Tonight people will gather to celebrate with friends and family to say goodbye to 2013 and greet a new year.
We don't know what awaits for us in 2014. As believers we need not to fear like the world. We can joyfully anticipate God has good things in store for us and His body especially in these late hours before His return.
Recall His promise, "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." (I Corinthians 2:9, KJV). This could be the year we experience an outpouring of God's Spirit across the earth like we have never known in history.
People like to make resolutions for the new year but more often than not they will fall short. Beloved, God is not looking for perfect people but those who are prepared.
We are warned of the foolish virgins who didn't have enough oil in their lamps and fell asleep when the Bridegroom tarried. When their oil ran out it was too late. They were shut out of the wedding feast. Jesus warns, "Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." (Matthew 25:13, KJV)
A prepared people don't need to make promises, vows or resolutions. They are faithful in the smallest things God has put in their hands - like the boy with a few fishes and loaves - and God does far greater miracles when a heart is prepared to say yes to Him.
Be sure you have enough oil burning in your lamps...this may turn out to be a very interesting year!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 30, 2013
Maranatha!
Nearly two thousand years have passed since Christ ascended to the heavens following His resurrection. Each passing year or generation it has been said this could be the year Christ returns. Still the promise of His return should never diminish from our minds.
Daily we should have an inward cry, "...Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." (Revelation 22:20b).
His soon return should cause us to work with determination in His harvest as if it could be our last day on earth before the trumpet resounds.
Sadly, we have became sand castle building Christians forgetting this is not our home. We are busy with our lives in building our careers, keeping home, raising children, serving in ministry - all which is part of daily life and needful - but we should heed the words of Jesus.
He spoke of His return to an unexpected world. "For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark;" (Matthew 24:37-38, NIV).
Paul writes to the Thessalonian church, "While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief." (I Thessalonians 5:4, NIV).
I lived in Florida for many years to know when an afternoon storm was building. The heat got thick like a wool blanket. It was so unbearable as the air got heavier almost taking your breath way. Then it grew strangely quiet when suddenly a crash of thunder rolled across the sky and black clouds seemingly out of nowhere raced across a once clear blue sky. The rains came in a torrent filling the streets into rivers then as fast it appeared, the storm vanishes.
Beloved, I believe those who are discerning will feel the air crackle with a certain tension. The sky may even appear oddly different. On that day or night He returns those who long for His appearance may even sense His presence breaking through the clouds as He enters our atmosphere when every eye will behold Him.
Yes, get ready and be prepared as years past, perhaps 2014 may see His coming.
And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. (Revelation 22:12, KJV).
Daily we should have an inward cry, "...Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." (Revelation 22:20b).
His soon return should cause us to work with determination in His harvest as if it could be our last day on earth before the trumpet resounds.
Sadly, we have became sand castle building Christians forgetting this is not our home. We are busy with our lives in building our careers, keeping home, raising children, serving in ministry - all which is part of daily life and needful - but we should heed the words of Jesus.
He spoke of His return to an unexpected world. "For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark;" (Matthew 24:37-38, NIV).
Paul writes to the Thessalonian church, "While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief." (I Thessalonians 5:4, NIV).
I lived in Florida for many years to know when an afternoon storm was building. The heat got thick like a wool blanket. It was so unbearable as the air got heavier almost taking your breath way. Then it grew strangely quiet when suddenly a crash of thunder rolled across the sky and black clouds seemingly out of nowhere raced across a once clear blue sky. The rains came in a torrent filling the streets into rivers then as fast it appeared, the storm vanishes.
Beloved, I believe those who are discerning will feel the air crackle with a certain tension. The sky may even appear oddly different. On that day or night He returns those who long for His appearance may even sense His presence breaking through the clouds as He enters our atmosphere when every eye will behold Him.
Yes, get ready and be prepared as years past, perhaps 2014 may see His coming.
And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. (Revelation 22:12, KJV).
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Dead Zones
David writes, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts." (Psalms 139:23, KJV). He invites God to look much deeper into his heart, to the very intent of his thoughts which are not always clear to him. Sometimes in prayer we don't know what to say or when we do we are not fully aware of the inner sighs and groans of the heart. God hears regardless to words voiced or not what is really going on in the depths of our hearts and minds.
What is important is that we are willing to lay bare our souls in His presence with nothing to hide or hold back from Him. If we do not let Him have every part of us, it's possible we can be depleted of His life and blessing in those unsurrendered places which result in a certain death.
In ecology oceanographers have noticed zones in the ocean where excessive nutrient pollution from human activities coupled with other factors have depleted oxygen creating "dead zones". In addition, Wikipedia notes, "It might be expected that fish would flee this potential suffocation, but they are often quickly rendered unconscious and doomed. Slow moving bottom-dwelling creatures like clams, lobsters and oysters are unable to escape. All colonial animals are extinguished."
What are the "dead zones" in our hearts that we must ask God to visit? Do you relapse into sinful memories for relief? Do you harbor anger or unforgiveness toward someone? Are you bitter toward God in the way your life turned out? These create dead zones that not only impact your life but the life of others who you come into contact.
Beloved, let's lay hold of His mercy so every part of our heart, known or unknown, is claimed by the Lord. Let's have His life permeate every part of our heart breathing in new life to those places that resigned or died. Remember the Scripture, "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:38 KJV). You can be sure there is no dead zones in these pure and living waters!
What is important is that we are willing to lay bare our souls in His presence with nothing to hide or hold back from Him. If we do not let Him have every part of us, it's possible we can be depleted of His life and blessing in those unsurrendered places which result in a certain death.
In ecology oceanographers have noticed zones in the ocean where excessive nutrient pollution from human activities coupled with other factors have depleted oxygen creating "dead zones". In addition, Wikipedia notes, "It might be expected that fish would flee this potential suffocation, but they are often quickly rendered unconscious and doomed. Slow moving bottom-dwelling creatures like clams, lobsters and oysters are unable to escape. All colonial animals are extinguished."
What are the "dead zones" in our hearts that we must ask God to visit? Do you relapse into sinful memories for relief? Do you harbor anger or unforgiveness toward someone? Are you bitter toward God in the way your life turned out? These create dead zones that not only impact your life but the life of others who you come into contact.
Beloved, let's lay hold of His mercy so every part of our heart, known or unknown, is claimed by the Lord. Let's have His life permeate every part of our heart breathing in new life to those places that resigned or died. Remember the Scripture, "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:38 KJV). You can be sure there is no dead zones in these pure and living waters!
Saturday, December 28, 2013
His Intimate Care
Perhaps people argue over the existence of God because He's very intimate. He can not be walled off or put in some box. He is everywhere at all times. The evidence of His existence can not be denied though many try to ignore the truth. They can't get around it that God is real. Because God is real and His presence has no limits, He can be intimate in the very cracks and crevices of our lives.
Intimacy can make anyone uncomfortable. As it was described once, a married couple can be in any number of rooms in the house doing their own thing and enjoying their space. Then to enter into the bedroom narrows the space to four walls. It becomes even more narrower when sharing a king size mattress! They are inches away from each other.
God walked with Adam and Eve, Enoch and Abraham. He spoke to Moses face to face as a friend. He spoke kindly and truthfully to a woman at the well who knew how human intimacy failed. Even while dying on the cross looking at his mother and John, Jesus expressed concern by declaring John as her son and Mary his mother (John 19:27).
The intimacy of God expresses His care only strengthens the evidence of His reality. Beloved, God truly cares what matters to us. Will we let God have our hearts completely?
Here is a promise of His care found in 1 Peter 5:7, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (KJV). Take your burdens to the Lord, beloved for He truly cares for you!
Intimacy can make anyone uncomfortable. As it was described once, a married couple can be in any number of rooms in the house doing their own thing and enjoying their space. Then to enter into the bedroom narrows the space to four walls. It becomes even more narrower when sharing a king size mattress! They are inches away from each other.
God walked with Adam and Eve, Enoch and Abraham. He spoke to Moses face to face as a friend. He spoke kindly and truthfully to a woman at the well who knew how human intimacy failed. Even while dying on the cross looking at his mother and John, Jesus expressed concern by declaring John as her son and Mary his mother (John 19:27).
The intimacy of God expresses His care only strengthens the evidence of His reality. Beloved, God truly cares what matters to us. Will we let God have our hearts completely?
Here is a promise of His care found in 1 Peter 5:7, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (KJV). Take your burdens to the Lord, beloved for He truly cares for you!
Friday, December 27, 2013
No Sweeter Word
Jeremiah 15 uses strong language to describe God's displeasure at Israel's persistent sin and backsliding. You have rejected me," declares the LORD. "You keep on backsliding. So I will reach out and destroy you; I am tired of holding back (verse 6, NIV).
The Lord describes the judgments that will fall on the land and people. I will bereave them of children, I will destroy my people...(verse 7)...widows are increased...(verse 8)...thy substance and thy treasures will I give to the spoil without price...(verse 13) and to captivity you will go (verse 14).
Then Jeremiah makes this wonderful statement about God's word.
"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts." (verse 16, KJV). Even with the word of the Lord of coming destruction and disaster, the prophet can say, your words bring me joy and rejoice my heart.
How is it that God's word of judgment can bring any joy? The prophet is not rejoicing over the destruction and pain of his people but he knows the heart of God. He understands something about the word of God that I believe is important for our generation.
Too often in our present church culture we want easy and soft messages on blessing and prosperity. Nothing to prick our conscience or move us to repent and change. Yes, God blesses and He prospers. But when He speaks of redemptive judgment to correct us from our backsliding it is only to restore and heal us.
What are we hearing when God speaks directly and strongly to those things in our lives which He has been speaking to us about for a very long time?
I think of man who learned years ago that he was HIV positive. God was dealing with this young man for many years to surrender. But to deliver him God brought to an end his life of sin so he could be restored. What did this man hear from God? Did he hear an angry and vindictive God who said you got what you deserved? You knew the truth and refused my help or correction!
To his understanding, he heard in God's word a warning never to go back or his soul (something more precious and priceless) was at peril, but if he got up from sitting in regret and self-pity and walk toward the one Father who loved him, healing was available. This man discovered the truth God chastens those He loves. To the depths that God was willing to rescue him using very severe measures only made him love God more because His word brought joy and rejoicing to his heart.
Beloved, we can hear judgment or we can hear the undertones of a God who aches with longing to restore. No matter how hard or difficult to hear, there's nothing sweeter than His word.
