Every day the Lord grant us is a new day. A new day to rise from our beds with a song on our lips not moaning and complaining about facing another weary day. Life can be difficult and hard but God gives us greater grace to help us through each second, each minute, each hour.
Some may ask how can it be a new day when my husband is still angry and my children are doing their own thing? How can this day be any different when I face the same tiring workload at my job with a complaining boss? Look at where I live and what I've done and tell me how can any day for that matter be called new?
After the death of Jesus, on the third day, it was a new day for the disciples and those who loved Him. Mary had gone to the tomb to do the usual burial work after He died a gruesome death. In her mind, she came to see a dead Jesus laid in a rich man's tomb. It was an ordinary day with an ordinary duty for an extraordinary Man whom she greatly loved. Beyond that day it would be like just any other day except to talk about Christ and His miracles. All past tense and reflecting with great fondness on His work He did for three years.
But everything changed when He called her name. "Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means "Teacher"). (John 20:16, NIV). Suddenly hope sprung to life. A new day had dawn with the risen Savior who called her name.
Beloved, we have the opportunity for a new day every day when we hear His voice whisper our name. It will warm us to life again in a cold and dying world. It will make our hearts spring up with joy and tremble. God is alive and moving throughout the earth performing wonderful deeds for His people.
Yes, it's a new day when our eyes are open to the unseen realm of God's work but is evident in our everyday ordinary lives.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Friday, November 29, 2013
Victor's Crown
We must remember the saints throughout the earth who are in prison, in hidden labor camps or some other hellish condition for the name of Christ. They have not abandoned the cross or denied His name to save themselves. We the body of Christ will remember to pray for you. In the end, it will be worth it all. Scriptures declare, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." (Revelation 12:11, KJV).
Beloved for those who are in countries that have safety and peace where you are able to enjoy some measure of freedom, let's not grow discouraged but be bold in these last hours. You may say but my testimony is weak, foolish and lacking so how can it do any good to those around me? Or you may say my testimony is not one that has had to endure suffering for His name or has known extreme hardships so what is there to talk about?
Never discount the inner workings of the Holy Spirit to conform us to His son - this is the testimony - we are no longer the same but being transformed, utterly made different. Your testimony matters be it in prison or a free individual because it tells the story of the Lamb of God who has overcome the world. On that day we will all stand in His presence with a testimony that could not be taken away from us.
The Lord said to the church of Smyrna, "Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown." (Revelations 2:10, NLT).
Regardless to persecution, our testimony in these last days will be tested and tried. In America, persecution is on the rise and we soon may know an hour unlike any other in our history where speaking the name of Jesus will cost us much more than what we can imagine.
Hold true my beloved to His words. Our testimony declares His victory that has overcome the world!
Beloved for those who are in countries that have safety and peace where you are able to enjoy some measure of freedom, let's not grow discouraged but be bold in these last hours. You may say but my testimony is weak, foolish and lacking so how can it do any good to those around me? Or you may say my testimony is not one that has had to endure suffering for His name or has known extreme hardships so what is there to talk about?
Never discount the inner workings of the Holy Spirit to conform us to His son - this is the testimony - we are no longer the same but being transformed, utterly made different. Your testimony matters be it in prison or a free individual because it tells the story of the Lamb of God who has overcome the world. On that day we will all stand in His presence with a testimony that could not be taken away from us.
The Lord said to the church of Smyrna, "Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown." (Revelations 2:10, NLT).
Regardless to persecution, our testimony in these last days will be tested and tried. In America, persecution is on the rise and we soon may know an hour unlike any other in our history where speaking the name of Jesus will cost us much more than what we can imagine.
Hold true my beloved to His words. Our testimony declares His victory that has overcome the world!
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Clap Your Hands All Ye People
Psalms 47:1 says, "O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph" (KJV). Regardless to what form or style we are accustomed in worship, clapping your hands is not only Biblical but can even be needful on certain occasions.
We applause following an entertaining show. We clap are our hands when someone is receiving an award. The Hebrew word for clap means to thrust, clap, give a blow, blast.
There is a "breaking" sound, so to speak, when silence is broken with two hands striking together to form a sound. Clapping can be done soft or loud and fast or slow depending on the purpose.
Most of the time we clap during music but have you ever clapped during prayer?
There is a spiritual significance when we clap. It's that moment when His joy overtakes us and the only response is to clap much like child excited in a pleasant discovery or receiving a gift.
Isaiah 55:12 says, "For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." (KJV). Even nature can not contain itself but to break out with song and clap their hands! Psalms 98:8 says, "Let the rivers clap their hands in glee! Let the hills sing out their songs of joy" (NLT).
This thanksgiving holiday offer the Lord a clap offering. Applause Him for all His benefits and blessing. Clap to break the atmosphere of heaviness and oppressive heat from the battle. Give Him the glory with your hands and sing songs of adoration. You will never know how hell shakes when a saint rises to his or her feet and begins to clap. The sound echoes in the halls of hell setting demons to flight.
Besides we might as well clap now because in heaven we will be doing it throughout eternity.
We applause following an entertaining show. We clap are our hands when someone is receiving an award. The Hebrew word for clap means to thrust, clap, give a blow, blast.
There is a "breaking" sound, so to speak, when silence is broken with two hands striking together to form a sound. Clapping can be done soft or loud and fast or slow depending on the purpose.
Most of the time we clap during music but have you ever clapped during prayer?
There is a spiritual significance when we clap. It's that moment when His joy overtakes us and the only response is to clap much like child excited in a pleasant discovery or receiving a gift.
Isaiah 55:12 says, "For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." (KJV). Even nature can not contain itself but to break out with song and clap their hands! Psalms 98:8 says, "Let the rivers clap their hands in glee! Let the hills sing out their songs of joy" (NLT).
This thanksgiving holiday offer the Lord a clap offering. Applause Him for all His benefits and blessing. Clap to break the atmosphere of heaviness and oppressive heat from the battle. Give Him the glory with your hands and sing songs of adoration. You will never know how hell shakes when a saint rises to his or her feet and begins to clap. The sound echoes in the halls of hell setting demons to flight.
Besides we might as well clap now because in heaven we will be doing it throughout eternity.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Where Do We Go From Here?
There is a point in our Christian walk where there is no turning back simply because there is nothing or no one we want to return except follow Christ.
Like Elisha who was asked by Elijah to stay in Bethel because the Lord was about to take him home but Elisha refused to leave him (2 Kings 2:2, NIV). He had come so far and learned so much about God. He had seen in his master a life that he wanted, even a double portion.
It's a Ruth that persists to follow Naomi to a strange land where her country's history was jaded and often in conflict with Israel. Ruth refused to leave a woman who often talked about a Mighty God who led her mother-in-law's people out of Egypt into the Promised Land. She wanted to know this God and His people because there was nothing left in own country. Her heart died the day her husband breathed his last. Where was she to go? What was she do with the stories she heard of a better place? It would only torment her if she was to remain.
Then there is Peter answering the question Jesus asked after some turn away from Him. Peter said, "Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life." (John 6:68, KJV). In essence, he was saying, "You loved us and called us when the world wouldn't look twice in our direction. Religious rulers despise us but want our money and attention. You understand how we weak and foolish we can be but still Lord, You love us. We don't want to leave You! Your words bring us life and hope!"
Beloved, there is a point in our Christian walk where we resolve to follow Him alone. No divided attention or worldly distraction. No more looking over our shoulders fondly at the world (remember Lot's wife). No tie to fleshly attachments. We come to an understanding that it must be Him alone.
Truth be told the world could never love like Christ who accepts us in the Beloved. Like a well weathered marriage, our relationship with Christ grows sweeter, deeper and more devoted until that moment when He says, "Come, home and be with Me forever."
So we go from this life to over there where He brings us into a glorious, eternal home.
Like Elisha who was asked by Elijah to stay in Bethel because the Lord was about to take him home but Elisha refused to leave him (2 Kings 2:2, NIV). He had come so far and learned so much about God. He had seen in his master a life that he wanted, even a double portion.
It's a Ruth that persists to follow Naomi to a strange land where her country's history was jaded and often in conflict with Israel. Ruth refused to leave a woman who often talked about a Mighty God who led her mother-in-law's people out of Egypt into the Promised Land. She wanted to know this God and His people because there was nothing left in own country. Her heart died the day her husband breathed his last. Where was she to go? What was she do with the stories she heard of a better place? It would only torment her if she was to remain.
Then there is Peter answering the question Jesus asked after some turn away from Him. Peter said, "Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life." (John 6:68, KJV). In essence, he was saying, "You loved us and called us when the world wouldn't look twice in our direction. Religious rulers despise us but want our money and attention. You understand how we weak and foolish we can be but still Lord, You love us. We don't want to leave You! Your words bring us life and hope!"
Beloved, there is a point in our Christian walk where we resolve to follow Him alone. No divided attention or worldly distraction. No more looking over our shoulders fondly at the world (remember Lot's wife). No tie to fleshly attachments. We come to an understanding that it must be Him alone.
Truth be told the world could never love like Christ who accepts us in the Beloved. Like a well weathered marriage, our relationship with Christ grows sweeter, deeper and more devoted until that moment when He says, "Come, home and be with Me forever."
So we go from this life to over there where He brings us into a glorious, eternal home.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Let's Make A Memory
One evening my mother said, "Let's make a memory!" She took my hand and led me outside to the front yard. There we stood staring up at the blacken sky dotted by stars. She laughed as she turned to go back inside, "See, we made a memory." After all these years when many details of that particular evening was lost, I can still recall standing beside her in complete silence feeling somewhat awkward as we stared blankly at the stars.
It worked. A lasting memory was created.
God knows how to make His own memories that will stamp a lasting impress on our minds and hearts. Especially if it will serve as reminder of promises He's yet to fulfill. We read in Genesis 15:15 speaking of Abram, "He took him outside and said, "Look up at the sky and count the stars--if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be."
