We are too mindful of our own strength. We want to be in control. We pride ourselves using our wit and skills to cope and manage through life. We'd rather grit our teeth than admit we are weak and incapable of getting through tough times.
Paul speaking about the call of God tells us the way of strength is through the weakness of God. I Corinthians 1:25 says, "Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (KJV). Nothing is weaker than our lives as fragile clay vessels to tell others of God's love.
The way of living in God's strength is when He breaks our own strength. He must make us weak for His power to be known and His testimony exalted. Only His Spirit can break our steely self-will that often resists the Potter's molding and shaping process.
Psalms 102:23 says, "He weakened my strength in the way; he shortened my days." But the Psalmist continues, "But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end." (verse 27). God knows we are but dust and water. He knows the weakness of our frame and the false strength of our self-will.
Beloved, at the moment we come to the end of ourselves we see God who is majestic and eternal. A God who does not change but transforms us. Since He does not change His mercy remains and we are not consumed (Lamentations 3:22).
There was a time when I cried out to the Lord to truly live. For the longest time I struggled with the desire to die. So I pressed into sin that took me far from His presence. As a result, I become deathly ill. I cried out to Him to really live in His presence. No promises or vows to do better. It was a bit late for that now. I needed His quickening Spirit! All that mattered was to be in His sight.
Then I read from Psalms 30:9, What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?" (KJV). So I prayed, "If You let me live Lord will have a testimony! If I perish, You will lose a story of Your mercy. How You broke the back of sin in my life. How God crushed the strength of an arrogant and hateful man. And how Your love raised me from the ash heap."
At that moment, His truth pierced through the darkness in my heart and His mercy like a cool, living stream flowed into my heart bring me to life again. Five years later, I live each day on what I've called a tight rope of faith, balancing the fear of God and mercy to remain in a place of humility.
Beloved, human strength will always fail. We are the most qualified to serve God when we are at the lowest, weakest and utterly empty of offering Him anything. Those who serve God the best are those who are willing for God to break their strength. People who live a life of His weakness generates strength to live and make a difference in the lives of others.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Rememberance Day
Memorial Day is a time of reflection for the many men and women who died serving in the armed forces. Its also a time to remember those who have returned home but suffer in mind and body for the things they witnessed and endured.
In the Bible Joshua was an every day man who was appointed by God to be lead Israel into the Promise Land.
Following the death of Moses, he became what is equivalent to our General of the Army. God is the Commander-in-Chief. It says, "..as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come." Then Joshua fell face down to the ground in reverence, and asked him, "What message does my Lord have for his servant?" (Joshua 5:14, NIV). Joshua's response shows a man of humility. A leader who understood his position and role was under God's direction and command. God gave the orders and Joshua's obedience mattered in securing the Promise Land for the nation.
All the victories belonged to God. These were not trophy moments for Joshua to decorate himself with medals and awards. In fact, God had to encourage Joshua to be strong and of good courage. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. (Joshua 1:9, KJV).
Joshua was not putting on a brave face or pretending to be in control. He had little strength to lead a people who historically were rebellious and disobedience. An entire generation died in the wilderness because of unbelief. Now this second generation will be facing giants, walled cities, iron chariots and armies from surrounding nations who will unite to destroy Israel.
One verse shows the remarkable character of Joshua. In chapter 8:9 it says, "Then Joshua sent them off, and they went to the place of ambush and lay in wait between Bethel and Ai, to the west of Ai--but Joshua spent that night with the people." (NIV). This was not a leader walled up in an office barking out orders but a man right in the trenches with the troops.
In remembering Joshua, we remember his name is the same word for Jesus in Hebrew (Yĕhôshúa). We must ask the Lord for more spiritual leaders willing in the day of battle to fight. Not to spout out empty religious catch phrases or hold another retreat where everyone can feel good about themselves. And we need more saints willing to join the Joshua company who understand their place as Jesus leads us in triumphant.
In the Bible Joshua was an every day man who was appointed by God to be lead Israel into the Promise Land.
Following the death of Moses, he became what is equivalent to our General of the Army. God is the Commander-in-Chief. It says, "..as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come." Then Joshua fell face down to the ground in reverence, and asked him, "What message does my Lord have for his servant?" (Joshua 5:14, NIV). Joshua's response shows a man of humility. A leader who understood his position and role was under God's direction and command. God gave the orders and Joshua's obedience mattered in securing the Promise Land for the nation.
All the victories belonged to God. These were not trophy moments for Joshua to decorate himself with medals and awards. In fact, God had to encourage Joshua to be strong and of good courage. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. (Joshua 1:9, KJV).