The Lord describes the judgments that will fall on the land and people. I will bereave them of children, I will destroy my people...(verse 7)...widows are increased...(verse 8)...thy substance and thy treasures will I give to the spoil without price...(verse 13) and to captivity you will go (verse 14).
Then Jeremiah makes this wonderful statement about God's word.
"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts." (verse 16, KJV). Even with the word of the Lord of coming destruction and disaster, the prophet can say, your words bring me joy and rejoice my heart.
How is it that God's word of judgment can bring any joy? The prophet is not rejoicing over the destruction and pain of his people but he knows the heart of God. He understands something about the word of God that I believe is important for our generation.
Too often in our present church culture we want easy and soft messages on blessing and prosperity. Nothing to prick our conscience or move us to repent and change. Yes, God blesses and He prospers. But when He speaks of redemptive judgment to correct us from our backsliding it is only to restore and heal us.
What are we hearing when God speaks directly and strongly to those things in our lives which He has been speaking to us about for a very long time?
I think of man who learned years ago that he was HIV positive. God was dealing with this young man for many years to surrender. But to deliver him God brought to an end his life of sin so he could be restored. What did this man hear from God? Did he hear an angry and vindictive God who said you got what you deserved? You knew the truth and refused my help or correction!
To his understanding, he heard in God's word a warning never to go back or his soul (something more precious and priceless) was at peril, but if he got up from sitting in regret and self-pity and walk toward the one Father who loved him, healing was available. This man discovered the truth God chastens those He loves. To the depths that God was willing to rescue him using very severe measures only made him love God more because His word brought joy and rejoicing to his heart.
Beloved, we can hear judgment or we can hear the undertones of a God who aches with longing to restore. No matter how hard or difficult to hear, there's nothing sweeter than His word.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Agreement
No matter how often or how long we pray, the most powerful words to come out of our mouths is "Yes, Lord."
When we agree with God's word, His way and His truth in every aspect of our lives we are able to receive by faith what He longs to grant us. It may not be what we want but we remain in agreement to His greater and much higher ways.
Matthew 5:25 instructs us that when we are offended to respond in reconciling our relationships. Jesus warns, "Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison." (Matthew 5:25, KJV).
But what if the Lord is your adversary? Some of us are so stubborn and bent on doing what we want we are like Balaam that could not see the angel of the Lord opposing him on his way to curse the Israelites. So he beats his donkey until the poor animal tells him to stop.
Can two walk together, except they be agreed? (Amos 3:3, KJV).
Beloved, we must ask the Lord for supernatural grace and strength to have our flesh brought into submission. Our wills must bend to His divine will. If we ever wonder why prayer is dry and difficult, could it be that He is resisting our trifle religious gifts and spiritual rituals because He knows we are not truly surrendered?
To be in agreement with God requires brokenness. The broken don't argue or excuse their sin. They understand their sinful condition rightly and appreciate the mercy of God to restore them. They are not easily offended. After all, God is the offended party because of our disobedience. Still He chooses to seek out the prodigal son and daughter and bring them close to His heart.
Why oppose such a great love?
When we agree with God's word, His way and His truth in every aspect of our lives we are able to receive by faith what He longs to grant us. It may not be what we want but we remain in agreement to His greater and much higher ways.
Matthew 5:25 instructs us that when we are offended to respond in reconciling our relationships. Jesus warns, "Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison." (Matthew 5:25, KJV).
But what if the Lord is your adversary? Some of us are so stubborn and bent on doing what we want we are like Balaam that could not see the angel of the Lord opposing him on his way to curse the Israelites. So he beats his donkey until the poor animal tells him to stop.
Can two walk together, except they be agreed? (Amos 3:3, KJV).
Beloved, we must ask the Lord for supernatural grace and strength to have our flesh brought into submission. Our wills must bend to His divine will. If we ever wonder why prayer is dry and difficult, could it be that He is resisting our trifle religious gifts and spiritual rituals because He knows we are not truly surrendered?
To be in agreement with God requires brokenness. The broken don't argue or excuse their sin. They understand their sinful condition rightly and appreciate the mercy of God to restore them. They are not easily offended. After all, God is the offended party because of our disobedience. Still He chooses to seek out the prodigal son and daughter and bring them close to His heart.
Why oppose such a great love?
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Our Immanuel
Matthew 1:23 says, "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us")(NIV).
Notice it says "they" will call Him Immanuel. The people of God ascribe a name that speaks of the comfort and strength that comes with the nearness of His presence.
The name Immanuel was significant for the nation of Israel. Israel felt abandoned with no true spiritual leadership for a very long time. It was like days of Samuel where the word of the Lord was rare. Israel was 14 generations removed from captivity with a long history of being plundered, dominated and cruelly oppressed (Matthew 1:17). There was some 400 years of silence between Malachi who was the last recorded prophet to when John the Baptist declares the kingdom of God has come.
At the birth of Christ, Israel was under the iron fist of the Romans and corrupt religious rulers made for spiritual oppression. Then there was an immoral king who thought little of his own people and more for his approval ratings with the powers of the day. He was undone by the threat of another ruler reported by the wise men that he murdered innocent children.
With the name Immanuel God was saying to Israel and His church today, "I'm with you. I've not forsaken you or left you on your own. I'm faithful to my promises to send a Redeemer, a righteous ruler who will break all spiritual oppression and darkness."
Beloved, God is with us. He is for us. Our Immanuel.
Long after the Christmas holiday has passed, when the gifts have been used or returned, when the dinner plates are cleared and the last of the guests have departed. God is still with us and through all the seasons of our life.
He is not with us because we pick and chose when He is welcomed (or not welcomed in the times we sin). He is with us because He promised to never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He is not with us because we want Him to stick around and take our sides when things go wrong. And He is not with us because we are good or we put on a good performance. God is with us because He is faithful and merciful.
Beloved, let us draw near to Immanuel and know the comfort of His presence in these trying and dangerous times. If God (our Immanuel) is for us, who can be against us?
Merry Christmas,
Andrew Mark Scott
Psalms 86:5
Notice it says "they" will call Him Immanuel. The people of God ascribe a name that speaks of the comfort and strength that comes with the nearness of His presence.
The name Immanuel was significant for the nation of Israel. Israel felt abandoned with no true spiritual leadership for a very long time. It was like days of Samuel where the word of the Lord was rare. Israel was 14 generations removed from captivity with a long history of being plundered, dominated and cruelly oppressed (Matthew 1:17). There was some 400 years of silence between Malachi who was the last recorded prophet to when John the Baptist declares the kingdom of God has come.
At the birth of Christ, Israel was under the iron fist of the Romans and corrupt religious rulers made for spiritual oppression. Then there was an immoral king who thought little of his own people and more for his approval ratings with the powers of the day. He was undone by the threat of another ruler reported by the wise men that he murdered innocent children.
With the name Immanuel God was saying to Israel and His church today, "I'm with you. I've not forsaken you or left you on your own. I'm faithful to my promises to send a Redeemer, a righteous ruler who will break all spiritual oppression and darkness."
Beloved, God is with us. He is for us. Our Immanuel.
Long after the Christmas holiday has passed, when the gifts have been used or returned, when the dinner plates are cleared and the last of the guests have departed. God is still with us and through all the seasons of our life.
He is not with us because we pick and chose when He is welcomed (or not welcomed in the times we sin). He is with us because He promised to never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He is not with us because we want Him to stick around and take our sides when things go wrong. And He is not with us because we are good or we put on a good performance. God is with us because He is faithful and merciful.
Beloved, let us draw near to Immanuel and know the comfort of His presence in these trying and dangerous times. If God (our Immanuel) is for us, who can be against us?
Merry Christmas,
Andrew Mark Scott
Psalms 86:5
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
We Have Seen His Star
In Matthew 2:9 we read of wise men coming from East and speaking to King Herod, "After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was." (NIV). Very little is known about these men except they were searching the skies for a sign of a coming ruler.
These men were guided by a star to the precise location of the Christ Child.
One man prophesied about the Star (Balaam a wicked prophet for hire to curse Israel) says, "I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth." (Numbers 24:17, KJV).
Another group were also guided to the Christ Child. The angel instructs the shepherds, "And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." (Luke 2:12, KJV). The shepherds did not have a star but were most likely acquainted with the stables in Bethlehem, possibly the sheep they were tending were from that stall or the owner.
Be it wise men or shepherds, God gives revelation of Christ to those who hunger to see Him. The response from both these groups were the same: they worshipped Him. Anytime God opens our eyes to a fuller understanding of Him it will always lead us to worship.
Israel had a cloudy pillar to guide them during the day and a pillar of fire at night (Exodus 13:21-22). Sadly, they knew little of His ways (His character) though they witnessed many of His mighty and miraculous acts (Psalms 103:7). In my study the Lord spoke to my heart. Do you require of me a sign to follow my leading?
I repented that I often wanted some tangible evidence of the next steps when all He wanted was for me to trust Him. Beloved, on the threshold of 2014, let us go where He goes without demanding an explanation or for some sign, but trust in His guidance - even if means deep valleys, unexplained events or circumstances, walking through hard and difficult places. We need not to fear for His presence is with us.
When the cloud lifts or the Day Star moves we follow Him. When it tarries or lingers, we learn to rest. Each step in this journey will lead us to a deeper revelation of Christ. Where others have failed to see Him, our eyes can see what few are able because we obey the whispers of the Lord to move or stay at His command.
These men were guided by a star to the precise location of the Christ Child.
One man prophesied about the Star (Balaam a wicked prophet for hire to curse Israel) says, "I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth." (Numbers 24:17, KJV).
Another group were also guided to the Christ Child. The angel instructs the shepherds, "And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." (Luke 2:12, KJV). The shepherds did not have a star but were most likely acquainted with the stables in Bethlehem, possibly the sheep they were tending were from that stall or the owner.
Be it wise men or shepherds, God gives revelation of Christ to those who hunger to see Him. The response from both these groups were the same: they worshipped Him. Anytime God opens our eyes to a fuller understanding of Him it will always lead us to worship.
Israel had a cloudy pillar to guide them during the day and a pillar of fire at night (Exodus 13:21-22). Sadly, they knew little of His ways (His character) though they witnessed many of His mighty and miraculous acts (Psalms 103:7). In my study the Lord spoke to my heart. Do you require of me a sign to follow my leading?
