unsure where or what to do next. But that is not what walking in the Spirit means for the believer.
Rather walking in the Spirit means "circling" around back to the Word of God time and time again throughout the day every day. Otherwise, our nature tends to wander like sheep in a wide open (and possibly dangerous) pasture. Anything that captures our senses or distracts us and we find ourselves meandering away from the Good Shepherd.
And that is why we have the promise that if walk in the Spirit we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. Lust corrupts and corrodes from the inside out so that much so that it impedes our walk. We must keep in step with the Spirit for that is where we draw our strength, protection and help.
As long as we circle back to the Word of God - rehearsing, remembering and recalling His promises daily - the lust of the flesh can't touch us - for our minds are refreshed, renewed and purified.
Walking means mobility in a particular direction with a defined purpose that no other posture or position could fulfill. Every step forward is a step away from something and every step forward brings us closer to a destination. Walking with God means keeping pace with Him - if He slows, we do likewise and if He picks up the pace, we follow His leading.
I've been in many church meetings, conferences and other events where there was a lot of emphasis on being filled with the Spirit. I've seen some foolish and disturbing things that some claim to be manifestations of the Spirit. And I have witnessed in other places a true move of God where repentance and brokenness ushered in the power of God.
But I have heard little on the practical, every day walking in the Spirit. In the original, the Greek word to walk means to "walk in circles". In our culture, you may have heard the expression, "he or she is walking in circles" as if to say they are uncertain or spinning around on their heels unsure where or what to do next. But that is not what walking in the Spirit means for the believer.
Rather walking in the Spirit means "circling" around back to the Word of God time and time again throughout the day every day. Otherwise, our nature tends to wander like sheep in a wide open (and possibly dangerous) pasture. Anything that captures our senses or distracts us and we find ourselves meandering away from the Good Shepherd.
And that is why we have the promise that if walk in the Spirit we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. Lust corrupts and corrodes from the inside out so that much so that it impedes our walk. We must keep in step with the Spirit for that is where we draw our strength, protection and help.
As long as we circle back to the Word of God - rehearsing, remembering and recalling His promises daily - the lust of the flesh can't touch us - for our minds are refreshed, renewed and purified.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Jesus, My Soul Desires You
Have we come to a place in our lives where we desire Jesus so much that it hurts? That we feel robbed of His presence because we are constrained by time and must leave prayer to go to work.
Are we desperate enough to hear His voice that we toss out the television or any other distraction to silence the voices of the world? Do we see hell opening it's mouth that we cry out in anguish over lost souls who are blindly being swept into it?
On evening I walked along 9th Avenue in New York City. The sidewalks were packed with people eating, drinking and gathering in groups to talk about the most recent event or gossip. The more I watched there was a sense of unease growing inside my heart. I felt the Holy Spirit peel back the paper thin tissue that separated us from eternity. I watched as they laughed, smiled, toss back beers and ate with delight but all the while a Scripture kept rolling through my mind.
But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? (Luke 12:20, KJV).
I reflected on my life when I rebelled against God and foolishly sinned. At anytime God could have said enough and my life would cease immediately, but for His incredible mercies, he saved me.
When we desire Jesus, we take on His desires - desires for the lost - which can hurt and move us to desperation but always to a place where we cry out, "Here am I send me!"
Beloved, our one and only desire must be Jesus for there are many who need to know this simple truth. Jesus, desires them too.
Are we desperate enough to hear His voice that we toss out the television or any other distraction to silence the voices of the world? Do we see hell opening it's mouth that we cry out in anguish over lost souls who are blindly being swept into it?
On evening I walked along 9th Avenue in New York City. The sidewalks were packed with people eating, drinking and gathering in groups to talk about the most recent event or gossip. The more I watched there was a sense of unease growing inside my heart. I felt the Holy Spirit peel back the paper thin tissue that separated us from eternity. I watched as they laughed, smiled, toss back beers and ate with delight but all the while a Scripture kept rolling through my mind.
But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? (Luke 12:20, KJV).
I reflected on my life when I rebelled against God and foolishly sinned. At anytime God could have said enough and my life would cease immediately, but for His incredible mercies, he saved me.
When we desire Jesus, we take on His desires - desires for the lost - which can hurt and move us to desperation but always to a place where we cry out, "Here am I send me!"
Beloved, our one and only desire must be Jesus for there are many who need to know this simple truth. Jesus, desires them too.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Faith That Imagines Victories
God wants to change our terminal thinking to eternal thinking.
For example, at Lazarus's tomb, Jesus comforted Mary and Martha that this sickness did not lead to death. Yes, Lazarus physically died, but he was not spiritual dead such as those who are outside of Christ. To Jesus, Lazarus was asleep because life didn't terminate at death.
Only through a renewed mind can we perceive what the natural mind can not understand. I Corinthians 2:14 says, "The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit" (NIV).
In Mark 5:39 Jesus said a similar thing about a young girl who died. Those who were weeping in the house ridiculed him. How many things in our live appear quite dead? And our prayers become terminal much like our hopes and dreams. Unbelief is nothing short of fatal thinking for it limits the scope of what God desires to do through us in the face of difficulty.
And then there is a Thomas whose thinking is grounded in facts, reality and what can be touched and handled. These are the people who can only think in black and white. There's no color in their imagination. What can be touched, handled, seen or tasted is evidence. They are the concrete believers. To them imagining an abstract victory is foolish. They can’t imagine the Red Sea parting and the enemy being swallowed up after God makes a way through a wall of water. But God did just that for the Israelites who could not see a way out.
Beloved, God wants to deliver us from fatalistic thinking and instill faith that looks past the mountains to seeing the victories God has in store for us.
For example, at Lazarus's tomb, Jesus comforted Mary and Martha that this sickness did not lead to death. Yes, Lazarus physically died, but he was not spiritual dead such as those who are outside of Christ. To Jesus, Lazarus was asleep because life didn't terminate at death.
Only through a renewed mind can we perceive what the natural mind can not understand. I Corinthians 2:14 says, "The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit" (NIV).
In Mark 5:39 Jesus said a similar thing about a young girl who died. Those who were weeping in the house ridiculed him. How many things in our live appear quite dead? And our prayers become terminal much like our hopes and dreams. Unbelief is nothing short of fatal thinking for it limits the scope of what God desires to do through us in the face of difficulty.
And then there is a Thomas whose thinking is grounded in facts, reality and what can be touched and handled. These are the people who can only think in black and white. There's no color in their imagination. What can be touched, handled, seen or tasted is evidence. They are the concrete believers. To them imagining an abstract victory is foolish. They can’t imagine the Red Sea parting and the enemy being swallowed up after God makes a way through a wall of water. But God did just that for the Israelites who could not see a way out.
Beloved, God wants to deliver us from fatalistic thinking and instill faith that looks past the mountains to seeing the victories God has in store for us.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Securing Peace Through Obedience
Before turning to I Samuel 15, I want to start in Hebrews 5:8. We read Jesus “learned obedience through the things He suffered”.
What makes it so difficult to obey?
One of the challenges to obedience is we don't always get an immediate sense of satisfaction or reward when we do right. Our flesh will always be at war with the Spirit of Christ. When an angry driver cuts you off you might be tempted to speak something you should not say. So you think, who is to know and beside the driver ought to know just how you feel! The blessing to obey will always far out way the temporary desire to put matters in our own hands.
Let’s look at verse 9 of I Samuel chapter 15. It says that Saul was unwilling to destroy the best of the sheep, oxen and fatlings but destroyed the weak and sickly sheep. Obedience is difficult when God calls us to sacrifice those things that represent the best in our lives. Another example is when God tested Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac on Mount Moriah to see if Abraham loved God more that the fulfillment of a long awaited promise. If we cannot obey, then our devotion to Christ is under question.
Can we hear God when we are asked to obey Him? What are those things that He has asked us clearly, simply and directly yet for some reason we resist?
Disobedience not only dulls the ears to hear the voice of God but brings a spiritual blindness.