It would be years later that Abram (later called Abraham) would have a promised heir. How many times did he glance up at the darken heavens with the stars brightly lit up to remind him of the many nations that would come from this one single promise? Whenever he was weary or discouraged just one glance up in the skies would remind Him of the night God called him out of his tent to make a memory. A memory to carry him through some very difficult and challenging seasons.
But it was more than a memory that was made that night with God standing beside his friend. It says, "And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness." (verse 6, KJV). A reminder of the promise for Abraham was an opportunity to believe God, to take Him at His word. After all, He created the stars and calls them all by name! (Psalms 147:4) Abraham moved beyond a memory to being memorialized as a man of great faith.
Beloved, when God creates a memory we can be sentimental and look back fondly on what could have been or we can believe God with anticipation of Him fulfilling His word. Remember this promise, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1, KJV). It's time to let God make a memory that will move us to great faith in a faithful God.
It worked. A lasting memory was created.
God knows how to make His own memories that will stamp a lasting impress on our minds and hearts. Especially if it will serve as reminder of promises He's yet to fulfill. We read in Genesis 15:15 speaking of Abram, "He took him outside and said, "Look up at the sky and count the stars--if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be."
It would be years later that Abram (later called Abraham) would have a promised heir. How many times did he glance up at the darken heavens with the stars brightly lit up to remind him of the many nations that would come from this one single promise? Whenever he was weary or discouraged just one glance up in the skies would remind Him of the night God called him out of his tent to make a memory. A memory to carry him through some very difficult and challenging seasons.
But it was more than a memory that was made that night with God standing beside his friend. It says, "And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness." (verse 6, KJV). A reminder of the promise for Abraham was an opportunity to believe God, to take Him at His word. After all, He created the stars and calls them all by name! (Psalms 147:4) Abraham moved beyond a memory to being memorialized as a man of great faith.
Beloved, when God creates a memory we can be sentimental and look back fondly on what could have been or we can believe God with anticipation of Him fulfilling His word. Remember this promise, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1, KJV). It's time to let God make a memory that will move us to great faith in a faithful God.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Our Little Victories
We don't have to wait to have everything good taken from us to understand God is our everything. He is our breath. The one who sustains our heartbeat and holds our fragile and ever changing world in His hands. Paul says, "For in him we live and move and have our being." (Acts 17:28, NIV).
Throughout the day notice the little victories God grants us. Victories that sustain our hope and give us courage.
Just when we thought the day was going to be rough at work, God cancels a challenging meeting, reroutes call from angry clients and email requests are answered before they show up in your inbox. Some one offers to buy lunch. The bus driver gives a generous break when we don't have enough change for the fare. You come home to be greeted by your husband or wife who has not been feeling well to tell you they suddenly recovered. So they cooked your favorite meal.
These small but meaningful victories is what the Psalmist describes in Psalm 21:3. It says, "For thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness: thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head" (KJV). The word prevent is very interesting for it means to anticipate.
God knows ahead of time what we need but we will never know our lack because his provision comes ahead of the problem. In other words, God prevents a problem by granting us provision even before we ask Him or even aware of the problem around the corner!
So be thankful beloved for the small victories for they are God's way of preventing bigger problems. These little victories are a reminder that every step of the way our Everything is watching over us in every way possible.
Throughout the day notice the little victories God grants us. Victories that sustain our hope and give us courage.
Just when we thought the day was going to be rough at work, God cancels a challenging meeting, reroutes call from angry clients and email requests are answered before they show up in your inbox. Some one offers to buy lunch. The bus driver gives a generous break when we don't have enough change for the fare. You come home to be greeted by your husband or wife who has not been feeling well to tell you they suddenly recovered. So they cooked your favorite meal.
These small but meaningful victories is what the Psalmist describes in Psalm 21:3. It says, "For thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness: thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head" (KJV). The word prevent is very interesting for it means to anticipate.
God knows ahead of time what we need but we will never know our lack because his provision comes ahead of the problem. In other words, God prevents a problem by granting us provision even before we ask Him or even aware of the problem around the corner!
So be thankful beloved for the small victories for they are God's way of preventing bigger problems. These little victories are a reminder that every step of the way our Everything is watching over us in every way possible.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Encouragers
Along the Christian journey the Lord will send men and women to encourage us. We read of Jonathan who encouraged David who was fleeing from King Saul, Jonathan's father. It says, "And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God." (1 Samuel 23:16, KJV).
Paul found in Barnabas a true friend and comfort. In fact, Barnabas name means son of consolation (Acts 4:36). Timothy found in Paul a father. Paul writes, "For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church." (I Corinthians 4:17, NIV).
Worldly friends can offer only natural things and few words to bring comfort in our difficult season. It's not to say that unsaved individuals can not help but when it comes to spiritual struggles and relating to the things of God, they fall short.
It's the man or woman of God who has weathered storms, endured trials, has known deep loneliness and faced trying times can offer a wealth of encouragement. They have witnessed first hand what God do for them. So they are not interested in giving a pep talk. They have to say very little for just their presence along the way is enough to encourage us.
Then there will be a time when we must offer encouragement to them. 2 Corinthians 1:4 says, "Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." (KJV). And we read in Proverbs 18:24, "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." (KJV).
To keep the encouragement flowing means we have to be willing to offer it to others in their time of need. Think of it as a bank in which you make a deposit. One day you may need to withdraw some of it. And this is true for a friend whose made a deposit in you and needs to withdraw some encouragement.
So let's build up one one another in the most holy faith. These times are difficult and we need each other to overcome!
Paul found in Barnabas a true friend and comfort. In fact, Barnabas name means son of consolation (Acts 4:36). Timothy found in Paul a father. Paul writes, "For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church." (I Corinthians 4:17, NIV).
Worldly friends can offer only natural things and few words to bring comfort in our difficult season. It's not to say that unsaved individuals can not help but when it comes to spiritual struggles and relating to the things of God, they fall short.
It's the man or woman of God who has weathered storms, endured trials, has known deep loneliness and faced trying times can offer a wealth of encouragement. They have witnessed first hand what God do for them. So they are not interested in giving a pep talk. They have to say very little for just their presence along the way is enough to encourage us.
Then there will be a time when we must offer encouragement to them. 2 Corinthians 1:4 says, "Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." (KJV). And we read in Proverbs 18:24, "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." (KJV).
To keep the encouragement flowing means we have to be willing to offer it to others in their time of need. Think of it as a bank in which you make a deposit. One day you may need to withdraw some of it. And this is true for a friend whose made a deposit in you and needs to withdraw some encouragement.
So let's build up one one another in the most holy faith. These times are difficult and we need each other to overcome!
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Letting Go
There are days when you reach a breaking point.
You had enough demands at work to send you over the edge. Your family pushes your buttons that cause you to react badly. You try to rest only to wake up from a familiar nightmare. The one that you try to run but get nowhere fast while some shadowy figure is moving in closer.
In such moments of pressure and unrest, it's time to let go and fall into the arms of the Lord. It says in 1 Peter 5:7, "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." (NLT). And Jesus invites us, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28, NLT).
When we let go we will know a measure of peace and strength. There are deep sighs in our hearts that God only hears and it's these burdens He wants us to let go and place them into His trusting hands. In exchange He will give us rest and strength to carry us through another day.
There are somethings we can't change, namely a person's will. Your children will not always listen and obey. Some co-workers will not stop gossiping. Your neighbors will do what they please no matter how it effects your rest.
But we can come before the Lord and present our needs in troubling times and receive grace to respond differently. When we cling to an offense it will eat away at our peace and drain our strength.
Remember those that wait upon Lord mount up with wings of eagles. They can do so because they are not weighted down by the cares of this life. They have learned that God cares for the little and big things. He will take care of us so we can be a carefree people soaring above our difficulties!
You had enough demands at work to send you over the edge. Your family pushes your buttons that cause you to react badly. You try to rest only to wake up from a familiar nightmare. The one that you try to run but get nowhere fast while some shadowy figure is moving in closer.
In such moments of pressure and unrest, it's time to let go and fall into the arms of the Lord. It says in 1 Peter 5:7, "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." (NLT). And Jesus invites us, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28, NLT).
When we let go we will know a measure of peace and strength. There are deep sighs in our hearts that God only hears and it's these burdens He wants us to let go and place them into His trusting hands. In exchange He will give us rest and strength to carry us through another day.
There are somethings we can't change, namely a person's will. Your children will not always listen and obey. Some co-workers will not stop gossiping. Your neighbors will do what they please no matter how it effects your rest.
But we can come before the Lord and present our needs in troubling times and receive grace to respond differently. When we cling to an offense it will eat away at our peace and drain our strength.
Remember those that wait upon Lord mount up with wings of eagles. They can do so because they are not weighted down by the cares of this life. They have learned that God cares for the little and big things. He will take care of us so we can be a carefree people soaring above our difficulties!
Friday, November 22, 2013
Healing For Broken Bodies
I prayed for my friend while his wife sat quietly weeping. He was dying of cancer. Some days later he slipped into the arms of Jesus. No matter if it's cancer or a mild cold God heals bodies broken by disease. He can set right any malady that plagues the body.
Yes, some may not experience physical healing as in the case of my friend but he was healed in other areas of his heart. It could be said he brought healing to his home. To the very end he continued to pray and was full of hope rather than give way to despair and bitterness. He welcomed anyone to pray no matter how bad he felt. His wife and sons were left with a rich legacy of man who trusted in his God no matter the outcome.
I believe God heals. How and when He heals is left for His determination. Our part is to trust Him. Paul writes, "For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever." (2 Corinthians 4:17, NLT). Sickness may destroy the body but it can not take our faith that is very precious in the eyes of God.
For believers who put their trust in Him, they don't go out in a whimper but boldly declaring God's goodness. Gwen Wilkerson, almost a year after her husband, the late Pastor David Wilkerson died in a car accident in which she survived, summed it up by saying, "God is good." Then she passed away that day. At eighty the Lord sustained her after some 26 operations from a life long battle with cancer.