I repented that I often wanted some tangible evidence of the next steps when all He wanted was for me to trust Him. Beloved, on the threshold of 2014, let us go where He goes without demanding an explanation or for some sign, but trust in His guidance - even if means deep valleys, unexplained events or circumstances, walking through hard and difficult places. We need not to fear for His presence is with us.
When the cloud lifts or the Day Star moves we follow Him. When it tarries or lingers, we learn to rest. Each step in this journey will lead us to a deeper revelation of Christ. Where others have failed to see Him, our eyes can see what few are able because we obey the whispers of the Lord to move or stay at His command.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Peace On Earth
What a wonderful and strange declaration the angels gave on that night long ago to shepherds. They shouted in unison, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:14, KJV).
Wonderful because that is what the world then and now needs is more peace. Strange because it was at a time when the Romans dominated the known world. Herod a wicked and cruel king was just as oppressive to his own people. Then there was the religious rulers who spiritually burdened the people with ceremonially laws and regulations.
Jesus even said, "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword." (Matthew 10:34, KJV). To live for Christ means the world will be at odds because we live differently - we live in and for the truth of His Word - and there is no sharper sword than His word.
So what is this peace the angels proclaimed?
The Greek word for peace is eirḗnē which means wholeness or to join together into a whole. Ephesians 2:14 says, "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us" (KJV).
Through Christ reconciliation is possible and the blood of Christ forgives and washes away our rebellion and disobedience. His wrath gives way to mercy. We can enter into a relationship with God the Father knowing the peace of God who loves us and is for us. Even in a world that continues to experience wars, cruel world leaders, oppressive governments and horrible crimes against humanity.
For this Christmas season and everyday of the year we must cling to this promise. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27, KJV).
Peace on earth? Yes, the angels were right. The Prince of Peace had stepped out of glory and eternity into a fallen world to live in those who will receive Him. And we become peace makers.
Wonderful because that is what the world then and now needs is more peace. Strange because it was at a time when the Romans dominated the known world. Herod a wicked and cruel king was just as oppressive to his own people. Then there was the religious rulers who spiritually burdened the people with ceremonially laws and regulations.
Jesus even said, "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword." (Matthew 10:34, KJV). To live for Christ means the world will be at odds because we live differently - we live in and for the truth of His Word - and there is no sharper sword than His word.
So what is this peace the angels proclaimed?
The Greek word for peace is eirḗnē which means wholeness or to join together into a whole. Ephesians 2:14 says, "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us" (KJV).
Through Christ reconciliation is possible and the blood of Christ forgives and washes away our rebellion and disobedience. His wrath gives way to mercy. We can enter into a relationship with God the Father knowing the peace of God who loves us and is for us. Even in a world that continues to experience wars, cruel world leaders, oppressive governments and horrible crimes against humanity.
For this Christmas season and everyday of the year we must cling to this promise. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27, KJV).
Peace on earth? Yes, the angels were right. The Prince of Peace had stepped out of glory and eternity into a fallen world to live in those who will receive Him. And we become peace makers.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Anxiety
Anxiety is the feeling of dread or unease, a foreboding sense something is wrong (or will go wrong). Anxiety has a way of distorting a problem making it into a mountain that is about to come crashing down. Such feelings of dread can consume our time and energy leaving us moody and depressed. Hopelessness sets in and weighs us down and we feel like drowning.
Many of us are familiar with the passage when Jesus instructs us, "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing?" (Matthew 6:25, NLT).
I've found myself arguing with that truth. Yes, life is precious and important but I got to eat. There is bills to pay and of course, I need clothing and other necessities. Don't tell me to be anxious for nothing! While anxiety did nothing to help it still felt like I was doing something because I wanted others to know I was worrying (as strange as that might be).
Jesus is not dismissing human needs and desires. He is willing to meet them (verse 30, 32) but commands we "seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." (verse 33, NLT).
I believe Jesus is going to the root of an anxious heart.
Anxiety comes from a divided heart which often leads us to mistrust His providence and care. The Greek word for worry means to be drawn in opposite directions. James 1:6-7 says, "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord." (KJV).
We know we are anxious when we nag God rather than rest in His presence. When we get so fixated on something that nothing else matters. Which is why the Lord redirects our focus on what is much more important: His kingdom, His purpose, His needs. When we care for the things of God, He will tend to our needs in a way that we could never accomplish.
Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. (Psalms 86:11, NIV)
Many of us are familiar with the passage when Jesus instructs us, "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing?" (Matthew 6:25, NLT).
I've found myself arguing with that truth. Yes, life is precious and important but I got to eat. There is bills to pay and of course, I need clothing and other necessities. Don't tell me to be anxious for nothing! While anxiety did nothing to help it still felt like I was doing something because I wanted others to know I was worrying (as strange as that might be).
Jesus is not dismissing human needs and desires. He is willing to meet them (verse 30, 32) but commands we "seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." (verse 33, NLT).
I believe Jesus is going to the root of an anxious heart.
Anxiety comes from a divided heart which often leads us to mistrust His providence and care. The Greek word for worry means to be drawn in opposite directions. James 1:6-7 says, "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord." (KJV).
We know we are anxious when we nag God rather than rest in His presence. When we get so fixated on something that nothing else matters. Which is why the Lord redirects our focus on what is much more important: His kingdom, His purpose, His needs. When we care for the things of God, He will tend to our needs in a way that we could never accomplish.
Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. (Psalms 86:11, NIV)
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Our Jordan Moment
In the book of Joshua we read in chapter 3 the second generation of Israelites crossing the Jordan to take possession of the promise land. First the priests were to enter the waters and remain standing on the dry river bed until all passed through to the other side (3:17). Then twelve men from each tribe were to take a rock from where the priests stood and carry them to the place where they would lodge that night (4:1-8).
It was to serve a reminder of God's power to divide the waters but more so those who were to come after them, to always fear the Lord. It says, "That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever." (4:24, NIV).
Beloved, all of us have an experienced times when God makes a way through the impossible circumstances. This is our Red Sea moment when the Enemy is at our heels threatening to devour us. But God in His rich mercy makes a way when there is no way out and brings us through and into a place of safety.
Then there is our Jordan moment.
We may have undergone testings, trials and temptations (often through a wilderness experience) all in preparation for us to take possession of what the Enemy has stolen. But before we can enter into what has been promised by the Lord, we must be careful to remember He is mighty and always to be feared.
The temptation of those who have known victories and success is to forget the God who made it possible. The stones from the river were more than rocks. It was to remind them of the Rock who faithfully followed them, making provision, preparing the way and charting the course. I Corinthians 10: 4 says, "And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." (KJV).
Beloved, let us recall His past and present victories. May it cause us to walk in humility and fear Him because God is mighty to lead us into triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14).
It was to serve a reminder of God's power to divide the waters but more so those who were to come after them, to always fear the Lord. It says, "That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever." (4:24, NIV).
Beloved, all of us have an experienced times when God makes a way through the impossible circumstances. This is our Red Sea moment when the Enemy is at our heels threatening to devour us. But God in His rich mercy makes a way when there is no way out and brings us through and into a place of safety.
Then there is our Jordan moment.
We may have undergone testings, trials and temptations (often through a wilderness experience) all in preparation for us to take possession of what the Enemy has stolen. But before we can enter into what has been promised by the Lord, we must be careful to remember He is mighty and always to be feared.
The temptation of those who have known victories and success is to forget the God who made it possible. The stones from the river were more than rocks. It was to remind them of the Rock who faithfully followed them, making provision, preparing the way and charting the course. I Corinthians 10: 4 says, "And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." (KJV).
Beloved, let us recall His past and present victories. May it cause us to walk in humility and fear Him because God is mighty to lead us into triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14).
Friday, December 20, 2013
Promise Maker
For the past fourteen years I've worked for a large insurance company. I have worked from "cradle to death" of a life and disability group policy. From proposals for a potential sale of a new policy to policy administration and collections. Currently my role is a disability examiner.
The most important thing that governs all the work performed for the customer is the contract.
Among other things the contract outlines the terms and conditions, provisions and schedule of benefits. In essence, it says the customer pays premium and we promise to pay claims or benefits. As it was described by a manager, we sell promises that are not tangible like buying a house, a car or some other product. The customer in good faith pays for what we promise to deliver in the contract.
Somewhat similar to this we read in Scriptures God making a covenant (a contract) with Adam (Genesis 3:15), Abraham (Genesis 15) and with David (2 Samuel 7). He made very specific promises to these men in their generation and for those to come after them. Knowing the fallen condition of man, God who can not fail or lie fulfilled every one of them.
The Son of God was the second Adam that through the cross crushed the head of the Enemy. God made Abraham a father of nations and by faith we are children of Abraham. And Jesus is the King of Kings, through the lineage of David, who forever sits upon the throne. As believers we make up His sure house, the church, His body.
Beloved, we can not earn salvation or purchase God's benefits but we can learn patience until His promises are fulfilled. The Scriptures give us an example of His patience toward us. It 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." (2 Peter 3:9, NIV).
How well we wait patiently matters in the delivery of a promise. 2 Timothy 2:4-6 speaks of a solider, an athlete and a farmer all requiring patience for the best results. Beloved, we are brought into a New Covenant through the blood of Jesus, let's honor His word by being patient until the Promise Maker rewards us (Hebrews 11:6).
The most important thing that governs all the work performed for the customer is the contract.
Among other things the contract outlines the terms and conditions, provisions and schedule of benefits. In essence, it says the customer pays premium and we promise to pay claims or benefits. As it was described by a manager, we sell promises that are not tangible like buying a house, a car or some other product. The customer in good faith pays for what we promise to deliver in the contract.
Somewhat similar to this we read in Scriptures God making a covenant (a contract) with Adam (Genesis 3:15), Abraham (Genesis 15) and with David (2 Samuel 7). He made very specific promises to these men in their generation and for those to come after them. Knowing the fallen condition of man, God who can not fail or lie fulfilled every one of them.
The Son of God was the second Adam that through the cross crushed the head of the Enemy. God made Abraham a father of nations and by faith we are children of Abraham. And Jesus is the King of Kings, through the lineage of David, who forever sits upon the throne. As believers we make up His sure house, the church, His body.
Beloved, we can not earn salvation or purchase God's benefits but we can learn patience until His promises are fulfilled. The Scriptures give us an example of His patience toward us. It 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." (2 Peter 3:9, NIV).