To those who obey God, we can hear Him clearly unlike those who have shut their ears and hearts from listening to God. Remember truth is a Person, Jesus Christ. When we fail to listen to the truth of God’s word, we open ourselves up to listening to lies. And what often follows lies is the darkness of deception.
The word “obey” in Hebrews 5:8 mean “submission to what is heard”. When we can hear the Lord, out of love we submit to His loving commands because we know it is for our good and the good of others.
In verse 15 King Saul gives an excuse to why he disobeyed. His reason was that the people spared the best of the sheep to sacrifice to the Lord. How easy it is for us to give disobedience another name! However, King Saul was the Commander in Chief and responsible to enforce the word of the Lord. He was not to let the people dictate his responsibility to obey the Lord. Peer pressure will always challenge us to fully obey the Lord. To obey means separation from those who are rebellious (Exodus 32: 25).
In conclusion, I want to talk briefly about King Agag, the Amalekite. Centuries earlier In Exodus 17:8-10 the Amalekites attacked Israel. In fact, they targeted the weak and sickly which fell behind (Deuteronomy 25: 18). Prophet Samuel killed Agag by “hewing” him to pieces even after he confronted Saul who refused to kill the king. History shows the Amalekites were known to be a cruel and violent people often mutilating their victims. While it seems that this was the end of the Amalekites, we learn about another Amalekite who appears in the book of Esther. His name is Haman, a descendant of King Agag.
And here is my point, those learn obedience through suffering are the ones who secure a future of peace so others are free from the harassment of an Enemy like Haman. Otherwise, when we disobey we not only give an opportunity to invite trouble in our lives, but we trouble others even those far into the future.
What makes it so difficult to obey?
One of the challenges to obedience is we don't always get an immediate sense of satisfaction or reward when we do right. Our flesh will always be at war with the Spirit of Christ. When an angry driver cuts you off you might be tempted to speak something you should not say. So you think, who is to know and beside the driver ought to know just how you feel! The blessing to obey will always far out way the temporary desire to put matters in our own hands.
Let’s look at verse 9 of I Samuel chapter 15. It says that Saul was unwilling to destroy the best of the sheep, oxen and fatlings but destroyed the weak and sickly sheep. Obedience is difficult when God calls us to sacrifice those things that represent the best in our lives. Another example is when God tested Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac on Mount Moriah to see if Abraham loved God more that the fulfillment of a long awaited promise. If we cannot obey, then our devotion to Christ is under question.
Can we hear God when we are asked to obey Him? What are those things that He has asked us clearly, simply and directly yet for some reason we resist?
Disobedience not only dulls the ears to hear the voice of God but brings a spiritual blindness.
To those who obey God, we can hear Him clearly unlike those who have shut their ears and hearts from listening to God. Remember truth is a Person, Jesus Christ. When we fail to listen to the truth of God’s word, we open ourselves up to listening to lies. And what often follows lies is the darkness of deception.
The word “obey” in Hebrews 5:8 mean “submission to what is heard”. When we can hear the Lord, out of love we submit to His loving commands because we know it is for our good and the good of others.
In verse 15 King Saul gives an excuse to why he disobeyed. His reason was that the people spared the best of the sheep to sacrifice to the Lord. How easy it is for us to give disobedience another name! However, King Saul was the Commander in Chief and responsible to enforce the word of the Lord. He was not to let the people dictate his responsibility to obey the Lord. Peer pressure will always challenge us to fully obey the Lord. To obey means separation from those who are rebellious (Exodus 32: 25).
In conclusion, I want to talk briefly about King Agag, the Amalekite. Centuries earlier In Exodus 17:8-10 the Amalekites attacked Israel. In fact, they targeted the weak and sickly which fell behind (Deuteronomy 25: 18). Prophet Samuel killed Agag by “hewing” him to pieces even after he confronted Saul who refused to kill the king. History shows the Amalekites were known to be a cruel and violent people often mutilating their victims. While it seems that this was the end of the Amalekites, we learn about another Amalekite who appears in the book of Esther. His name is Haman, a descendant of King Agag.
And here is my point, those learn obedience through suffering are the ones who secure a future of peace so others are free from the harassment of an Enemy like Haman. Otherwise, when we disobey we not only give an opportunity to invite trouble in our lives, but we trouble others even those far into the future.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
A Father's Voice
After Jesus was baptized, Matthew 3:17 says, "And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." (NIV).
It might have been enough for God to call from heaven to declare this is His Son, but He goes further by letting all know He is well pleased with Jesus.
How many sons and daughters long to hear their father say the words, "I'm proud of you, son!" or "Your the best daughter a Dad could ever want."
Words of love and affirmation are so needed in our generation where family relationships are strained or completely broken. Hungry sons and daughters want to know they are going to be all right. And that they are right in the eyes of their father, no matter what went wrong or right in the relationship.
Even more so, there is a deep desire to hear the voice of the father speak their name.
We read in Mark 9:7, "Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!" (NIV). Again, God speaks to His son who is away from His home in glory to affirm the Father's love. Through time and space, God's voice boomed, breaking through every barrier to be heard by human ears!
Today I called my father. He sounded well after a battery of medical tests. He turns 70 next month. I remarked that when I was in high school, he was in his forties which I'm now 44 years old. How fast time flies, I said. He laughed, warning me not to push it! Hearing him laugh made me smile. It wasn't always like this in times past. Now, as I grow older to hear the sound of his voice soothes me, calms my anxious thoughts and brings me closer to him - even though we may be miles away.
One day the phone won't ring and the letters will cease to come to the mailbox. Though I rather not think about those coming days, for now I enjoy the friendship and love of a father whom God has restored and I to him.
Perhaps this is what makes prayer so powerful. In those times of prayer, we hear God's voice and it assures our heart and calls us onward - to move a little closer to Him - until one day we see Him face to face.
It might have been enough for God to call from heaven to declare this is His Son, but He goes further by letting all know He is well pleased with Jesus.
How many sons and daughters long to hear their father say the words, "I'm proud of you, son!" or "Your the best daughter a Dad could ever want."
Words of love and affirmation are so needed in our generation where family relationships are strained or completely broken. Hungry sons and daughters want to know they are going to be all right. And that they are right in the eyes of their father, no matter what went wrong or right in the relationship.
Even more so, there is a deep desire to hear the voice of the father speak their name.
We read in Mark 9:7, "Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!" (NIV). Again, God speaks to His son who is away from His home in glory to affirm the Father's love. Through time and space, God's voice boomed, breaking through every barrier to be heard by human ears!
Today I called my father. He sounded well after a battery of medical tests. He turns 70 next month. I remarked that when I was in high school, he was in his forties which I'm now 44 years old. How fast time flies, I said. He laughed, warning me not to push it! Hearing him laugh made me smile. It wasn't always like this in times past. Now, as I grow older to hear the sound of his voice soothes me, calms my anxious thoughts and brings me closer to him - even though we may be miles away.
One day the phone won't ring and the letters will cease to come to the mailbox. Though I rather not think about those coming days, for now I enjoy the friendship and love of a father whom God has restored and I to him.
Perhaps this is what makes prayer so powerful. In those times of prayer, we hear God's voice and it assures our heart and calls us onward - to move a little closer to Him - until one day we see Him face to face.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
The Secret of Contentment
My wife and I drove a little over an hour to attend a festival where it was promised to have some tasty Portuguese food. When we arrived, I stood behind a family purchasing food tickets. A woman couldn't decide what she wanted and wavered on the drink selection. I complained aloud to my wife of their slowness to make up their minds.
From the menu board, I selected the stew recalling while living in Bristol, Rhode Island of a Portuguese woman who made some spicy Portuguese stew. I imagined the chorizos in a light broth with collard greens and potatoes. To my shock a man handed me a paper plate with rice and somewhat mashed fava beans and pork bones with rubbery skin coating it. I found a seat grumbling at the appearance and taste. We decided to go to a church up the street that had a sign inviting anyone to dinner.