Joshua was not putting on a brave face or pretending to be in control. He had little strength to lead a people who historically were rebellious and disobedience. An entire generation died in the wilderness because of unbelief. Now this second generation will be facing giants, walled cities, iron chariots and armies from surrounding nations who will unite to destroy Israel.
One verse shows the remarkable character of Joshua. In chapter 8:9 it says, "Then Joshua sent them off, and they went to the place of ambush and lay in wait between Bethel and Ai, to the west of Ai--but Joshua spent that night with the people." (NIV). This was not a leader walled up in an office barking out orders but a man right in the trenches with the troops.
In remembering Joshua, we remember his name is the same word for Jesus in Hebrew (Yĕhôshúa). We must ask the Lord for more spiritual leaders willing in the day of battle to fight. Not to spout out empty religious catch phrases or hold another retreat where everyone can feel good about themselves. And we need more saints willing to join the Joshua company who understand their place as Jesus leads us in triumphant.
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Hungry For Christ
How is it that Americans can be so full yet at the same time be empty? In a nation of resources, opportunities and a multitude of options we find ourselves spiritual starving for something substantial and lasting.
We fill our houses with the latest gadgets and trendy store items that supposedly mark our success but it leaves us wanting more. Our attics, garages and trash bins catch the overflow. Promotions are only temporary and we eye the next rung on the ladder. We want more influence, money and say so. The last meal is but a memory while our thoughts turn to what is on the menu at a new restaurant that has the town abuzz. We fill our hours with a string of activities only to find at the end of day we have little to show for it.
Psalms 106:15 says, "And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul." (KJV). Sadly, in large measure our church culture and personal relationship with Christ has often been centered around meeting our needs and desires. Our requests for food, clothing, housing and other blessings have got in the way of knowing the heart of Christ, as a Person, not just a Provider.
To this Jesus says, "I am the bread of life." (John 6:48, KJV). Can we say Christ is our sustenance? And can we say truthfully, "I'm hungry Jesus! Feed me with Your life. I want nothing more than You, Lord!"
Beloved, we must daily ask the Lord to stir in us a craving for His Word. How often do we stare blankly at the pages of the Bible only to have our minds drift elsewhere? We slip away to some place more exciting or we end up at work thinking about the next deadline or project. In that moment we are not digesting the Word of God rather we are being consumed by our fleshly desires. We must ask the Lord to open our eyes to the truth that is before us. Only He can remove the dimmed eyes and dull hearing. His power can help us reign in our troubling and distracting thoughts.
Remember the story of Joesph who for seven years gathered grain to prepare for the coming famine in Genesis 41:49. We must daily meet with God to read and study His word - even a single verse - like a seed of grain we store up for those lean and dry times. Such grain is our living Bread that will sustain us. The Lord will help us to recall His word so we are nourished. Those who fail to read His word daily will find a leanness in their soul.
Cry out to be hungry! Cry out to be filled by His Word!
We fill our houses with the latest gadgets and trendy store items that supposedly mark our success but it leaves us wanting more. Our attics, garages and trash bins catch the overflow. Promotions are only temporary and we eye the next rung on the ladder. We want more influence, money and say so. The last meal is but a memory while our thoughts turn to what is on the menu at a new restaurant that has the town abuzz. We fill our hours with a string of activities only to find at the end of day we have little to show for it.
Psalms 106:15 says, "And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul." (KJV). Sadly, in large measure our church culture and personal relationship with Christ has often been centered around meeting our needs and desires. Our requests for food, clothing, housing and other blessings have got in the way of knowing the heart of Christ, as a Person, not just a Provider.
To this Jesus says, "I am the bread of life." (John 6:48, KJV). Can we say Christ is our sustenance? And can we say truthfully, "I'm hungry Jesus! Feed me with Your life. I want nothing more than You, Lord!"
Beloved, we must daily ask the Lord to stir in us a craving for His Word. How often do we stare blankly at the pages of the Bible only to have our minds drift elsewhere? We slip away to some place more exciting or we end up at work thinking about the next deadline or project. In that moment we are not digesting the Word of God rather we are being consumed by our fleshly desires. We must ask the Lord to open our eyes to the truth that is before us. Only He can remove the dimmed eyes and dull hearing. His power can help us reign in our troubling and distracting thoughts.
Remember the story of Joesph who for seven years gathered grain to prepare for the coming famine in Genesis 41:49. We must daily meet with God to read and study His word - even a single verse - like a seed of grain we store up for those lean and dry times. Such grain is our living Bread that will sustain us. The Lord will help us to recall His word so we are nourished. Those who fail to read His word daily will find a leanness in their soul.
Cry out to be hungry! Cry out to be filled by His Word!
Saturday, May 10, 2014
The Fragile Cord Of Trust
Rahab securely tied a red cord from her window (Joshua 2:21). She trusted the spies would honor their vow to spare her and her family as long as the cord was in its place.