How well we wait patiently matters in the delivery of a promise. 2 Timothy 2:4-6 speaks of a solider, an athlete and a farmer all requiring patience for the best results. Beloved, we are brought into a New Covenant through the blood of Jesus, let's honor His word by being patient until the Promise Maker rewards us (Hebrews 11:6).
Thursday, December 19, 2013
When Pain Is Silenced
Pain has a way of speaking from a low grumble to a shout when you have been injured or overcome by an illness.
No matter how soothing a friend's voice or gentle the touch from someone you love, pain drowns out any comfort. You can't hear their voice as much as you try. You feel like you are in a different zone, far away in some strange, unsettling place. Questions are unanswered and your mind is weary from trying to stay level headed while the fear of losing control grows stronger. You struggle to make sense just how a few minutes ago your world was going so well and suddenly everything had changed. Your mood takes a nose dive into a dark pool of depression.
Many in Scripture have known great suffering and unexplained pain. For many it wasn't because of sin, but living a holy and godly life. David expresses from a place of deep pain in Psalms 38.
My heart throbs, my strength fails me; And the light of my eyes, even that has gone from me. My loved ones and my friends stand aloof from my plague; And my kinsmen stand afar off. Those who seek my life lay snares for me; And those who seek to injure me have threatened destruction, And they devise treachery all day long...(verses 10-12, NIV).
When we find ourselves in pain, beloved, God is merciful to give relief. He pours grace over a feverish body, pierces the darkness with hope and even a smile to the parched lips knowing all things (the bad, ugly and good) work together for those who love Him and are called for His purpose.
Pain has a way of isolating, shutting down the mind and heart from responding and all you do is want to survive. Beloved, let God's voice roar over the pain as He leads you through the shadow of the valley of death. You will make it. You will overcome because He carried every sickness and disease.
At the beginning of Psalms 38 it says, A Psalms of David to bring to remembrance. How many times we have gone through painful struggles to think it's all over, but then God brings us through. While we may remember some of the pain and difficulty we are overwhelmed how God brought deliverance, healing and joy that it overshadows the suffering.
And that is how pain is silenced by remembering God's goodness when life is not so good and comforting. So we can pass through the valley of the shadow of death to a table prepared for us in the presence of our enemy (Psalms 23:5).
No matter how soothing a friend's voice or gentle the touch from someone you love, pain drowns out any comfort. You can't hear their voice as much as you try. You feel like you are in a different zone, far away in some strange, unsettling place. Questions are unanswered and your mind is weary from trying to stay level headed while the fear of losing control grows stronger. You struggle to make sense just how a few minutes ago your world was going so well and suddenly everything had changed. Your mood takes a nose dive into a dark pool of depression.
Many in Scripture have known great suffering and unexplained pain. For many it wasn't because of sin, but living a holy and godly life. David expresses from a place of deep pain in Psalms 38.
My heart throbs, my strength fails me; And the light of my eyes, even that has gone from me. My loved ones and my friends stand aloof from my plague; And my kinsmen stand afar off. Those who seek my life lay snares for me; And those who seek to injure me have threatened destruction, And they devise treachery all day long...(verses 10-12, NIV).
When we find ourselves in pain, beloved, God is merciful to give relief. He pours grace over a feverish body, pierces the darkness with hope and even a smile to the parched lips knowing all things (the bad, ugly and good) work together for those who love Him and are called for His purpose.
Pain has a way of isolating, shutting down the mind and heart from responding and all you do is want to survive. Beloved, let God's voice roar over the pain as He leads you through the shadow of the valley of death. You will make it. You will overcome because He carried every sickness and disease.
At the beginning of Psalms 38 it says, A Psalms of David to bring to remembrance. How many times we have gone through painful struggles to think it's all over, but then God brings us through. While we may remember some of the pain and difficulty we are overwhelmed how God brought deliverance, healing and joy that it overshadows the suffering.
And that is how pain is silenced by remembering God's goodness when life is not so good and comforting. So we can pass through the valley of the shadow of death to a table prepared for us in the presence of our enemy (Psalms 23:5).
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
You Have Not Lacked Anything
Some two weeks ago my wife had an initial interview for a job only to learn today they declined offering her the position. It was one of those generic, cold but polite emails. It has been eight months with very little response to her job submissions, even after professional input to polish her résumé. Two interviews were netted but when the weeks roll on with no response, it's plain that there is no intent in hiring. Each night we read the Word and pray with an eager anticipation that God has something wonderful in store for her!
As customary, I read the Bible while having lunch. I flipped through the pages looking for a short passage when the Lord directed my eyes to Deuteronomy 2:7, "The LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. These forty years the LORD your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything." (NIV).
At that instant the Holy Spirit reminded me. "I have blessed your hands to work, even now you are sitting at work! I have watched over you all your life. I am with you." Then my eyes rested on these words that cheered my heart. "You have not lacked anything." Truth be told, my wife's lost opportunity was not adding to the present lack because God has and is providing from His store house. God is our sufficiency in our deficiency!
I started to recall the many blessings of His provision in particular this journey to the East Coast. Starting with my winter boots that were on the floor tucked under the chair. As a child mother made sure we had warm boots for the long, cold snowy winters. I'm reminded that God kept the sandals of the Israelites from wearing out and maintained their clothing for 40 years! (Deuteronomy 8:4). If God does not supply, He will always sustain His existing provision (often to teach us a lesson in gratitude and humility).
In a world where many are in desperate need, it's time for us to be thankful for what He has graciously given us rather than focusing on our lack and wants. And be thankful for what He takes away because it means more of Him!
As customary, I read the Bible while having lunch. I flipped through the pages looking for a short passage when the Lord directed my eyes to Deuteronomy 2:7, "The LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. These forty years the LORD your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything." (NIV).
At that instant the Holy Spirit reminded me. "I have blessed your hands to work, even now you are sitting at work! I have watched over you all your life. I am with you." Then my eyes rested on these words that cheered my heart. "You have not lacked anything." Truth be told, my wife's lost opportunity was not adding to the present lack because God has and is providing from His store house. God is our sufficiency in our deficiency!
I started to recall the many blessings of His provision in particular this journey to the East Coast. Starting with my winter boots that were on the floor tucked under the chair. As a child mother made sure we had warm boots for the long, cold snowy winters. I'm reminded that God kept the sandals of the Israelites from wearing out and maintained their clothing for 40 years! (Deuteronomy 8:4). If God does not supply, He will always sustain His existing provision (often to teach us a lesson in gratitude and humility).
In a world where many are in desperate need, it's time for us to be thankful for what He has graciously given us rather than focusing on our lack and wants. And be thankful for what He takes away because it means more of Him!
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Hungry
Are we hungry for more of Jesus? More of His life and power? More of His passion and holiness? Or we stuffed with worldly junk? Junk that promises to feed a need like sensual music, lust frenzy media on the latest gossip or flashy and fleshly materialistic goods?
Israel craved for meat so God sent it. They got more than just meat for the Bible says God sent leanness in their soul (Psalms 106:15). Why? I believe the Lord wanted to keep them hungry for His presence. God knows human nature will never be content with little but will always want more and more to satisfy a desire or need. If appetites are not submitted to Christ it can quickly become destructive.
That is why the Lord says, "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4, KJV).
One woman with great faith understood that just a crumb that falls from the Master's table was enough to satisfy her soul (Matthew 15:27). She understood that little was much in the eyes of God. She was treated rudely by the disciples who tried to prevent her from approaching Christ. She was a woman of no standing and she was a Gentile - a Canaanite - whose people were to be destroyed by the Israelites when first entering the Promise Land.
In one stroke of holy wit she said in essence, "You are my Master. Anything that falls from your table is enough for me. It will feed me! It will answer my deepest longing. My Master!"
When we are content with a single crumb fallen from the Master's table it will truly satisfy our deepest hunger pangs. But one taste will only make us hunger more for Him, the Bread of Life.
Israel craved for meat so God sent it. They got more than just meat for the Bible says God sent leanness in their soul (Psalms 106:15). Why? I believe the Lord wanted to keep them hungry for His presence. God knows human nature will never be content with little but will always want more and more to satisfy a desire or need. If appetites are not submitted to Christ it can quickly become destructive.
That is why the Lord says, "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4, KJV).
One woman with great faith understood that just a crumb that falls from the Master's table was enough to satisfy her soul (Matthew 15:27). She understood that little was much in the eyes of God. She was treated rudely by the disciples who tried to prevent her from approaching Christ. She was a woman of no standing and she was a Gentile - a Canaanite - whose people were to be destroyed by the Israelites when first entering the Promise Land.
In one stroke of holy wit she said in essence, "You are my Master. Anything that falls from your table is enough for me. It will feed me! It will answer my deepest longing. My Master!"
When we are content with a single crumb fallen from the Master's table it will truly satisfy our deepest hunger pangs. But one taste will only make us hunger more for Him, the Bread of Life.
Monday, December 16, 2013
His Hands
I remember during a mission trip learning a simple skit that demonstrated the positive and destructive ways the hands are used to build or tear down. Wound or heal. Help or hinder. Hands to hold or release. Hands to embrace or push a person away. They can beckon to come near or stop one from approaching.
Jesus died with outstretched arms. His heart unprotected, defenseless, He was suspended between heaven and earth. Bloodied hands pierced and pinned by thick crude nails to an unforgiving cross.
How many sins have been committed with the hands? Murder. Stealing. Gross sexual sins. Abuse and neglect. Touching things that are holy only to pollute them. Horrors of war and other acts of violence. Hands that slam the Word of God shut in defiant act of silencing His voice. Hands opening doors best kept locked and other doors that should never have been sealed shut.
Thomas refused to believe Christ rose from the dead unless he saw and touched those same nailed scarred hands (John 20:25). later, Jesus appeared and spoke to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." (verse 27, NIV). Thomas not only desired to see Jesus but his hands wanted to connect to the skin of the Savior.
Sadly, so many believers are trying to "see" Jesus through the extension of the hands like one without sight to see and feel the impress of Christ's lovely face.
Until that glorious day, we see Christ on the faces of those in the church.
"Look, he is coming with the clouds," and "every eye will see him, even those who pierced him"; and all peoples on earth "will mourn because of him." So shall it be! Amen. (Revelation 1:7, NIV).
Jesus died with outstretched arms. His heart unprotected, defenseless, He was suspended between heaven and earth. Bloodied hands pierced and pinned by thick crude nails to an unforgiving cross.