We entered the old church where we took a couple of cold drinks and made our way to one of the crowded tables. There was a rich cross section of various races but many of the faces seemed to have a similar story of poverty and struggles of various kinds. After we were served, the woman across the table started to complain. The fish was too salty. The food was cold. She pushed the plate away letting everyone in ear shot know she was not going to eat it.
I found myself quietly prayed asking God to forgive me about a long standing sin of complaining. I thought it was within my right to complain about the food I purchased with my money when it was disappointing. Here the food was completely free. There was no conditions or stings attached but this woman was grumbling, dissatisfied and left hungry.
Paul writes, "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." (Philippians 4:12, NIV).
What is the secret of contentment? Simply, God is in control and He is attentive to our needs even before we ask Him. Knowing this, verse 13 sums it by saying, "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (NIV). The secret of contentment is His strength to be satisfied whatever you experience understanding God is in control.
From the menu board, I selected the stew recalling while living in Bristol, Rhode Island of a Portuguese woman who made some spicy Portuguese stew. I imagined the chorizos in a light broth with collard greens and potatoes. To my shock a man handed me a paper plate with rice and somewhat mashed fava beans and pork bones with rubbery skin coating it. I found a seat grumbling at the appearance and taste. We decided to go to a church up the street that had a sign inviting anyone to dinner.
We entered the old church where we took a couple of cold drinks and made our way to one of the crowded tables. There was a rich cross section of various races but many of the faces seemed to have a similar story of poverty and struggles of various kinds. After we were served, the woman across the table started to complain. The fish was too salty. The food was cold. She pushed the plate away letting everyone in ear shot know she was not going to eat it.
I found myself quietly prayed asking God to forgive me about a long standing sin of complaining. I thought it was within my right to complain about the food I purchased with my money when it was disappointing. Here the food was completely free. There was no conditions or stings attached but this woman was grumbling, dissatisfied and left hungry.
Paul writes, "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." (Philippians 4:12, NIV).
What is the secret of contentment? Simply, God is in control and He is attentive to our needs even before we ask Him. Knowing this, verse 13 sums it by saying, "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (NIV). The secret of contentment is His strength to be satisfied whatever you experience understanding God is in control.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Out Of Nothing Comes Plenty
God's provision comes in ways we don't full expect or understand. I believe God will wait right up until the moment we are depleted of every resource, ounce of strength and ability so He gains the greater glory.
We read in the Old Testament of a widow and her son with very little food and provision until prophet Elijah showed up.
Then the Lord said to Elijah, “Go and live in the village of Zarephath, near the city of Sidon. I have instructed a widow there to feed you.” So he went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the gates of the village, he saw a widow gathering sticks, and he asked her, “Would you please bring me a little water in a cup?” 11 As she was going to get it, he called to her, “Bring me a bite of bread, too.” But she said, “I swear by the Lord your God that I don’t have a single piece of bread in the house. And I have only a handful of flour left in the jar and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jug. I was just gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal, and then my son and I will die.”
But Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid! Go ahead and do just what you’ve said, but make a little bread for me first. Then use what’s left to prepare a meal for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time when the Lord sends rain and the crops grow again!” So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her son continued to eat for many days.There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised through Elijah. (I Kings 17:8-15)
When we willingly give God the little we have to offer, He will not only provide for us but will increase it!
God comes to us in our most desperate hour and visits us. Like the widow gathering firewood who had enough to bake a small meal for her son. This will be their last meal, but then prophet Elijah appears. It says the Lord “instructed” or “commanded” this woman to feed him. The word command also means “appoint”. Somehow in her most desperate hour God speaks hope to her heart and to ours.
God comes to us not when we have plenty but rather when there is nothing left of or in ourselves. Think about it. Here was this poor gentile widow considered an outcast by the Jews, no husband, no source of income, yet a Jewish prophet comes to her home.
Likewise God appoints us and comes to us in our weakness, in our poverty and in our hunger. Why? To demonstrate He alone has the power to save and deliver us. It’s not within our ability to change, provide or make any difference in our lives or the lives of others without His help. And the provision He makes comes out of nothing but is for something of His greater purposes.
We read in the Old Testament of a widow and her son with very little food and provision until prophet Elijah showed up.
Then the Lord said to Elijah, “Go and live in the village of Zarephath, near the city of Sidon. I have instructed a widow there to feed you.” So he went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the gates of the village, he saw a widow gathering sticks, and he asked her, “Would you please bring me a little water in a cup?” 11 As she was going to get it, he called to her, “Bring me a bite of bread, too.” But she said, “I swear by the Lord your God that I don’t have a single piece of bread in the house. And I have only a handful of flour left in the jar and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jug. I was just gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal, and then my son and I will die.”
But Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid! Go ahead and do just what you’ve said, but make a little bread for me first. Then use what’s left to prepare a meal for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time when the Lord sends rain and the crops grow again!” So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her son continued to eat for many days.There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised through Elijah. (I Kings 17:8-15)
When we willingly give God the little we have to offer, He will not only provide for us but will increase it!
God comes to us in our most desperate hour and visits us. Like the widow gathering firewood who had enough to bake a small meal for her son. This will be their last meal, but then prophet Elijah appears. It says the Lord “instructed” or “commanded” this woman to feed him. The word command also means “appoint”. Somehow in her most desperate hour God speaks hope to her heart and to ours.
God comes to us not when we have plenty but rather when there is nothing left of or in ourselves. Think about it. Here was this poor gentile widow considered an outcast by the Jews, no husband, no source of income, yet a Jewish prophet comes to her home.
Likewise God appoints us and comes to us in our weakness, in our poverty and in our hunger. Why? To demonstrate He alone has the power to save and deliver us. It’s not within our ability to change, provide or make any difference in our lives or the lives of others without His help. And the provision He makes comes out of nothing but is for something of His greater purposes.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Simplicity
Prayer in its simplest form is to talk to a friend.
In the garden, God’s friends were Adam and Eve, who in turn responded by talking about Him (not to Him as we so often do in prayer as if He can’t hear or won’t answer). Hand in hand they talked about His beauty, His marvelous creation and His heavenly glory. As they strolled through the garden in the cool of the day, they learned more of His character. And by doing so they learned about who they are in relationship to Him.
In the garden, there was an utter dependence on God. There was no want or need other than Him. So their conversations were free of any ill intent, desire for fleshly gain and manipulation (like making promises and vows to condition God to perform miracles) which sadly muddles our prayers.
We spend much time and effort trying to know God through our human understanding. When it's rather simple, just walk with Him daily and listen for His voice. Remember Abraham who was called the friend of God or Enoch who walked with God for many years before God took him home. The journey with God is worth it! Each step we love Him more and more. At the end, we are changed into His very likeness.
Just as it was in the garden, friendship with God is central to the purest and sweetest fellowship we can experience. Only through Jesus Christ we can attain such a fellowship with God, even in this generation over taken by gross darkness. And through the fellowship of the Son, we not only have a Savior but a Friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24b, John 15:14-15).
In the garden, God’s friends were Adam and Eve, who in turn responded by talking about Him (not to Him as we so often do in prayer as if He can’t hear or won’t answer). Hand in hand they talked about His beauty, His marvelous creation and His heavenly glory. As they strolled through the garden in the cool of the day, they learned more of His character. And by doing so they learned about who they are in relationship to Him.
In the garden, there was an utter dependence on God. There was no want or need other than Him. So their conversations were free of any ill intent, desire for fleshly gain and manipulation (like making promises and vows to condition God to perform miracles) which sadly muddles our prayers.
We spend much time and effort trying to know God through our human understanding. When it's rather simple, just walk with Him daily and listen for His voice. Remember Abraham who was called the friend of God or Enoch who walked with God for many years before God took him home. The journey with God is worth it! Each step we love Him more and more. At the end, we are changed into His very likeness.