Most of my life I suffered from asthma when the Lord healed me four years ago. It followed the darkest time in my life when the doctor confirmed a serious illness. I believed at the right time He healed my lungs to prevent despair from overwhelming me. To give me hope and to believe Him for greater things. Deeper still he was restoring a supernatural voice for prayer that was no longer twisted by worldly pollution (similar to Isaiah's lips touched by a burning coal).
God may use doctors who are allies in bringing healing. He may use natural means to help the body. Whatever the means or methods God so chooses (Jesus used mud on a blind man's eyes) it all points back to Him. A God who sent His Son who carried our infirmities and by His stripes we are healed.
Yes, some may not experience physical healing as in the case of my friend but he was healed in other areas of his heart. It could be said he brought healing to his home. To the very end he continued to pray and was full of hope rather than give way to despair and bitterness. He welcomed anyone to pray no matter how bad he felt. His wife and sons were left with a rich legacy of man who trusted in his God no matter the outcome.
I believe God heals. How and when He heals is left for His determination. Our part is to trust Him. Paul writes, "For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever." (2 Corinthians 4:17, NLT). Sickness may destroy the body but it can not take our faith that is very precious in the eyes of God.
For believers who put their trust in Him, they don't go out in a whimper but boldly declaring God's goodness. Gwen Wilkerson, almost a year after her husband, the late Pastor David Wilkerson died in a car accident in which she survived, summed it up by saying, "God is good." Then she passed away that day. At eighty the Lord sustained her after some 26 operations from a life long battle with cancer.
Most of my life I suffered from asthma when the Lord healed me four years ago. It followed the darkest time in my life when the doctor confirmed a serious illness. I believed at the right time He healed my lungs to prevent despair from overwhelming me. To give me hope and to believe Him for greater things. Deeper still he was restoring a supernatural voice for prayer that was no longer twisted by worldly pollution (similar to Isaiah's lips touched by a burning coal).
God may use doctors who are allies in bringing healing. He may use natural means to help the body. Whatever the means or methods God so chooses (Jesus used mud on a blind man's eyes) it all points back to Him. A God who sent His Son who carried our infirmities and by His stripes we are healed.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
I'm Pleased With You
Sometimes we want to know that our fathers are proud of us. That he is pleased with us not for the big things but for the little things we do in life. We want to sit in the same room and see that approving smile lit up his eyes. Some don't have fathers and long to hear the words of affirmation and love.
But we all have a heavenly Father who is very pleased with us. We don't have to prove anything to Him. No elbowing our way to the table to receive the bigger portion. No need to dress up and pretend we have all it together. No religious performance will win His heart when He has loved us from the start.
What pleases the Father is a humble, honest heart that loves Him. Despite set backs, barriers, lack of resources or any other difficulty, God finds a son or daughter that loves Him simply because He is a good Father. They put their trust in Him and it moves His heart with divine pleasure.
We read in Matthew 3:17, "And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Jesus pleased the Father by obeying His Father's will. It was not a love conditioned on performance or perfection. It was a love committed to pleasing the Father because Jesus knew His heart. When we have a deeper appreciation of God's heart it follows we know what pleases Him be it in word or deed.
What brings Him the greatest pleasure? In Hebrews 11:6 it says, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."(NIV).
We don't have to labor or sweat for His approval only rest in His love - and that will bring Him the highest pleasure!
But we all have a heavenly Father who is very pleased with us. We don't have to prove anything to Him. No elbowing our way to the table to receive the bigger portion. No need to dress up and pretend we have all it together. No religious performance will win His heart when He has loved us from the start.
What pleases the Father is a humble, honest heart that loves Him. Despite set backs, barriers, lack of resources or any other difficulty, God finds a son or daughter that loves Him simply because He is a good Father. They put their trust in Him and it moves His heart with divine pleasure.
We read in Matthew 3:17, "And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Jesus pleased the Father by obeying His Father's will. It was not a love conditioned on performance or perfection. It was a love committed to pleasing the Father because Jesus knew His heart. When we have a deeper appreciation of God's heart it follows we know what pleases Him be it in word or deed.
What brings Him the greatest pleasure? In Hebrews 11:6 it says, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."(NIV).
We don't have to labor or sweat for His approval only rest in His love - and that will bring Him the highest pleasure!
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Never Forget
We should slow down ever so often to recall God's goodness and faithfulness.
Think of how God snatched us from the hands of the Devil. How He put a new song in our hearts and set our feet on solid ground. How He wiped our eyes when sorrow overcame us only to have His joy greet us in the morning.
Peter gives a list of essential qualities to form strong building blocks for enduring godly character (I Peter 1:5-8). He then warns, "But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins." (verse 9,NIV).
When we cease to be thankful we run the risk of forgetting His benefits and blessings. Soon enough we will find ourselves grumbling and complaining much like the Israelites in the desert. They forgot the bondage and cruelty of Egypt. They said, "We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost--also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic." (Numbers 11:15, NIV). No cost? Did they forget how Pharaoh ordered all their male babies killed? How they had to gather their own straw to make bricks and meet the daily quota?
When we complain our mind narrows so that our past is clouded and jaded. We begin to think it was better back in Egypt (the world). If we had stayed at least we wouldn't be in a dry and hot wilderness but in our own homes doing whatever we pleased.
Here in this barren, harsh place they had to learn to trust God for everything from water, bread, provision, comfort, guidance etc.
The best Scripture to help us to remember all the wonderful things God has done for us is found in Psalms 107 (the companion Psalms is 103). We should read and pray through the verses as it will bring us back to right thinking about God's blessings and His power to keep us in this difficult hour.
Never forget what and who you are in Christ...and learn to forget the old life you once lived outside of Christ.
They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.
Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.
And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. (verses 4-7, KJV).
Think of how God snatched us from the hands of the Devil. How He put a new song in our hearts and set our feet on solid ground. How He wiped our eyes when sorrow overcame us only to have His joy greet us in the morning.
Peter gives a list of essential qualities to form strong building blocks for enduring godly character (I Peter 1:5-8). He then warns, "But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins." (verse 9,NIV).
When we cease to be thankful we run the risk of forgetting His benefits and blessings. Soon enough we will find ourselves grumbling and complaining much like the Israelites in the desert. They forgot the bondage and cruelty of Egypt. They said, "We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost--also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic." (Numbers 11:15, NIV). No cost? Did they forget how Pharaoh ordered all their male babies killed? How they had to gather their own straw to make bricks and meet the daily quota?
When we complain our mind narrows so that our past is clouded and jaded. We begin to think it was better back in Egypt (the world). If we had stayed at least we wouldn't be in a dry and hot wilderness but in our own homes doing whatever we pleased.
Here in this barren, harsh place they had to learn to trust God for everything from water, bread, provision, comfort, guidance etc.
The best Scripture to help us to remember all the wonderful things God has done for us is found in Psalms 107 (the companion Psalms is 103). We should read and pray through the verses as it will bring us back to right thinking about God's blessings and His power to keep us in this difficult hour.
Never forget what and who you are in Christ...and learn to forget the old life you once lived outside of Christ.
They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.
Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.
And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. (verses 4-7, KJV).
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
He Is Patient With Us
What a wonderful Savior who expresses a deep, abiding patience with us.
2 Peter 3:9 says "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (NIV).
On that day when we stand before the Lord to give an account of our lives, no one would dare accuse God of failing or giving up on us so we weren't able to obey His call on our lives.
So why do we give up so easily? Why do we surrender to trials with a sigh of resignation when we have a trusting and faithful Friend to help us?
One of the fruits of the Spirit is long suffering (Galatians 5:22). It's word we don't use in our common English language. Perhaps it's one of those words we rather much avoid in a fast paced world. Why wait when you can have it all, right now and right here! In the original Greek the word for long suffering is made of two parts to mean "waiting for sufficient time to express anger".
Beloved, the reason why many of us struggle with impatience is because there is a root of anger in our hearts. When things don't go our way we get angry. Sure we will wait hours for a ticket to a concert or sports event. But should someone cuts you off in traffic and you pound your fist on the steering wheel. Or you don't get that well deserved promotion so you feel overlooked and angry. The anger we experience demands some measure of justice we rightfully deserve for those who had mistreated us.
Until we go back to the verse in 2 Peter and understand the patience of a God who waits for us to respond when He calls so often to turn us away from a certain destruction - one that we deserve - but one He wants to prevent. We appreciate His patience toward us to save us it will extend to those who are less patient and even undeserving.
2 Peter 3:9 says "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (NIV).
On that day when we stand before the Lord to give an account of our lives, no one would dare accuse God of failing or giving up on us so we weren't able to obey His call on our lives.
So why do we give up so easily? Why do we surrender to trials with a sigh of resignation when we have a trusting and faithful Friend to help us?
One of the fruits of the Spirit is long suffering (Galatians 5:22). It's word we don't use in our common English language. Perhaps it's one of those words we rather much avoid in a fast paced world. Why wait when you can have it all, right now and right here! In the original Greek the word for long suffering is made of two parts to mean "waiting for sufficient time to express anger".
Beloved, the reason why many of us struggle with impatience is because there is a root of anger in our hearts. When things don't go our way we get angry. Sure we will wait hours for a ticket to a concert or sports event. But should someone cuts you off in traffic and you pound your fist on the steering wheel. Or you don't get that well deserved promotion so you feel overlooked and angry. The anger we experience demands some measure of justice we rightfully deserve for those who had mistreated us.
Until we go back to the verse in 2 Peter and understand the patience of a God who waits for us to respond when He calls so often to turn us away from a certain destruction - one that we deserve - but one He wants to prevent. We appreciate His patience toward us to save us it will extend to those who are less patient and even undeserving.
Monday, November 18, 2013
A History Of Mercy
Israel's history as recorded in the Scriptures is bookend by some 400 years of slavery in Egypt and centuries later they spent 70 years of captivity in Babylon. Sandwiched between these years of bondage is the years spent in the Promised Land. These are the years of judges and kings including many writing prophets.
As Paul writes, "Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." (I Corinthians 10:11, KJV). We can glean many spiritual and practical principles from Israel's journey out of Egypt through the wilderness and into the Promise Land.