How many sins have been committed with the hands? Murder. Stealing. Gross sexual sins. Abuse and neglect. Touching things that are holy only to pollute them. Horrors of war and other acts of violence. Hands that slam the Word of God shut in defiant act of silencing His voice. Hands opening doors best kept locked and other doors that should never have been sealed shut.
Thomas refused to believe Christ rose from the dead unless he saw and touched those same nailed scarred hands (John 20:25). later, Jesus appeared and spoke to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." (verse 27, NIV). Thomas not only desired to see Jesus but his hands wanted to connect to the skin of the Savior.
Sadly, so many believers are trying to "see" Jesus through the extension of the hands like one without sight to see and feel the impress of Christ's lovely face.
Until that glorious day, we see Christ on the faces of those in the church.
"Look, he is coming with the clouds," and "every eye will see him, even those who pierced him"; and all peoples on earth "will mourn because of him." So shall it be! Amen. (Revelation 1:7, NIV).
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Never Lose Your Traction
My wife and I decided on taking a drive yesterday under the threat of a pending snowstorm. At first the snowflakes fell gently and the road conditions were fairly good. We kept driving up north promising to stop after an hour. The breath taking scenery got the best of us. We stopped at small town to browse through a few antiques stores and walked through a small family Christmas market. At four o'clock it was dark so we hurried back to our car as the snow started to fall heavily. On the way home the two lane highway became a single lane. The hills proved to be challenging as the back wheels jerked and slid because there was no traction. Going down the hill was another hazard as the car gathered speed but I was cautious in hitting the brakes too hard. I confessed to my wife this may not have been the best idea.
The Scriptures says, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew 7:13-14, NIV).
In our Christian walk, the narrow way can at times be slick and slippery. If the Enemy can't push you off the road, you can be certain he will try to change the condition so that you slide into a ditch. How many believers have lost their traction and found themselves as many have called it, back sliding?
We often lose traction in our heart when we give way to fear that clouds not only sound reasoning but cause us doubt God's sovereignty. He is in control and we must trust in Him at all times. When we don't trust Him, life seems to spin out of control. We can't get a grip on the circumstances that threaten to side line us.
Here is a promise in those dark and stormy days. Psalms 18:28 says, "You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light." (NIV) and "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path" (Psalms 119:105, NIV).
The Scriptures says, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew 7:13-14, NIV).
In our Christian walk, the narrow way can at times be slick and slippery. If the Enemy can't push you off the road, you can be certain he will try to change the condition so that you slide into a ditch. How many believers have lost their traction and found themselves as many have called it, back sliding?
We often lose traction in our heart when we give way to fear that clouds not only sound reasoning but cause us doubt God's sovereignty. He is in control and we must trust in Him at all times. When we don't trust Him, life seems to spin out of control. We can't get a grip on the circumstances that threaten to side line us.
Here is a promise in those dark and stormy days. Psalms 18:28 says, "You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light." (NIV) and "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path" (Psalms 119:105, NIV).
Saturday, December 14, 2013
He Is Good
Psalms 100:5 speaks of God’s goodness. It says, "For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."(NIV).
The Scriptural truth of God’s goodness is essential to our Christian maturity. God is good all the time.
Regardless to what we feel, what we know or don’t know or what others tell us, we must believe God is good – all the time.
The Enemy will try to have us think otherwise so he can undermine our faith in a good God. If we don’t believe, we will quickly be overcome in a fallen world filled by devilish distractions, questions, arguments that God is not good and therefore, not worthy to be trusted.
God is good when our prayers are answered. And He is good when other prayers seem to be swallowed up by our sorrow or sit dormant on a shelf for days, weeks and even years waiting for an answer.
His goodness will always exceed our attempts to be good. When we stumble and fall our own goodness can never make up the loss of moral footing. So often our goodness is driven by guilt and shame, an innate desire to be reconciled. Only through His mercy and goodness does the Lord forgive our sins. His goodness instructs us to walk rightly. Psalms 25:8 says, "Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way."
Rest in His goodness, beloved. Everything is under His control and in His care.
The Scriptural truth of God’s goodness is essential to our Christian maturity. God is good all the time.
Regardless to what we feel, what we know or don’t know or what others tell us, we must believe God is good – all the time.
The Enemy will try to have us think otherwise so he can undermine our faith in a good God. If we don’t believe, we will quickly be overcome in a fallen world filled by devilish distractions, questions, arguments that God is not good and therefore, not worthy to be trusted.
God is good when our prayers are answered. And He is good when other prayers seem to be swallowed up by our sorrow or sit dormant on a shelf for days, weeks and even years waiting for an answer.
His goodness will always exceed our attempts to be good. When we stumble and fall our own goodness can never make up the loss of moral footing. So often our goodness is driven by guilt and shame, an innate desire to be reconciled. Only through His mercy and goodness does the Lord forgive our sins. His goodness instructs us to walk rightly. Psalms 25:8 says, "Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way."
Rest in His goodness, beloved. Everything is under His control and in His care.
Friday, December 13, 2013
The Key of David
Jesus says in Matthew 16:19, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
A key permits access to something that is locked or secured. Jesus is not just giving a key to access the kingdom of heaven but the authority that permits us to bind or loosen things in the natural and spiritual realm.
In Isaiah 22:15-25 we find a similar passage. We learn of Shebna a minister of finance that was deposed because of his pride. He built a lavish tomb on a scale usually for kings and he aligned himself with the king of Egypt.
In Shebna's place the Lord promoted Eliakim, "And I will clothe him with your tunic And tie your sash securely about him. I will entrust him with your authority, and he will become a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. Then I will set the key of the house of David on his shoulder, When he opens no one will shut, When he shuts no one will open." (verses 21-22).
Those entrusted the key of David like Shebna are those who are faithful to the Lord's word even in the most distressing times.
The church of Philadelphia suffered persecution but the Lord comforts them, "To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." (Revelations 3:7-8, NIV).
When we are faithful to God's word even in the face of suffering and persecution, we are the most powerful, unbeknownst to the world, to bind and loosen. But hell shakes at believers who come into fuller revelation that in their hand is a key that can set captives free and bind devils in their own hellish prison!
A key permits access to something that is locked or secured. Jesus is not just giving a key to access the kingdom of heaven but the authority that permits us to bind or loosen things in the natural and spiritual realm.
In Isaiah 22:15-25 we find a similar passage. We learn of Shebna a minister of finance that was deposed because of his pride. He built a lavish tomb on a scale usually for kings and he aligned himself with the king of Egypt.
In Shebna's place the Lord promoted Eliakim, "And I will clothe him with your tunic And tie your sash securely about him. I will entrust him with your authority, and he will become a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. Then I will set the key of the house of David on his shoulder, When he opens no one will shut, When he shuts no one will open." (verses 21-22).
Those entrusted the key of David like Shebna are those who are faithful to the Lord's word even in the most distressing times.
The church of Philadelphia suffered persecution but the Lord comforts them, "To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." (Revelations 3:7-8, NIV).
When we are faithful to God's word even in the face of suffering and persecution, we are the most powerful, unbeknownst to the world, to bind and loosen. But hell shakes at believers who come into fuller revelation that in their hand is a key that can set captives free and bind devils in their own hellish prison!
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Massah and Meribah
Deuteronomy 6:16 warns us as did Israel, "Do not put the LORD your God to the test as you did at Massah." (NIV)
We are never to test the Lord as if He needs to prove Himself or His promises to be true. The word of God is true regardless to our condition, experiences or if prayers are answered or delayed.
I've been guilty of complaining and striving in my strength to work things out to my advantage. Often the striving has been out fear that God would not come through for me. All the while I'm testing not trusting Him. And when things fail, I test Him yet again by expecting Him to get me out the mess I made as a result of my disobedience.
We often test the Lord by taking His word in our mouths too lightly. We can quote any number of Scriptures expecting God to come through as if He is at our every whim. God will not be manipulated. But out of mercy He often answers us only to instruct us in the right way of approaching Him with our petitions and needs.
At Massah the Israelites complained for the lack of water. It had been a few weeks since they were liberated from slavery in Egypt having witness the powerful plagues that destroyed the land. They crossed the Red Sea on dry land only to watch the sea devour their enemies. Still they could not believe God to provide water in a waste land.
It says, "Moses named the place Massah (which means "test") and Meribah (which means "arguing") because the people of Israel argued with Moses and tested the LORD by saying, "Is the LORD here with us or not?"(Exodus 17:7 NLT)
Beloved in the hard and difficult times, let's be mindful that when we doubt or question His presence being with us, we have crossed the line from resting in His word to striving in the flesh. He will never leave us or forsake us. Striving lends itself to arguing. No longer are we trusting but resisting Him.
Let's remember He is the potter and we are the clay. As much as we resist, He too, as the master potter can use a measure of pressure so we conform to His will.
"How terrible it will be for those who argue with the God who made them. They are like a piece of broken pottery among many pieces. The clay does not ask the potter, 'What are you doing?' The thing that is made doesn't say to its maker, 'You have no hands.' (Isaiah 45:9, NCV)
We are never to test the Lord as if He needs to prove Himself or His promises to be true. The word of God is true regardless to our condition, experiences or if prayers are answered or delayed.
I've been guilty of complaining and striving in my strength to work things out to my advantage. Often the striving has been out fear that God would not come through for me. All the while I'm testing not trusting Him. And when things fail, I test Him yet again by expecting Him to get me out the mess I made as a result of my disobedience.
We often test the Lord by taking His word in our mouths too lightly. We can quote any number of Scriptures expecting God to come through as if He is at our every whim. God will not be manipulated. But out of mercy He often answers us only to instruct us in the right way of approaching Him with our petitions and needs.
At Massah the Israelites complained for the lack of water. It had been a few weeks since they were liberated from slavery in Egypt having witness the powerful plagues that destroyed the land. They crossed the Red Sea on dry land only to watch the sea devour their enemies. Still they could not believe God to provide water in a waste land.
It says, "Moses named the place Massah (which means "test") and Meribah (which means "arguing") because the people of Israel argued with Moses and tested the LORD by saying, "Is the LORD here with us or not?"(Exodus 17:7 NLT)
Beloved in the hard and difficult times, let's be mindful that when we doubt or question His presence being with us, we have crossed the line from resting in His word to striving in the flesh. He will never leave us or forsake us. Striving lends itself to arguing. No longer are we trusting but resisting Him.