Just as it was in the garden, friendship with God is central to the purest and sweetest fellowship we can experience. Only through Jesus Christ we can attain such a fellowship with God, even in this generation over taken by gross darkness. And through the fellowship of the Son, we not only have a Savior but a Friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24b, John 15:14-15).
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Waiting Upon The Lord
The way to refreshment is through waiting. Isaiah 40:31 says, "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (KJV). The Hebrew word for wait means to bind by twisting.
Waiting is difficult. We have plans, desires and needs we want answered. Yet God has his own plans, desires, and purposes for our lives. While we wait upon the Lord, He goes after the things in our heart that need to be addressed – attitudes, entrenched mind sets, besetting sins etc until we are bound to a single plan – God’s plan.
In the process, we can be discouraged and weakened. However, Psalms 119:49-50 tells us God’s promises refresh our bodies and spirits. When we pray we take to Him the promises He spoke to us through His word. And so we are renewed in His presence by remembering that He is a covenant keeping God who keeps His word. He supplies us the grace to wait upon Him to fulfill what He said in the Scriptures. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 2: 10, “all the promises in Christ are yes and amen.”
Anyone can wait but true waiting requires patience. Hebrews 10:35-36 warns us not cast away our confidence but we have a need for endurance or as in the original meaning, remaining behind, and patient enduring.
We can chose to wait as difficult as it might be because God is patient with us. Sometimes the height of our freedom to soar is the limitations set by a God who has no bounds. Only then are we truly free.
We want to refresh others by being a people marked by patience by enduring hardship rather than being a people who are agitated, stirred and impatient.
Waiting is difficult. We have plans, desires and needs we want answered. Yet God has his own plans, desires, and purposes for our lives. While we wait upon the Lord, He goes after the things in our heart that need to be addressed – attitudes, entrenched mind sets, besetting sins etc until we are bound to a single plan – God’s plan.
In the process, we can be discouraged and weakened. However, Psalms 119:49-50 tells us God’s promises refresh our bodies and spirits. When we pray we take to Him the promises He spoke to us through His word. And so we are renewed in His presence by remembering that He is a covenant keeping God who keeps His word. He supplies us the grace to wait upon Him to fulfill what He said in the Scriptures. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 2: 10, “all the promises in Christ are yes and amen.”
Anyone can wait but true waiting requires patience. Hebrews 10:35-36 warns us not cast away our confidence but we have a need for endurance or as in the original meaning, remaining behind, and patient enduring.
We can chose to wait as difficult as it might be because God is patient with us. Sometimes the height of our freedom to soar is the limitations set by a God who has no bounds. Only then are we truly free.
We want to refresh others by being a people marked by patience by enduring hardship rather than being a people who are agitated, stirred and impatient.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Clean Hands
Recently I started to copy my work assignment from an Excel spreadsheet and paste it to a Word document. I print and lay it flat on my desk. Then I place my hands over it. I begin to pray for wisdom, to make the necessary connections to the important and fine details of claim management, asking the Lord to excel in my new position and petition peace and clarity of thought. Since I work on short term disability claims, I've started to pray for particular claimants in their time of illness and distress.
Today the assignment came out late in the day and I was exhausted from a busy morning. Still I took the time to lay down my assignment and place my hands over it to pray. That is when I took a second look at my hands. They appeared just as worn and tired as I felt. At that moment the Lord asked, "What do you see?"
For a passing moment there was a sense of sadness. Lord, I said quietly, my hands have extended and touched many things. Too often things that should not be touched but best left alone. I hurt some with my hands and others I refused to help. I held back good things with these hands while other times I simply let things drop.
I'm reminded of the Scripture, "Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god." (Psalms 24:4, NIV).
Perhaps in the nailed pierced hands of Christ we find the greatest comfort. His hands were nailed to a crude wooden cross, outstretch arms while suspended between heaven and earth. His heart unprotected. And who was beside him on the left and the right? Common criminals. A thief and a murder - both who used their hands to steal and violently kill (Mark 15:7, Luke 23:32). With a simple confession, one of the men, in his final moments would "ascend the mountain of the Lord," and enter Paradise with a clean heart and clean hands.
Beloved, wherever you are right now raise your hands to the Lord and ask for clean hands. Offer them up to Him as instruments of righteousness. Learn to withdraw your hands for things that pollute and defile. Ask the Lord to use your hands to bring help, healing and strength to others.
Together we are building God's kingdom. And it takes clean hearts and clean hands!
Today the assignment came out late in the day and I was exhausted from a busy morning. Still I took the time to lay down my assignment and place my hands over it to pray. That is when I took a second look at my hands. They appeared just as worn and tired as I felt. At that moment the Lord asked, "What do you see?"
For a passing moment there was a sense of sadness. Lord, I said quietly, my hands have extended and touched many things. Too often things that should not be touched but best left alone. I hurt some with my hands and others I refused to help. I held back good things with these hands while other times I simply let things drop.
I'm reminded of the Scripture, "Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god." (Psalms 24:4, NIV).
Perhaps in the nailed pierced hands of Christ we find the greatest comfort. His hands were nailed to a crude wooden cross, outstretch arms while suspended between heaven and earth. His heart unprotected. And who was beside him on the left and the right? Common criminals. A thief and a murder - both who used their hands to steal and violently kill (Mark 15:7, Luke 23:32). With a simple confession, one of the men, in his final moments would "ascend the mountain of the Lord," and enter Paradise with a clean heart and clean hands.
Beloved, wherever you are right now raise your hands to the Lord and ask for clean hands. Offer them up to Him as instruments of righteousness. Learn to withdraw your hands for things that pollute and defile. Ask the Lord to use your hands to bring help, healing and strength to others.
Together we are building God's kingdom. And it takes clean hearts and clean hands!
Monday, June 10, 2013
A Gate to Beauty
We fail and fall miserably. Just a single glance in the mirror and we see someone staring back at us. Someone we didn't want to become. Some see our fathers. Eyes filled with rage and a sneer that mocks any effort to be someone different. You can hear his voice ringing in your head and stinging your heart. "Your nothing! You'll never be worth a cent!"
Or the woman who brushes back her hair forcing the hot tears down her throat. Don't cry. Mamma hated any sign of weakness. Her finger lightly traces the scar on her forehead barely hidden by a lock of hair. A painful reminder that a rolling pin was not the only thing used to flatten dough.
These are the bruised, battered, broken and discarded ones. The blemished, defected and rejected. Some will struggle for the rest of their lives yearning for acceptance but feel like they come up short time and again. They feel too dirty, too ashamed or have gone too far gone for anyone to truly love them.
Some passages in the Bible can be hard to read, if reading it from personal pain. For instance, God commanded the priesthood in light of His holiness, that "No descendant of Aaron the priest who has any defect is to come near to present the food offerings to the Lord. He has a defect; he must not come near to offer the food of his God. 22 He may eat the most holy food of his God, as well as the holy food; 23 yet because of his defect, he must not go near the curtain or approach the altar, and so desecrate my sanctuary. I am the Lord, who makes them holy.’" (Leviticus 21:21-23).
It's like saying, "You can enjoy the food and My Presence but only from a distance."
Many battle the lies of the Enemy and their own voice. Why would God accept my life? Look at the mess I've made by abusing my body. Taking drugs until there is nothing left of me. I'm full of rage and lie to those I love. I had an abortion, you may say, and the man I thought loved me, walked away.
But then we read of the passage of the man who was lame sitting outside the gate called Beautiful in Acts 3:2. He saw Peter and John hoping for a spare coin. Some of us find ourselves sitting at the entrance of what could have been a wonderful and beautiful life but we are crippled by our sin. Heavy in heart and weighed down by care. No one seems to see us anymore other than another failed life.
All that seems left is the hopes for a small token of affection. A little relief to get through the day while others enter the Beautiful gate - walking freely, talking about life and experiencing what only the lame, broken and outcast could dream about. But something happened that changed this man forever. Moments later, Peter demanded the man to look at him so he did expecting a little something for his efforts (3:5). But Peter called on Jesus and then took him by the hand and stood him on his feet.