Later, we read of the Northern Kingdom falling to the Assyrians and the Southern Kingdom of Jerusalem and Judah being dragged off to Babylon.
When we take a bird's eye view of Israel's history we see a similar pattern in our spiritual lives. How many of us relate coming out of the world (a type of Egypt)? A terrible place where we were under the influence of a cruel taskmaster, the Devil. Then God visited us in our darkest hour and brought us out to bring us into a place of new life (Promise Land).
Interestingly we don't hear many sermons on Babylon though we are familiar with lives of Daniel, his friends and Esther who lived through this period of captivity. How many of us mishandled the things of God only to have the Lord correct us? Sometimes He has to remove us from what was once a place of blessing now turned into idolatry (self focused worship). He brings (or perhaps drives) us out into a hard and difficult place to speak to us.
If this is anything we can learn from history is that it will always speak of God's mercy for us.
Therefore, behold, I will allure her, Bring her into the wilderness And speak kindly to her. Then I will give her her vineyards from there, And the valley of Achor as a door of hope. And she will sing there as in the days of her youth, As in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt. (Hosea 2:14-15, NIV)
As Paul writes, "Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." (I Corinthians 10:11, KJV). We can glean many spiritual and practical principles from Israel's journey out of Egypt through the wilderness and into the Promise Land.
Later, we read of the Northern Kingdom falling to the Assyrians and the Southern Kingdom of Jerusalem and Judah being dragged off to Babylon.
When we take a bird's eye view of Israel's history we see a similar pattern in our spiritual lives. How many of us relate coming out of the world (a type of Egypt)? A terrible place where we were under the influence of a cruel taskmaster, the Devil. Then God visited us in our darkest hour and brought us out to bring us into a place of new life (Promise Land).
Interestingly we don't hear many sermons on Babylon though we are familiar with lives of Daniel, his friends and Esther who lived through this period of captivity. How many of us mishandled the things of God only to have the Lord correct us? Sometimes He has to remove us from what was once a place of blessing now turned into idolatry (self focused worship). He brings (or perhaps drives) us out into a hard and difficult place to speak to us.
If this is anything we can learn from history is that it will always speak of God's mercy for us.
Therefore, behold, I will allure her, Bring her into the wilderness And speak kindly to her. Then I will give her her vineyards from there, And the valley of Achor as a door of hope. And she will sing there as in the days of her youth, As in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt. (Hosea 2:14-15, NIV)
Sunday, November 17, 2013
The Fear Of Being Misunderstood
To be free of the fear of being misunderstood is to be free from a bondage of needing someone's approval before you move forward in the call of God. Even after the commissioning, the temptation to have the call of God shaped (or misshaped) by people's approval is very real. But once God has set you free from wanting people's stamp of approval; He will strengthen you in times of conflict. He will make you bold as lion.
Beloved, the Scriptures hold many examples of those who have been misunderstood. Think of Noah building an ark to prepare for a global flood. Abraham obeyed the Lord who told him to go and sacrifice his son on Mt. Moriah. The Lord was testing his character and made provision at the right time.
Of course, Jesus was misunderstood by religious rulers, his disciples and even his own family. We read in Mark 3:20-21, "Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind."(NIV).
How many believers have slumped in their easy chairs rather than make a stand for Christ? A stand which brings them into the Enemy's direct line of fire. Remember the Hebrew children in fiery oven because they would not worship a pagan idol or Daniel in the lion's den because he refused to stop praying three times a day.
So what keeps us bound, gagged and useless? The reason is the fear of being misunderstood, of losing any measure of approval and losing friends and family who might even raise a question on our insanity. Did you really hear God say that? You are going to what country to do mission work?
At risk of sounding contradictory, please don't mistake foolishness from the wisdom of God. Many believers are running about saying God said this or that when He has said nothing all. Sadly, the fruit of the Spirit is apparently lacking in these lives and their behavior discredits their credibility to even be remotely believed (but there are times God has still used such individuals!).
Beloved, many saints who have heard God had an understanding of His heart that only comes from spending time with Him. It says in Psalms 103:7, "He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel." (KJV). Moses spent hours on the mountain communing with God. Take a few minutes with Him today and you will hear His truth whispered in your heart.
You will always have the believer who look for the evidence of God's power but not fully understand His ways. So they will misunderstand what God is saying because they demand some tangible sign because they stumble over the weak and frail vessel God has chosen (that would be us).
Beloved, God gives us this promise that will make us bold in this fearful age. It says, "For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things." (I John 3:20, KJV). Don't be afraid of moving into God's call! He understands completely and that is what the matters the most.
Beloved, the Scriptures hold many examples of those who have been misunderstood. Think of Noah building an ark to prepare for a global flood. Abraham obeyed the Lord who told him to go and sacrifice his son on Mt. Moriah. The Lord was testing his character and made provision at the right time.
Of course, Jesus was misunderstood by religious rulers, his disciples and even his own family. We read in Mark 3:20-21, "Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind."(NIV).
How many believers have slumped in their easy chairs rather than make a stand for Christ? A stand which brings them into the Enemy's direct line of fire. Remember the Hebrew children in fiery oven because they would not worship a pagan idol or Daniel in the lion's den because he refused to stop praying three times a day.
So what keeps us bound, gagged and useless? The reason is the fear of being misunderstood, of losing any measure of approval and losing friends and family who might even raise a question on our insanity. Did you really hear God say that? You are going to what country to do mission work?
At risk of sounding contradictory, please don't mistake foolishness from the wisdom of God. Many believers are running about saying God said this or that when He has said nothing all. Sadly, the fruit of the Spirit is apparently lacking in these lives and their behavior discredits their credibility to even be remotely believed (but there are times God has still used such individuals!).
Beloved, many saints who have heard God had an understanding of His heart that only comes from spending time with Him. It says in Psalms 103:7, "He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel." (KJV). Moses spent hours on the mountain communing with God. Take a few minutes with Him today and you will hear His truth whispered in your heart.
You will always have the believer who look for the evidence of God's power but not fully understand His ways. So they will misunderstand what God is saying because they demand some tangible sign because they stumble over the weak and frail vessel God has chosen (that would be us).
Beloved, God gives us this promise that will make us bold in this fearful age. It says, "For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things." (I John 3:20, KJV). Don't be afraid of moving into God's call! He understands completely and that is what the matters the most.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Boundries
Galatians 5:16 says, "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." (KJV).
As believers we must learn stay within the boundaries drawn by the Holy Spirit. To cross those lines is disobedience. It means moving away from a Spirit lead walk to a flesh driven life. All of us have been personally instructed by God not to cross certain "fenced off" areas in our lives. These areas may differ with other believers.
God establishes these boundaries for our protection. To live outside these boundaries can lead us into temptation and deadly traps. Remember the Scripture says, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8, NIV).
Crossing the line can happen so quickly: we lose our temper flares, a foolish word escapes our lips, our attitude sours etc. Suddenly the flesh rises up and that old man or woman begins to show itself. How quickly we shift from walking in the Spirit to acting out in the flesh.
The way to stay in the Spirit is through submission. The Devil will always feed on rebellion. If he can provoke our flesh to resist God when we are convicted in crossing those lines, our communion with the Lord will be strained or broken. James tells us we first submit to God then resist the Devil. If we try fighting the impulses of the flesh in our strength we will fail. We'll soon find ourselves on the other side of the fence in the Enemy's territory.
When we do fail, we confess with a sincere heart and use the opportunity for God to speak to those areas that need to come under His Lordship. Again, this requires His grace to submit to His correction.
Over time walking in the Spirit brings about lasting victories in those areas of greatest temptation. As we appreciate the boundaries set for us, He will strengthen those walled off places so there is no breech or hole for the Enemy to have access.
Beloved let me leave you with this promise.
Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup;
you make my lot secure.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
Psalms 16:56 (NIV)
As believers we must learn stay within the boundaries drawn by the Holy Spirit. To cross those lines is disobedience. It means moving away from a Spirit lead walk to a flesh driven life. All of us have been personally instructed by God not to cross certain "fenced off" areas in our lives. These areas may differ with other believers.
God establishes these boundaries for our protection. To live outside these boundaries can lead us into temptation and deadly traps. Remember the Scripture says, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8, NIV).
Crossing the line can happen so quickly: we lose our temper flares, a foolish word escapes our lips, our attitude sours etc. Suddenly the flesh rises up and that old man or woman begins to show itself. How quickly we shift from walking in the Spirit to acting out in the flesh.
The way to stay in the Spirit is through submission. The Devil will always feed on rebellion. If he can provoke our flesh to resist God when we are convicted in crossing those lines, our communion with the Lord will be strained or broken. James tells us we first submit to God then resist the Devil. If we try fighting the impulses of the flesh in our strength we will fail. We'll soon find ourselves on the other side of the fence in the Enemy's territory.
When we do fail, we confess with a sincere heart and use the opportunity for God to speak to those areas that need to come under His Lordship. Again, this requires His grace to submit to His correction.
Over time walking in the Spirit brings about lasting victories in those areas of greatest temptation. As we appreciate the boundaries set for us, He will strengthen those walled off places so there is no breech or hole for the Enemy to have access.
Beloved let me leave you with this promise.
Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup;
you make my lot secure.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
Psalms 16:56 (NIV)
Friday, November 15, 2013
A Promise Resting On Your Lap
After hearing a report that the Lord was visiting her people with bread, Naomi got up and left Moab.
Moab is a place of mixture where sensual religion was the ruling power (as evident by the prophet Balaam hired to curse Israel). So Naomi returned home to Bethlehem. Her daughter-in-law Ruth persisted in accompanying her so together they traveled to the Promise Land.
Beloved, God is on the move throughout the world calling His church back to Himself. He is calling to those who can hear His voice to return to that place where He spreads a table in the presence of our Enemy (Psalms 23:5). No matter what our Moab experience may have been it is time to cross the border to the Promise Land.