Let's remember He is the potter and we are the clay. As much as we resist, He too, as the master potter can use a measure of pressure so we conform to His will.
"How terrible it will be for those who argue with the God who made them. They are like a piece of broken pottery among many pieces. The clay does not ask the potter, 'What are you doing?' The thing that is made doesn't say to its maker, 'You have no hands.' (Isaiah 45:9, NCV)
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Truth
In these last hours before the Lord returns, we must be a people who live and speak His truth.
Truth must be balanced by love. The Lord will help us be a people of truth in a world that embraces tolerance. A world which excuses sinful behavior as culturally accepted or justifies it because of genetics or family history.
Beloved, the world is hungry for the truth regardless of the few who protest that the church is out of touch, hateful or intolerant. Yes, the community of believers can be challenging (we are all in various stages of growth and development) but God's grace keeps the bond of unity. He knows how to override our weakness to bring much good to a world weary of lies and soft, easy messages that says everything is okay when it is not.
Only through Jesus the Son of God is truth found. He is the only way and the life. We read in John 14:6, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (KJV)
Perhaps where we often fall short in speaking the truth is that we have yet to believe the truth of God's word for ourselves. Brothers and sisters, we must allow God to search our hearts so that truth can set us free in places we are bound. When we refuse God's truth, the Enemy will use this opportunity to create confusion. We will start listening to the voices around us and soon we don't know what to believe.
Truth is not always comforting for it can be sharp and divide. Truth will do a work of separating and sanctifying which is a hallmark of a godly man or woman who loves the truth of the Scriptures. It will separate them from a world confused by lying and misleading voices.
Above all, my beloved, let's be true and truthful to God - don't hide or hold anything back from Him. Let's keep this Scripture in mind. "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." (2 Timothy 2:19, KJV).
Truth must be balanced by love. The Lord will help us be a people of truth in a world that embraces tolerance. A world which excuses sinful behavior as culturally accepted or justifies it because of genetics or family history.
Beloved, the world is hungry for the truth regardless of the few who protest that the church is out of touch, hateful or intolerant. Yes, the community of believers can be challenging (we are all in various stages of growth and development) but God's grace keeps the bond of unity. He knows how to override our weakness to bring much good to a world weary of lies and soft, easy messages that says everything is okay when it is not.
Only through Jesus the Son of God is truth found. He is the only way and the life. We read in John 14:6, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (KJV)
Perhaps where we often fall short in speaking the truth is that we have yet to believe the truth of God's word for ourselves. Brothers and sisters, we must allow God to search our hearts so that truth can set us free in places we are bound. When we refuse God's truth, the Enemy will use this opportunity to create confusion. We will start listening to the voices around us and soon we don't know what to believe.
Truth is not always comforting for it can be sharp and divide. Truth will do a work of separating and sanctifying which is a hallmark of a godly man or woman who loves the truth of the Scriptures. It will separate them from a world confused by lying and misleading voices.
Above all, my beloved, let's be true and truthful to God - don't hide or hold anything back from Him. Let's keep this Scripture in mind. "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." (2 Timothy 2:19, KJV).
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Seasons
Depending on where you live, seasons will be different.
In some parts of the world it's scorching hot nearly all year round with a short rainy season. Other places have sharp changes when the weather transitions from autumn to winter then to spring and summer.
I have lived in various parts of the world and it's always fascinating how seasons can be so different. I remember sipping a cool drink in Brazil on a very warm day in December (similar to Florida's weather) while the rest of the Eastern seaboard and Midwest struggled with snowstorms and freezing temperatures.
Just as the climate differs depending on the geographical location, so does the believer as he or she walks with the Lord. The author of Ecclesiastes understood these very real and spiritual seasons. We read in the opening of chapter 3, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" (verse 1, KJV). Then follows a lengthy list of times and seasons we all have experienced in our lives.
The word season in the Hebrew means "appointed time".
We may have autumn times in our lives marked by mourning and loss. A time when the summer warmth and long days with friends and family have all but faded as a distant memory. We go through a wintry season in our spiritual lives where we feel cold and isolated from God's warm presence. This is a time where it seems life is buried under a thick layer of snow with little life to show and everything else is frozen shut. There are seasons when spiritual renewal melts away the last fringes of winter's icy grip and spring warms our hearts with renewed purpose and vision.
Whatever the season, it is an appointed time by God to work His life and forge His character into our lives. Beloved, if there is anything we can learn as we go through these seasons is consistency. Continue to pray and read the Word no matter if it's stormy, hot or cold or windy or mild. Faithfulness is what God desires from us and those spiritual seasons are only to strengthen our devotion to Him.
For behold, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone. The flowers have already appeared in the land; The time has arrived for pruning the vines, And the voice of the turtledove has been heard in our land.…
Song of Solomon 2:11-12, NIV
In some parts of the world it's scorching hot nearly all year round with a short rainy season. Other places have sharp changes when the weather transitions from autumn to winter then to spring and summer.
I have lived in various parts of the world and it's always fascinating how seasons can be so different. I remember sipping a cool drink in Brazil on a very warm day in December (similar to Florida's weather) while the rest of the Eastern seaboard and Midwest struggled with snowstorms and freezing temperatures.
Just as the climate differs depending on the geographical location, so does the believer as he or she walks with the Lord. The author of Ecclesiastes understood these very real and spiritual seasons. We read in the opening of chapter 3, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" (verse 1, KJV). Then follows a lengthy list of times and seasons we all have experienced in our lives.
The word season in the Hebrew means "appointed time".
We may have autumn times in our lives marked by mourning and loss. A time when the summer warmth and long days with friends and family have all but faded as a distant memory. We go through a wintry season in our spiritual lives where we feel cold and isolated from God's warm presence. This is a time where it seems life is buried under a thick layer of snow with little life to show and everything else is frozen shut. There are seasons when spiritual renewal melts away the last fringes of winter's icy grip and spring warms our hearts with renewed purpose and vision.
Whatever the season, it is an appointed time by God to work His life and forge His character into our lives. Beloved, if there is anything we can learn as we go through these seasons is consistency. Continue to pray and read the Word no matter if it's stormy, hot or cold or windy or mild. Faithfulness is what God desires from us and those spiritual seasons are only to strengthen our devotion to Him.
For behold, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone. The flowers have already appeared in the land; The time has arrived for pruning the vines, And the voice of the turtledove has been heard in our land.…
Song of Solomon 2:11-12, NIV
Monday, December 9, 2013
End Of Our Ministry
How we begin as a believer is critical but just important is how we cross the finish line.
Do we become more faithful, fervent in prayer and desiring to be more like Christ? Or do we find ourselves ensnared by something we refuse to surrender to the Lord? After so many years buried under thick layers of excuses that hidden sin suddenly emerges threatening to destroy us? What legacy of faith are we leaving for those who will come after us?
This is not a message for the old but for all believers to be careful how we live each day. Allow the Lord to challenge, convict and correct us in areas that if not addressed, will one day overcome us, if not already the signs are becoming more evident that something is not right.
King Asa sought the Lord during his reign as king over the southern kingdom of Israel. Under his leadership, idolatry was purged from the land. His people experienced a measure of success, prosperity, safety and rest. As long as he sought the Lord victory was certain and God's presence manifested.
Then it says in 2 Chronicles 16:12, "And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians." (KJV).
Something got lodged in the heart of this king that he completely stopped seeking the Lord. The worse the disease the more he sought help from physicians (this is not to say we don't seek out medical care) but his trust was wholly on man. How many of us rush to phone the doctor or take medicine without pausing long enough to ask God for healing? Sadly, our lack of seeking God is why many us experience a withering and dryness in our relationship with Christ.
King Asa's feet enjoyed walking with God and entering the temple to worship were now diseased, broken and useless to carry or support him.
Beloved, like David, we must invite the Holy Spirit to search our hearts when we have strength because there is a day where we begin to settle more, become cemented in our thinking and bound by habits that may only entomb us.
I think of Billy Graham who remains faithful to God, fully alive in Christ, not mired in scandal and regret as other ministers who have fallen into gross sin. Though Billy is not perfect, he holds firmly the truth and integrity of the cross. Even as his health has declined, there remains that strong voice that still glorifies God.
This is a man who God has entrusted as spokesman much like Moses because God found a man who was willing to undergo God's strong dealings in those early years.
Do we become more faithful, fervent in prayer and desiring to be more like Christ? Or do we find ourselves ensnared by something we refuse to surrender to the Lord? After so many years buried under thick layers of excuses that hidden sin suddenly emerges threatening to destroy us? What legacy of faith are we leaving for those who will come after us?
This is not a message for the old but for all believers to be careful how we live each day. Allow the Lord to challenge, convict and correct us in areas that if not addressed, will one day overcome us, if not already the signs are becoming more evident that something is not right.
King Asa sought the Lord during his reign as king over the southern kingdom of Israel. Under his leadership, idolatry was purged from the land. His people experienced a measure of success, prosperity, safety and rest. As long as he sought the Lord victory was certain and God's presence manifested.
Then it says in 2 Chronicles 16:12, "And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians." (KJV).
Something got lodged in the heart of this king that he completely stopped seeking the Lord. The worse the disease the more he sought help from physicians (this is not to say we don't seek out medical care) but his trust was wholly on man. How many of us rush to phone the doctor or take medicine without pausing long enough to ask God for healing? Sadly, our lack of seeking God is why many us experience a withering and dryness in our relationship with Christ.
King Asa's feet enjoyed walking with God and entering the temple to worship were now diseased, broken and useless to carry or support him.
Beloved, like David, we must invite the Holy Spirit to search our hearts when we have strength because there is a day where we begin to settle more, become cemented in our thinking and bound by habits that may only entomb us.
I think of Billy Graham who remains faithful to God, fully alive in Christ, not mired in scandal and regret as other ministers who have fallen into gross sin. Though Billy is not perfect, he holds firmly the truth and integrity of the cross. Even as his health has declined, there remains that strong voice that still glorifies God.
This is a man who God has entrusted as spokesman much like Moses because God found a man who was willing to undergo God's strong dealings in those early years.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Overflowing
Paul writes to the Ephesians 3:19, "And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." (KJV).
Think of about it, beloved. These frail bodies filled with a God who can not be restricted by structure or form? He is unchanged by our sin or corruption rather He transforms us into His image. What a mystery that He chose to dwell in our bodies, these frail and dying temples, so that He can gain the greater glory!