When he was made well where did the man go? That's right. He entered the temple leaping and dancing where the true beauty of God's Presence dwells. No matter how fallen your condition, how deep your sin or how others destroyed your life or by your own choices, God reaches out His hand of mercy. Will you reach out and take His hand? Will you let Him lift you up?
Remember the promise, "To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory." (Isaiah 61:3, NLT).
Or the woman who brushes back her hair forcing the hot tears down her throat. Don't cry. Mamma hated any sign of weakness. Her finger lightly traces the scar on her forehead barely hidden by a lock of hair. A painful reminder that a rolling pin was not the only thing used to flatten dough.
These are the bruised, battered, broken and discarded ones. The blemished, defected and rejected. Some will struggle for the rest of their lives yearning for acceptance but feel like they come up short time and again. They feel too dirty, too ashamed or have gone too far gone for anyone to truly love them.
Some passages in the Bible can be hard to read, if reading it from personal pain. For instance, God commanded the priesthood in light of His holiness, that "No descendant of Aaron the priest who has any defect is to come near to present the food offerings to the Lord. He has a defect; he must not come near to offer the food of his God. 22 He may eat the most holy food of his God, as well as the holy food; 23 yet because of his defect, he must not go near the curtain or approach the altar, and so desecrate my sanctuary. I am the Lord, who makes them holy.’" (Leviticus 21:21-23).
It's like saying, "You can enjoy the food and My Presence but only from a distance."
Many battle the lies of the Enemy and their own voice. Why would God accept my life? Look at the mess I've made by abusing my body. Taking drugs until there is nothing left of me. I'm full of rage and lie to those I love. I had an abortion, you may say, and the man I thought loved me, walked away.
But then we read of the passage of the man who was lame sitting outside the gate called Beautiful in Acts 3:2. He saw Peter and John hoping for a spare coin. Some of us find ourselves sitting at the entrance of what could have been a wonderful and beautiful life but we are crippled by our sin. Heavy in heart and weighed down by care. No one seems to see us anymore other than another failed life.
All that seems left is the hopes for a small token of affection. A little relief to get through the day while others enter the Beautiful gate - walking freely, talking about life and experiencing what only the lame, broken and outcast could dream about. But something happened that changed this man forever. Moments later, Peter demanded the man to look at him so he did expecting a little something for his efforts (3:5). But Peter called on Jesus and then took him by the hand and stood him on his feet.
When he was made well where did the man go? That's right. He entered the temple leaping and dancing where the true beauty of God's Presence dwells. No matter how fallen your condition, how deep your sin or how others destroyed your life or by your own choices, God reaches out His hand of mercy. Will you reach out and take His hand? Will you let Him lift you up?
Remember the promise, "To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory." (Isaiah 61:3, NLT).
Sunday, June 9, 2013
When You Are Loved, You See
When you surrender to the mystery and power of God's love, you become fearless.
There arises a confidence in the depth of your soul from a love you can rest assured that will not abandon, abuse or exploit you. His love makes you unstoppable and unshakable, filled with a passionate desire to have Christ alone. Scriptures says, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." (I John 4:18, NIV).
The world knows nothing of the pure, unconditional love of God in their relationships. Love is circumstantial, feeling based and demands performance and perfection. There's always a nagging doubt and fear the person who so firmly declares their love will be the first to sign the divorce papers or slam the door on your heart, shattering and breaking every promise to love, cherish and hold. Not so with the love of God. Because His love drives out fear, there is a peace that sustains and keeps us in His love.
Only in Christ do we know a love, so pure and holy, that not one person or thing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:39 NIV). His love remains even when we fail and when we are ugly and mistreat Him.
All across the earth, hungry hearts yearn for a love that is not measured by how good you are or how good looking you can be or what you have to bring to the table, but simply to be loved - the imperfect person, with gifts and talents, needs and wants, hopes and dreams.
We read in the Bible of those who responded to His love and they became men and women of great courage. There was Mary at the tomb who was one of the few who first saw the risen Christ. Then there was John the beloved who rested His head on Jesus' chest during supper. Years later, he was banished to a remote island only to have all of heaven and the future open to him in what would become the book of Revelations.
A blind man made whole fearlessly testified in front of harden religious rulers only to find himself speaking to Jesus. In turn Jesus revealed Himself to a man who truly desired Him asks, "Who is he, sir?" the man asked. "Tell me so that I may believe in him." (John 9:36, NIV).
Yes, God's love transforms the sinner, makes eyes see and reveals Himself as the exalted Christ. Those who love the Lord are those who make a difference in this dark, perverse generation. May we be ablaze by His love!
There arises a confidence in the depth of your soul from a love you can rest assured that will not abandon, abuse or exploit you. His love makes you unstoppable and unshakable, filled with a passionate desire to have Christ alone. Scriptures says, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." (I John 4:18, NIV).
The world knows nothing of the pure, unconditional love of God in their relationships. Love is circumstantial, feeling based and demands performance and perfection. There's always a nagging doubt and fear the person who so firmly declares their love will be the first to sign the divorce papers or slam the door on your heart, shattering and breaking every promise to love, cherish and hold. Not so with the love of God. Because His love drives out fear, there is a peace that sustains and keeps us in His love.
Only in Christ do we know a love, so pure and holy, that not one person or thing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:39 NIV). His love remains even when we fail and when we are ugly and mistreat Him.
All across the earth, hungry hearts yearn for a love that is not measured by how good you are or how good looking you can be or what you have to bring to the table, but simply to be loved - the imperfect person, with gifts and talents, needs and wants, hopes and dreams.
We read in the Bible of those who responded to His love and they became men and women of great courage. There was Mary at the tomb who was one of the few who first saw the risen Christ. Then there was John the beloved who rested His head on Jesus' chest during supper. Years later, he was banished to a remote island only to have all of heaven and the future open to him in what would become the book of Revelations.
A blind man made whole fearlessly testified in front of harden religious rulers only to find himself speaking to Jesus. In turn Jesus revealed Himself to a man who truly desired Him asks, "Who is he, sir?" the man asked. "Tell me so that I may believe in him." (John 9:36, NIV).
Yes, God's love transforms the sinner, makes eyes see and reveals Himself as the exalted Christ. Those who love the Lord are those who make a difference in this dark, perverse generation. May we be ablaze by His love!
Saturday, June 8, 2013
A New Day
Often at the end of the day we are exhausted. Too weary to pray or worship or go to church or do some outreach, if given the opportunity. We are emotionally spent from the demands at work. For some, we enter our homes, slip off our shoes and throw ourselves on the couch with a collective sigh. For others, work has just begun by taking care of the children, cleaning the house or preparing a meal for the family.
We are left with just a few short hours to decompress from the stress of the day before slipping into bed. Before you know it, another day greets us with all of its demands, deadlines and the highs and lows of daily living. Even the weekend seems shorter as we pack as much activity as possible to enjoy the fleeting reprieve from work.
Sadly, many of us soon resign to the rhythm and pattern of this world by working with a single goal in mind: retiring. Yes, we ought to be careful and manage well our resources for when we are no longer able to work. But there is so much more God wants to do through us, everyday, and wherever we are to bring others into the kingdom.
Each new day is filled with opportunities that God presents to those who are willing to advance His kingdom rather than our retirement plans.
Scripture says, "God again set a certain day, calling it "Today." This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts." For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience." (Hebrews 4:7-11 NIV).
The office, shop or other employment places take on a whole new dimension when we labor in prayer for our co-workers. When we chose not to engage in foolish and gossipy conversations. When we show up on time and we are the last to leave. If we are corrected, our attitudes reflect Christ. For some, the work place is the only mission field you will ever visit.
Jesus said in John 9:4, "As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work." (NIV).
Let's greet each new day with a prayer, "God, I make myself available. Help me to be the best worker in this job. Give wisdom and understanding so I can excel. Lord, I truly want your name glorified and honored through my life. In Jesus name, amen."