But when Naomi made her way into the town she told those who greeted her not to call her Naomi. Naomi's name means pleasant, agreeable and sweet, but to call her Mara which means bitter. Her husband and her two sons died in Moab. With their deaths, any posterity to carry on the family name also died. She was old, tired and bitter much like many of us who once enjoyed a sweet life that could have been so much more but in a single moment it was taken away.
Then God performed a miracle through Ruth who won the heart of a kinsman redeemer, Boaz, by giving them a child. In the final chapter we read, "Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse." (4:16, ESV).
There is something very significant when Naomi laid the child on her lap. How could she have known that she was holding the church? This little child would be the grandfather of David through which Christ would be born. Beloved, God always fulfills His promises to us even if we thought they were dead or long forgotten.
When it seems there is nothing left God presents the very thing we've longed for and places it our lap. Think of Hannah laying Samuel on her lap - a mighty prophet to usher in the first two kings of Israel. Or Mary holding Jesus, the son of God and Elizabeth with John, a Spirit empowered evangelist, resting on her knees. The fulfillment of His word will stretch far beyond our borders and generations than what we can could ever imagine!
Moab is a place of mixture where sensual religion was the ruling power (as evident by the prophet Balaam hired to curse Israel). So Naomi returned home to Bethlehem. Her daughter-in-law Ruth persisted in accompanying her so together they traveled to the Promise Land.
Beloved, God is on the move throughout the world calling His church back to Himself. He is calling to those who can hear His voice to return to that place where He spreads a table in the presence of our Enemy (Psalms 23:5). No matter what our Moab experience may have been it is time to cross the border to the Promise Land.
But when Naomi made her way into the town she told those who greeted her not to call her Naomi. Naomi's name means pleasant, agreeable and sweet, but to call her Mara which means bitter. Her husband and her two sons died in Moab. With their deaths, any posterity to carry on the family name also died. She was old, tired and bitter much like many of us who once enjoyed a sweet life that could have been so much more but in a single moment it was taken away.
Then God performed a miracle through Ruth who won the heart of a kinsman redeemer, Boaz, by giving them a child. In the final chapter we read, "Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse." (4:16, ESV).
There is something very significant when Naomi laid the child on her lap. How could she have known that she was holding the church? This little child would be the grandfather of David through which Christ would be born. Beloved, God always fulfills His promises to us even if we thought they were dead or long forgotten.
When it seems there is nothing left God presents the very thing we've longed for and places it our lap. Think of Hannah laying Samuel on her lap - a mighty prophet to usher in the first two kings of Israel. Or Mary holding Jesus, the son of God and Elizabeth with John, a Spirit empowered evangelist, resting on her knees. The fulfillment of His word will stretch far beyond our borders and generations than what we can could ever imagine!
Thursday, November 14, 2013
You Will Never See Your Enemies
On the brink of what could be the greatest deliverance or a national disaster, Moses commanded the Israelites on the shore of the Red Sea. He said, "Fear ye not, stand still , and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever." (Exodus 14:13, KJV).
God brought the Israelites to a place of impossibility. For the Egyptian army it was a place of opportunity to strike against a people whose God destroyed their land and first born. Only now what separated them was the pillar of fire at night and a cloudy pillar in the day.
When the waters parted, Israel hurried down the bank and passed through the walls of cold sea water towering high above them. Then the cloud moved away to make way for the enemy to run after Israel. The Lord was baiting them to their destruction. How many times have we spent rebuking the Devil when all along it's God's design to lead our enemies to destruction.
There are times like David when we run toward the enemy armed with a promise that God will defeat our foe. Other times God will set up an ambush. To the devil we are retreating from his threats. We read, "For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in." (verse 23)
What an utter fool is our enemy! God will always defend His children. He will never let the Devil destroy His children. For you see beloved God's desire is to gain the greater glory. He gains the glory when we trust him in difficult places. And He gains the greater glory when He throws hell in confusion by pouring out mercy to rescue us.
So if you feel the Devil is at your heels, breathing down your neck and whispering lies in your ears - keep walking toward your Red Sea, the waters will part. As you pass through the waters to your deliverance remember the words of Hannah, "The Lord has filled my heart with joy; I feel very strong in the Lord. I can laugh at my enemies; I am glad because you have helped me!" (I Samuel 2:1, NCV).
God brought the Israelites to a place of impossibility. For the Egyptian army it was a place of opportunity to strike against a people whose God destroyed their land and first born. Only now what separated them was the pillar of fire at night and a cloudy pillar in the day.
When the waters parted, Israel hurried down the bank and passed through the walls of cold sea water towering high above them. Then the cloud moved away to make way for the enemy to run after Israel. The Lord was baiting them to their destruction. How many times have we spent rebuking the Devil when all along it's God's design to lead our enemies to destruction.
There are times like David when we run toward the enemy armed with a promise that God will defeat our foe. Other times God will set up an ambush. To the devil we are retreating from his threats. We read, "For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in." (verse 23)
What an utter fool is our enemy! God will always defend His children. He will never let the Devil destroy His children. For you see beloved God's desire is to gain the greater glory. He gains the glory when we trust him in difficult places. And He gains the greater glory when He throws hell in confusion by pouring out mercy to rescue us.
So if you feel the Devil is at your heels, breathing down your neck and whispering lies in your ears - keep walking toward your Red Sea, the waters will part. As you pass through the waters to your deliverance remember the words of Hannah, "The Lord has filled my heart with joy; I feel very strong in the Lord. I can laugh at my enemies; I am glad because you have helped me!" (I Samuel 2:1, NCV).
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
We Say Yes
When nothing more can be said - no more excuses or arguments - then silence falls. It in such a moment we have an opportunity to surrender to the Lord. When every plan, scheme or option has failed to produce results. Here we surrender our every care to the Lord who is waiting for our simple response.
That response is, "Yes, Lord."
Yes, to the trials and testings. Yes, to the blessings and joy. Yes, to walking the path You have laid for us though another way may seem less narrow and nicely paved. More than anything, we say yes to the things You want for our lives not the things we think is best.
When we say yes to the Lord; we say no to the desires of the flesh. A simple yes means our will bends toward Him with an expectation of Him fulfilling His Word.
A leper came to Jesus for healing. He asked if Jesus was willing and the Lord responded, "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" And immediately the leprosy left him." (Luke 5:13 KJV).
How much more is the Lord willing to do much more than we can ever imagine if only we say yes. Beloved, you may have experience rejection or being denied access or resources so you fear asking the Lord. You fear having hope rise and your heart swell with possibilities only to crash as in times past. God is not like others who broke your heart or made promises they couldn't keep. He is a loving Father who is more willing to answer when we say yes to Him.
That response is, "Yes, Lord."
Yes, to the trials and testings. Yes, to the blessings and joy. Yes, to walking the path You have laid for us though another way may seem less narrow and nicely paved. More than anything, we say yes to the things You want for our lives not the things we think is best.
When we say yes to the Lord; we say no to the desires of the flesh. A simple yes means our will bends toward Him with an expectation of Him fulfilling His Word.
A leper came to Jesus for healing. He asked if Jesus was willing and the Lord responded, "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" And immediately the leprosy left him." (Luke 5:13 KJV).
How much more is the Lord willing to do much more than we can ever imagine if only we say yes. Beloved, you may have experience rejection or being denied access or resources so you fear asking the Lord. You fear having hope rise and your heart swell with possibilities only to crash as in times past. God is not like others who broke your heart or made promises they couldn't keep. He is a loving Father who is more willing to answer when we say yes to Him.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Sinners Are Received
Everyone on this earth longs to be loved which gives a sense of belonging and acceptance. One of the most wonderful things Jesus demonstrated as He walked the earth was the reception He gave to the poor, the needy, the downcast and sinners. This did not sit well with the religious rulers.
In response to their accusation, Jesus responses, "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' But wisdom is proved right by her deeds." (Matthew 11:19 NIV). Jesus not only visited the tax collectors and other such sinners in their homes, but He touched them.
He was not corrupted or changed by their wickedness. No, beloved, in His presence they were transformed right where they sat, drunk or sober, cursing or in silence. They were in awe of such a Man who cared enough to receive them in their present condition. Jesus didn't agree or accommodate their sin but spoke truth that liberated them from sin's bondage.
What is it about Jesus that is drawn to the outcasts and the marginalized, sinners, sinful wrecks and failures? All the while He largely ignores the religious crowds filled with pomp and pretense who claim to be right in God's eyes based on their good merits and efforts.
Again Jesus responds to this question by saying, "...Healthy people don't need a doctor--sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners." (Mark 2:17, NLT).
Sinners know when they have reached the end of themselves. They know that are sin sick, weary and bound up, but religious people will deny their true heart condition for outward appearance and show of good deeds.
Perhaps that is why Jesus is so attractive to sinners because He alone can save, redeem and deliver when everything else has failed.
Change is possible and difficult but why wouldn't anyone not desire to be changed when Christ has received you into His heart?
In response to their accusation, Jesus responses, "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' But wisdom is proved right by her deeds." (Matthew 11:19 NIV). Jesus not only visited the tax collectors and other such sinners in their homes, but He touched them.
He was not corrupted or changed by their wickedness. No, beloved, in His presence they were transformed right where they sat, drunk or sober, cursing or in silence. They were in awe of such a Man who cared enough to receive them in their present condition. Jesus didn't agree or accommodate their sin but spoke truth that liberated them from sin's bondage.
What is it about Jesus that is drawn to the outcasts and the marginalized, sinners, sinful wrecks and failures? All the while He largely ignores the religious crowds filled with pomp and pretense who claim to be right in God's eyes based on their good merits and efforts.
Again Jesus responds to this question by saying, "...Healthy people don't need a doctor--sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners." (Mark 2:17, NLT).
Sinners know when they have reached the end of themselves. They know that are sin sick, weary and bound up, but religious people will deny their true heart condition for outward appearance and show of good deeds.
Perhaps that is why Jesus is so attractive to sinners because He alone can save, redeem and deliver when everything else has failed.
Change is possible and difficult but why wouldn't anyone not desire to be changed when Christ has received you into His heart?