As Jesus cried then, His words are true today, "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:38, KJV). The Lord not only dwells in our bodies and hearts, but out of this life, His Spirit overflows to touch other lives.
Just like the Samaritan woman at the well. Her heart was thirsty for truth. Her many relationships had all but run dry of any love. He tells her, "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 7:38, KJV).
Beloved, let us not block the flow of God's Spirit from flowing out of our lives. Too often we throw roadblocks up to the Lord of why we cannot be used or tell him we have little to offer. But God knows how to take the little we offer and make much like the boy with a few fishes. He knows how to use weakness to reveal His power...if we let Him.
The abundant overflowing life is a life that empties itself only to be filled again by God's Spirit. He made a deposit in our lives so let's make one in the lives of those around us. The Samaritan woman couldn't help but overflow with good news, "Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?" (John 4:29, NLT)
Think of about it, beloved. These frail bodies filled with a God who can not be restricted by structure or form? He is unchanged by our sin or corruption rather He transforms us into His image. What a mystery that He chose to dwell in our bodies, these frail and dying temples, so that He can gain the greater glory!
As Jesus cried then, His words are true today, "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:38, KJV). The Lord not only dwells in our bodies and hearts, but out of this life, His Spirit overflows to touch other lives.
Just like the Samaritan woman at the well. Her heart was thirsty for truth. Her many relationships had all but run dry of any love. He tells her, "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 7:38, KJV).
Beloved, let us not block the flow of God's Spirit from flowing out of our lives. Too often we throw roadblocks up to the Lord of why we cannot be used or tell him we have little to offer. But God knows how to take the little we offer and make much like the boy with a few fishes. He knows how to use weakness to reveal His power...if we let Him.
The abundant overflowing life is a life that empties itself only to be filled again by God's Spirit. He made a deposit in our lives so let's make one in the lives of those around us. The Samaritan woman couldn't help but overflow with good news, "Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?" (John 4:29, NLT)
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Foolishness
As a child, my mom often quoted Proverbs 22:15, "Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him." (KJV). She had a wooden spoon or belt in one hand to help drive home the point. I deserved the discipline because I was very willful and disobedient child.
Later in life I would make very foolish (yes, even childish) mistakes that had greater consequences than a spanking. Acting foolishly goes without saying the person's character is that of a fool. One online dictionary defines a fool as one who is deficient in judgment, sense, or understanding.
That is why we must ask God daily for wisdom in every thing we do in life. Yes, from how we dress ourselves (we want to represent a chaste and pure people of God, not in worldly attire that can be sensual and seductive - this applies to both men and women) to going about our work, our relationships and making other decisions or choices.
Ephesians 5:15-16 says, "So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days." (NLT).
How many believers are not behaving wisely but acting foolishly? How many minds are darkened from ignorance (even willful) so much so they become fools?
Beloved, these are wicked and evil days so we must be a wise and discerning people. There is only way to wisdom. We must ask God to fear Him more and more as the days become shorter. Proverbs 9:10 says, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." (KJV)
The fear of the Lord will help us think rightly and behave wisely because it will drive out our foolishness.
Later in life I would make very foolish (yes, even childish) mistakes that had greater consequences than a spanking. Acting foolishly goes without saying the person's character is that of a fool. One online dictionary defines a fool as one who is deficient in judgment, sense, or understanding.
That is why we must ask God daily for wisdom in every thing we do in life. Yes, from how we dress ourselves (we want to represent a chaste and pure people of God, not in worldly attire that can be sensual and seductive - this applies to both men and women) to going about our work, our relationships and making other decisions or choices.
Ephesians 5:15-16 says, "So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days." (NLT).
How many believers are not behaving wisely but acting foolishly? How many minds are darkened from ignorance (even willful) so much so they become fools?
Beloved, these are wicked and evil days so we must be a wise and discerning people. There is only way to wisdom. We must ask God to fear Him more and more as the days become shorter. Proverbs 9:10 says, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." (KJV)
The fear of the Lord will help us think rightly and behave wisely because it will drive out our foolishness.
Friday, December 6, 2013
Lessons
God, as the Teacher, customizes His lessons to fit the student's needs. He knows our weakness and strengths. He understands more than anyone the truest condition of our hearts. The Lord is not interested in our head knowledge of the Scriptures as much as the Word knowing us. Anyone can memorize Scripture but until the Word has worked its way from the head to the heart and applied in daily life - it just remains a verse recited without feeling or meaning.
After King Hezekiah was healed, he acted foolishly in accepting a Babylonian envoy to visit him. It says, "Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart." (2 Chronicles 32:31, KJV).
Here we see God going after something in this king's heart. Pride keeps him from seeking the Lord's mind on the matter. And pride tempts him to be acknowledged by world leaders while showing off his national treasures.
How many times when we are in difficult circumstances pride rises up and we find ourselves saying we can manage it, we got this covered, or no worries everything is under control. It's not. Like Hezekiah, God has stepped aside to see how we would respond to a test (not a temptation to cause us to sin which He will never do). Have we learned our lesson in trusting and obeying His voice? Or we still holding on to worldly desires of approval and trusting in our own abilities and talents?
Beloved, sadly most of us resist the Holy Spirit when we are in difficult and uncomfortable seasons. We want a quick fix or the nearest exit. Then we wonder why our understanding of the Scripture is so limited because we don't want to be instructed through suffering. It says Jesus learned obedience through the things He suffered (Hebrews 5:8). The one thing that did not suffer was His relationship with the Father. His relationship only deepened and became richer.
If we are willing to learn through humility we will pass the test because God will never let us fail when our heart is open to Him.
After King Hezekiah was healed, he acted foolishly in accepting a Babylonian envoy to visit him. It says, "Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart." (2 Chronicles 32:31, KJV).
Here we see God going after something in this king's heart. Pride keeps him from seeking the Lord's mind on the matter. And pride tempts him to be acknowledged by world leaders while showing off his national treasures.
How many times when we are in difficult circumstances pride rises up and we find ourselves saying we can manage it, we got this covered, or no worries everything is under control. It's not. Like Hezekiah, God has stepped aside to see how we would respond to a test (not a temptation to cause us to sin which He will never do). Have we learned our lesson in trusting and obeying His voice? Or we still holding on to worldly desires of approval and trusting in our own abilities and talents?
Beloved, sadly most of us resist the Holy Spirit when we are in difficult and uncomfortable seasons. We want a quick fix or the nearest exit. Then we wonder why our understanding of the Scripture is so limited because we don't want to be instructed through suffering. It says Jesus learned obedience through the things He suffered (Hebrews 5:8). The one thing that did not suffer was His relationship with the Father. His relationship only deepened and became richer.
If we are willing to learn through humility we will pass the test because God will never let us fail when our heart is open to Him.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Friend For Life
What a wonderful and joyful thought that God calls us friend!
Abraham was called a friend of God. He was faithful and obedient to the call of God. One day he took God's hand and together with his family left all that was familiar to walk with the Almighty into the pages of history. Their journey took them to a land one day would be given to his descendants.
Jesus said to his disciples, "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." (John 15:15, NIV).
If you should ever desire a promotion, this is the best! The Lord raises us from the position of a servant to that of a friend where where we enjoy a measure of intimacy with Him whereas a servant's role is restricted. There are more servants but fewer friends that are at ease in being themselves in the presence of God.
As friends conversation flows freely and silence is relished for just to be together is enough. No obligations, duties or performance or juggling gifting and talents. Just a stroll in a garden with the Ancient of Days, the Creator of the earth, holding His hand while listening to the rise and fall of His breathing. The same who breathed life in our own bodies.
Can we say we are a friend of God? Are we passionate about walking with Him daily even if our emotions or difficulties get in the way? When it rains or the heat of the day beats on us that we would pursue those intimate moments just to hear Him whisper?
And can you imagine a friend like Enoch who walked with God all his life that one day the Lord took him home? How God's heart must long for a friend He can tell secrets and share His heart!
Beloved, let's walk with Him until our final breath when we will open our eyes to see Him holding out His hand to lead us into a glorious home.
Abraham was called a friend of God. He was faithful and obedient to the call of God. One day he took God's hand and together with his family left all that was familiar to walk with the Almighty into the pages of history. Their journey took them to a land one day would be given to his descendants.
Jesus said to his disciples, "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." (John 15:15, NIV).
If you should ever desire a promotion, this is the best! The Lord raises us from the position of a servant to that of a friend where where we enjoy a measure of intimacy with Him whereas a servant's role is restricted. There are more servants but fewer friends that are at ease in being themselves in the presence of God.
As friends conversation flows freely and silence is relished for just to be together is enough. No obligations, duties or performance or juggling gifting and talents. Just a stroll in a garden with the Ancient of Days, the Creator of the earth, holding His hand while listening to the rise and fall of His breathing. The same who breathed life in our own bodies.
Can we say we are a friend of God? Are we passionate about walking with Him daily even if our emotions or difficulties get in the way? When it rains or the heat of the day beats on us that we would pursue those intimate moments just to hear Him whisper?
And can you imagine a friend like Enoch who walked with God all his life that one day the Lord took him home? How God's heart must long for a friend He can tell secrets and share His heart!
Beloved, let's walk with Him until our final breath when we will open our eyes to see Him holding out His hand to lead us into a glorious home.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Below The Surface
Below the surface, anger can simmer for a few minutes to several years before it becomes evident. Anger doesn't always have to be explosive, it can be implosive, an inward detonation that sometimes brings self-destruction. Anger is not specific to men who tend to be more prone it, but women can be angry just as well.
Think of Cain who killed his brother after God refused his offering. Queen Athaliah in a murderous rage tried to destroy the royal family except for one grandson who was hidden away in the palace. King Saul tried to pin David to the wall in a jealous, demonized rage.
Moses took matters in his own hands and struck an Egyptian in attempt to defend his own people. Later, in disobedience he struck the rock rather than speak to it. He never entered the Promise Land but only viewed it from Mt Pisgah (Deuteronomy 34:1-4).
How many men and women are not able to enter into the fullness of God's promise because they refuse to let go of the burning coal in their heart? They can see God's goodness on the horizon but will not be able to taste the fruit of peace they so desire until they surrender.
A person given to anger seeks to justify their anger by looking for ways to keep the coal white hot. They nurse and harbor bitter and hateful thoughts. They repeat the wrongs done to them to anyone who will listen.