We are left with just a few short hours to decompress from the stress of the day before slipping into bed. Before you know it, another day greets us with all of its demands, deadlines and the highs and lows of daily living. Even the weekend seems shorter as we pack as much activity as possible to enjoy the fleeting reprieve from work.
Sadly, many of us soon resign to the rhythm and pattern of this world by working with a single goal in mind: retiring. Yes, we ought to be careful and manage well our resources for when we are no longer able to work. But there is so much more God wants to do through us, everyday, and wherever we are to bring others into the kingdom.
Each new day is filled with opportunities that God presents to those who are willing to advance His kingdom rather than our retirement plans.
Scripture says, "God again set a certain day, calling it "Today." This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts." For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience." (Hebrews 4:7-11 NIV).
The office, shop or other employment places take on a whole new dimension when we labor in prayer for our co-workers. When we chose not to engage in foolish and gossipy conversations. When we show up on time and we are the last to leave. If we are corrected, our attitudes reflect Christ. For some, the work place is the only mission field you will ever visit.
Jesus said in John 9:4, "As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work." (NIV).
Let's greet each new day with a prayer, "God, I make myself available. Help me to be the best worker in this job. Give wisdom and understanding so I can excel. Lord, I truly want your name glorified and honored through my life. In Jesus name, amen."
Friday, June 7, 2013
Willingness
King David closed out the final chapter of his life in awe of the number of people willing to offer help to build a glorious temple (I Chronicles 29). There was a willingness to share whatever resources, time and expertise they could to complete this momentous task. It also meant people were largely in agreement with the work of God to build a place where sacrifice and worship was central to the nation’s spiritual life.
Today the temple is our bodies where the Holy Spirit takes up residence in the life of a believer (I Corinthians 6:19). The apostle Paul writes, ” Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1, NIV)
The same willingness to build the temple in King Solomon’s day is the same willingness we need today as the Holy Spirit does internal construction in our hearts. There must be willingness to say yes to His conviction, His wooing, His direction, regardless to what we think or feel.
The process of construction can be painful and ugly. It sometimes means tearing down walls of pride and indifference, pulling up rotting floor boards we so proudly stood and other structural changes that might be uncomfortable and difficult.
But what makes willingness so hard? Our will!
Too often we tend to focus on the past and can’t seem to see a future that is more glorious and wonderful as the Lord promised. We suffer from terminal thinking – we say things like, “This is all that is left of my life,” or “It’s too overwhelming,” or “What does it matter?” Doubt and fear cloud our vision. All we see is construction demos and loud machinery and watch as dirt and dust swirl through the rooms but never do we see the end result!
King David knew something of God’s sovereignty. God inspired King David with the plans to build the temple and possessed everything to make it happen. David says, “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” I Chronicles 29: 14, KJV). God is the one who possess all things. So He can impart or take away at will.
How can we be so selfish and unwilling to let Him reconstruct us when He has given us so freely good and pleasant things to beautify His temple (us)?
Today the temple is our bodies where the Holy Spirit takes up residence in the life of a believer (I Corinthians 6:19). The apostle Paul writes, ” Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1, NIV)
The same willingness to build the temple in King Solomon’s day is the same willingness we need today as the Holy Spirit does internal construction in our hearts. There must be willingness to say yes to His conviction, His wooing, His direction, regardless to what we think or feel.
The process of construction can be painful and ugly. It sometimes means tearing down walls of pride and indifference, pulling up rotting floor boards we so proudly stood and other structural changes that might be uncomfortable and difficult.
But what makes willingness so hard? Our will!
Too often we tend to focus on the past and can’t seem to see a future that is more glorious and wonderful as the Lord promised. We suffer from terminal thinking – we say things like, “This is all that is left of my life,” or “It’s too overwhelming,” or “What does it matter?” Doubt and fear cloud our vision. All we see is construction demos and loud machinery and watch as dirt and dust swirl through the rooms but never do we see the end result!
King David knew something of God’s sovereignty. God inspired King David with the plans to build the temple and possessed everything to make it happen. David says, “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” I Chronicles 29: 14, KJV). God is the one who possess all things. So He can impart or take away at will.
How can we be so selfish and unwilling to let Him reconstruct us when He has given us so freely good and pleasant things to beautify His temple (us)?
Thursday, June 6, 2013
It Is Not In Me
Joseph's life is study of integrity. Another word for integrity is truthfulness. The word comes from the Latin word integer meaning whole or complete.
Joseph was a man who had visions and a God directed purpose, but lack maturity and understanding that only God could fulfill His purpose in this man's life. It was not in Joseph's own strength and abilities. God's favor is not exemption to character building!
At the time of telling his brother's his first vision, Joseph didn't have the complete story (it would be revealed many, many years later) and lacked truthfulness in the reason for sharing it (Genesis 37:6-11). Perhaps out of immaturity and lack of discretion he shared what God revealed. Or out of pride since it meant his father and brothers bowing their knees to him. His brothers hated him so much more not only for being his dad's favorite son, but now having grandiose visions from the Almighty!
As a result, his brothers sold him into slavery. Joseph finds himself in Egypt serving Potiphar's house, an officer of Pharaoh, where God grants favor to Joseph. He is given an influential position, power and privilege until Potiphar's wife takes interest in him. She accuses him of rape and he is hurled into prison. Here in prison, he meets two men who had visions. Notice what Joseph says, "Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell them to me, please." (Genesis 40:8 NKJV).
This time it's not Joseph who is having a vision, but believes that since he had them in the past, he's up to the task of interpreting. God does use Joseph to foretell the future of these two men. And God in His patience still uses us despite our weakness and foolishness. But God is after something deeper in our hearts that He wants to remove so that we have wholeness or integrity when He serve Him.
The next time Joseph interprets it's two years later while he is still in prison. He is called to stand before Pharaoh, this time a different Joseph emerges. He says, "It is not in me; God will give Pharoah an answer of peace" (41:16). What happened to bring this change to Joseph's character? To bring him to a place of deeper integrity? Psalms 105:19 gives us the answer. Until the time that His word came to pass, the word of God tested him in those dark moments.
Now, Joseph was ready to fulfill the purposes of God with a heart tested, tried and made whole! Hold fast, beloved to the promises God has given you. Know for certain you will be tested. God wants to instill His character in our lives so we can serve Him in a crooked and perverse world with a heart of integrity.
Joseph was a man who had visions and a God directed purpose, but lack maturity and understanding that only God could fulfill His purpose in this man's life. It was not in Joseph's own strength and abilities. God's favor is not exemption to character building!
At the time of telling his brother's his first vision, Joseph didn't have the complete story (it would be revealed many, many years later) and lacked truthfulness in the reason for sharing it (Genesis 37:6-11). Perhaps out of immaturity and lack of discretion he shared what God revealed. Or out of pride since it meant his father and brothers bowing their knees to him. His brothers hated him so much more not only for being his dad's favorite son, but now having grandiose visions from the Almighty!
As a result, his brothers sold him into slavery. Joseph finds himself in Egypt serving Potiphar's house, an officer of Pharaoh, where God grants favor to Joseph. He is given an influential position, power and privilege until Potiphar's wife takes interest in him. She accuses him of rape and he is hurled into prison. Here in prison, he meets two men who had visions. Notice what Joseph says, "Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell them to me, please." (Genesis 40:8 NKJV).
This time it's not Joseph who is having a vision, but believes that since he had them in the past, he's up to the task of interpreting. God does use Joseph to foretell the future of these two men. And God in His patience still uses us despite our weakness and foolishness. But God is after something deeper in our hearts that He wants to remove so that we have wholeness or integrity when He serve Him.
The next time Joseph interprets it's two years later while he is still in prison. He is called to stand before Pharaoh, this time a different Joseph emerges. He says, "It is not in me; God will give Pharoah an answer of peace" (41:16). What happened to bring this change to Joseph's character? To bring him to a place of deeper integrity? Psalms 105:19 gives us the answer. Until the time that His word came to pass, the word of God tested him in those dark moments.