Monday, November 11, 2013
Rooted
A Christian who is rooted in God's word is a stable, enduring and settled individual. Life storms may hit with a strong impact but they can't uproot him or her whose trust is in the Lord.
Jeremiah describes these well rooted believers in 17:8, "They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." What a rich promise for us today that even at the report of a drought or heatwave we are not overcome by fear!
As a body of believers our roots should converge to give strength and nourishment to one another. For the new believers we should encourage them to dig deeper into God's word and for the mature believers to be willing to stretch and expand our roots in faith.
Paul writes, I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. (Ephesians 3:16-17, NLT).
I believe for us to have strong, solid roots in God's word means He has to change the soil of our hearts. Over time the soil can be depleted of its nutrients and essential elements to support growth. Some of the teaching and beliefs we have learned have just been layered over layered through the years but hold no sustaining strength to produce fruit.
God's love keeps any soil from going crusty and hard. That is why it's important for us to stay not just connected to the Branch but also with the Root.
Jeremiah describes these well rooted believers in 17:8, "They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." What a rich promise for us today that even at the report of a drought or heatwave we are not overcome by fear!
As a body of believers our roots should converge to give strength and nourishment to one another. For the new believers we should encourage them to dig deeper into God's word and for the mature believers to be willing to stretch and expand our roots in faith.
Paul writes, I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. (Ephesians 3:16-17, NLT).
I believe for us to have strong, solid roots in God's word means He has to change the soil of our hearts. Over time the soil can be depleted of its nutrients and essential elements to support growth. Some of the teaching and beliefs we have learned have just been layered over layered through the years but hold no sustaining strength to produce fruit.
God's love keeps any soil from going crusty and hard. That is why it's important for us to stay not just connected to the Branch but also with the Root.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Making Him Famous
You may say fame as nothing to do with God. True if we are speaking of worldly fame. God's name in our lives should be made famous. In whatever we do or say it should be a reflection of Him. We are to magnify (make large) His name through our worship and giving thanks. Easier said than done in a culture of self-glorification and stiff competition to get the good things in life. Even if this is not a problem, our fallen nature is very self focused rather than God centered.
We read in Romans 9:17, "For Scripture says to Pharaoh: "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." (NIV)
The Lord used Pharaoh an enemy of God's people to be make God's glory famous. How much more does God desire us to make Him known by being a reflection of His heart!
Rahab in the doomed city of Jericho reports, "I know that the LORD has given this land to you and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below." (Joshua 2:9-11).
God's fame spread to the enemy gates and they trembled at the approach of His people.
When people observe our lives what report of God do they hear? Is He gracious and kind? Or do they see one who is bitter, angry or complains? What good things have they heard about Him that would draw them to the Lord?
Pharaoh's heart was harden to serve a purpose of spreading God's glorious fame that would eventually reach a woman named Rahab. Rahab was infamous for her occupation but believed the report when the spies entered her home. Her heart was softened to trust God with only a red cord in her hand. God's glory was seen in destroying Jericho and sparing Rahab and her family. And God's glory continued centuries later that through faith she entered the lineage of Christ. Rahab was no longer a prostitute but a woman of faith.
Beloved, let's make Him famous by believing His report about our lives. In doing so, others will see true believable believers who reflect His glory.
We read in Romans 9:17, "For Scripture says to Pharaoh: "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." (NIV)
The Lord used Pharaoh an enemy of God's people to be make God's glory famous. How much more does God desire us to make Him known by being a reflection of His heart!
Rahab in the doomed city of Jericho reports, "I know that the LORD has given this land to you and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below." (Joshua 2:9-11).
God's fame spread to the enemy gates and they trembled at the approach of His people.
When people observe our lives what report of God do they hear? Is He gracious and kind? Or do they see one who is bitter, angry or complains? What good things have they heard about Him that would draw them to the Lord?
Pharaoh's heart was harden to serve a purpose of spreading God's glorious fame that would eventually reach a woman named Rahab. Rahab was infamous for her occupation but believed the report when the spies entered her home. Her heart was softened to trust God with only a red cord in her hand. God's glory was seen in destroying Jericho and sparing Rahab and her family. And God's glory continued centuries later that through faith she entered the lineage of Christ. Rahab was no longer a prostitute but a woman of faith.
Beloved, let's make Him famous by believing His report about our lives. In doing so, others will see true believable believers who reflect His glory.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
When You Don't Know Where To Turn
The teacher is always silent when students take a test.
Likewise God can be silent during our times of testing. His silence is not intended to confuse or mislead us. Rather it's an opportunity for us to recall what He has taught us thus far. What we remember in previous lessons will help us "pass" those times of testing and trials. The end result is to strengthen our faith and deepen our understanding of His character.
One of the more difficult tests is asking for direction when there is no clear word from the Lord. The Teacher is present but silent. You face a major decision it could be a job, a life partner, a move, or where to serve the Lord etc. You think of going right then left or should you stay the course? You reach a fork in the road which only confuses you. There is no sign post to give you the slightest hint if you have gone too far or veered off the beaten path.
Then the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, speaks, "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." (Isaiah 30:21, NIV). You only have so much information at your disposal to make a sound decision but the Lord promises whether you turn to the right or to the left, He will direct (or re-direct) your footsteps.
Silence is always broken when the Lord hears our call for help. To do otherwise would not speak well of His character as a good and kind Father. What father would shut his ears to his child needing help to cross a busy, dangerous road or needs his guidance to make the right decision?
Moses reminded the Israelites and us today, "There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place." (Deuteronomy 32:10,
When we don't know where to turn... we turn to the Lord who will carries us to the place where He is bringing us.
Likewise God can be silent during our times of testing. His silence is not intended to confuse or mislead us. Rather it's an opportunity for us to recall what He has taught us thus far. What we remember in previous lessons will help us "pass" those times of testing and trials. The end result is to strengthen our faith and deepen our understanding of His character.
One of the more difficult tests is asking for direction when there is no clear word from the Lord. The Teacher is present but silent. You face a major decision it could be a job, a life partner, a move, or where to serve the Lord etc. You think of going right then left or should you stay the course? You reach a fork in the road which only confuses you. There is no sign post to give you the slightest hint if you have gone too far or veered off the beaten path.
Then the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, speaks, "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." (Isaiah 30:21, NIV). You only have so much information at your disposal to make a sound decision but the Lord promises whether you turn to the right or to the left, He will direct (or re-direct) your footsteps.
Silence is always broken when the Lord hears our call for help. To do otherwise would not speak well of His character as a good and kind Father. What father would shut his ears to his child needing help to cross a busy, dangerous road or needs his guidance to make the right decision?
Moses reminded the Israelites and us today, "There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place." (Deuteronomy 32:10,
When we don't know where to turn... we turn to the Lord who will carries us to the place where He is bringing us.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Cleave To The Lord
In these late hours before Christ returns we must learn to cleave to Him.
Cleaving requires intimacy which can be uncomfortable. God not only sees through walls but He walks right through them. There is no in between space with God when He is close to us - no walls, self imposed barriers or restrictions - will keep Him from drawing near to us.
Genesis 2:23-24 says, The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman,' for she was taken out of man. That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." (NIV).
While this speaks of the love between man and woman joined in marriage I want to suggest this is a type of Christ and His bride, the church. From out of one Man, the second Adam, the church is formed and is joined to Him in Spirit.
Paul contrasts a sinful union and that of a holy union. "Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, "The two will become one flesh. But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit." (I Corinthians 6:16-17, NIV). In other words, there is no such thing as a "worldly believer" because we are either united with God or we have joined the world. It's impossible to have it both ways and be in agreement with God.
The Holy Spirit helps us separate ourselves from the world and all that it means to us. Another term used for separating is sanctification. We are marked, sealed and set apart from the world.
Maintaining that unity (as it is in marriage)requires a measure of passion for Him that only God can give us. In Genesis the word cleave in Hebrew can mean closely pursued and deeply attracted.
Are we pursuing Him daily in prayer, worship or sharing with others the love of God? Are we hunger to know more about Him than the latest football stats or stock market? Or are we too busy talking to our friends and filling our days with one event after the other only to fall asleep in front of the television?
We can become easily distracted and attracted to other things in this life that only serve to pull us away from Him. How many husbands and wives can testify that after years of neglect they look at each other as if they are strangers.
Yes, it's true nothing can separate us from the love of God so why do we attempt to separate Him from certain areas in our lives and say we are cleaving?
Beloved, cleaving is a dividing work. It requires a cutting off of one thing to be joined to another. That is why Christ is the vine and we are the branches. In order to bear fruit we must cleave to receive nourishment and life. Otherwise, a life outside of Christ is no life at all.
Cleaving requires intimacy which can be uncomfortable. God not only sees through walls but He walks right through them. There is no in between space with God when He is close to us - no walls, self imposed barriers or restrictions - will keep Him from drawing near to us.
Genesis 2:23-24 says, The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman,' for she was taken out of man. That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." (NIV).
While this speaks of the love between man and woman joined in marriage I want to suggest this is a type of Christ and His bride, the church. From out of one Man, the second Adam, the church is formed and is joined to Him in Spirit.
Paul contrasts a sinful union and that of a holy union. "Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, "The two will become one flesh. But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit." (I Corinthians 6:16-17, NIV). In other words, there is no such thing as a "worldly believer" because we are either united with God or we have joined the world. It's impossible to have it both ways and be in agreement with God.
The Holy Spirit helps us separate ourselves from the world and all that it means to us. Another term used for separating is sanctification. We are marked, sealed and set apart from the world.
Maintaining that unity (as it is in marriage)requires a measure of passion for Him that only God can give us. In Genesis the word cleave in Hebrew can mean closely pursued and deeply attracted.
Are we pursuing Him daily in prayer, worship or sharing with others the love of God? Are we hunger to know more about Him than the latest football stats or stock market? Or are we too busy talking to our friends and filling our days with one event after the other only to fall asleep in front of the television?
We can become easily distracted and attracted to other things in this life that only serve to pull us away from Him. How many husbands and wives can testify that after years of neglect they look at each other as if they are strangers.
