During the transfiguration when the disciples witnessed Moses and Elijah speaking to Christ, the Scripture tells us they fell flat on their faces when they heard the voice of God. Moments later they looked up only to see Jesus (Matthew 17:7).
May 2016 be a transformative year for us beloved and the body of Christ. May the scales of unbelief fall from our eyes and our ears open to the Spirit of God.
This was Paul's desire for the Ephesian church in Ephesians 1:18. "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people" (NIV).
Beloved, let's resolve that 2016 be the year we clearly discern the voice of God by mediating on His word daily. We must choose to put aside the things in our lives that cause confusion and feed into our fears. With so many anxious and fearful voices in our world; the one voice that will always subdue our trembling hearts is the Lord's sweet and firm voice to guide us through very dark days ahead.
Only He knows what 2016 holds so it's important that we follow His voice that will lead us to safety and rest. He has made a way through and out of every circumstance we will encounter in the New Year.
To listen is to trust which lends to open eyes to see Him clearly at work on our behalf.
The disciples were flat on their faces on the ground but it took looking up at Jesus to be at peace. He was not going to harm them but rather comfort their hearts.
So let us say in 2016 like the writer of Hebrews. "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man." (Hebrews 2:9 KJV).
2016 will be a very interesting year where we will be asked to look up into His eyes when all around us is sinking ground. Remember the words of Jesus in Luke 21:28, "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." (NIV). Hold to the promise His return is soon. Comfort your hearts beloved with this truth.
Lastly, to my beloved Russian sisters and brothers in Christ. The Lord will be sending a sweeping revival throughout your land. The young will abandon drinking to drink from wells of salvation. Your husband will be your defender not your adversary. And wives who have prayed for long weary nights will have joy in the morning. Look up my beloved Russian church, the Lord says, your redemption draws near!
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Saturday, December 19, 2015
He Will Overshadow You
No other time in our history do people all over the world desire protection. Daily the media informs us of countries in conflict. A flood of displaced people flee into neighboring countries. Terrorists gun down innocent lives in Paris. In a California, a couple killed those attending a Christmas party.
On a personal level, there is that dreaded phone call or unexpected medical report. You feel vulnerable and alone. The Psalmist expressed it well. "And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest" (Psalms 55:6 KJV).
We have a deep yearning for spiritual protection that brings peace and a strong measure of security. There are dark spiritual forces at work that no physical military can conquer. Even politicians with their rhetoric to secure our borders or prevent another terrorist attack can not ease national fears.
Mary was a young virgin woman living in such a fearful time. The Romans ruled the known world and oppressed nations like Israel. The religious rulers were to be a shepherd of God's people. Instead they stifled their spiritual life with the weight of the law and rules of their own making. When the Holy Spirit caused Mary to conceive, she was vulnerable to her betrothed divorcing her thus leaving her unprotected and shamed by her community.
How comforting the words of the angel. "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God" (Luke 1:35 KJV)
Beloved, I believe these words are true for this Christmas season and for all our days. Psalms 91:1 says, "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." (NIV).
There is a place of protection for those who chose to dwell in His shelter.
We can try to make our own sense of protection in our homes or shield our hearts to avoid pain but unfortunately as most of us know it will fall short. As Christians we are not exempt to what others suffer but there is a peace that surpasses all understanding. Philippians 4:7 says, "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard [literally a military sentinel] your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (NIV).
May the shadow of His peace keep you this holiday season.
On a personal level, there is that dreaded phone call or unexpected medical report. You feel vulnerable and alone. The Psalmist expressed it well. "And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest" (Psalms 55:6 KJV).
We have a deep yearning for spiritual protection that brings peace and a strong measure of security. There are dark spiritual forces at work that no physical military can conquer. Even politicians with their rhetoric to secure our borders or prevent another terrorist attack can not ease national fears.
Mary was a young virgin woman living in such a fearful time. The Romans ruled the known world and oppressed nations like Israel. The religious rulers were to be a shepherd of God's people. Instead they stifled their spiritual life with the weight of the law and rules of their own making. When the Holy Spirit caused Mary to conceive, she was vulnerable to her betrothed divorcing her thus leaving her unprotected and shamed by her community.
How comforting the words of the angel. "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God" (Luke 1:35 KJV)
Beloved, I believe these words are true for this Christmas season and for all our days. Psalms 91:1 says, "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." (NIV).
There is a place of protection for those who chose to dwell in His shelter.
We can try to make our own sense of protection in our homes or shield our hearts to avoid pain but unfortunately as most of us know it will fall short. As Christians we are not exempt to what others suffer but there is a peace that surpasses all understanding. Philippians 4:7 says, "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard [literally a military sentinel] your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (NIV).
May the shadow of His peace keep you this holiday season.
Saturday, December 12, 2015
Set Point
Recently I took my car to the auto shop and walked home in the rain. I did this twice in the same week but within a couple of days I got a terrible cold and chest congestion followed by the usual chills and fever.
A fever is an increase in the body's normal temperature (called set point usually 98.6°F) as a reaction to disease or illness. Other factors may change the body's normal set point like exercise, room temperature, emotions or food.
Scripture gives us an example when Peter's mother-in-law had a fever. Jesus touched her hand and she was healed. Afterwards she got up and served Him (Matthew 8:14-15). Whatever the cause of the fever Jesus healed her and the body's set point was restored.
There is another type of fever that can be brought on by lust. Lust is an intense and passionate desire (almost feverish) to have or possess something or even someone. James 4:2 says, "You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask." (NASB).
I can remember a time when I was so persistent in a particular sin that it made me feel feverish. I was agitated and anxious. My mind raced with thoughts and ideas in how to get what I wanted and more.