Now, Joseph was ready to fulfill the purposes of God with a heart tested, tried and made whole! Hold fast, beloved to the promises God has given you. Know for certain you will be tested. God wants to instill His character in our lives so we can serve Him in a crooked and perverse world with a heart of integrity.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Heaven
Our company team went on an outing this afternoon. While waiting for others to arrive, I walked over to a man-made stream with a fountain placed in the center. Streams of cold water shot forcefully up in the air. Rays of warm sunlight danced over its diamond like surface. The leaves of the trees, fresh and green from spring, danced and twirled in the soft breeze.
Suddenly I became aware of an other world, a place that is just paper thin from this natural world, that if torn, I could easily slip into it. A place where God dwells in eternal glory.
For just a few seconds, I had a taste of heaven and my spine tingled. My eyes widen in longing for a place where I will finally see Him. Perhaps I stared too long at the water for I blinked at the brightness around me.
I'm reminded of the other place where is there is a river, alive and crystal clear (Revelation 22:1). There along the banks are trees for the healing of the nations (Ezekiel 47:12 and Revelation 22:2). And a place where the sun no longer exists because the Lamb of God is the lamp (Revelation 21:23).
Until He calls me home or should the trumpet blast, I remain in a fallen world. I bleed and weep. Laugh and rest. I grow tired and my eyes become dim as age corrupts and inches me closer to death. Yes, there are moments of pleasure and delight. Sun kissed summers and pleasant moments with friends and family. But nothing compares to the home awaiting those who love Him, who have suffered in this life, believing it will be worth it all in the end.
Last Sunday afternoon I had another taste of heaven. My wife and I were exiting the subway in Manhattan. A nearby train raced along the tracks, it's metal wheels grinding on the aging tracks, making a rebellious screech. The air was filled with a terrible smell of oil and other noxious scents that hung heavy in the summer heat. The walkways coated in layers of dirt and grim.
Then I heard a man singing and I couldn't yet see him or pick up the words, but I felt my spirit lift. There seemed to be a sudden ray of light, a familiar and wonderful Presence pushing back the darkness and the sadness on the faces of so many travelers. As I approached it was a young man singing, "Our Great Is Our God".
For a moment heaven visited the belly of a filthy subway station. Heaven is not so much a place rather heaven is the Presence of Christ. Where He goes, His Presence makes Heaven!
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,"
even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
Psalms 139:7-12
Suddenly I became aware of an other world, a place that is just paper thin from this natural world, that if torn, I could easily slip into it. A place where God dwells in eternal glory.
For just a few seconds, I had a taste of heaven and my spine tingled. My eyes widen in longing for a place where I will finally see Him. Perhaps I stared too long at the water for I blinked at the brightness around me.
I'm reminded of the other place where is there is a river, alive and crystal clear (Revelation 22:1). There along the banks are trees for the healing of the nations (Ezekiel 47:12 and Revelation 22:2). And a place where the sun no longer exists because the Lamb of God is the lamp (Revelation 21:23).
Until He calls me home or should the trumpet blast, I remain in a fallen world. I bleed and weep. Laugh and rest. I grow tired and my eyes become dim as age corrupts and inches me closer to death. Yes, there are moments of pleasure and delight. Sun kissed summers and pleasant moments with friends and family. But nothing compares to the home awaiting those who love Him, who have suffered in this life, believing it will be worth it all in the end.
Last Sunday afternoon I had another taste of heaven. My wife and I were exiting the subway in Manhattan. A nearby train raced along the tracks, it's metal wheels grinding on the aging tracks, making a rebellious screech. The air was filled with a terrible smell of oil and other noxious scents that hung heavy in the summer heat. The walkways coated in layers of dirt and grim.
Then I heard a man singing and I couldn't yet see him or pick up the words, but I felt my spirit lift. There seemed to be a sudden ray of light, a familiar and wonderful Presence pushing back the darkness and the sadness on the faces of so many travelers. As I approached it was a young man singing, "Our Great Is Our God".
For a moment heaven visited the belly of a filthy subway station. Heaven is not so much a place rather heaven is the Presence of Christ. Where He goes, His Presence makes Heaven!
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,"
even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
Psalms 139:7-12
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Purity
God will use pressure, carefully measured but firm, to temper us. He'll heat up a furnance or box us in until we are exhausted seeking our own way out. Will we learn to trust Him for a way through than a way out?
He will even create circumstances to try us. Do we praise or complain? He will lead us not into temptation or sin, but a lion's den, perhaps or some other difficult place. Can we perceive God's hand in the opposition for our good?
Why the trials, suffering, discomfort, sleepless nights? If you are truly living for the Lord with an open and honest heart, you are not being punished for some hidden fault or gross failure. No, my beloved, if anything you are closer and more loved by God than other times when all is going well.
For you see God uses these things to draw the worst out of us. Yes, that's right, God uses heat, pressure, trials and other difficult situations to refine us, to purify us. He is removing stubborn habits, sinful attiutdes and polluted mindsets and other idolatrous behavior.
These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. (I Peter 1:7 NLT).
How we respond in these moments to God matters. We can mature, grow closer to Him and be more conformed to His character or we can shrink back, seek relief elsewhere but never know the nearness of Christ. Nor will we fully appreciate what trials do to our faith.
Our confidence in God increases to believe Him for anything because we patiently endured trials and suffering to find in the end, we are much more alive and purer than before! We see, think and behave with a greater purity and appreciation for holy living!
He will even create circumstances to try us. Do we praise or complain? He will lead us not into temptation or sin, but a lion's den, perhaps or some other difficult place. Can we perceive God's hand in the opposition for our good?
Why the trials, suffering, discomfort, sleepless nights? If you are truly living for the Lord with an open and honest heart, you are not being punished for some hidden fault or gross failure. No, my beloved, if anything you are closer and more loved by God than other times when all is going well.
For you see God uses these things to draw the worst out of us. Yes, that's right, God uses heat, pressure, trials and other difficult situations to refine us, to purify us. He is removing stubborn habits, sinful attiutdes and polluted mindsets and other idolatrous behavior.
These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. (I Peter 1:7 NLT).
How we respond in these moments to God matters. We can mature, grow closer to Him and be more conformed to His character or we can shrink back, seek relief elsewhere but never know the nearness of Christ. Nor will we fully appreciate what trials do to our faith.
Our confidence in God increases to believe Him for anything because we patiently endured trials and suffering to find in the end, we are much more alive and purer than before! We see, think and behave with a greater purity and appreciation for holy living!
Monday, June 3, 2013
Move On!
The angry hoof beats of the Egyptian army raced toward the Hebrews who hurried toward the Red Sea. Mothers carried their young children and fathers glanced back in growing fear. The old and sick struggled to keep up with the swiftly moving mass of people pushing animals and meager possessions ahead of them.
In the distance the cries of a blood thirsty army struck their horses with vengeance. They lost their first born sons, their eldest slaves were slain and the land was completely destroyed by massive plagues. Their hands tighten on the reins imagining what it will be like to kill a Hebrew who destroyed their nation. They will pay so will their god!
Suddenly the Hebrews found themselves at the shore of the Sea. It says, "then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on." (Exodus 14:15, NIV).
Was this some kind of cruel joke?
God don't you see what is coming after me? The past is pursuing me to the very edge of the water to drown me! The enemy of regret and despair are snorting out threatens to trample me down with its iron chariots. The whips of shame and sin want to snap against my back, reminding me of my bondage in the world! The task master of the world will overcome me. The drinking habit will swallow me up. Drugs will pull me back to gathering straw and dirt to make bricks for the devil. Sexual fantasies and sensuality will reduce me to nothing!
Oh, God I thought I was free, delivered from this horrible pit! This was the cry of the Hebrews and for some today after God has done miraculous and wonderful deeds. The Enemy is even whispering in some of your ears, "'I will pursue, I will overtake them. I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them. I will draw my sword and my hand will destroy them.'" (Exodus 15:9 NIV).