Yes, it's true nothing can separate us from the love of God so why do we attempt to separate Him from certain areas in our lives and say we are cleaving?
Beloved, cleaving is a dividing work. It requires a cutting off of one thing to be joined to another. That is why Christ is the vine and we are the branches. In order to bear fruit we must cleave to receive nourishment and life. Otherwise, a life outside of Christ is no life at all.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Can God Speak To You?
Many Christians long to hear the voice of God. And God longs for them to listen.
Well intended believers will run from one gathering to the next just to hear a man or woman give them a word from the Lord. But the Lord has already spoken to them several times. The problem for these hard of hearing Christians is they want a pillow soft word that doesn't convict them to change or require sacrifice.
Sadly, there are some things God can no longer speak to us about because we don't want to hear it. So He speaks to another person who will listen.
Eli could not hear God but Samuel heard God call him. Saul refused to listen and his heart grew cold and hateful but David heard God and was a man after His heart.
King Saul was given several opportunities to do what is right but refused. His refusal to hear God's voice cut him off from the victory that he could have possessed. When he faced a terrible crisis with an enemy army surrounding him, King Saul sought the Lord.
How many believers have not devoted themselves to a regular time of prayer and Bible reading only to find themselves in trouble then call out to God? Its says in I Samuel 28:6, "He asked the LORD what he should do, but the LORD refused to answer him, either by dreams or by sacred lots or by the prophets."
This tragic verse sums up his life, "So Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he had committed against the Lord, because he did not keep the word of the Lord, and also because he consulted a medium for guidance. But he did not inquire of the Lord; therefore He killed him, and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse" (I Chronicles 10:13-14, KJV).
God "turned the kingdom over to David," because he was a man who cared for the things of God. David was willing to hear God speak truth into his life and David responded by obeying the word of God. Even when he sinned, David's heart was tender toward God. He could not live a day without hearing God's voice.
What blessings has God turned over to someone else because we refuse to hear God speak to us on what we already know is true? Hebrews 3:15 says, "While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation." (KJV). Those who refuse to listen their hearts will grow stone cold to the things of God. But the Lord promises to those that hear Him, "I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20). A feast is spread for those who are willing to hear the Lord speak to the depths of our hearts.
Listen. He's calling us.
Well intended believers will run from one gathering to the next just to hear a man or woman give them a word from the Lord. But the Lord has already spoken to them several times. The problem for these hard of hearing Christians is they want a pillow soft word that doesn't convict them to change or require sacrifice.
Sadly, there are some things God can no longer speak to us about because we don't want to hear it. So He speaks to another person who will listen.
Eli could not hear God but Samuel heard God call him. Saul refused to listen and his heart grew cold and hateful but David heard God and was a man after His heart.
King Saul was given several opportunities to do what is right but refused. His refusal to hear God's voice cut him off from the victory that he could have possessed. When he faced a terrible crisis with an enemy army surrounding him, King Saul sought the Lord.
How many believers have not devoted themselves to a regular time of prayer and Bible reading only to find themselves in trouble then call out to God? Its says in I Samuel 28:6, "He asked the LORD what he should do, but the LORD refused to answer him, either by dreams or by sacred lots or by the prophets."
This tragic verse sums up his life, "So Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he had committed against the Lord, because he did not keep the word of the Lord, and also because he consulted a medium for guidance. But he did not inquire of the Lord; therefore He killed him, and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse" (I Chronicles 10:13-14, KJV).
God "turned the kingdom over to David," because he was a man who cared for the things of God. David was willing to hear God speak truth into his life and David responded by obeying the word of God. Even when he sinned, David's heart was tender toward God. He could not live a day without hearing God's voice.
What blessings has God turned over to someone else because we refuse to hear God speak to us on what we already know is true? Hebrews 3:15 says, "While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation." (KJV). Those who refuse to listen their hearts will grow stone cold to the things of God. But the Lord promises to those that hear Him, "I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20). A feast is spread for those who are willing to hear the Lord speak to the depths of our hearts.
Listen. He's calling us.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Capturing Every Thought...And Memories
How many times does the mind go into overdrive when we pray? Perhaps the difficulty isn't the random thoughts of facing a busy day or plans for the future, but capturing memories before they captivate us (2 Corinthians 10:5)
It's those particular memories that trouble us the most that suddenly come out of nowhere. Memories we have long buried in the back of our minds suddenly come alive. We lose our focus in prayer. We find ourselves in a rip tide sweeping us back to a place we rather forget.
Some of these memories center around a sinful experience which tempts us when we are weak and vulnerable. Over time memories can become one sided or distorted over time. The Enemy will use the deceptiveness of sin to twist our memories so that we focus on the pleasure and so called freedom when we lived outside of Christ. How soon we forget the warning in James 1:15, "Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." (KJV).
God tells us we are new in Christ. Since we are new and being renewed, we have power in Christ not to give way to those seductive and selective memories of our old life. The Scripture says, "Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." (Romans 8:12-13, KJV).
Beloved, God gives the power to refuse memories that do little to glorify Him or draw us close to Him. We are not under any obligation to heed to the siren call of sinful memories. We bring our memories into captivity when we recall His victories, blessings and remain in a spirit of gratitude (often bad memories will increase if we complain and grumble)
The Lord is re-creating new memories that are just and sweet as He walks with us through this journey. Those are the memories that matter the most and that is how we captivate memories: We remember a God who is ever mindful of us.
It's those particular memories that trouble us the most that suddenly come out of nowhere. Memories we have long buried in the back of our minds suddenly come alive. We lose our focus in prayer. We find ourselves in a rip tide sweeping us back to a place we rather forget.
Some of these memories center around a sinful experience which tempts us when we are weak and vulnerable. Over time memories can become one sided or distorted over time. The Enemy will use the deceptiveness of sin to twist our memories so that we focus on the pleasure and so called freedom when we lived outside of Christ. How soon we forget the warning in James 1:15, "Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." (KJV).
God tells us we are new in Christ. Since we are new and being renewed, we have power in Christ not to give way to those seductive and selective memories of our old life. The Scripture says, "Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." (Romans 8:12-13, KJV).
Beloved, God gives the power to refuse memories that do little to glorify Him or draw us close to Him. We are not under any obligation to heed to the siren call of sinful memories. We bring our memories into captivity when we recall His victories, blessings and remain in a spirit of gratitude (often bad memories will increase if we complain and grumble)
The Lord is re-creating new memories that are just and sweet as He walks with us through this journey. Those are the memories that matter the most and that is how we captivate memories: We remember a God who is ever mindful of us.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
He Desires You
No matter how we feel after a rough day or if we failed miserably God doesn't avoid us or put us to shame.
Rather He is so deeply in love with us that He is quite besides Himself when we turn our attention to Him. Could you imagine the smile on His lips when we call out His name?
When He thinks about us it brings Him joy. It says in Zephaniah 3:17 that He breaks out in a song! "The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing."
We may never fully understand why He desires us. We get a small glimpse in Song of Solomon. Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck (4:9, KJV).The word ravish means intense desire or to be enrapture. One archaic meaning defines it as to seize, snatch or carry off (someone) by force.
Just one glance in our direction and God is enraptured and seized by love for us!
Sadly, we question such holy passion while looking at our sins, failures and messes. Why would He love us? Look where we live and the places we find ourselves! We might even think God must be blindly in love to overlook our ruined lives to find anything of value.
We must remind ourselves He is God who chose to love us with no conditions. And we must rest in this mystery we can not fully understand that there is something profound about the heart of God who longs for His desire to be satisfied in us.
We can't offer Him anything from our flesh that is of any substance. He first loved us not that we loved Him. We were lost and cut off from the presence of God.
Until He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ. For God so loved the world He gave...
And it's this reason we are most desirable to God - Christ in us the hope of glory - a single glance from God toward us and He sees His Son at work in our lives - making us more like Him.
Rather He is so deeply in love with us that He is quite besides Himself when we turn our attention to Him. Could you imagine the smile on His lips when we call out His name?
When He thinks about us it brings Him joy. It says in Zephaniah 3:17 that He breaks out in a song! "The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing."
We may never fully understand why He desires us. We get a small glimpse in Song of Solomon. Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck (4:9, KJV).The word ravish means intense desire or to be enrapture. One archaic meaning defines it as to seize, snatch or carry off (someone) by force.
Just one glance in our direction and God is enraptured and seized by love for us!
Sadly, we question such holy passion while looking at our sins, failures and messes. Why would He love us? Look where we live and the places we find ourselves! We might even think God must be blindly in love to overlook our ruined lives to find anything of value.
We must remind ourselves He is God who chose to love us with no conditions. And we must rest in this mystery we can not fully understand that there is something profound about the heart of God who longs for His desire to be satisfied in us.
We can't offer Him anything from our flesh that is of any substance. He first loved us not that we loved Him. We were lost and cut off from the presence of God.
Until He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ. For God so loved the world He gave...
And it's this reason we are most desirable to God - Christ in us the hope of glory - a single glance from God toward us and He sees His Son at work in our lives - making us more like Him.
Monday, November 4, 2013
Starting Over Every Morning
One of the strongest and most wonderful evidence of God's mercy is when we wake up in the morning.
It's a new day with God's fresh mercy to greet us. Yes, some wake up in terrible pain wishing never to see the morning light. Others don't think anything of a new day but see a long stretch of weary hours at the office. Still others are glad yesterday is gone and hope never to repeat a day like it again.
Regardless to our condition or outlook, another day of life is another day to experience the depths of God's love and mercy!
From the book of Lamentations chapter 3:22-23 we read, "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." (KJV).
How we respond to His new mercies will set the course of the day. Let me encourage you beloved sisters and brothers to take time with Jesus first thing in the morning. Before you read the paper or busy yourselves with getting ready for work or before you make any telephone call. Greet Him as you rise from your bed. Simply whisper His name and you will sense His glorious Presence.
Did you know He speaks to us while we sleep? It says in Job 33:15-17 that He instructs us in the way we ought to go and prevent us from sinning. A God who never slumbers is teaching us so when we awake our hearts and minds is refreshed. King David understood this secret for he writes, "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee." (Psalms 139:17-18).