Later the Israelite army marched in silence around the city seven days before the walls fell flat in a loud, thunderous roar. Outside she could hear the battle cries mixed with the screams of her people as the city was overtaken. She clutched her family tighter while outside swords were brandished and arrows rained from the sky.
Beloved, sometimes all we have is a thin, fragile cord of trust in the Lord when going through difficult and trying circumstances. We have no strength to deliver ourselves. There seems no way out of the circumstance. The mind reels to think of any possibility to escape but we come up short. Soon panic and anxiety over takes us drowning out His voice.
There is no reason not to the trust the Lord but we struggle to place our hands in His own. We fail to believe He will come through for us. We can't see a way out and forget that He walks through walls. Our memory fails of the many times He poured out His grace in our desperate hour. Israel stood on the shore of the Red Sea with the Egyptian army fast on their heels. Instead of breaking out in a song of praise trusting God will deliver them after all the wonders He did in Egypt they complained He brought them out to kill them (Exodus 14:11).
We must understand that once we have surrender our lives to Christ it is of His goodwill and pleasure to do with us whatever He desires. We must not give way to resentment in the path He has ordained for our lives. Resentment will always undermine trust in His providence. Israel had to go to the Red Sea and through the wilderness before entering the Promise Land. Each step of their journey as it is true in our own lives was to deepened a dependency and trust in His goodness.
Isaiah 45:9 says, "Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?" (KJV).
When we trust God in shaping His life in us it will lend trust to every area of our lives. It will not be easy as we will be tested many times. If Rahab argued with the spies or decided to take matters in her own hands she would have died including her family. If Israel decided not to walk toward the water but run in the opposite direction it would have been disastrous.
Daniel's friends said it best, "If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king." (Daniel 3:17, KJV). They were thrown in a raging furnace but there God met them walking through the flames.
Some of us will go through flood, fire, persecutions and various trials but they only serve to strengthen the cord of trust in God. We have this promise in Ecclesiastes 4:12, "And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken." (KJV). With God the Father, the Spirit and Christ intertwining in our lives we can not fail or be severed from His love. God is not ashamed of our weak and fragile cord of trust. He is pleased when we ask for His help. And He delights in our willingness to be stretched in the process without becoming bitter or resentful.
One day your cord of trust will help pull someone up from a well of despair and bondage.
Later the Israelite army marched in silence around the city seven days before the walls fell flat in a loud, thunderous roar. Outside she could hear the battle cries mixed with the screams of her people as the city was overtaken. She clutched her family tighter while outside swords were brandished and arrows rained from the sky.
Beloved, sometimes all we have is a thin, fragile cord of trust in the Lord when going through difficult and trying circumstances. We have no strength to deliver ourselves. There seems no way out of the circumstance. The mind reels to think of any possibility to escape but we come up short. Soon panic and anxiety over takes us drowning out His voice.
There is no reason not to the trust the Lord but we struggle to place our hands in His own. We fail to believe He will come through for us. We can't see a way out and forget that He walks through walls. Our memory fails of the many times He poured out His grace in our desperate hour. Israel stood on the shore of the Red Sea with the Egyptian army fast on their heels. Instead of breaking out in a song of praise trusting God will deliver them after all the wonders He did in Egypt they complained He brought them out to kill them (Exodus 14:11).
We must understand that once we have surrender our lives to Christ it is of His goodwill and pleasure to do with us whatever He desires. We must not give way to resentment in the path He has ordained for our lives. Resentment will always undermine trust in His providence. Israel had to go to the Red Sea and through the wilderness before entering the Promise Land. Each step of their journey as it is true in our own lives was to deepened a dependency and trust in His goodness.
Isaiah 45:9 says, "Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?" (KJV).
When we trust God in shaping His life in us it will lend trust to every area of our lives. It will not be easy as we will be tested many times. If Rahab argued with the spies or decided to take matters in her own hands she would have died including her family. If Israel decided not to walk toward the water but run in the opposite direction it would have been disastrous.
Daniel's friends said it best, "If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king." (Daniel 3:17, KJV). They were thrown in a raging furnace but there God met them walking through the flames.
Some of us will go through flood, fire, persecutions and various trials but they only serve to strengthen the cord of trust in God. We have this promise in Ecclesiastes 4:12, "And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken." (KJV). With God the Father, the Spirit and Christ intertwining in our lives we can not fail or be severed from His love. God is not ashamed of our weak and fragile cord of trust. He is pleased when we ask for His help. And He delights in our willingness to be stretched in the process without becoming bitter or resentful.