For many years, I've struggled with anger which is more evident when I'm afraid, overwhelmed and feel powerless. I recall James 1:20 which says, "For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God." (KJV)
When we look at the Biblical stories of men and women given over to anger, they left a trail of destruction with little or no good attributed to their lives. In the end, their anger destroyed them and left them outside any life and power found in God. They became the lives of what not to do when angry.
God gives a strong measure of grace for anyone willing to lay down their offenses and arguments. God is just and will vindicate us if we are willing to withdraw our hand from turning the wheels of justice in our own right. Beloved, we don't need to be consumed by anger rather be fueled by His love for others - something only He can do in us.
Think of Cain who killed his brother after God refused his offering. Queen Athaliah in a murderous rage tried to destroy the royal family except for one grandson who was hidden away in the palace. King Saul tried to pin David to the wall in a jealous, demonized rage.
Moses took matters in his own hands and struck an Egyptian in attempt to defend his own people. Later, in disobedience he struck the rock rather than speak to it. He never entered the Promise Land but only viewed it from Mt Pisgah (Deuteronomy 34:1-4).
How many men and women are not able to enter into the fullness of God's promise because they refuse to let go of the burning coal in their heart? They can see God's goodness on the horizon but will not be able to taste the fruit of peace they so desire until they surrender.
A person given to anger seeks to justify their anger by looking for ways to keep the coal white hot. They nurse and harbor bitter and hateful thoughts. They repeat the wrongs done to them to anyone who will listen.
For many years, I've struggled with anger which is more evident when I'm afraid, overwhelmed and feel powerless. I recall James 1:20 which says, "For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God." (KJV)
When we look at the Biblical stories of men and women given over to anger, they left a trail of destruction with little or no good attributed to their lives. In the end, their anger destroyed them and left them outside any life and power found in God. They became the lives of what not to do when angry.
God gives a strong measure of grace for anyone willing to lay down their offenses and arguments. God is just and will vindicate us if we are willing to withdraw our hand from turning the wheels of justice in our own right. Beloved, we don't need to be consumed by anger rather be fueled by His love for others - something only He can do in us.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Unbelief: Expecting Nothing In Return
Unbelief is more evident by an attitude that we don't expect much from God because we have tried nearly everything to get some favorable result or answer to prayer but little seems to happen (at least according to our timetable).
We might pray and fast, tithe, help out in church, and read the Word all of which is good and necessary. But often the intent in these acts of service is for God to make Himself known in our lives, namely answering our petitions.
After work I crossed the street to Walmart to pick up a few items. I placed a call to my wife to learn that she received a response after submitting a job application for the same company that let her go (the home office is in a different state). As I walked home my prayer was terminal. "Lord, she has tried every job over the past seven months, even 11 submissions in a single day with little or no response. It's only expected they would turn her down maybe it's a risk we should not have considered."
Unbelief. Unbelief. Unbelief.
There was no reciting of God's promise of provision. No word of praise that He has been so gracious to provide and continues to do so. No reminder that God is in control and that He prompted us to take a bold step of faith.
As I crossed through the park near our apartment the Lord spoke a question to my heart, "...when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8, NIV). I pleaded with Him to find me faithful, to quicken my heart to believe and to give me strength once again to hold fast to His promises.
When I came home I learned my wife was invited for a telephone interview! I was stunned and felt a rush of shame. As we prayed together, I confessed my terminal (unbelieving) and sinful attitude.
Unbelief expects nothing but when we ask in faith, believing, God moves mountains of trouble right into the heart of the sea.
We might pray and fast, tithe, help out in church, and read the Word all of which is good and necessary. But often the intent in these acts of service is for God to make Himself known in our lives, namely answering our petitions.
After work I crossed the street to Walmart to pick up a few items. I placed a call to my wife to learn that she received a response after submitting a job application for the same company that let her go (the home office is in a different state). As I walked home my prayer was terminal. "Lord, she has tried every job over the past seven months, even 11 submissions in a single day with little or no response. It's only expected they would turn her down maybe it's a risk we should not have considered."
Unbelief. Unbelief. Unbelief.
There was no reciting of God's promise of provision. No word of praise that He has been so gracious to provide and continues to do so. No reminder that God is in control and that He prompted us to take a bold step of faith.
As I crossed through the park near our apartment the Lord spoke a question to my heart, "...when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8, NIV). I pleaded with Him to find me faithful, to quicken my heart to believe and to give me strength once again to hold fast to His promises.
When I came home I learned my wife was invited for a telephone interview! I was stunned and felt a rush of shame. As we prayed together, I confessed my terminal (unbelieving) and sinful attitude.
Unbelief expects nothing but when we ask in faith, believing, God moves mountains of trouble right into the heart of the sea.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Community Life
For those who have been wounded by the church the last thing they want to do is return. Or those who have struggled with various sins or addictions that after repeated failure, it leads to a sense of censure. Why would one roll out the red carpet and welcome the person at the front door (again and again)? Especially when one or two members had said hurtful or spiteful things that caused the person to never want to come back.
No matter how much we want to avoid the community of believers (there are some gatherings you should avoid because they are not in agreement with sound doctrine and/or their practices are not Biblical) God tells us not to neglect the assembly of believers (Hebrews 10:25).
Today in the men's ministry a man spoke of his struggle with cancer, HIV and diabetes. He said that at one point he was so ill from one dose of chemo that his weight dropped from 185 to 100 lbs. Then he said something very profound yet in a simple way it could almost be missed. The Lord had told Him to return to church. He resisted and stayed away. Finally, he got up one morning and headed for church. At first he was embarrassed at his appearance which he described as looking like a flag pole with clothes flying from it. Once inside the church, he was warmly greeted and a number of people expressed their concern over his health. Soon afterwards, he returned to normal weight, started working out and eating better.
I believe he came back to life again because he return to where the life of Christ flows in a body well connected to each other. The Scripture speaking of Christ says, "From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." (Ephesians 4:16, NIV).
Yes, the body of Christ can be a source of pain and difficulty but for those who are willing to get up and walk through the doors one more time, the Lord has provision waiting in what might be the hardest place. It takes humility and strength only God can supply. Even if things don't always turn out the way it should be, beloved, God will honor His word because you care to stay connected to His body.
No matter how much we want to avoid the community of believers (there are some gatherings you should avoid because they are not in agreement with sound doctrine and/or their practices are not Biblical) God tells us not to neglect the assembly of believers (Hebrews 10:25).
Today in the men's ministry a man spoke of his struggle with cancer, HIV and diabetes. He said that at one point he was so ill from one dose of chemo that his weight dropped from 185 to 100 lbs. Then he said something very profound yet in a simple way it could almost be missed. The Lord had told Him to return to church. He resisted and stayed away. Finally, he got up one morning and headed for church. At first he was embarrassed at his appearance which he described as looking like a flag pole with clothes flying from it. Once inside the church, he was warmly greeted and a number of people expressed their concern over his health. Soon afterwards, he returned to normal weight, started working out and eating better.
I believe he came back to life again because he return to where the life of Christ flows in a body well connected to each other. The Scripture speaking of Christ says, "From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." (Ephesians 4:16, NIV).
Yes, the body of Christ can be a source of pain and difficulty but for those who are willing to get up and walk through the doors one more time, the Lord has provision waiting in what might be the hardest place. It takes humility and strength only God can supply. Even if things don't always turn out the way it should be, beloved, God will honor His word because you care to stay connected to His body.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Upon This Rock
Jesus said to Peter, "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18, KJV).
Two distinct rock formations are mentioned in this Scripture verse that speaks of the church. Peter (or petro meaning a boulder but in comparison to the Rock, a pebble) and Christ is who is the head and corner stone of the church (Greek uses petra which means "a mass of connected rock") [Biblos].
In other words, Christ is our foundation and we are "pebbles" not only cemented together to form a spiritual house but we are connected to the chief corner stone (Ephesians 2:20). As such when the storms of life challenge us, we are not a house built on shifting sand that will fail but remain structurally sound.
Over the weekend my wife and I had the delight of staying in a bed and breakfast. This was one of our first experiences in spending an overnight in an old house with a hot breakfast served in the morning. The first thing I noticed when entering the front door was the cracks in the wall. My keen host caught my eyes trace quite a number of cracks running from the ceiling down to the middle of the wall. "It was built around the Civil War," she said proudly.
That night I turned in bed to see a crack like a scar run over the door post. I smiled thinking of how sound this building remained over a hundred or so years later - full of stories and rich history - the foundation was solid, the walls built most likely from field stones and coated thick with plaster.
Jesus tells us the house will stand in times of storm if it's foundation is built on Him (Matthew 7:24-27). It doesn't mean we won't show a few "cracks", lose a few shingles or break one or two windows during the years of weathering life's storms.
That includes the church who through the centuries remains sound and strong because no storm will prevail against the house of God even if she is built on "pebbles" that rest on a sure foundation.
Two distinct rock formations are mentioned in this Scripture verse that speaks of the church. Peter (or petro meaning a boulder but in comparison to the Rock, a pebble) and Christ is who is the head and corner stone of the church (Greek uses petra which means "a mass of connected rock") [Biblos].
In other words, Christ is our foundation and we are "pebbles" not only cemented together to form a spiritual house but we are connected to the chief corner stone (Ephesians 2:20). As such when the storms of life challenge us, we are not a house built on shifting sand that will fail but remain structurally sound.
Over the weekend my wife and I had the delight of staying in a bed and breakfast. This was one of our first experiences in spending an overnight in an old house with a hot breakfast served in the morning. The first thing I noticed when entering the front door was the cracks in the wall. My keen host caught my eyes trace quite a number of cracks running from the ceiling down to the middle of the wall. "It was built around the Civil War," she said proudly.
That night I turned in bed to see a crack like a scar run over the door post. I smiled thinking of how sound this building remained over a hundred or so years later - full of stories and rich history - the foundation was solid, the walls built most likely from field stones and coated thick with plaster.
Jesus tells us the house will stand in times of storm if it's foundation is built on Him (Matthew 7:24-27). It doesn't mean we won't show a few "cracks", lose a few shingles or break one or two windows during the years of weathering life's storms.
That includes the church who through the centuries remains sound and strong because no storm will prevail against the house of God even if she is built on "pebbles" that rest on a sure foundation.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
A New Day
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.
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.
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!