Those outside of Christ have a fear of never waking up. For the believer we should be concerned if we are waking up and don't have God on our mind when we open our eyes. After all, He's been whispering in our ears all night.
It's a new day with God's fresh mercy to greet us. Yes, some wake up in terrible pain wishing never to see the morning light. Others don't think anything of a new day but see a long stretch of weary hours at the office. Still others are glad yesterday is gone and hope never to repeat a day like it again.
Regardless to our condition or outlook, another day of life is another day to experience the depths of God's love and mercy!
From the book of Lamentations chapter 3:22-23 we read, "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." (KJV).
How we respond to His new mercies will set the course of the day. Let me encourage you beloved sisters and brothers to take time with Jesus first thing in the morning. Before you read the paper or busy yourselves with getting ready for work or before you make any telephone call. Greet Him as you rise from your bed. Simply whisper His name and you will sense His glorious Presence.
Did you know He speaks to us while we sleep? It says in Job 33:15-17 that He instructs us in the way we ought to go and prevent us from sinning. A God who never slumbers is teaching us so when we awake our hearts and minds is refreshed. King David understood this secret for he writes, "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee." (Psalms 139:17-18).
Those outside of Christ have a fear of never waking up. For the believer we should be concerned if we are waking up and don't have God on our mind when we open our eyes. After all, He's been whispering in our ears all night.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
When Silence Breaks The Walls
Sometimes raising our voices in protest might make a difference when there is an injustice. Complaining about poor working conditions might bring to management's attention to address a particular need for employees. Or a mounting a strong legal defense by a team of lawyers may protect us from liability to prevent financial loss.
Whatever means it takes, the spoken voice can be very persuasive. However, it's limited by words which may not necessarily capture all that is in the heart. And then there is the tongue which is very deadly as James describes setting the world on fire. Say too much or too little and it can create a lot of trouble.
There is another language which God uses effectively to cease human voices that reason and argue.
He often prevails over our torrent of words through silence. It says, "Joshua had commanded the army, “Do not give a war cry, do not raise your voices, do not say a word until the day I tell you to shout. Then shout!” (Joshua 6:10, NIV). It was not the time to shout and scream as if to invoke fear in those who were walled up in Jericho. God a very different approach to winning the victory.
It's possible that in this silence the Lord wanted to speak to each man individually as he marched around the wall. This was the second generation entering in the Promised Land. The land their parents never saw because of unbelief. As they marched in complete silence, God's voice spoke to their hearts words of encouragement in preparing them to take the land, to be bold and courageous. They had dreams, fears and hopes of a future in this new land that only God knew so in the stillness He spoke words affirming His promises.
Beloved, God is always speaking but we can't always hear Him because we are talking too much. We talk about our problems, failures or sins but leave little room for Him to respond. We tell Him when, where and how to do things which we think will make us happy and successful, but we don't stop long enough to ask for His mind on the matter.
I believe when it was time to shout it came from a deep, abiding assurance that God gave each of the men that all things are possible. So the walls broke apart and fell flat when they shouted the victory. A battle in their own hearts was won in the silence when God spoke to them. And so too with us beloved that God will speak in the silence and much is accomplished in being still in His presence. Then when it's time to shout, the walls will break apart and our foe defeated.
Whatever means it takes, the spoken voice can be very persuasive. However, it's limited by words which may not necessarily capture all that is in the heart. And then there is the tongue which is very deadly as James describes setting the world on fire. Say too much or too little and it can create a lot of trouble.
There is another language which God uses effectively to cease human voices that reason and argue.
He often prevails over our torrent of words through silence. It says, "Joshua had commanded the army, “Do not give a war cry, do not raise your voices, do not say a word until the day I tell you to shout. Then shout!” (Joshua 6:10, NIV). It was not the time to shout and scream as if to invoke fear in those who were walled up in Jericho. God a very different approach to winning the victory.
It's possible that in this silence the Lord wanted to speak to each man individually as he marched around the wall. This was the second generation entering in the Promised Land. The land their parents never saw because of unbelief. As they marched in complete silence, God's voice spoke to their hearts words of encouragement in preparing them to take the land, to be bold and courageous. They had dreams, fears and hopes of a future in this new land that only God knew so in the stillness He spoke words affirming His promises.
Beloved, God is always speaking but we can't always hear Him because we are talking too much. We talk about our problems, failures or sins but leave little room for Him to respond. We tell Him when, where and how to do things which we think will make us happy and successful, but we don't stop long enough to ask for His mind on the matter.
I believe when it was time to shout it came from a deep, abiding assurance that God gave each of the men that all things are possible. So the walls broke apart and fell flat when they shouted the victory. A battle in their own hearts was won in the silence when God spoke to them. And so too with us beloved that God will speak in the silence and much is accomplished in being still in His presence. Then when it's time to shout, the walls will break apart and our foe defeated.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Except This Foreigner?
Of the ten lepers who were healed only one returned to thank Jesus.
It says, "And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, he threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him--and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?" (Luke 17:15-18,NIV).
It's possible the other nine were Jewish so the Lord's expectation was of all the ten these would have returned to praise Him. When Jesus says, "except this foreigner" it was not to demean the man's nationality but illustrate the appreciation of someone who is an outsider versus and insider who took for granted the blessing.
This man's disease kept him from living a normal life. And his race as a Samaritan put him at odds with his Jewish neighbors and locked him out the temple. Perhaps this is why he had a deeper appreciation for his healing. He knew something of rejection, isolation and physical torment. It says in verse 12 that he and the others stood a far off crying out to Him. He couldn't draw near because of his illness. Why would anyone care for him? Except Jesus who happened to be a Jew and the Son of God.
Beloved, no matter our condition God cares to heal and restore us. It's a work only He can do and our part is rather simple. Thank Him. Thank Him when we are not healed and when there are moments of relief. Thank Him when the boss at work is angry and when he or she is calm. Thanking the Lord is not to gloss over the pain and difficult things in life. True worship comes from a place deep within that knows something of the mercy of God.
Many troubles in this life are momentary but praise makes for an eternal habitation for Christ.
Jesus said something so remarkable at the end of this exchange that it's easy to over look. In verse 19 it says, "Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well." Why did Jesus say this when he was already healed as we read in verse 15? I want to suggest that Jesus healed him not only of a physical disease but He went much deeper. The man's faith brought him into an eternal life. He was made spiritual whole.
Many can be healed and go their way and never be changed. The healing stays on the surface of the skin but those who turn to offer thanks, God meets them with a greater healing.
It says, "And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, he threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him--and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?" (Luke 17:15-18,NIV).
It's possible the other nine were Jewish so the Lord's expectation was of all the ten these would have returned to praise Him. When Jesus says, "except this foreigner" it was not to demean the man's nationality but illustrate the appreciation of someone who is an outsider versus and insider who took for granted the blessing.
This man's disease kept him from living a normal life. And his race as a Samaritan put him at odds with his Jewish neighbors and locked him out the temple. Perhaps this is why he had a deeper appreciation for his healing. He knew something of rejection, isolation and physical torment. It says in verse 12 that he and the others stood a far off crying out to Him. He couldn't draw near because of his illness. Why would anyone care for him? Except Jesus who happened to be a Jew and the Son of God.
Beloved, no matter our condition God cares to heal and restore us. It's a work only He can do and our part is rather simple. Thank Him. Thank Him when we are not healed and when there are moments of relief. Thank Him when the boss at work is angry and when he or she is calm. Thanking the Lord is not to gloss over the pain and difficult things in life. True worship comes from a place deep within that knows something of the mercy of God.
Many troubles in this life are momentary but praise makes for an eternal habitation for Christ.
Jesus said something so remarkable at the end of this exchange that it's easy to over look. In verse 19 it says, "Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well." Why did Jesus say this when he was already healed as we read in verse 15? I want to suggest that Jesus healed him not only of a physical disease but He went much deeper. The man's faith brought him into an eternal life. He was made spiritual whole.
Many can be healed and go their way and never be changed. The healing stays on the surface of the skin but those who turn to offer thanks, God meets them with a greater healing.
Friday, November 1, 2013
A Holy House
Many Christians quote the Scripture verse, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:1, KJV).
The original word in Greek for condemnation is katakrima means penalty after guilt has been established. Keep in mind that Christ bore our guilt and sin upon the cross. He made a way for us to be free from the weight of sin and its penalty because of His rich grace and love for us.
We must remember the second portion of this Scripture verse that hinges on walking after the Spirit.
How many Christians who are clinging to some hidden sin will quote this verse as if wave off their sinful habit. They attempt to shake themselves free from the conviction the Holy Spirit. They don't won't listen to the warnings of consequences that may result from their disobedience. Foolishly they are heading into a storm that spells disaster!
Condemnation brings to mind a building that has long out lived its purpose. Perhaps to avoid structural failure or because of a new development the building is pronounced condemned and torn down. But through Christ we are not condemned but "like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (I Peter 2:5, NIV).
As His holy dwelling place we need to walk in the Spirit which will keep us structurally and spiritually sound.
Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock (Matthew 7:24-25, NIV).
The original word in Greek for condemnation is katakrima means penalty after guilt has been established. Keep in mind that Christ bore our guilt and sin upon the cross. He made a way for us to be free from the weight of sin and its penalty because of His rich grace and love for us.
We must remember the second portion of this Scripture verse that hinges on walking after the Spirit.
How many Christians who are clinging to some hidden sin will quote this verse as if wave off their sinful habit. They attempt to shake themselves free from the conviction the Holy Spirit. They don't won't listen to the warnings of consequences that may result from their disobedience. Foolishly they are heading into a storm that spells disaster!
Condemnation brings to mind a building that has long out lived its purpose. Perhaps to avoid structural failure or because of a new development the building is pronounced condemned and torn down. But through Christ we are not condemned but "like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (I Peter 2:5, NIV).
As His holy dwelling place we need to walk in the Spirit which will keep us structurally and spiritually sound.
Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock (Matthew 7:24-25, NIV).
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