One day your cord of trust will help pull someone up from a well of despair and bondage.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Your Love Is Better Than Wine
In a desirous plead the bride says, "Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine" (Song of Solomon 1:2, KJV). The Lord's love is intoxicating. It brings a smile to the sternest lips. It lightens the downcast eyes. A cloudy day is dispelled by the brightness of His love.
The effect of God's love is joy. In the context of abiding in Him, Jesus says, "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." (John 15:11,KJV).
Sadly the number of joy filled believers are few. I understand personalities differ. Culture influences the expression of joy - what is appropriate and what is foolish. Living in a refugee camp is not a joy filled experience. When natural disaster strikes or war breaks out, it's not a time to jump for joy. Joy doesn't flood your heart when facing a job loss and standing in a long unemployment line. Illness can take your joy leaving your hope diminished and days filled with sorrow.
Beloved, no doubt as believers we will have a difficult and hard journey, but God promises us joy. A deep assurance that all is in His hands. Nothing escapes His sovereign control though our lives may be down spiraling or our families are in a crisis. Everything is working for the good to bring us into the conformity of His image.
Hebrews 12:2 says, "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (NIV). Jesus looked past the cross with all of its pain, sorrow and death because the thought of us brought Him joy (Isaiah 53:11). He saw the day His Spirit would live in us and we would spend eternity with Him. This brought Him joy unspeakable full of glory!
And this is where we discover the truest joy among the ruins of our lives, in a war torn country or in the midst of deep poverty or illness that threatens life - we are His joy not based on our performance or how well life goes - we are loved by Him and we bring Him great delight.
Some years ago I was very ill and my wife and I nearly lost our jobs in the same week. One day in the midst of weeping, questioning God and my sanity I found myself whispering, "No matter what I'm loved by God!" Over and over I repeated, "He really loves me!". Though the problems and difficulties did not immediately change something in my spirit shifted and I saw something that brought relief, a sense of hope and yes, joy.
For I learned in difficult times the evidence of His love comes into sharper focus when the eyes look past the natural and see God working in the midst of it all. His love has never changed and He remains forever faithful! It's then you feel His tender kiss on your feverish brow. Oh what joy His touch brings! Far better than any medicine for the body. I'm reminded of Peter's mother-in-law suffering from a fever. Jesus took her by the hand and raised her out of bed. Immediately she was made whole and served Him (Mark 1:30-31).
Just consider one day we will stand in His Presence and see Him eye to eye. On that day we can say with perfect joy that it was worth it all. He gave us His joy in the journey by showing us His love.
Yes, His love is far better than wine!
The effect of God's love is joy. In the context of abiding in Him, Jesus says, "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." (John 15:11,KJV).
Sadly the number of joy filled believers are few. I understand personalities differ. Culture influences the expression of joy - what is appropriate and what is foolish. Living in a refugee camp is not a joy filled experience. When natural disaster strikes or war breaks out, it's not a time to jump for joy. Joy doesn't flood your heart when facing a job loss and standing in a long unemployment line. Illness can take your joy leaving your hope diminished and days filled with sorrow.
Beloved, no doubt as believers we will have a difficult and hard journey, but God promises us joy. A deep assurance that all is in His hands. Nothing escapes His sovereign control though our lives may be down spiraling or our families are in a crisis. Everything is working for the good to bring us into the conformity of His image.
Hebrews 12:2 says, "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (NIV). Jesus looked past the cross with all of its pain, sorrow and death because the thought of us brought Him joy (Isaiah 53:11). He saw the day His Spirit would live in us and we would spend eternity with Him. This brought Him joy unspeakable full of glory!
And this is where we discover the truest joy among the ruins of our lives, in a war torn country or in the midst of deep poverty or illness that threatens life - we are His joy not based on our performance or how well life goes - we are loved by Him and we bring Him great delight.
Some years ago I was very ill and my wife and I nearly lost our jobs in the same week. One day in the midst of weeping, questioning God and my sanity I found myself whispering, "No matter what I'm loved by God!" Over and over I repeated, "He really loves me!". Though the problems and difficulties did not immediately change something in my spirit shifted and I saw something that brought relief, a sense of hope and yes, joy.
For I learned in difficult times the evidence of His love comes into sharper focus when the eyes look past the natural and see God working in the midst of it all. His love has never changed and He remains forever faithful! It's then you feel His tender kiss on your feverish brow. Oh what joy His touch brings! Far better than any medicine for the body. I'm reminded of Peter's mother-in-law suffering from a fever. Jesus took her by the hand and raised her out of bed. Immediately she was made whole and served Him (Mark 1:30-31).
Just consider one day we will stand in His Presence and see Him eye to eye. On that day we can say with perfect joy that it was worth it all. He gave us His joy in the journey by showing us His love.
Yes, His love is far better than wine!
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