Listen beloved, God is baiting the Enemy to chase you so He might gain the greater glory and you will never see the Enemy again. You can throw away that pack of cigarettes, toss the drink, put down the fists of rage and whatever besetting sin you find yourself haunted and taunted by the Devil.
But you got to move on...don't stare at the Enemy behind or around you! Keep moving and God will part the way and will swallow up your Enemy behind you!
Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. (Exodus 14:3, NIV).
In the distance the cries of a blood thirsty army struck their horses with vengeance. They lost their first born sons, their eldest slaves were slain and the land was completely destroyed by massive plagues. Their hands tighten on the reins imagining what it will be like to kill a Hebrew who destroyed their nation. They will pay so will their god!
Suddenly the Hebrews found themselves at the shore of the Sea. It says, "then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on." (Exodus 14:15, NIV).
Was this some kind of cruel joke?
God don't you see what is coming after me? The past is pursuing me to the very edge of the water to drown me! The enemy of regret and despair are snorting out threatens to trample me down with its iron chariots. The whips of shame and sin want to snap against my back, reminding me of my bondage in the world! The task master of the world will overcome me. The drinking habit will swallow me up. Drugs will pull me back to gathering straw and dirt to make bricks for the devil. Sexual fantasies and sensuality will reduce me to nothing!
Oh, God I thought I was free, delivered from this horrible pit! This was the cry of the Hebrews and for some today after God has done miraculous and wonderful deeds. The Enemy is even whispering in some of your ears, "'I will pursue, I will overtake them. I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them. I will draw my sword and my hand will destroy them.'" (Exodus 15:9 NIV).
Listen beloved, God is baiting the Enemy to chase you so He might gain the greater glory and you will never see the Enemy again. You can throw away that pack of cigarettes, toss the drink, put down the fists of rage and whatever besetting sin you find yourself haunted and taunted by the Devil.
But you got to move on...don't stare at the Enemy behind or around you! Keep moving and God will part the way and will swallow up your Enemy behind you!
Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. (Exodus 14:3, NIV).
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Little Is Much In His Kingdom
One morning a little boy's mother lovingly packed a lunch for her son who was going to hear Jesus teach and most likely perform incredible miracles. She smiled thinking how her son talked much about Jesus and stories that were running wildly through the village. A prophet in power and deed was visiting Israel once again! She saw a spark of faith light up her son's eyes just as he did when her husband first told the stories of long ago. The plagues in Egypt. The crossing of the Red Sea and Pharaoh's army destroyed by walls of water falling on them. And the time when Joshua entered the Promised Land, how Jericho's walls had fallen with a shout!
Little did she know the simple bread and fish she placed in a basket will feed over 5,000 in attendance. In large part, the faith of her little boy who was not concerned by the numerical nightmare of feeding so many with very little. Jesus' disciples were at complete lost to how so many can be feed - who was going to bake that many loaves, travel so far into a remote place and who is going to pay the bill?
The little boy simply gave away his lunch in response to Jesus who asked, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" (John 6:5, NIV). A God of unlimited power and ability that in one word could provide food instead ask unbelieving, limited man what to do! Out of faith, a young boy unselfishly provided the answer. Now, it was in the hands of the Lord to do whatever He wanted with the little offering.
Another boy long ago took five smooth stones out of a cold stream (1 Samuel 17:40). Not jagged or rough to cut the flesh. Stones worn down by years of water and other elements that really couldn't be that effective in defending yourself, say from a giant. But God brought a great deliverance through a young man who believed God would deliver His people.
What is in your hands, beloved? Is it a few coins? Is it a talent to play an instrument to lead worship? Is it to write encouraging words? Is it to help those downcast by serving soup and sandwiches? Whatever God has given you, though small and insignificant as it appear, give it away! Watch what God can do with the little when it comes from a heart of faith.
Little did she know the simple bread and fish she placed in a basket will feed over 5,000 in attendance. In large part, the faith of her little boy who was not concerned by the numerical nightmare of feeding so many with very little. Jesus' disciples were at complete lost to how so many can be feed - who was going to bake that many loaves, travel so far into a remote place and who is going to pay the bill?
The little boy simply gave away his lunch in response to Jesus who asked, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" (John 6:5, NIV). A God of unlimited power and ability that in one word could provide food instead ask unbelieving, limited man what to do! Out of faith, a young boy unselfishly provided the answer. Now, it was in the hands of the Lord to do whatever He wanted with the little offering.
Another boy long ago took five smooth stones out of a cold stream (1 Samuel 17:40). Not jagged or rough to cut the flesh. Stones worn down by years of water and other elements that really couldn't be that effective in defending yourself, say from a giant. But God brought a great deliverance through a young man who believed God would deliver His people.
What is in your hands, beloved? Is it a few coins? Is it a talent to play an instrument to lead worship? Is it to write encouraging words? Is it to help those downcast by serving soup and sandwiches? Whatever God has given you, though small and insignificant as it appear, give it away! Watch what God can do with the little when it comes from a heart of faith.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
God Our Shield
God fights for us. Daily He protects us from the schemes of the devil. He surrounds us with His ministering angels to guard our way.
God tells Abram, "After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." (Genesis 15:1, NIV). This verse comes after Abram's victory to rescue Lot and recovered everything that was stolen (Genesis 14:16-17). Through it all God was shielding Abram from danger and harm from both natural and spiritual enemies.
In the past two days I've been ill with a cold. I've come to appreciate the body's immune system. The immune system acts as a shield so to speak to ward of sickness and disease. But once the body is infected, the immune system is weaken and compromised. When the shield is lowered, any number of other illness have an opportunity to impact the body.
Likewise, we have a spiritual shield, the Word of God. Daily we need to read God's word to keep our spiritual immune system health and robust. Otherwise, we will find ourselves becoming weaker, prone to the ills of fears, doubts and anxiety. We'll drop our guard, say or do things that otherwise we wouldn't do if we had been reading and mediating on God's word.
Have you noticed a change when you stopped reading His word? Have you noticed your tone and the way you speak to others when you are not praying? It can become noticeable to others that there isn't that peace, that sweetness and joy which follows after you commune with the Lord. The Psalmist says, "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him" (Psalms 28:7, NIV).
Let me encourage you, beloved that when you feel overwhelmed by life to pray Psalms 3:3, "But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high" (NIV). God will infuse you with strength to fight, resist the enemy and to stand on His promise. For indeed, there is no greater protection than God surrounding us, like a shield that keeps us hidden from every flaming arrow of the evil one.
God tells Abram, "After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." (Genesis 15:1, NIV). This verse comes after Abram's victory to rescue Lot and recovered everything that was stolen (Genesis 14:16-17). Through it all God was shielding Abram from danger and harm from both natural and spiritual enemies.
In the past two days I've been ill with a cold. I've come to appreciate the body's immune system. The immune system acts as a shield so to speak to ward of sickness and disease. But once the body is infected, the immune system is weaken and compromised. When the shield is lowered, any number of other illness have an opportunity to impact the body.
Likewise, we have a spiritual shield, the Word of God. Daily we need to read God's word to keep our spiritual immune system health and robust. Otherwise, we will find ourselves becoming weaker, prone to the ills of fears, doubts and anxiety. We'll drop our guard, say or do things that otherwise we wouldn't do if we had been reading and mediating on God's word.
Have you noticed a change when you stopped reading His word? Have you noticed your tone and the way you speak to others when you are not praying? It can become noticeable to others that there isn't that peace, that sweetness and joy which follows after you commune with the Lord. The Psalmist says, "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him" (Psalms 28:7, NIV).
Let me encourage you, beloved that when you feel overwhelmed by life to pray Psalms 3:3, "But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high" (NIV). God will infuse you with strength to fight, resist the enemy and to stand on His promise. For indeed, there is no greater protection than God surrounding us, like a shield that keeps us hidden from every flaming arrow of the evil one.
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