The danger of a natural fever is true of a lust driven fever. If the body temperature is too high and prolonged it can damage the brain. Lust is a fire that once ignited will consume until nothing remains. Lust will distort clear thinking. The mind is cloudy and confused which impacts right responses to life's stressors like work responsibilities or relationships.
Only God can take our hand and drive out the fever. Even more to go to the source of our lust. Not all lust is sexual in nature. It can be a natural desire for knowledge, perhaps to travel and experience new places or have more money to be debt free or have a meaningful relationship. But as James 4:2 warns when we fail to ask God for what we lack our natural response is to take matters in our own hands.
Beloved, be honest with God with your desires. Speak truthfully and sincerely to Him about what you want. And allow Him to determine if such a request will be granted. We got to believe He truly satisfies us with good things (Psalms 103:5).
Remember Psalms 23:1 the Lord is our Shepherd and we shall never be in want. And that is how He restores our set point. The more passionate we are about Him the fever of lust is extinguished. We can get up like Peter's mother-in-law and serve Him with renewed vigor and strength.
A fever is an increase in the body's normal temperature (called set point usually 98.6°F) as a reaction to disease or illness. Other factors may change the body's normal set point like exercise, room temperature, emotions or food.
Scripture gives us an example when Peter's mother-in-law had a fever. Jesus touched her hand and she was healed. Afterwards she got up and served Him (Matthew 8:14-15). Whatever the cause of the fever Jesus healed her and the body's set point was restored.
There is another type of fever that can be brought on by lust. Lust is an intense and passionate desire (almost feverish) to have or possess something or even someone. James 4:2 says, "You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask." (NASB).
I can remember a time when I was so persistent in a particular sin that it made me feel feverish. I was agitated and anxious. My mind raced with thoughts and ideas in how to get what I wanted and more.
The danger of a natural fever is true of a lust driven fever. If the body temperature is too high and prolonged it can damage the brain. Lust is a fire that once ignited will consume until nothing remains. Lust will distort clear thinking. The mind is cloudy and confused which impacts right responses to life's stressors like work responsibilities or relationships.
Only God can take our hand and drive out the fever. Even more to go to the source of our lust. Not all lust is sexual in nature. It can be a natural desire for knowledge, perhaps to travel and experience new places or have more money to be debt free or have a meaningful relationship. But as James 4:2 warns when we fail to ask God for what we lack our natural response is to take matters in our own hands.
Beloved, be honest with God with your desires. Speak truthfully and sincerely to Him about what you want. And allow Him to determine if such a request will be granted. We got to believe He truly satisfies us with good things (Psalms 103:5).
Remember Psalms 23:1 the Lord is our Shepherd and we shall never be in want. And that is how He restores our set point. The more passionate we are about Him the fever of lust is extinguished. We can get up like Peter's mother-in-law and serve Him with renewed vigor and strength.
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Love That Demands My All
In a recent conversation with my mother, she said she found herself asking God, "How much do I love You?"
It was a similar question rolling in the back of my mind of over the past few weeks. Do I love Him enough to chose Him over my thoughts and desires? Or do I hold him at arm's length when He wants to occupy places in my heart that I have long walled off. I have my reasons or so I think. It's too personal, too overwhelming and if there is any change to be made, it's too late.
Still the question remains.
Many believers have an understanding of God's love but tragically continue to live independently of His presence. Their understanding of God's love makes no demands in having a transformed life. Even those in the world acknowledge God loves them. But do they love Him enough to give their hearts to Him?
I believe God wants us to move past whatever knowledge we have of His love to a deeper more experiential understanding of His sacrificial love as demonstrated on the cross. A pure and holy love that will demand our very heart and soul.
It was the question that drove the young rich ruler to ask Jesus for the one thing he needed to do to inherit eternal life (Matthew 19:16). Scripture says, "Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me." (10:21 KJV). The young ruler loved God as far as it was within his own efforts and ability. He faithfully obeyed all the commandments. But to sell all, take up a cross and follow Christ required a love only God can give to a man or woman to do just as He demanded.
And then there was Mary sitting at Jesus' feet while Martha was fuming in the kitchen. Jesus said, "But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:42 KJV). Mary's adoration and love for her Savior caused her to exchange her duties for a moment to sit quietly at His feet. Love for God should never be a duty or an obligation but a gracious offering.
If the Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart about that "one thing" released it into His hands. The less of self means understanding more of His selfless love and love for others.
It was a similar question rolling in the back of my mind of over the past few weeks. Do I love Him enough to chose Him over my thoughts and desires? Or do I hold him at arm's length when He wants to occupy places in my heart that I have long walled off. I have my reasons or so I think. It's too personal, too overwhelming and if there is any change to be made, it's too late.
Still the question remains.
Many believers have an understanding of God's love but tragically continue to live independently of His presence. Their understanding of God's love makes no demands in having a transformed life. Even those in the world acknowledge God loves them. But do they love Him enough to give their hearts to Him?
I believe God wants us to move past whatever knowledge we have of His love to a deeper more experiential understanding of His sacrificial love as demonstrated on the cross. A pure and holy love that will demand our very heart and soul.
It was the question that drove the young rich ruler to ask Jesus for the one thing he needed to do to inherit eternal life (Matthew 19:16). Scripture says, "Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me." (10:21 KJV). The young ruler loved God as far as it was within his own efforts and ability. He faithfully obeyed all the commandments. But to sell all, take up a cross and follow Christ required a love only God can give to a man or woman to do just as He demanded.
And then there was Mary sitting at Jesus' feet while Martha was fuming in the kitchen. Jesus said, "But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:42 KJV). Mary's adoration and love for her Savior caused her to exchange her duties for a moment to sit quietly at His feet. Love for God should never be a duty or an obligation but a gracious offering.
If the Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart about that "one thing" released it into His hands. The less of self means understanding more of His selfless love and love for others.
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